an ancillary task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ancillary task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a secondary or supplementary task that supports a primary task or objective. Example: "Completing the data entry is just an ancillary task to the main project of developing the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Gerber's contention is that entrepreneurs have neither the time nor the interest in diving so deeply into an ancillary task.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This paradigm can readily be extended for the study of pre-attentive processing of speech in populations such as children and second-language learners whose overt behavior is often difficult to interpret because of ancillary task demands.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

The Astronomical Image Processing System is a software package for calibration, data analysis, image display, plotting, and a variety of ancillary tasks on Astronomical Data.

Columbia University

The computer also had to perform a number of ancillary tasks such as managing communications over all of its data links and responding to operator actions such as button pushes and light gun activations, used to initiate point-and-click operations.

Stanford University

Many small businesses end up doing a lot of ancillary tasks in-house rather than pay someone else to do them.

Huffington Post

Fifteen participants completed a point-light biological motion study following a two-by-two factorial design, with one factor representing an exogenous manipulation of human movement goals (goal-directed versus random movement), and the other an endogenous manipulation (a goal identification task versus an ancillary color-change task).

NeuroImage

The API provides also access to ancillary tasks: calibration of a new model involves the definition of model parameters (including e.g. definitions of the protein binding pocket, ligand-protonation states and MD simulation time) and the preparation of specific files such as for the protein topology and the formatting of the protein structure(s) in accordance with the MD and docking packages.

Journal of Cheminformatics

He notes that the government has brought in a measure to give judges more support for ancillary tasks.

The Economist

Results from this study confirmed that ZA infusion combined with ancillary tasks associated with IV infusions resulted in a total administration time that was much longer (mean 69.4 minutes; median 60 minutes) than the minimum infusion time stated in the Zometa label.

Cancer Management and Research

Organizers have even solicited the help of 200 area Boy Scouts as volunteers doing ancillary tasks.

The New York Times - Travel

That has meant enticing or drafting just about everybody in town at one point or another to perform major and ancillary tasks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing responsibilities, clarify which tasks are central to the role and which are merely "an ancillary task". This sets clear expectations.

Common error

Avoid treating "an ancillary task" as if it holds the same weight as core responsibilities. Clearly distinguish between essential and supporting duties in your descriptions and planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ancillary task" functions as a noun phrase where "ancillary" modifies "task". It describes a supporting or secondary duty. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ancillary task" refers to a secondary or supporting duty, as validated by Ludwig AI. Although not very common, its usage is grammatically correct and understood across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Academia. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity by distinguishing between core responsibilities and those that are merely ancillary. Consider alternatives like "a supplementary task" or "a secondary task" to achieve the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supplementary task

Emphasizes the additional or extra nature of the task.

a secondary task

Highlights the task's lower priority compared to the main task.

a supporting task

Focuses on the role of the task in aiding the primary activity.

an auxiliary task

Uses a more formal term for 'helping' or 'supporting'.

a subordinate task

Indicates the task's dependency and lower rank.

a non-essential task

Underscores the task's lack of critical importance.

a peripheral task

Suggests the task is on the edge or not central.

an additional duty

Replaces 'task' with 'duty', implying a required action.

a side task

Implies the task is performed alongside a main activity.

a minor task

Indicates the task is small in scope or importance.

FAQs

What does "an ancillary task" mean?

The phrase "an ancillary task" refers to a task that provides support or assistance to a primary task or activity. It is secondary in importance but contributes to the overall objective.

How can I use "an ancillary task" in a sentence?

You can use "an ancillary task" to describe duties that are supplementary to a main job function. For example: "Completing the data entry is just "a supplementary task" to the main project of developing the new software."

What are some alternatives to "an ancillary task"?

Alternatives include "a secondary task", "a supporting task", or "a supplementary task". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "ancillary" to describe a task?

Yes, it is correct. "Ancillary" means providing support or assistance, so using it to describe a task indicates that the task is secondary but helpful to a main activity.