be a simple task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a simple task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task that is easy to accomplish or understand. Example: "I thought the project would be challenging, but it turned out to be a simple task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Getting that information isn't going to be a simple task.

MIT Technology Review

"It's not going to be a simple task," he continued.

Independent

Latter search for personal fulfillment will not be a simple task.

Stanford University

Chelsea were given an early warning that setting their record would not be a simple task.

The Guardian - Sport

Rebuilding will not be a simple task either, writes J. A. Adande on ESPN.com.

The New York Times - Sports

What we believed to be a simple task has become an exercise of dying hope and heartache.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Finding people interested in buying the large luxury homes planned for the site will most likely be a simpler task.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, Sia stumbles in what appears to be a simpler task on her follow-up, "This Is Acting," due Friday.

Los Angeles Times

Here's a simple task many overlook.

The Washington Post

It has not been a simple task.

The New York Times

Getting directions to the tube was a simple task.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a simple task" when you want to downplay the complexity of something, but avoid using it if the task might actually be more difficult than it appears, as this could mislead your audience.

Common error

While "be a simple task" is perfectly acceptable, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your language by using synonyms like "be straightforward" or "be easily achievable" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a simple task" functions as a predicate nominative, defining or characterizing the subject as a task that is not complex. As evidenced by Ludwig, it suggests that the task requires minimal effort or expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a simple task" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe activities that are easy to accomplish. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Science, indicating its versatility. While the phrase is straightforward, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring that the task aligns with the perceived simplicity to avoid misleading the audience. Alternative phrases, such as "be a straightforward undertaking" or "be an easy job", can be employed to add variety to your writing. Ultimately, "be a simple task" serves as a useful tool for setting expectations and conveying ease, provided it is used accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be an easy job

Replaces "task" with "job", emphasizing the work aspect and using the synonym "easy".

be a straightforward undertaking

Substitutes "simple" with "straightforward" and "task" with "undertaking", suggesting directness and purpose.

be a piece of cake

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey extreme ease.

be a walk in the park

Another idiomatic expression indicating something very easy to do.

be a breeze

Conveys the idea of something being easy and quick.

be a cinch

Employs a slang term to indicate effortless accomplishment.

be easily achievable

Focuses on the ease of achieving a goal.

be no sweat

Informal way of saying something is effortless.

present no difficulty

Emphasizes the absence of difficulty or obstacles.

be undemanding

Highlights the lack of demands or requirements.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says something will "be a simple task"?

When someone says something will "be a simple task", it means they believe it will be easy to accomplish and not require much effort or skill.

How can I use "be a simple task" in a sentence?

You can use "be a simple task" to describe an activity or project that is not complicated. For example, "I thought fixing the faucet would "be a simple task", but it turned out to be more complex."

Which is a better alternative to "be a simple task", "be a straightforward task" or "be an easy task"?

Both "be a straightforward task" and "be an easy task" are good alternatives to "be a simple task". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "Straightforward" suggests directness, while "easy" suggests a lack of difficulty.

What are some phrases with the opposite meaning of "be a simple task"?

Phrases with the opposite meaning include "be a difficult challenge", "be a complex undertaking", or "be a herculean effort".