mammoth task

USAGE SUMMARY

"mammoth task" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a particularly difficult or labor-intensive task. For example: "It was a mammoth task, but I finally finished re-painting my entire house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Curating proved a mammoth task.

The Guardian

So it's been a mammoth task".

Independent

"It was a mammoth task," Basheer said.

The New Yorker

"It was a mammoth task," Kataria recalled.

The New Yorker

"It's a mammoth task," he says.

Nature

Could that change?Mr Ahmed has a mammoth task.

The Economist

Restoring true democracy to Zimbabwe will be a mammoth task.

The Economist

"We actually told them it is a mammoth task.

The New York Times - Sports

"It has been a mammoth task," said Major Austin Lillywhite.

The Guardian

Reforming health care in India is a mammoth task.

The Washington Post

It was a mammoth task, but we have done that for the nation".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "herculean task" or "colossal undertaking" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "mammoth task" is widely accepted, it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "tough job" or "big challenge" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mammoth task" functions as a noun phrase, where "mammoth" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "task". It emphasizes the immense size or difficulty of the task at hand. Ludwig examples show it commonly describes undertakings requiring significant effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science & Research

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mammoth task" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an undertaking of significant scale and difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and choose synonyms like "herculean task" or "colossal undertaking" to add nuance. Using this phrase effectively involves recognizing its implications of effort and complexity, ensuring it aligns with the intended message and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

herculean task

Emphasizes the immense strength or effort required, similar to the mythological hero Hercules.

colossal undertaking

Highlights the massive scale and complexity of the endeavor.

formidable challenge

Focuses on the intimidating nature and difficulty of the task.

daunting endeavor

Suggests the task is overwhelming and likely to discourage.

monumental effort

Implies the task is significant and historically important.

laborious assignment

Highlights the extensive work and persistence required.

arduous undertaking

Stresses the difficulty and strenuous nature of the task.

tough job

A more informal way to describe a difficult task.

major operation

Suggests a task that involves many parts and people.

challenging project

Emphasizes the need for skill and determination to succeed.

FAQs

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

You can use "mammoth task" to describe something that requires significant effort and resources. For example, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was a "mammoth task".".

What can I say instead of "mammoth task"?

You can use alternatives like "herculean task", "colossal undertaking", or "formidable challenge" depending on the context.

Is "mammoth task" formal or informal?

"Mammoth task" is generally considered neutral to formal. While acceptable in most contexts, consider using a more informal phrase like "tough job" for casual conversations.

What makes "mammoth task" different from "difficult task"?

"Mammoth task" implies a greater scale and level of difficulty than simply a "difficult task". It suggests that the undertaking is exceptionally challenging and demanding.