delegate a task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delegate a task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when assigning responsibilities or duties to someone else, typically in a work or organizational context. Example: "As a manager, it's important to delegate a task to your team members to ensure efficiency and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

When you want to delegate a task to someone else, you simply enter that person's email address and they will get a notification about it.

TechCrunch

This paper analyzes in a relational contracting framework when a principal should fully delegate a task to a team of hired workers or only partially delegate the task and work herself in the team.

Economics Letters

With everyone clamoring to achieve the ever-evasive "work-life balance," it's more important than ever to learn when it's better to delegate a task rather than do it yourself.

Huffington Post

Today, I have an idea -- I'm going to delegate a task to someone else who really should be doing it and I am not going to feel guilty about it.

Huffington Post

Be sure you know the answer to this question when you delegate a task to someone.

WikiHow

Don't delegate a task assuming the person will execute it perfectly until they have a proven track record.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She had the dildo for only a couple of weeks but in that time used it regularly, sometimes as much as several times a day, often without washing in between, and always in this businesslike way, as if delegating a task to somebody else.

The New Yorker

This probably mirrors politicians' and civil servants' expectations with regard to the system, which assumes that those who are delegated a task, will perform it correctly.

BMC Medical Ethics

It's ok to decide something just isn't worth the time, or that delegating a task at a cost outweighs the time you might spend on it.

WikiHow

Some health care workers expressed that expert patients were efficient as they could delegate a number of tasks to them.

BMC Health Services Research

This represents a substantial and unnecessary cost, given that it is possible to delegate a range of tasks to dental care professionals, who are a less expensive resource.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "delegate a task", clearly define the expected outcome and provide the necessary resources and authority for the person to succeed.

Common error

Don't assume the person you're delegating to has the skills or knowledge to complete the task successfully. Provide training or guidance to avoid rework or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delegate a task" functions as a verb phrase where "delegate" is the verb indicating the action of assigning responsibility and "a task" is the object, specifying what is being assigned. It aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Wiki

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delegate a task" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of assigning a responsibility to another person. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English, especially within formal or business contexts. While it can be used in more informal settings, it is typically associated with professional environments. Alternatives such as "assign a task" or "entrust a task" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When delegating, clear communication and appropriate resource allocation are crucial for success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assign a task

Direct synonym, focusing on the act of assignment.

allocate a task

Formal term highlighting the distribution of work.

entrust a task

Implies a level of trust in the person receiving the task.

give someone a task

Simple and direct way to express assigning work.

hand over responsibility

Emphasizes the transfer of accountability.

charge someone with a task

Implies giving someone the authority and responsibility.

pass on the duty

Focuses on transferring an obligation.

commission a piece of work

More formal and often used when requesting creative or specific work.

outsource a job

Suggests hiring an external party to complete the task.

transfer a project

Focuses on shifting the entire project to someone else.

FAQs

What does "delegate a task" mean?

The phrase "delegate a task" means to assign a specific job, duty, or responsibility to another person, typically someone subordinate in a work or organizational setting. It involves entrusting them with the authority and resources needed to complete the task successfully.

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

You can use alternatives like "assign a task", "entrust a task", or "hand over responsibility" depending on the context.

What's the best way to "delegate a task" effectively?

To "delegate a task" effectively, clearly define the task, explain the expected outcome, provide necessary resources, grant sufficient authority, set a deadline, and offer support while allowing autonomy. Regular check-ins can help ensure success.

Is "delegate a task" formal or informal language?

The phrase "delegate a task" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently used in professional or organizational settings. More informal alternatives might include "give someone a job" or "pass something on".