harsh task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or demanding job or assignment that requires significant effort or endurance. Example: "Completing the project on time was a harsh task, but the team managed to pull it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

With Greece, however, it was the Europeans who were the harsh task maskers, he said.

The New York Times

Experts say the harsh task force assessment, released amid an ongoing federal probe, could help Johnson pursue new reforms even before the Justice Department finishes its investigation.

The Washington Post

However, defining cognition is, in general, a harsh task.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Watch your self critic - Is your inner voice a harsh task master?

HuffPost

She reproduces often demeaning stereotypes about Armenian physical appearance, cultural traditions and all manner of details that she would be taken to harsh task for were she writing about another ethnic group.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His harsh comments disturbed task force members who had expected words of thanks rather than of insult.

The New York Times

The design step being a harsh time-consuming task, the strategy to build these custom microarrays is often to select probes from different existing platforms.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

In its letter, UBS was equally harsh, taking Nasdaq to task for failing to execute trades during the I.P.O. and causing "tremendous, unanticipated stress on UBS's retail marketing system".

The New York Times

Just a few days after Ravitch clinched the election on this blog, Brooks took her to task in harsh terms on the op-ed pages of the Times.

Huffington Post

Space robots can perform some tasks in harsh environment as assistants of astronauts or substitutions of astronauts.

Acta Astronautica

They have to fulfill their task in a harsh environment over the entire lifetime of an automobile.

Microelectronics Reliability

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task as a "harsh task", ensure the context clearly indicates the difficulty or unpleasantness involved. Consider using synonyms like "demanding task" or "challenging task" if the task involves mental stimulation rather than unpleasantness.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh task" when the task is simply complex or requires skill, but lacks elements of unpleasantness, difficulty, or suffering. Using a term like "complex task" or "intricate task" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh task" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "harsh" modifies the noun "task". Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe assignments or jobs that are difficult, demanding, or unpleasant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh task" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a job or assignment characterized by significant difficulty or unpleasantness. According to Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare, and it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the task genuinely involves difficulty beyond mere complexity and whether synonyms like "demanding task" or "challenging task" might be more appropriate. Remember to tailor the language to the specific context to convey the intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous task

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved.

demanding task

Focuses on the high requirements and expectations of the task.

difficult task

A general term for a task that is not easy to accomplish.

challenging task

Highlights the stimulating and testing nature of the task.

tough task

Implies resilience and determination are needed.

grueling task

Suggests a physically or mentally exhausting task.

taxing task

Indicates that the task places a significant burden on resources or energy.

strenuous task

Similar to grueling, but can also apply to mental effort.

formidable task

Implies the task inspires respect or fear due to its difficulty.

onerous task

Highlights the burdensome and unpleasant nature of the task.

FAQs

What does "harsh task" mean?

"Harsh task" refers to a job or activity that is exceptionally difficult, unpleasant, or demanding. It often implies a significant level of discomfort or challenge.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "harsh task"?

Use "harsh task" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and unpleasantness of a particular task. It's suitable when the task requires considerable effort and resilience, and it's not just a matter of complexity or skill.

What can I say instead of "harsh task"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult task", "challenging task", "arduous task", or "demanding task", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "harsh task" more intense than "difficult task"?

Yes, "harsh task" is generally more intense than "difficult task". While a "difficult task" is simply not easy, a "harsh task" implies an added element of unpleasantness, suffering, or extreme demand.