little task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or minor job or assignment that is not particularly demanding. Example: "I have a little task for you to complete before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

On completing this little task, it is definitely time to wave for the check.

The New York Times - Food

"There's this backward little type, and he's doing some gray little task and believing like they tell him," she wrote, describing a quintessential Tiptree plot.

The New York Times - Books

At the history's core is Clois Herndon, 75, who was just shy of 30 when the lawyer John Ruffin Jr., a civil rights activist, told him, "I need you to go on a little task for us".

The New York Times - Sports

Now Bader had one more little task -- getting money.

Huffington Post

As an overachiever I know you think only you can do the job and every single little task.

Huffington Post

Especially if you're feeling overwhelmed, picking one little task to improve your situation, and doing it regularly, can help you regain a sense of control.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I set myself little tasks, like a bored housewife.

The New York Times

I am given useful tips to get the job done: chop it up into little tasks.

The New York Times

All, he points out, are "little tasks that I can complete without having to pull out and hold my phone".

The Guardian - Tech

There are little tasks to do if you feel like it, but they lurk in the background.

The Guardian - Tech

She loved these little tasks, making cushion covers, installing a new toilet seat and a showerhead, putting up posters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delegating responsibilities, use "little task" to downplay the difficulty and make it more appealing to the assignee.

Common error

Avoid using "little task" when the job actually requires significant effort or skill, as this can be misleading and demotivating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little task" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "little" modifies the noun "task". It describes the size or importance of the task. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little task" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a small or simple assignment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate and well suited for general use. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally acceptable, more formal situations might call for alternatives like "minor assignment". This analysis provides practical writing guidance, emphasizing the importance of correctly representing task difficulty to avoid miscommunication. Therefore, you can use "little task" with confidence in numerous contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small job

Replaces "task" with "job", emphasizing the work aspect.

minor assignment

Substitutes "little" with "minor" and "task" with "assignment", highlighting the level of importance.

simple duty

Replaces both words with near synonyms.

easy chore

Uses "chore" instead of "task", implying a routine or domestic responsibility and "easy" instead of "little", emphasizing lack of difficulty.

trivial matter

Replaces "little" with "trivial" and "task" with "matter", shifting the focus to insignificance.

insignificant undertaking

Conveys the small scale nature of a job.

petite endeavor

Replaces the words with synonyms, while keeping the focus on the simplicity of the work.

modest activity

This option focuses on describing the amount of work.

slight responsibility

Highlights the aspect of duty in a soft way.

small piece of work

Expands the phrase for clarity, emphasizing the work component and small scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "little task" to describe a minor or simple job. For example, "I have a "little task" for you to complete before the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "little task"?

Alternatives include "small job", "minor assignment", or "simple duty", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "little task" in a formal setting?

While "little task" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "minor assignment" or "small project" in professional contexts.

What is the difference between "little task" and "big task"?

"Little task" refers to a small, easy-to-manage job, while "big task" implies a more complex and demanding undertaking.