common task

USAGE SUMMARY

"common task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task that is commonly performed or shared among a group, or to describe a task that is commonplace or familiar. For example, "Checking the mail every day is a common task."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Events gave them their common task.

The New Yorker

In the meantime, though, the labor and management have a common task: a product to sell.

The New Yorker

Our common task – and it will be a long one – is also to fight all Islamist terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Karadza's most common task involves late requests to apply sponsors' patches.

The New York Times

It would give us a common task — an important and sophisticated one from both political and technological points of view.

The New York Times

No one knows why these two civilizations did a common task so differently, but both civilizations mark the stones of the bridge.

The New York Times - Magazine

But synod delegates overwhelmingly backed a motion encouraging all members of the church to "unite in the common task of building a generous and forward-looking country".

The Guardian

The question is how courts should approach the interpretation of statutes, and how to characterize what a court does when it performs this common task.

The New York Times

Acompli builds in access to these sorts of common task within its own "email" application.

TechCrunch

Integrating sampled time signals is a common task in signal processing.

Measurement

Students with a range of backgrounds, expertise, and responsibilities work together on a common task.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common task", ensure the context clearly indicates who shares the task. Providing specific details about the participants enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "common task" when referring to highly specialized or unique activities. This phrase implies a widespread or shared activity, so using it inappropriately can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common task" functions as a noun phrase, where "common" is an adjective modifying the noun "task". It describes a task that is shared, frequent, or typical. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common task" is a widely used phrase to describe an activity that is frequently performed or shared among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts. It is especially prevalent in scientific and news-related writing. To enhance clarity, specify the participants involved in the task. Alternatives include "shared objective" and "joint responsibility", but be mindful of overgeneralization when applying this phrase to specialized activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared objective

Replaces "task" with "objective", emphasizing the goal-oriented aspect of the common endeavor.

joint responsibility

Shifts the focus to the shared nature of the obligation or duty involved.

collective effort

Highlights the cooperative nature and combined energy expended.

mutual undertaking

Emphasizes the agreement and commitment involved in the shared activity.

collaborative project

Specifically refers to a task framed as a project involving collaboration.

group assignment

Frames the task as an assignment designated for a group.

communal activity

Highlights the shared and community-oriented aspect of the task.

concerted action

Emphasizes coordinated and unified action toward a shared goal.

united endeavor

Highlights the solidarity and unified spirit in pursuing the task.

general responsibility

Indicates a duty expected from everyone, emphasizing its widespread nature.

FAQs

How can I use "common task" in a sentence?

You can use "common task" to describe something many people do, such as "Data entry is a "common task" in many offices".

What are some alternatives to "common task"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "shared objective", "joint responsibility", or "collective effort".

Is "common task" formal or informal?

"Common task" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider more specific alternatives for professional settings.

What's the difference between "common task" and "general responsibility"?

"Common task" refers to a specific activity that multiple people do, while "general responsibility" implies a broad duty or obligation shared by many.