monumental task

USAGE SUMMARY

"monumental task" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to describe a difficult task that is especially daunting in scope or complexity. For example: "Planning the annual company retreat was a monumental task, but we managed to pull it off without any major hiccups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's just a monumental task.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a monumental task.

The Economist

It is a monumental task.

Independent

It's a monumental task.

The New York Times

The president has a monumental task.

The New York Times

We were facing a monumental task".

The New York Times

Moving it was a monumental task.

The New York Times - Arts

How best to begin this monumental task?

The New Yorker

He added: "Developing a menu is a monumental task.

The New York Times - Food

Restoring those specimens to pristine condition was a monumental task.

The Economist

It is a monumental task that has only just begun".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "monumental task", ensure the context clearly reflects the substantial effort, resources, or time required to complete it.

Common error

Avoid using "monumental task" for simple or routine tasks. It dilutes the impact of the phrase when applied to situations that don't genuinely require extraordinary effort or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "monumental task" functions as a noun phrase, where "monumental" is an adjective modifying the noun "task". According to Ludwig, this is a common phrase in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "monumental task" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe undertakings that are large in scale, difficult to execute, and significant in impact. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, use "monumental task" to add emphasis and convey the magnitude of a challenge. Be mindful not to overuse it for routine tasks, preserving its impact for truly extraordinary situations. Alternatives such as "herculean task" or "formidable undertaking" can provide nuanced ways to express similar meanings while avoiding repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Herculean task

This phrase emphasizes the extreme difficulty and effort required, drawing a parallel to the labors of Hercules.

Formidable undertaking

This phrase highlights the challenging and daunting nature of the task.

Immense challenge

This alternative underscores the significant difficulty and scale of the task.

Colossal endeavor

This option emphasizes the grand scale and ambition of the effort.

Daunting prospect

This phrase focuses on the intimidating and discouraging aspects of the task.

Enormous responsibility

This alternative highlights the weight and significance associated with the task.

Overwhelming assignment

This phrase stresses the feeling of being burdened by the task's magnitude.

Laborious job

This highlights the hard work and the amount of time that is need to be completed.

Complex undertaking

The complexity of the task.

Significant project

The impact and importance of the project.

FAQs

What does "monumental task" mean?

The phrase "monumental task" refers to a task that is extremely large, difficult, and significant, often requiring considerable effort and resources.

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

You can use "monumental task" to describe challenges such as: "Rebuilding the city after the disaster was a "monumental task"", or "Negotiating the treaty was a "monumental task" that took years to complete".

What are some synonyms for "monumental task"?

Synonyms for "monumental task" include "herculean task", "formidable undertaking", and "immense challenge", each emphasizing different aspects of the task's difficulty and scale.

Is it appropriate to use "monumental task" in formal writing?

Yes, "monumental task" is appropriate for formal writing. It is used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe significant challenges.