formidable assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is challenging or difficult, often requiring significant effort or skill to complete. Example: "The professor assigned a formidable assignment that would test the students' understanding of the complex theories discussed in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It was a formidable assignment".

The New York Times - Science

A formidable assignment for Smith/Greenland came in the form of Helmsley Hotels, an account the agency landed in 1990.

The New York Times

Clearly, they have been concentrating on the formidable assignment of delivering the play's chaotic physical comedy with precision.

The New York Times

It is about time that all of us -- squishy scientists, the journalists who write about squishy science, and all of our readers -- face up to our formidable assignment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, if one considers the large number of variables related to connection geometry, connection components and constitutive relationships for their materials, the task of deriving simplified guidelines for the incorporation of semi-rigid behaviour into design is a formidable analytical assignment.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

For Babe Dahlgren, the assignment is formidable.

The New York Times

I found that her assignment, while formidable, enervating, and practically joyless, is not beyond her strength.

The New Yorker

His assignment is formidable: to lure more viewers to a fledgling channel that most people cannot easily find on their cable systems and to manage the introduction for its two most anticipated programs, one featuring Ms. Winfrey and one featuring Rosie O'Donnell.Mr.

The New York Times

But determining which scientific and technological inventions merited distinction as the greatest breakthroughs of the last century proved as formidable and fraught an assignment as, say, choosing the greatest baseball players of the last hundred years.

Forbes

Baas's assignment will be formidable: to shove aside, or at least try to, San Francisco's 330-pound nose tackle, Isaac Sopoaga.The 49ers are also the hardest team to score a touchdown against when an opponent moves inside the 20-yard line (35 percent)."They're a good football team — legit," running back Brandon Jacobs said".They play disciplined football and do what they're supposed to".

The New York Times - Sports

Tough assignment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable assignment" when you want to emphasize the challenging and demanding nature of a task. It adds a sense of importance and weight to the assignment.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable assignment" in informal settings. Its formal tone might sound out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tough task" or "big challenge" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable assignment" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "assignment". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English to denote a task that is challenging and requires significant effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formidable assignment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, denoting a challenging and demanding task. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When choosing to use the phrase, remember that its formal tone is best suited for professional or academic environments, and ensure you're emphasizing the challenging nature of the task at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging task

Replaces "formidable" with a more common synonym, reducing the intensity of the assignment.

daunting task

Emphasizes the intimidating aspect of the assignment.

arduous undertaking

Highlights the effort and perseverance required.

onerous duty

Focuses on the burdensome nature of the assignment.

demanding project

Uses a more neutral term for "assignment" while keeping the sense of difficulty.

Herculean task

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty, referencing the labors of Hercules.

complex undertaking

Focuses on the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the task.

grueling mission

Highlights the exhausting and potentially stressful nature of the assignment.

difficult challenge

Replaces both words with simpler synonyms.

tough job

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable assignment" to describe a task that requires significant effort and skill. For example: "The professor gave us a "formidable assignment" that tested our knowledge of quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "formidable assignment"?

Alternatives include "challenging task", "daunting task", or "arduous undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable assignment" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "formidable assignment" is generally considered formal. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "tough job" or "difficult task" might be more appropriate.

What makes an assignment "formidable"?

An assignment is "formidable" when it presents significant challenges due to its complexity, scope, or required expertise. It implies that the task will require considerable effort and dedication to complete successfully.