an immense task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an immense task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that is very large, difficult, or requires a significant amount of effort to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time was an immense task, but the team worked tirelessly to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

All this is an immense task.

The New York Times

It was an immense task to unify their administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, in the main, Lugard carried through an immense task of unification, which was officially declared on January 1 , 1914

Encyclopedia Britannica

But regulators already face an immense task tracking the huge number of websites touting for financial business.

The Economist

"It is an immense task," Gov. Rick Perry said Friday afternoon at the nearby Reliant Center as it was being set up to take 8,000 people.

The New York Times

Much of the rest might then be declared untouchable.In practice, policing such a huge preservation area against illegal logging would be an immense task.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Astronauts need a proven ability to learn complicated things, because one of the biggest challenges is an immense learning task, a memory task.

The Guardian

Yet if Saturn is a success, the immense task of transforming the rest of the company's vast empire still lies ahead.

The Economist

Mr. Gates makes a cogent argument for the exercise of patience with Tom Ridge, the director of homeland security; Mr. Ridge is undertaking an immense bureaucratic task.

The New York Times

The students and I parted company in Stovepipe Wells, with me returning to a remote campsite with my family in the quiet solitude of the desert, and they to spend a few grueling days that included making a start on the immense task of cleaning up the Billie Mine, an old borax works on the east side of the park.

Huffington Post

In order to deal with this immense task, a small army of specialists has been deployed to the crash site and the surrounding areas to use the full battery of forensic, scientific and anthropological tools available to identify each of the dead.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an immense task", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific difficulties or scale involved. Providing concrete examples of the challenges will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an immense task" for routine or easily managed activities. Ensure the described task genuinely warrants the descriptor to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an immense task" is a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing undertakings that require significant effort and resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an immense task" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe undertakings of considerable scale and difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news media and encyclopedic entries, reflecting a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure the context justifies the descriptor, highlighting specific challenges or scale to strengthen the writing. Consider alternatives like "a monumental undertaking" or "a colossal challenge" to fine-tune the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental undertaking

Emphasizes the grand scale and lasting impact of the endeavor.

a colossal challenge

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the task.

a Herculean effort

Implies that the task requires extraordinary strength and determination, like the labors of Hercules.

a formidable assignment

Stresses the respect and caution the task commands due to its complexity.

a considerable project

Focuses on the substantial scale and resources needed for the work.

a massive endeavor

Draws attention to the sheer size and scope of the undertaking.

an overwhelming responsibility

Emphasizes the heavy burden and accountability associated with the task.

a daunting prospect

Focuses on the intimidating nature of the task before it is even started.

a significant undertaking

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the task.

a substantial commitment

Focuses on the time, resources, and dedication required.

FAQs

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

You can use "an immense task" to describe something that requires considerable effort and resources, such as: "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was "an immense task"".

What are some alternatives to saying "an immense task"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, consider alternatives like "a monumental undertaking", "a colossal challenge", or "a formidable assignment".

Is it correct to say "a immense task" instead of "an immense task"?

No, it is not correct. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, and "immense" starts with a vowel sound.

When is it appropriate to use "an immense task" over other similar phrases?

Use "an immense task" when you want to emphasize both the size and the difficulty of the task. If you want to emphasize mainly the difficulty, use phrases like "a daunting prospect".