an overwhelming task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that feels excessively difficult or burdensome. Example: "Completing the project within a week felt like an overwhelming task, given the amount of research required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But it's such an overwhelming task.

The New York Times

"Being a caretaker," Mrs. Johnson said, "is an overwhelming task".

The New York Times

Making sense of them all is an overwhelming task.

Harvard Business Review

While sometimes this may seem like an overwhelming task, there are many rewards to doing so.

University of California, Berkeley

Trying to change school meals, however, can be an overwhelming task.

The Guardian

It becomes an overwhelming task, like having to remake the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But for elderly people like Ms. Renninger, now 83, deciding what to do next can be an almost overwhelming task.

The New York Times

In his absence, she faces an almost overwhelming task, tantamount to constructing the Empire State Building all by oneself with a set of Legos.

Los Angeles Times

THOUGH Ben Phillips had occasionally considered buying a home, "it always seemed to be a daunting, overwhelming task," he said.

The New York Times

Addressing only these issues (e.g., timing, concentration, and end points) with several different chemicals presents a potentially overwhelming task for toxicologists using traditional methodology.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Such a treatment may require 3 10 tablets a day, i.e., 21 70 tablets a week, 84 280 tablets a month, or 1,008 3,360 tablets a year a very overwhelming task for the diabetic patient.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overwhelming task", consider breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable steps to make it seem less daunting. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and increase productivity.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming task" when the task is simply challenging or requires effort. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Reserve it for situations where the task genuinely feels unmanageable without significant support or planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming task" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". It typically serves to describe a situation or activity that appears extremely difficult or unmanageable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming task" is a common phrase used to describe a task that seems excessively difficult or burdensome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When faced with "an overwhelming task", consider breaking it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable. Although acceptable in many contexts, be mindful of potential overstatement. Consider alternatives like "a daunting challenge" or "a formidable undertaking" to refine the tone. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daunting challenge

Replaces "task" with "challenge", suggesting a test of one's abilities and resolve.

a formidable undertaking

Uses "formidable" to emphasize the scale and potential difficulty of the task.

a Herculean effort

Implies a task requiring immense strength and effort, referencing the labors of Hercules.

a monumental endeavor

Highlights the grand scale and significance of the task.

a back-breaking activity

Emphasizes the physically demanding nature of the task, whether literal or figurative.

a tall order

An idiom suggesting that a request or task is difficult to fulfill.

an uphill battle

Implies a struggle against significant obstacles and resistance.

a Sisyphean task

References the myth of Sisyphus, suggesting a task that is endlessly repetitive and futile.

a complex undertaking

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature of the task.

a labor of Hercules

Similar to "a Herculean effort", emphasizing the massive effort required.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming task" to describe a task that seems excessively difficult or burdensome. For example, "Organizing the company archives felt like "an overwhelming task" at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps made it manageable."

What are some alternatives to "an overwhelming task"?

Alternatives include "a daunting challenge", "a formidable undertaking", or "a monumental endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "an overwhelming task"?

It's appropriate when the task genuinely feels excessively difficult, burdensome, or unmanageable without significant support or planning. Avoid using it for tasks that are merely challenging or require effort.

Is "an overwhelming task" formal or informal?

"An overwhelming task" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific situation and the tone you want to convey, rather than the level of formality.