is a tough task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a tough task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or difficult assignment or job that someone has to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time is a tough task, but we are determined to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Hard to imagine, but Walsh is a tough task master.

Independent

But convincing small firms to grow is a tough task.

The Economist

Building a brand is a tough task in any country — especially in the current financial meltdown.

The New York Times

"To get an 18-year-old in a first-team environment in the Premier League is a tough task.

The Guardian - Sport

The subcontinent is massive; it is a tough task to spread enough branches and A.T.M.s, particularly profitable ones, to remote rural outposts.

The New Yorker

Measuring an economy in which the informal sector generates half of output and over nine-tenths of jobs is a tough task.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But finding members of Al Qaeda sheltering in caves, deep defiles and well-fortified underground bunkers is a tougher task.

The New York Times

For women and minorities, proving they are just as capable as their peers is a tougher task.

Science Magazine

That is a tougher task than it sounds.

Huffington Post

Turning him into the man who will cause her to call off her wedding is a tougher task.

Huffington Post

According to American hurdling star Lolo Jones, there is a tougher task that she deals with every day of her life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "challenging", "demanding", or "arduous" to vary your language and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "is a tough task" when the task is relatively simple. Overstating the difficulty can undermine your credibility and make you seem inexperienced or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a tough task" functions as a predicate nominative, where "task" is the subject complement defining the nature of something, emphasizing its difficulty. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a tough task" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that requires significant effort and skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad usability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, this expression is widely used across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context and choose more precise or formal alternatives if necessary. By being mindful of the connotations and potential overstatement, you can effectively use this phrase to convey the challenges involved in any undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a challenging endeavor

Replaces "task" with "endeavor", suggesting a more prolonged and complex undertaking. "Challenging" is a synonym for "tough".

is a difficult undertaking

Uses "difficult" instead of "tough", which is a direct synonym. "Undertaking" implies a project that requires effort.

is a demanding assignment

Substitutes "task" with "assignment", implying a specific duty. "Demanding" highlights the effort required.

presents a considerable challenge

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the challenge itself, rather than the task. "Considerable" emphasizes the magnitude of the challenge.

is no easy feat

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the difficulty, implying that success requires significant effort.

is a Herculean effort

Employs a hyperbolic expression, suggesting that the task requires immense strength and effort.

is fraught with difficulty

Focuses on the difficulties inherent in the task, emphasizing the obstacles and potential problems.

poses significant hurdles

Highlights the obstacles that must be overcome, rather than the overall difficulty of the task.

requires substantial effort

Shifts the focus to the amount of effort needed, rather than the inherent difficulty of the task.

is an uphill battle

An idiomatic expression suggesting that progress will be slow and difficult, requiring constant effort against resistance.

FAQs

What does "is a tough task" mean?

The phrase "is a tough task" means that something is difficult to achieve or requires a lot of effort and skill. It suggests that the undertaking will not be easy and may present significant challenges.

What can I say instead of "is a tough task"?

You can use alternatives like "is a challenging endeavor", "is a difficult undertaking", or "presents a considerable challenge" depending on the context.

How do I use "is a tough task" in a sentence?

You can use "is a tough task" to describe any activity that requires considerable effort and skill. For example: "Negotiating this contract is a tough task."

Is "is a tough task" formal or informal?

"Is a tough task" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "is a demanding assignment" might be preferable in certain professional settings.