lengthy task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that requires a significant amount of time or effort to complete. Example: "Completing the project report was a lengthy task that took several weeks to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Ms Sigurdardottir embarked on the lengthy task of negotiating membership.

The Economist

The outgoing government embarked on the lengthy task of negotiating membership.

The Economist

Leaving the Paris Agreement itself is an easy, but lengthy, task.

The Washington Post

I don't think we realised quite what a task, or a lengthy task, we were taking on".

The Guardian

However, arranging curriculum is a difficult and lengthy task which enterprises traditionally devote a large amount of human and material resources to.

Expert Systems with Applications

Wilson has described the lengthy task of realising his magnum opus in The Design and Construction of the British Library (1998), revealing some of the traumatic process.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

However, most previous TCD-BCI studies have performed offline analyses with impractically lengthy tasks.

Neuroscience Research

One might seek to extend this to multiple parameters, in which case subjects could be facing very difficult and lengthy tasks.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

This is likely due to the cumbersome and lengthy tasks associated with the individual extraction,, separation and quantitation of lipids and their corresponding subclasses.

Dermato-Endocrinology

There's now so much data out there in the world that we try to provide the key facts for each story - and finding the right information can be as much of a lengthy journalistic task as finding the right interviewee for an article.

The Guardian

A subsequent investigation by the British Bombing Research Mission concluded that the entrances had been heavily blocked and that it would be a very difficult and lengthy engineering task to reinstate them.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "lengthy task", provide context about why it's lengthy – is it due to complexity, scale, or required precision? This adds clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy task" as a vague placeholder. Replace it with more descriptive language that specifies the nature of the task and the reasons for its duration. For example, instead of "the lengthy task of data analysis", try "the data analysis, which involved weeks of sifting through complex records".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy task" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "lengthy" modifies the noun "task". It describes the characteristic of the task, emphasizing its duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common construction used to describe tasks that take a significant amount of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lengthy task" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an activity requiring significant time and effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used and understood. While generally neutral in tone, more formal synonyms may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting its broad applicability. When using "lengthy task", consider providing specific details about the reasons for its duration to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time-consuming endeavor

Replaces "task" with "endeavor" implying a more significant undertaking.

prolonged activity

Focuses on the extended duration of the activity.

extensive project

Emphasizes the scope and scale of the project.

extended assignment

Suitable when referring to work or school assignments.

protracted process

Highlights the drawn-out nature of the process.

laborious undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved.

demanding operation

Suggests the task requires significant resources and attention.

arduous chore

Highlights the difficulty and unpleasantness.

tedious job

Focuses on the monotonous and potentially boring nature of the task.

long drawn-out affair

More informal, emphasizing the unpleasant length.

FAQs

How can I use "lengthy task" in a sentence?

You can use "lengthy task" to describe any activity that takes a considerable amount of time or effort. For example, "Negotiating the contract proved to be a "lengthy task".".

What can I say instead of "lengthy task"?

Alternatives include "time-consuming endeavor", "prolonged activity", or "extensive project", depending on the context.

Is "lengthy task" formal or informal?

"Lengthy task" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "protracted process" may be more appropriate for academic or professional settings.

What makes a task "lengthy"?

A task might be considered "lengthy" due to its complexity, the amount of data involved, the need for meticulous attention to detail, or external factors that cause delays.