for certain tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for certain tasks' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that certain activities or jobs should be done for a specific purpose or goal. For example, "We need to allocate resources for certain tasks in order to maximize efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sales function, at least, is still needed for certain tasks, like I.P.O.s.

The New Yorker

The key is to ensure that sloppy circuitry is used only for certain tasks.

The Economist

However, each of the IntelliTools has a trick or two that comes in handy for certain tasks under certain circumstances.

The New York Times - Tech

The iPad and its bigger-screen Android tablets are touch-screen mobile devices that can be used, not all that well, as personal computers for certain tasks.

The Guardian - Tech

But more often, they find themselves navigating to Microsoft's year-old Bing for certain tasks, and sometimes they stay a while.

The New York Times - Tech

Automation also boosts productivity (as measured in output per man-hour), even as it reduces the number of workers required for certain tasks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The majority of conservation organisations have adopted the rhetoric of working with local communities, but in practice their approach remains very instrumentalising, which indicates that they engage members of the community for certain tasks but don't work deeply with them.

The Guardian

"For datasets the size of those the NSA collect, using algorithms is the only way to operate for certain tasks," says James Ball, the Guardian's data editor and part of the paper's NSA Files reporting team.

The Guardian

Now, producers can call stagehands for two hours of work before a show or an hour before and after, though the stagehands would be paid double for certain tasks during the hour afterward.

The New York Times

Dr Rose favours this route, because he sees quantum computers as specialised accelerators for certain tasks, rather than stand-alone number crunchers.Shrink-wrapped quantum computers labelled "Orion inside" are not, therefore, about to start shipping anytime soon.

The Economist

"Once the brain makes the connections it needs for certain tasks, it tends to stick with them," said Dr. Gordon Sherman, the executive director of the Newgrange School and Educational Outreach Center in Princeton, N.J., an expert on dyslexia who had no connection to the study.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates which tasks are being referred to, providing specific examples or categories to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for certain tasks" without providing any context or examples. This can leave the reader wondering which tasks you are referring to, weakening your argument or explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for certain tasks" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a limitation or specification of applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for certain tasks" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the applicability of a statement or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. To enhance clarity, it is best practice to follow this phrase with specific examples or descriptions of the tasks in question. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by providing context to the reader. Alternatives such as "for specific tasks" or "for particular tasks" can be used to fine-tune the meaning. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times underscore its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for specific tasks

Replaces 'certain' with 'specific', implying a more defined or particular set of tasks.

for particular tasks

Similar to 'specific tasks', but may suggest a degree of uniqueness or individuality in the tasks.

for designated tasks

Indicates that the tasks have been officially or formally assigned.

for assigned tasks

Implies a formal allocation of tasks, often within a structured environment.

for selected tasks

Suggests that tasks have been chosen from a larger group based on specific criteria.

for determined tasks

Emphasizes that the tasks have been established or decided upon beforehand.

for discrete tasks

Highlights that the tasks are separate and distinct from one another.

for specialized tasks

Indicates tasks that require specific skills or expertise.

for dedicated tasks

Implies that resources or personnel are exclusively allocated to these tasks.

for individual tasks

Focuses on tasks performed by a single person or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "for certain tasks" in a sentence?

You can use "for certain tasks" to specify that something is only applicable to some activities but not all. For example, "This tool is useful "for certain tasks", such as data entry and analysis."

What are some alternatives to "for certain tasks"?

Alternatives include "for specific tasks", "for particular tasks", or "for designated tasks". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "for certain tasks" or "for specific tasks"?

Both "for certain tasks" and "for specific tasks" are correct, but "for specific tasks" implies a more precise or defined set of activities, whereas "for certain tasks" is slightly more general.

How can I make my writing more precise when using "for certain tasks"?

To enhance clarity, follow "for certain tasks" with examples or a description of the tasks you are referring to. For instance, "The software is optimized "for certain tasks": data processing, statistical analysis, and report generation."