assume a task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume a task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to taking on or accepting responsibility for a specific job or duty. Example: "After the team meeting, I decided to assume a task that would help streamline our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cognitive Research

WikiHow

EURASIP Journal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Consider again the example in Fig. 1, but now assume a task where an observer must detect a human target.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Don't assume that because you worked hard all day that it is fair for you to expect your spouse to automatically assume a task.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The work entitled Skip-over[22] assumes a task model composed of periodic tasks that tolerate discards (called skips).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Differently to life-cycle mappings, there is always one label of the service consumer that is mapped to a label of one service provider because the concept of eSourcing assumes a task is always serviced by one provider.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

To make these performance indicators clear, lets assume a generic classification task.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Let us assume a basic clustering task in which we have only one layer of attributes.

Brain Informatics

The insistence of other people that something is urgent can cause you to assume that a task is urgent when, on reflection, you might otherwise realize that it is something that can be left until later without any harm.

WikiHow

Barra has assumed a different task from that of the average biographer, who is concerned, foremost, with tracing the arc of a life.

The New York Times - Books

But in 2010 Mr. Wilson assumed a different task: covering 10 George and Ira Gershwin songs (and parts of "Rhapsody in Blue") and completing two new songs using unfinished Gershwin fragments.

The New York Times - Arts

Except for Maputo HCs, where the situation was considered acceptable, all technical staff interviewed complained of lack of staff and of being compelled to assume a diversity of extra tasks.

Human Resources for Health

Again, excepting for Maputo HCs, where the situation was considered acceptable, technical staff feel compelled to assume a diversity of extra tasks out of comradeship or on instruction from management, "… the Provincial Health Director just told me to do it, to assume the responsibility for the expanded programme of immunization" (Niassa HC), and, "Orders are orders …" (Nampula HC).

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume a task", be clear about the scope and responsibilities involved. It's crucial to define what the task entails to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "assume a task" when the responsibility is already assigned. Clarify the task assignment to prevent duplicated efforts and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume a task" functions as a verb phrase where "assume" acts as a transitive verb taking "task" as its direct object. This indicates the act of taking responsibility for or undertaking a specific job or duty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

Wiki

33%

News & Media

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assume a task" is grammatically sound but relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its function is to indicate the act of taking responsibility for a specific duty, with synonyms like "undertake a task" or "take on a task" offering similar meanings. The phrase's register is generally neutral, and it appears across various source categories, especially in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity about the task's scope is crucial to avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undertake a task

Replaces 'assume' with 'undertake', emphasizing the act of beginning or engaging in a task.

take on a task

Substitutes 'assume' with 'take on', highlighting the acceptance of responsibility for a task.

accept a task

Replaces 'assume' with 'accept', focusing on the willingness to receive and perform the task.

shoulder a task

Uses 'shoulder' instead of 'assume' to emphasize the burden or responsibility associated with the task.

tackle a task

Replaces 'assume' with 'tackle', stressing the approach and effort in dealing with a task.

embrace a task

Substituting 'assume' with 'embrace' suggests a willing and enthusiastic acceptance of the responsibility.

handle a task

Focuses on managing or dealing with a task, rather than assuming it.

begin a task

Emphasizes the initiation of the task, shifting focus from responsibility.

initiate a task

Similar to 'begin a task', but more formal, highlighting the starting of a task.

undertake the responsibility for a task

Expands the phrase to explicitly include the element of responsibility.

FAQs

What does it mean to "assume a task"?

To "assume a task" means to take on the responsibility of completing it. It implies accepting the duty and beginning to work on it.

What can I say instead of "assume a task"?

You can use alternatives like "undertake a task", "take on a task", or "accept a task" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "assume a task" or "take on a task"?

Both "assume a task" and "take on a task" are correct, but "take on a task" is more common in contemporary usage. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When should I use "assume a task" rather than another phrase?

Use "assume a task" when you want to emphasize the acceptance of a duty or responsibility. Alternatives like "begin a task" focus more on the action of starting, rather than the responsibility itself.