difficult assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task or project that requires significant effort, skill, or time to complete. Example: "The professor assigned a difficult assignment that challenged all the students' abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If one person is disadvantaged by your decision making (e.g., assigned a less desirable shift or given a more difficult assignment) multiple times, it's likely that they will perceive your decision-making as unfair.

Harvard Business Review

But it was a difficult assignment.

The New York Times

It keeps trying — a difficult assignment for the poor beast.

The New York Times - Books

Despite the challenges, some N.B.A. photographers do not consider it their most difficult assignment.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a very, very difficult assignment for him," said Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah.

The New York Times

She had an extraordinarily difficult assignment, and my experience with her was excellent".

The New York Times

There was no reason to make a difficult assignment of this.

The New Yorker

Balanchine's death in 1983 brought Mr. Caras his most difficult assignment -- and a revelation.

The New York Times - Arts

Three games, 11 goals, nine points, and more fool anyone who thought this might be the most difficult assignment.

The Guardian - Sport

Grade: 2.5 Steve Cherundolo In his familiar spot on the right, but had to mark Gerrard, an extremely difficult assignment.

The New York Times

Mr. Beatty's concept of dance that is one with light, air and the universe sounds like a difficult assignment.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning a "difficult assignment", clearly define the expectations and provide adequate resources and support to ensure the assignee's success.

Common error

Avoid assuming the assignee possesses all the necessary background knowledge or skills. Always assess their capabilities and provide relevant training or guidance before delegating a "difficult assignment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult assignment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "assignment". It describes the nature of the assignment, indicating it requires considerable effort or skill. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is commonly used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult assignment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a task requiring significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts from news and media to academia and sports. When using this phrase, ensure that expectations and resources are clearly communicated to support the assignee. While alternatives like ""challenging task"" or ""complex project"" can be used, "difficult assignment" remains a versatile and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging task

Replaces "assignment" with "task", focusing on the demanding nature of the work.

arduous undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and perseverance required for the assignment.

complex project

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted aspects of the assignment.

demanding job

Focuses on the effort and skill required to complete the assignment successfully.

formidable challenge

Stresses the difficulty and potential obstacles involved in the assignment.

tough mission

Implies a specific goal that is hard to achieve.

complicated endeavor

Highlights the complexity and scope of the assignment.

laborious effort

Focuses on the extensive work and dedication required.

testing endeavor

Highlights the demanding and challenging aspect of the activity.

intricate undertaking

Emphasizes on the complexity and detailed oriented aspects of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult assignment" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult assignment" to describe a task or project that requires significant effort and skill. For example, "The professor gave us a "difficult assignment" that required extensive research."

What are some alternatives to "difficult assignment"?

Alternatives include "challenging task", "arduous undertaking", or "complex project", depending on the specific context.

Is "difficult assignment" formal or informal?

"Difficult assignment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What makes an assignment "difficult"?

An assignment can be considered "difficult" due to various factors, such as the complexity of the subject matter, the amount of time required, the need for specialized skills, or the limited availability of resources.