is a mammoth task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a mammoth task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is extremely large, difficult, or challenging to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time is a mammoth task, given the limited resources we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Converting a garden is a mammoth task.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We actually told them it is a mammoth task.

The New York Times - Sports

Reforming health care in India is a mammoth task.

The Washington Post

As someone with a hardcore stationery habit this is a mammoth task.

The Guardian

Building up their ranger program is a "mammoth task", Dodson says.

The Guardian

Tackling plastic waste and plastic pollution is a mammoth task that must be shared.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

So it's been a mammoth task".

Independent

"It was a mammoth task," Basheer said.

The New Yorker

"It was a mammoth task," Kataria recalled.

The New Yorker

"It's a mammoth task," he says.

Nature

Restoring true democracy to Zimbabwe will be a mammoth task.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project or initiative, use "is a mammoth task" to convey the sheer scale and difficulty involved. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts and adds weight to the description.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "is a mammoth task" too frequently in very informal conversations, as it might sound overly dramatic or formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is a huge job" or "is really tough."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a mammoth task" functions as a predicate nominative, describing the subject as an extremely large and difficult undertaking. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to emphasize the scale and challenge of a particular task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a mammoth task" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe undertakings of significant scale and difficulty. Ludwig confirms its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives like "is a monumental undertaking" or "is a herculean effort" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. When using "is a mammoth task", ensure it appropriately conveys the magnitude of the situation, avoiding overly dramatic or formal tones in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a monumental undertaking

Replaces 'task' with 'undertaking', emphasizing the scale and significance of the endeavor.

is a Herculean task

Uses 'Herculean task' to highlight the power and effort required.

is a herculean effort

Uses 'Herculean effort' to highlight the strength and effort required.

is an enormous challenge

Substitutes 'mammoth task' with 'enormous challenge', focusing on the difficulty aspect.

is a colossal endeavor

Replaces 'task' with 'endeavor' and 'mammoth' with 'colossal', emphasizing the ambition and scope.

is a significant undertaking

Uses 'significant undertaking' to highlight the importance and scope of the activity.

is a major operation

Replaces 'task' with 'operation', suggesting a coordinated and complex activity.

is a considerable project

Uses 'considerable project' to highlight the scale of the project, typically over a long time.

is a formidable assignment

Replaces 'task' with 'assignment', focusing on the difficulty and scale.

is a substantial piece of work

Uses 'substantial piece of work' to emphasize the amount of work to be done.

FAQs

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

You can use "is a mammoth task" to describe any undertaking that is extremely large, difficult, or challenging. For example, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake "is a mammoth task"."

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

Alternatives include "is a monumental undertaking", "is a herculean effort", or "is an enormous challenge". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is a mammoth task" formal or informal?

"Is a mammoth task" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is slightly more common in formal writing and speech. However, in casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "is a mammoth task" and "is a big task"?

"Is a big task" is a more general way to describe a task that requires significant effort. "Is a mammoth task" implies an even larger scale and greater difficulty than "is a big task".