an uncommon task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncommon task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that is not frequently encountered or is unusual in nature. Example: "Completing the project required an uncommon task that challenged the team's creativity and problem-solving skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Independent

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given the complex and uncommon task respondents need to fulfil in a TTO exercise, one may expect responses in an interview setting to more accurately describe health state preferences (although every method may have its own advantages and disadvantages).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It is not an uncommon tale.

The Guardian

As the strident "Storm Passes Away" brings the album to a close, it's hard not to notice the echoes of Woody Guthrie, both in the forthright, ringing vocal tone, and in the apparent ease with which Bugg conjures up evocative and enduring images to express the condition of the common man – a worthy task for such an uncommon talent.

Independent

It's never an easy task, but by no means an uncommon event.

Huffington Post

Rudolph had an uncommon upbringing.

The Guardian - Film

This is an uncommon experience.

The New Yorker

Not an uncommon reaction, apparently.

The New York Times

Cecal volvulus is an uncommon clinical event.

The American Journal of Surgery

Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon infection.

The Spine Journal

And such is not an uncommon experience.

Cornell University

This is not an uncommon pattern.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an uncommon task" to emphasize the unique and infrequent nature of an assignment. This is especially effective when highlighting the specific skills or considerations needed to complete it.

Common error

While "an uncommon task" can add emphasis, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives when the uniqueness isn't the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncommon task" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "uncommon" modifies the noun "task", indicating that the task is not ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing something not frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncommon task" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a job or responsibility that is not typical or frequently encountered. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in the English language. While its frequency is rare, the phrase is versatile and can be found in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended emphasis on the uniqueness of the task. Consider more common alternatives if the specific nature of the task doesn't require such emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" and "uncommon" with "rare", emphasizing the infrequency of the activity.

an unusual assignment

Substitutes "task" with "assignment" and "uncommon" with "unusual", highlighting the atypical nature of the assigned duty.

an infrequent duty

Changes "task" to "duty" and "uncommon" to "infrequent", focusing on the low occurrence of the responsibility.

a peculiar job

Replaces "task" with "job" and "uncommon" with "peculiar", suggesting the task is odd or strange.

an exceptional endeavor

Substitutes "task" with "endeavor" and "uncommon" with "exceptional", conveying the task is out of the ordinary and significant.

a singular responsibility

Changes "task" to "responsibility" and "uncommon" to "singular", indicating a unique and individual obligation.

a remarkable activity

Replaces "task" with "activity" and "uncommon" with "remarkable", emphasizing the noteworthy character of the action.

an atypical challenge

Substitutes "task" with "challenge" and "uncommon" with "atypical", highlighting that the undertaking deviates from the norm and is difficult.

a scarce obligation

Changes "task" to "obligation" and "uncommon" to "scarce", focusing on how limited the commitment is.

an unprecedented mission

Replaces "task" with "mission" and "uncommon" with "unprecedented", conveying that the undertaking is brand new and never done before.

FAQs

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

You can use "an uncommon task" to describe a job or responsibility that is not typical or frequently encountered. For example: "Completing the project required "an uncommon task" that challenged the team's creativity."

What are some alternatives to "an uncommon task"?

Alternatives include "a rare undertaking", "an unusual assignment", or "an infrequent duty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an uncommon task" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "an uncommon task" when you want to emphasize that a particular job or responsibility is not typical or frequently encountered, and requires special skills or considerations.

What is the difference between "an uncommon task" and "a difficult task"?

"An uncommon task" emphasizes the infrequency or uniqueness of the task, while "a difficult task" highlights the level of effort or skill required to complete it. They are not interchangeable, as a difficult task can be common, and "an uncommon task" may not necessarily be difficult.