external task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or assignment that is outside of a specific system, project, or organization, often implying that it is assigned or managed by an outside entity. Example: "In order to improve our workflow, we need to prioritize the external task assigned by the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"We think that it gets lazier — or less diligent — with respect to the external task because it thinks it knows what is going to happen next," said Tom Eichele, a neurophysiologist and adjunct professor of biological and medical psychology at the University of Bergen in Norway.

The New York Times

In addition, the experiments show that combining the agent's intrinsic rewards with external task rewards enables the agent to learn faster than using external rewards alone.

Artificial Intelligence

The new, external task force is being led by former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery.

Huffington Post

Montgomery said in a statement that her task force will include four outside higher education consultants and law firms with expertise in the gender equity law Title IX. "Members of the external task force that I lead will conduct a cultural assessment, review university administrative processes and oversight and provide counsel on Title IX compliance matters," Montgomery said.

Huffington Post

By contrast, during the offline mode, attention to internally generated signals prevents external task relevant information from accessing the workspace.

Plosone

The online mode occurs when external task relevant information forms the focus of attention; as a result internally generated information is prevented access to the workspace.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On a more practical note, the scientists argue that their data show why "creative solutions may be facilitated specifically by simple external tasks that maximize mind-wandering".

The New Yorker

Thus, project leaders and members with high group attachment anxiety may be best qualified for external tasks.

International Journal of Project Management

Many animal societies have a communal nest which certain individuals must leave to perform external tasks, for example foraging or patrolling.

Plosone

In comparison to task-free resting state connectivity, task-based MACM delineates networks, which are concurrently recruited by an extended range of tasks and should therefore be able to reflect robust networks of coordinated activity in response to external task-demands.

Brain Structure and Function

Activity within this network is also inversely coupled to dACC activity, both in terms of engagement with external tasks (Raichle et al., 2001) and importantly in effects on cardiovascular physiology (Critchley et al., 2011; Wager et al., 2008) mediated through pons.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing projects involving collaborations with other organizations, use "external task" to clearly delineate responsibilities and contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "external task" when referring to a task that is simply outside one's immediate duties within the same organization; instead, use "additional task" or "assigned responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external task" functions as a noun phrase where "external" modifies the noun "task". It describes a task that is not part of the usual or internal activities. Ludwig examples, like those in scientific research and news, demonstrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "external task" is a grammatically correct and usable term that refers to a task originating outside of a specific system or organization. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that it is most commonly used in scientific, news, and business contexts to clearly define responsibilities and scopes. While the phrase is not extremely common, alternatives like "outside assignment" or "third-party task" can be used depending on the context. It is important to differentiate this term from internal tasks to avoid confusion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for describing responsibilities from external sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside assignment

Focuses on the aspect of the task originating from an external source or entity.

third-party task

Highlights the involvement of a separate entity in assigning or managing the task.

external responsibility

Emphasizes the obligation to handle a task that falls outside of the internal scope.

outsourced task

Specifically refers to a task that is contracted out to an external provider.

off-site project

Implies that the task is performed at a location different from the main workplace.

external activity

Broader term referring to any activity conducted outside of the internal environment.

independent task

Focuses on the autonomy and separation of the task from internal operations.

contractual duty

Highlights a task that is required as part of a formal agreement or contract.

external undertaking

Formal term for a task or project that is pursued outside of the organization.

external obligation

Similar to external responsibility but emphasizes the mandatory nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "external task" to describe responsibilities that originate from outside of an organization or project. For example: "The team is responsible for completing all "external tasks" assigned by the client."

What is a good alternative to "external task"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "outside assignment", "third-party task", or "outsourced task".

When should I use "external task" instead of "internal task"?

"External task" should be used when referring to a task that comes from outside an organization, while "internal task" refers to tasks that are performed within the organization. They are contrasting concepts.

What does it mean for a company to outsource an "external task"?

Outsourcing an "external task" means contracting the task to another company or individual who is not part of the company's internal workforce. This is often done for specialized skills or to reduce costs.