exacting taskmaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exacting taskmaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who demands a high level of precision and effort from others, often in a work or educational context. Example: "The coach was known as an exacting taskmaster, pushing his athletes to their limits to achieve peak performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ms. Serrano is an exacting taskmaster.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Jobs is known as a perfectionist, an exacting taskmaster who demands meticulous attention to detail, a management style that makes him difficult to work for, but which also helped Apple develop must-have products.

The New York Times - Tech

She was an exacting taskmaster and I was a hopeless novice, but for however little I contributed to the making of the couscous, I more than compensated in the eating of it.

The New York Times - Travel

John Duffield, chairman of New Star Asset Management, has a reputation for being an exacting taskmaster who demands the best from his fund managers, but rewards them well when they perform.

The Guardian - Money

Only a cruel and exacting taskmaster would expect the children to venture forth from their sports event without, at the very least, a tiny bag of pretzels.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He also became known as an exacting, workaholic taskmaster who gave underlings one chance -- two, at most -- to reach a goal.

The New York Times

In his Cabinet and, more broadly, in the R.P.F., Kagame is often referred to as the Boss, and he is known as an exacting and exhausting taskmaster.

The New Yorker

Stroman is a taskmaster — "She's in my pantheon of fanatics, guaranteed," Ivey Long, who has collaborated with her on twenty-eight shows, said — but she is exacting without being persecuting.

The New Yorker

He was a hard taskmaster.

Independent

Brown is still the taskmaster.

The New York Times

Mr. Muti is, to be sure, a stern taskmaster.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exacting taskmaster", ensure the context clearly justifies the high demands being placed on individuals. The phrase implies a need for meticulousness and a strong focus on achieving exceptional results.

Common error

Avoid using "exacting taskmaster" when simply describing someone who is strict or demanding without a clear connection to the need for precision or high achievement. "Exacting" implies a specific need for accuracy and thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exacting taskmaster" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "exacting" modifies "taskmaster". This suggests a person who imposes high standards and demands meticulous performance. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exacting taskmaster" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize someone who demands high standards and precision. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage and highlights its presence in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "strict disciplinarian" or "demanding supervisor". The phrase is generally neutral to professional, but its use should be reserved for situations where the need for meticulousness is genuinely justified. Ludwig confirms the positive sentiment of this phrase since it is considered correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict disciplinarian

Emphasizes the enforcement of rules and order with severity.

demanding supervisor

Focuses on the high expectations set by someone in a leadership role.

rigorous leader

Highlights the thoroughness and intensity of the leadership style.

perfectionist boss

Indicates a manager who insists on flawless results.

tough foreman

Suggests a firm and uncompromising leader, often in a manual labor setting.

uncompromising instructor

Highlights the unwavering standards of a teacher or trainer.

stringent manager

Emphasizes the strictness and precision of the managerial approach.

authoritarian figure

Focuses on the commanding and controlling nature of the individual.

firm hand

Implies a resolute and unwavering approach to control and guidance.

hard task driver

Emphasizes the relentless pushing of others to achieve goals.

FAQs

How can I use "exacting taskmaster" in a sentence?

You can use "exacting taskmaster" to describe someone who demands a high level of precision and effort. For example: "The coach was known as an "exacting taskmaster", pushing his athletes to their limits."

What are some alternatives to "exacting taskmaster"?

Alternatives include "strict disciplinarian", "demanding supervisor", or "rigorous leader", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to describe someone as an "exacting taskmaster" or a "difficult boss"?

"Exacting taskmaster" emphasizes the high standards and demand for precision, while "difficult boss" is more general and could refer to various negative qualities. The best choice depends on the specific characteristics you want to highlight.

What does it mean to be an "exacting" person?

To be "exacting" means to demand a high standard of quality and precision. An exacting person pays close attention to detail and expects others to do the same.