formidable task

USAGE SUMMARY

'formidable task' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a task, challenge or assignment that requires a lot of effort or skill. For example: "Competing in the marathon was a formidable task, but I was determined to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a formidable task, formidably (and entertainingly) accomplished.

The Guardian - Books

It's a formidable task.

The New York Times

A formidable task.

The New York Times - Food

Catching McIlroy will be a formidable task.

The New York Times - Sports

Understanding proboscidean evolution: A formidable task.

University of California, Berkeley

Whoever replaces him has a formidable task.

The Guardian

That may be a formidable task.

The New York Times

OUR next president faces a formidable task.

The New York Times

Creating a website can be a formidable task.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hence, the formidable task of filling this role is yours.

The New York Times

Making those words real was a formidable task.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable task" to describe a challenge that requires significant effort, skill, or resources. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, lending a tone of respect to the difficulty of the undertaking.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable task" for everyday, simple tasks. Reserve it for situations that genuinely present a significant challenge or require considerable effort to maintain the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable task" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "task". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the nature of the task. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to describe tasks that are challenging and require considerable effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable task" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe a challenging or demanding undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application across various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its common usage in News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its versatility and acceptance in both formal and informal registers. When seeking alternative expressions, options such as "daunting challenge" or "onerous undertaking" can be considered to subtly shift the emphasis. Ultimately, "formidable task" serves as a powerful way to convey the significant effort and resources required to tackle a complex endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating aspect of the task.

onerous undertaking

Highlights the burdensome nature of the task.

arduous endeavor

Focuses on the strenuous effort required.

challenging assignment

A more neutral and general alternative.

difficult proposition

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for failure.

herculean effort

Implies the need for immense strength and perseverance.

significant hurdle

Focuses on the task as an obstacle to overcome.

major obstacle

Suggests a significant impediment.

tough job

A more informal and straightforward alternative.

complex problem

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable task" to describe any task that seems difficult or challenging. For example, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was a "formidable task"."

What are some alternatives to "formidable task"?

Some alternatives to "formidable task" include "daunting challenge", "onerous undertaking", or "arduous endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable task" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "formidable task" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of respect for the difficulty of the task at hand and is commonly used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What makes a task "formidable"?

A task is considered "formidable" when it presents significant challenges due to its complexity, scale, or the resources required to complete it successfully.