is a difficult task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a difficult task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a challenge or a job that requires significant effort or skill to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time is a difficult task, given the limited resources we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that is a difficult task.

The Economist

Finding those genes, however, is a difficult task.

The New York Times - Science

To sustain such an odd voice is a difficult task.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, projecting rookies is a difficult task.

The New York Times

"To impress somebody now is a difficult task".

The New York Times

Certainly this is a difficult task, but taking the easy way out only worsens the problem.

The New York Times

That is a difficult task, Ms. Manber said, "because men really aren't joiners".

The New York Times

To simultaneously participate, observe and process history through all of one's biases is a difficult task.

The Guardian - Music

But it is a difficult task, as General Musharraf acknowledged today.

The New York Times

"It is a difficult task," he said, "but we are going to do our best".

The New York Times

"Combining that with preservation is a difficult task, a tricky thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a difficult task", be specific about what makes the task difficult. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty of a task. Using hyperbole can undermine your credibility. Instead, provide a balanced assessment of the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a difficult task" functions as a predicate nominative, where "task" renames the subject. Ludwig shows it's used to identify and characterize something as requiring significant effort. The phrase connects a subject to a condition of being challenging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a difficult task" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an undertaking that requires significant effort. According to Ludwig, it is found in various sources, including news, science, and general media, suggesting its versatility. While straightfoward, it is important to consider the specific context to determine whether a more precise alternative, such as "presents a significant challenge", might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid exaggeration and clarify what makes the task difficult to enhance clarity and impact. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a readily usable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents a significant challenge

Focuses on the challenge aspect rather than explicitly labeling it as a "task".

is fraught with challenges

Highlights the multitude of challenges inherent in the task.

poses considerable difficulty

Emphasizes the level of difficulty involved.

is a tough undertaking

Uses "tough" as a synonym for "difficult" and "undertaking" for "task".

is a demanding endeavor

Replaces "task" with "endeavor", highlighting the effort required.

is a complex matter

Highlights the complexity inherent in the task.

requires substantial effort

Shifts the focus to the effort needed to complete the task.

is no easy feat

Uses a more informal idiom to convey the difficulty.

is easier said than done

An idiomatic expression implying the difficulty in carrying out a task, even if it sounds simple.

is an uphill battle

An idiomatic phrase that illustrates the struggle and difficulty in a particular task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is a difficult task" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "presents a significant challenge" or "poses considerable difficulty".

What are some less formal ways to say "is a difficult task"?

Informal alternatives include "is no easy feat" or "is a tough undertaking", which add a more casual tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is a difficult task"?

Use "is a difficult task" when you want to straightforwardly state that something requires considerable effort, skill, or resources to accomplish. It's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers.

Is there a difference between saying "is a difficult task" and "is a challenging task"?

While both convey that something is not easy, "difficult" emphasizes the effort required, whereas "challenging" suggests that the task also offers opportunities for growth or learning. Choose the word that best reflects the specific nuance you intend to convey.