lead the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead the task" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone is taking charge or directing a specific task or project, but it is more typical to say "lead the team" or "lead the project." Example: "As the project manager, I will lead the task of developing the new software application."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Brand said the N.C.A.A. vice president, David Berst, will lead the task force.

The New York Times - Sports

But in January, Governor Pataki passed over Mr. Wilkey, a Democrat, to lead the task force, and instead tapped Mr. Wilkey's deputy, Peter S. Kosinski, a Republican.

The New York Times

The Defense Department on Wednesday named Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, who commanded Special Operations forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, to lead the task force.

The New York Times

Mr. Ban, who will lead the task force, said its first priority would be to meet the $755 million shortfall in financing for the World Food Program.

The New York Times

(The effort collapsed after legislative leaders declined to participate and it was revealed that the man Ashcroft had named to lead the task force had been accused of domestic violence).

The New Yorker

"This is a man who has appointed women as national security adviser, as White House counsel, as budget director and to lead the task of implementing our single most important domestic policy accomplishment," namely Mr. Obama's health care law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Allen Frances, a former chairman of the psychiatry department at Duke University School of Medicine, led the task force that produced D.S.M.-4.

The New York Times

Dr. Spitzer led the task force that in 1973 removed homosexuality from the official list of mental disorders contained in the psychiatric association's diagnostic manual.

The New York Times

He hopes to draw on all of his experiences as he leads the task force's effort to mend relations between the police and Bronx residents.

The New York Times

Thorgerson's former colleague at the design company Hipgnosis, Aubrey "Po" Powell led the task of finding an image which would carry on his legacy.

The Guardian - Music

"In the past, overseas Chinese dared not say they were of Chinese origin," said Mr. Liu, who led the task force that spent six months hunting the culprits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing responsibilities in a formal setting, consider using more common alternatives such as "manage the project" or "oversee the task" instead of "lead the task" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "lead the task" repeatedly in formal reports or business communications. Vary your language with synonyms like "manage", "oversee", or "direct" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead the task" functions as a verb phrase, where "lead" is the verb indicating the action of guiding or directing, and "the task" is the noun phrase specifying what is being led. Ludwig indicates that it's acceptable but less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lead the task" is an acceptable, but not overly common, way to describe directing a specific duty. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests that while grammatically sound, it is often perceived as less polished than alternatives like "manage the task" or "oversee the task". Its usage spans various contexts, from news to science, but it's crucial to consider the audience and choose the most appropriate wording for clarity and impact. To improve your writing, remember that while "lead the task" isn't wrong, opting for more conventional synonyms can often enhance the professionalism and readability of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage the task

Focuses on the administrative aspects of guiding a task.

oversee the task

Implies a supervisory role in ensuring the task is completed correctly.

spearhead the task

Suggests taking a leading and energetic role in driving the task forward.

head up the task

A more informal way of saying to be in charge of the task.

guide the task

Emphasizes providing direction and assistance throughout the task.

direct the task

Implies giving instructions and controlling the execution of the task.

take charge of the task

Highlights the act of assuming responsibility and control.

coordinate the task

Focuses on organizing and synchronizing different aspects of the task.

supervise the task

Suggests monitoring the task's progress and ensuring quality.

handle the task

Implies dealing with and managing all aspects of the task efficiently.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "lead the task"?

You can use alternatives like "manage the task", "oversee the task", or "direct the task" depending on the context.

Is "lead the task" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "lead the task" is less common. It's more conventional to say "lead the team" or use alternatives such as "manage the task".

How can I use "lead the task" in a sentence?

You can use "lead the task" to describe someone taking charge of a specific task. For example, "She will lead the task of gathering data for the project."

What's the difference between "lead the task" and "manage the task"?

"Lead the task" emphasizes direction and guidance, while "manage the task" focuses on the administrative and organizational aspects.