is a daunting task

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a daunting task" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a difficult or challenging undertaking. Here are some examples: - "Becoming a doctor is a daunting task that requires years of hard work and dedication." - "Writing a novel can be a daunting task, but with determination and perseverance, it can also be incredibly rewarding." - "For many, public speaking is a daunting task that evokes feelings of anxiety and nervousness." - "Managing a team of diverse personalities is a daunting task, but a skilled leader can turn it into a successful and productive group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reassembling Congo is a daunting task.

The Economist

The group biography is a daunting task.

Independent

Comprehensively deepening reform is a daunting task".

Independent

Proving their worth is a daunting task.

The Economist

His is a daunting task.

The New York Times

It is a daunting task.

The New York Times

Reviewing baking books is a daunting task.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Naming a baby is a daunting task.

The New York Times

Picking out a few favorites is a daunting task.

The New Yorker

Increasing civic engagement is a daunting task with real constraints.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We understand the task is a daunting task.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is a daunting task", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the task is considered daunting. Providing specific reasons or challenges helps the reader understand the magnitude of the undertaking.

Common error

While "is a daunting task" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to express the difficulty in a different way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a daunting task" functions as a predicative expression, where "daunting task" serves as a subject complement describing the nature of the subject. The phrase characterizes a task as formidable and challenging, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a daunting task" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an undertaking perceived as challenging or overwhelming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic sources, indicating its versatility. Alternatives such as "presents a considerable challenge" or "is a formidable challenge" can provide stylistic variation. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly explains why the task is daunting. While useful, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a formidable challenge

Emphasizes the challenging aspect, using "formidable" to indicate a significant obstacle.

is a herculean task

A task that requires immense effort and strength, akin to the labors of Hercules.

poses a significant difficulty

Substitutes "daunting task" with a more formal expression highlighting the difficulty involved.

is a considerable undertaking

It is used to describe something that requires a lot of effort and planning.

presents a considerable challenge

Replaces "daunting task" with a more formal synonym for "challenge" and uses "presents" to emphasize the act of posing a challenge.

presents a tough challenge

Indicates that something is difficult, but still possible to achieve.

represents a major undertaking

Replaces "daunting task" with the more formal "major undertaking", emphasizing the scale of the project.

requires a monumental effort

Highlights the scale of effort needed, using "monumental" to convey the immensity.

is no small feat

This idiom replaces the direct description with an understatement, implying the difficulty through negation.

is a Herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense effort required, referencing the mythological hero Hercules.

FAQs

How can I use "is a daunting task" in a sentence?

You can use "is a daunting task" to describe any undertaking that seems difficult or intimidating. For example, "Climbing Mount Everest is a daunting task" or "Learning a new language is a daunting task".

What are some alternatives to "is a daunting task"?

Alternatives include "is a formidable challenge", "presents a significant difficulty", or "represents a major undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is a daunting task" formal or informal?

"Is a daunting task" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative.

What makes a task "daunting"?

A task is "daunting" when it seems overwhelming due to its complexity, size, or potential for failure. It often involves a significant amount of effort, skill, or risk.