lighten the task

USAGE SUMMARY

"lighten the task" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when referring to work or a task that needs to be done, and you want to make it easier or simpler. For example, "Let's try to lighten the task by dividing it up among our group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I'm personally delighted by the repeal, and I do have the feeling it will lighten the task of our committee," said Ewart Thomas, a psychology professor who heads the committee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A beast of burden can lighten the walker's task considerably – in theory.

Independent

Once learned, this representation is applied to the labeled data X l resulting in a new set of features which lighten the supervised learning task.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Personalized apps help lighten the load by simplifying tasks into clicks and hyper-focusing information delivery so employees can enjoy time off without stressing about work.

HuffPost

One reason for the difference might be that occupational health physicians, who work in close co-operation with the work places, can offer options to modify and lighten the patient's work tasks or to arrange work rehabilitation, so that the patient can return to work earlier.

BMC Health Services Research

Paris says that he thinks this can be a win-win for both eCommerce retailers (and startups like TaskRabbit), as Astrid's users are inherently people with full plates, looking to manage their tasks and lighten the loads.

TechCrunch

However, filling the shoes of Edinson Cavani will be a huge task and he will rely on players such as Callejon and Mertens to lighten the load.

Independent

Many hands lighten the load.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Friskier passages lighten the mood.

The New York Times

Let's lighten the mood.

The Guardian - Sport

So find ways to lighten the mood.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lighten the task", consider the specific aspect of the task you want to make easier. For example, focus on simplifying steps, reducing workload, or improving efficiency.

Common error

While "lighten the task" is generally correct, be mindful of overusing it in overly casual settings. Sometimes, simpler language like "make it easier" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lighten the task" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of making a task less difficult or burdensome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used when referring to work or a task that needs to be done and you want to make it easier or simpler.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lighten the task" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe making a job or duty less difficult. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests simplifying processes or reducing workload. While understandable in informal settings, it's most frequently used in news, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "simplify the task" or "reduce the workload" can provide similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis. When using the phrase, it is important to consider what you want to make easier, by simplifying steps or increasing efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simplify the task

Emphasizes making the task less complex or easier to understand.

ease the burden of the task

Focuses on reducing the difficulty or stress associated with the task.

reduce the workload

Specifically targets decreasing the amount of work required.

make the task less onerous

Highlights the unpleasantness or difficulty of the task.

alleviate the task's difficulty

Addresses reducing the level of challenge involved.

streamline the process

Focuses on making the task more efficient and less complicated.

expedite the task

Emphasizes speeding up the completion of the task.

facilitate the task

Highlights making the task easier to accomplish or carry out.

make the task more manageable

Focuses on making the task easier to control or handle.

mitigate the task's complexity

Specifically aims to reduce the intricacy or complicated nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "lighten the task" to describe making a job or duty easier. For example, "Dividing responsibilities will "lighten the task" for everyone involved."

What are some alternatives to "lighten the task"?

Alternatives include "simplify the task", "ease the burden", or "reduce the workload", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "lighten the task" or "make the task lighter"?

"Lighten the task" is generally preferred as it's more idiomatic. While "make the task lighter" is understandable, it's less common and can sound slightly awkward.

In what situations is "lighten the task" most appropriate?

"Lighten the task" is suitable in professional, academic, and news-related contexts when discussing strategies to make work or responsibilities easier to manage. It can also be used with friends and family.