insignificant task

USAGE SUMMARY

"insignificant task" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a task or job that is not important or does not require much effort. For example, "She was given an insignificant task to complete while she waited for the meeting to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Not an insignificant task.

The Guardian

But influencing the current trajectory will be no insignificant task.

The Guardian

Think registering your business sounds like a perfunctory and insignificant task?

The New York Times

Steering a company that's moving forward at such a velocity is not an insignificant task.

Forbes

It's not an insignificant task to attend book clubs.

Huffington Post

He is charged with the not insignificant task of bringing the Green Bay Way to South Beach.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She explains that multi-taskers frequently fritter away their energy on many small and insignificant tasks, while neglecting the bigger, more important ones.

Forbes

But, oddly enough, it wasn't until I began experimenting with the practice of "personal outsourcing" that I truly realized how much my addiction to insignificant tasks was actually hindering my effectiveness.

Forbes

If anything, this way would create less risk of transmitting disease, as well as achieving the not-insignificant task of stemming a prejudice that is systemic.

Vice

If anything, this way would create less risk of transmitting disease, as well as achieving the not-insignificant task of stemming a prejudice that is systemic in the current setup.

Vice

It adds an additional overhead of around 3% to memory operations during the period, which is insignificant considering the task it performs.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "insignificant task" when you want to downplay the importance or complexity of a job, ensuring it doesn't overshadow more critical priorities. It is particularly effective in contexts where clarity and prioritization are key.

Common error

Avoid using "insignificant task" in highly formal or critical reports. Opt for more neutral language like "routine task" or "standard procedure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insignificant task" functions as a noun phrase where "insignificant" modifies the noun "task". According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It commonly describes a job or duty that is not important or requires little effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insignificant task" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a job or duty of little importance. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for written English. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, its applications span across News & Media and scientific contexts, where it serves to downplay the relevance or complexity of certain actions or duties. To ensure appropriateness, consider using synonyms like "trivial task" or "minor undertaking" in more formal settings. Remember to avoid overusing it in environments requiring a high degree of formality, opting instead for neutral terms like "routine task".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial task

Focuses on the lack of importance and simplicity of the task.

minor undertaking

Emphasizes the small scale and effort required.

small job

Highlights the size and limited scope of the work.

unimportant assignment

Directly states the lack of significance of the assignment.

negligible duty

Indicates that the duty is so small it can be disregarded.

petty chore

Implies the task is menial and somewhat irritating.

piddling task

Suggests the task is trifling and a waste of time.

inconsequential activity

Focuses on the lack of any real consequence from the activity.

insignificant detail

Highlights the low importance in the broader scope.

nonessential function

Emphasizes that the function is not vital or required.

FAQs

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

You can use "insignificant task" to describe duties that are minor or unimportant, for example, "He was assigned the "insignificant task" of sorting mail while the team focused on the main project".

What are some alternatives to "insignificant task"?

Depending on the context, you could use "trivial task", "minor undertaking", or "small job" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "insignificant task" in a professional setting?

While "insignificant task" is grammatically correct, consider using a more neutral term like "routine task" or "standard procedure" in formal environments to avoid sounding dismissive. Always adapt your vocabulary to the audience and situation.

What's the difference between "insignificant task" and "unimportant task"?

Both phrases convey a lack of importance, but "insignificant task" might suggest the task is so small as to be negligible, while "unimportant task" simply means it doesn't carry much weight or consequence.