delegate the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delegate the task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when assigning a specific responsibility or duty to someone else, often in a work or team context. Example: "To ensure the project is completed on time, I will delegate the task of research to Sarah."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Multi - tasking and/or Task delegation Require players to be presented with several tasks at once, requiring them to multi-task or delegate the task to another player.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Others make the time or delegate the task to flunkies: Valentino, Betsy Bloomingdale, Dede Wilsey.

The New York Times

Jonathan Weaks, president of the Southwest Airline Pilots Association, said Mr. Parker should delegate the task of labor negotiations.

The New York Times

In the end, I realized I had to delegate the task to my aunts, who after 30 years of Islamic prohibition had established their own trusted connections and means of giving a large party with drinks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Being "completely unqualified" to judge a refugee's age, she would delegate the task to a "panel of experts", and her agonised laments about the moral dilemma posed by the camp might have made her look compassionate, had she only been able to stop there.

The Guardian

MAGGIE MAHAR reports on how Maryland has bent down the curve on healthcare inflation.In 1977, Maryland decided that, rather than leaving prices to the vagaries of a marketplace where insurers and hospitals negotiate behind closed doors, it would delegate the task of setting reimbursement rates for acute-care hospitals to an independent agency, the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

You can create a committees with your friends to help delegate the tasks of party planning.

WikiHow

Throughout the season Backe has delegated the task to the assistant coach Jan Halvor Halvorsen on telecasts with the MSG Network.

The New York Times

Most delegated the task to ratings agencies, and in time the agencies, intoxicated by the booming market, also grew lax.

The New York Times - Magazine

Speaking to the Washington Post, President Rouhani said he was in control of settling the nuclear affair and that he had delegated the task to his Foreign Minister.

Independent

"I have unadulterated enthusiasm for it," Goldberg said, adding that he has long since delegated the task of finding the stuff to an assistant.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delegate the task", ensure that the person receiving the task has the necessary skills and resources to complete it effectively.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity when you "delegate the task". Clearly define the expected outcomes, deadlines, and any specific requirements to prevent misunderstandings and ensure successful completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delegate the task" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of assigning a specific duty or responsibility to another person. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to indicate the act of entrusting a task to someone else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delegate the task" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of assigning a specific responsibility to another individual. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, science, and general writing, this phrase implies efficient management and skill development. Alternatives include "assign the task" and "entrust the task". When using "delegate the task", it is essential to ensure clarity in expectations and provide necessary resources for successful completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assign the task

Focuses on the act of formally allocating the task, similar to delegating.

entrust the task

Highlights the aspect of trusting someone with the task, adding a layer of confidence.

hand over the task

Emphasizes the transfer of the task from one person to another.

pass on the task

Indicates a less formal transfer of responsibility.

transfer responsibility for the task

Focuses on the shift of responsibility more explicitly.

subcontract the task

Implies outsourcing the task to an external party or another department.

outsource the task

Specifically suggests giving the task to an external company or freelancer.

give the task to someone else

A simpler and more direct way of saying delegate.

charge someone with the task

Highlights the act of giving someone the authority to handle the task.

deputize someone for the task

Suggests formally appointing someone to act on one's behalf for the task.

FAQs

What does "delegate the task" mean?

The phrase "delegate the task" means to assign responsibility for a specific duty or job to another person. It involves entrusting someone else to carry out the task, often because they have the skills, time, or resources to do so effectively.

When is it appropriate to "delegate the task"?

It's appropriate to "delegate the task" when you are overloaded with work, when someone else has better expertise for the task, or when you want to develop the skills of another person. It's also suitable when you need to focus on higher-priority activities and can trust someone else to handle the delegated responsibility.

What are some alternatives to "delegate the task"?

You can use alternatives like "assign the task", "entrust the task", or "hand over the task" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What should I consider when I "delegate the task" to someone?

When you "delegate the task", consider the skills and experience of the person, the clarity of instructions, the resources available, and the level of authority needed to complete the task successfully. Providing ongoing support and feedback is also essential.