onerous tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onerous tasks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks that are burdensome, difficult, or require a lot of effort. Example: "The project was filled with onerous tasks that drained the team's energy and motivation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Robots have been used in laboratories for a couple of decades to perform onerous tasks.

The Guardian - Tech

These are not onerous tasks; none takes more than a few minutes out of their day.

The New York Times

There are already plenty of onerous tasks for an academic; this should not become one of them.

The Guardian

What onerous tasks are involved in getting a gun for the necessary work of rural life in Canada?

The New Yorker

He insisted on maintaining equity and mutual respect, and he saved the most onerous tasks for himself.

The New York Times

The North American enclosed mall emerged to make the onerous tasks of domestic hunting and gathering convenient and enjoyable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It seems an onerous task.

The Guardian - Opinion

TAX-PREPARATION software usually makes an onerous task easier.

The New York Times

Protecting Mr. Mandela's image has always been an onerous task.

The New York Times

Starting from scratch is an onerous task, even for experienced hands.

The Guardian

But New York's real estate market makes this an onerous task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "onerous tasks", be specific about why they are difficult or burdensome. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "onerous" in very casual or informal settings. The word carries a formal tone and may sound out of place if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous tasks" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "onerous" modifies "tasks". The adjective "onerous" as Ludwig AI describes, indicates that the tasks are burdensome or oppressive. Examples from Ludwig show it describing activities ranging from academic work to household chores.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academic sources

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onerous tasks" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe duties that are burdensome or difficult, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is most frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While synonyms like "burdensome duties" or "difficult assignments" exist, "onerous tasks" specifically emphasizes the oppressive nature of the work. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide specific context about why the tasks are considered "onerous" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdensome duties

Replaces "tasks" with "duties", implying responsibilities that are heavy to bear.

difficult assignments

Substitutes "onerous" with "difficult" and "tasks" with "assignments", focusing on the challenge involved.

challenging responsibilities

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the duties involved, using "challenging" instead of "onerous".

arduous undertakings

Replaces "onerous" with "arduous" and "tasks" with "undertakings", highlighting the effort required.

laborious chores

Focuses on the effort and labor involved, especially in routine or domestic contexts.

demanding activities

Highlights the demanding nature of the activities, implying they require significant effort and attention.

taxing endeavors

Replaces "tasks" with "endeavors", emphasizing the energy-draining nature of the work.

grueling toils

Suggests hard and exhausting work, often physical in nature.

heavy burdens

Focuses on the weight and strain imposed by the responsibilities.

formidable tasks

Uses "formidable" to describe tasks that inspire fear or respect due to their size or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "onerous tasks" in a sentence?

"Onerous tasks" are often used to describe assignments or duties that are difficult and require significant effort. For example, "The project was filled with "onerous tasks" that drained the team's energy."

What are some synonyms for "onerous tasks"?

Alternatives to "onerous tasks" include "burdensome duties", "difficult assignments", or "challenging responsibilities".

Is it appropriate to use "onerous tasks" in a formal setting?

Yes, "onerous tasks" is suitable for formal settings, especially when describing tasks that are particularly challenging or demanding. It's often found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What makes "onerous tasks" different from "difficult tasks"?

"Onerous" suggests a heavier burden and more unpleasantness than simply "difficult". While "difficult tasks" may require skill and effort, "onerous tasks" imply a sense of being taxing, oppressive, or troublesome.