extremely difficult task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely difficult task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task that is very challenging or requires significant effort to complete. Example: "Completing the project within the tight deadline proved to be an extremely difficult task for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Choosing a home cook of the year was always going to be an extremely difficult task.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Explaining such evil to my 10-year-old daughter was an extremely difficult task.

The New York Times

To try and sum up my first six months is an extremely difficult task.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was an extremely difficult task given the financial situation," said David Gershon, a longtime supporter of the museum.

The New York Times - Sports

Finding the proverbial needle in a haystack is the quintessential extremely difficult task, despite the fact that a needle has very little in common with straw.

The Guardian

It comes as no surprise that finding good quality heads of department, chairs of faculty, pro-vice-chancellors and vice-chancellors is an extremely difficult task.

The Guardian

Rock had an extremely difficult task in front of him, having agreed to host the show before the all-white acting nods were announced, which prompted boycotts and a re-emergence of #OscarsSoWhite.

The Guardian - Film

If the spacecraft actually found the nucleus in the coma and took pictures of it -- an extremely difficult task, its engineers had said -- then the unshielded craft was likely to be damaged by comet particles as it approached.

The New York Times

Later, he began matching the beats of records, trying to keep two songs playing simultaneously for as long as possible, which was an extremely difficult task since most turntables then lacked conveniences like pitch control.

The New York Times - Arts

But for that to happen, new legislation would need to set parameters for the conducting of taxi inspections and background checks on drivers; for the annual issuing of licenses and levying of fees; and for establishing across-the-board fares -- an extremely difficult task in a 450-square-mile area.

The New York Times

He managed the extremely difficult task of keeping the eye engaged on a large scale, as groups moved in and out of the center, and on a smaller one too, as individuals emerged from groups, or his own dancers performed lovely brief duos.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task as an "extremely difficult task", follow up with specific details about what makes it so challenging. This provides context and adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely difficult task" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "challenging task", "complex undertaking", or "formidable task" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely difficult task" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, specifically describing the nature of the "task". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing it's used to characterize something as highly challenging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extremely difficult task" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe undertakings that present a significant challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While acceptable across various registers, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "challenging task" or "complex undertaking" to maintain writing variety. When using the phrase, be specific about the nature of the difficulty to provide context and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Supremely difficult task

Emphasizes the task's difficulty to a greater degree.

Exceedingly difficult task

Synonymous replacement maintaining the intensity.

Highly challenging task

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", softening the expression while retaining its meaning.

Formidable task

Implies a task that inspires respect and perhaps fear due to its difficulty.

Complex undertaking

Focuses on the intricate and involved nature of the task.

Doubtful endeavor

Highlights the uncertainty in the success of the task.

Arduous undertaking

Stresses the effort and labor required.

Tough assignment

Uses a more informal term for task, 'assignment', and 'tough' instead of difficult.

Laborious process

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the difficult work.

Monumental effort

Emphasizes the large scale and importance of the undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely difficult task" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely difficult task" to describe a situation that requires significant effort and skill to overcome. For example: "Completing the project on time was an "extremely difficult task" given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "extremely difficult task"?

Some alternatives include "challenging task", "complex undertaking", "formidable task", "arduous endeavor", or "tough assignment" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "extremely difficult task"?

While "difficult task" is already descriptive, adding "extremely" emphasizes the high degree of challenge involved. Whether it's redundant depends on the context and the level of emphasis you wish to convey. Consider alternatives if you want a more concise phrasing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "extremely difficult task"?

Use "extremely difficult task" when you want to underscore the significant level of challenge and effort involved in a particular task. It's suitable for situations where the difficulty is notably high and requires exceptional effort to overcome.