manual tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manual tasks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to tasks that require physical effort or human intervention, as opposed to automated processes. Example: "The team is focusing on automating repetitive manual tasks to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Manual tasks are also vulnerable.

The Economist

arduous manual tasks to their female counterparts.

Cornell University

Foreigners, in turn, stick to manual tasks and physical labor.

The New York Times

I would like him to do silent and humble manual tasks, starting with cleaning the bathroom".

The Guardian

But many pantries and kitchens need relatively few volunteers throughout the year for manual tasks like serving soup or packing cans, and most agencies usually don't need large groups of professionals for manual tasks involved in feeding people.

The New York Times

"Silent and humble manual tasks" are not something to which Silvio Berlusconi has ever felt naturally drawn.

The Guardian

Work involving complex but manual tasks, like cleaning offices or driving trucks, became more plentiful.

The Economist

Equipment has been invented to facilitate the performance of the manual tasks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Levy and Murnane looked back over 50 years of employment in the United States and sorted jobs into five broad categories: routine manual tasks, routine cognitive tasks, non-routine manual tasks, working with new information and solving unstructured problems.

The Washington Post

There are specialized manual tasks supplementing the specialized machines both in the fields and in the processing plants.

Britannica

They can be worn individually or together to help with lifting, carrying, squatting, and other repetitive manual tasks.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of automation, clearly differentiate between tasks that require physical effort ("manual tasks") and those that involve cognitive skills.

Common error

Avoid using "manual tasks" as a blanket term for all types of work. Be specific about the skills and effort involved to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manual tasks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to activities that require physical effort and are usually performed by humans. Ludwig examples show that "manual tasks" are often contrasted with automated or cognitive processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manual tasks" refers to jobs requiring physical effort, distinguishing them from automated or cognitive processes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, be precise about the specific skills and effort involved, especially when discussing automation's impact. Remember that alternatives like "physical tasks" or "hands-on activities" might be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overgeneralization ensures clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manual labor

A more general term for physical work.

physical tasks

Emphasizes the physical aspect of the tasks.

hands-on activities

Highlights the direct involvement of the hands in performing the tasks.

labor-intensive jobs

Focuses on the amount of labor required for the jobs.

practical assignments

Suggests tasks that involve practical application of skills.

work requiring physical effort

Directly states the need for physical exertion.

operative duties

Implies tasks related to the operation of equipment or machinery.

non-automated processes

Contrasts with automated procedures, emphasizing human involvement.

human-operated functions

Highlights that the tasks are performed by humans.

tactile operations

Focuses on the sense of touch involved in the tasks.

FAQs

How to use "manual tasks" in a sentence?

You can use "manual tasks" to describe jobs that require physical effort, such as "The company is looking to automate several "routine manual tasks" to increase efficiency."

What can I say instead of "manual tasks"?

You can use alternatives like "physical tasks", "hands-on activities", or "labor-intensive jobs" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "manual tasks" or "automated tasks"?

"Manual tasks" refers to tasks performed by humans, while "automated tasks" are performed by machines. They are opposites.

What's the difference between "manual tasks" and "cognitive tasks"?

"Manual tasks" involve physical effort and skill, while "cognitive tasks" involve mental processes such as thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.