ordinary task

USAGE SUMMARY

"ordinary task" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a routine assignment or responsibility. For example, "The team had to complete an ordinary task: tidying up the office before heading home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Probably during some ordinary task of the day this scene flashed into my mind's eye.

The Guardian - Books

In the midst of an ordinary task, Whitacre will suddenly, and without cause, take off into bizarrely detailed ruminations — most strangely, one about the inappropriateness of Japanese men in suits buying used girls' panties on the street.

The New Yorker

He saw nothing odd or improper in dealing with the most exalted subjects and then turning to the more ordinary task of telling students to avoid jargon and cliches, and advising them about quotations and footnotes.

The Guardian

Yes, our vocabulary today included chore - a boring, ordinary task you do regularly.

BBC

But as we all know, life admin is necessary but it can be a bit of a chore – a boring, ordinary task you do regularly.

BBC

Therefore, energy consumption and performance are a function of the characteristics of the workload and the architectural elements, and thus, estimating these metrics is not an ordinary task.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Trouble completing ordinary tasks.

Harvard University

"Even very ordinary tasks are dangerous these days," he said.

The New York Times

She was dependent on oxygen, and unable to do the most ordinary tasks.

The New Yorker

Most plumbers charge by the hour — usually between $45 and $200 — for ordinary tasks, according to HomeAdvisor.

The New York Times

When he is dead, she will, with luck, still be here doing her ordinary tasks among the flowerbeds.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary task" to clearly convey that an activity is routine and not particularly challenging or noteworthy.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "ordinary task" too frequently in highly formal writing. Consider more sophisticated synonyms like "routine assignment" or "standard procedure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "ordinary" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing commonplace activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordinary task" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to describe a routine or commonplace activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to consider the level of formality required for your writing. For more formal settings, synonyms such as "routine assignment" or "standard procedure" might be more appropriate. However, for general communication, "ordinary task" serves as a clear and concise way to convey the simplicity and unexceptional nature of the activity at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

routine assignment

Emphasizes the expected and regular nature of the task.

common chore

Highlights the repetitive and often less desirable aspect of the task.

typical activity

Focuses on the task being representative of a standard set of actions.

everyday responsibility

Stresses the habitual and obligatory nature of the task.

standard procedure

Suggests the task is part of an established and formal process.

regular duty

Similar to routine assignment, highlighting the scheduled nature.

run-of-the-mill job

Implies the task is unexceptional and unremarkable.

mundane activity

Highlights the boring and uninteresting nature of the task.

basic function

Suggests the task is a fundamental and essential operation.

simple undertaking

Focuses on the ease and straightforwardness of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinary task" to describe a routine or commonplace activity. For example, "Completing this "common chore" is part of her daily routine."

What are some alternatives to "ordinary task"?

Alternatives include "routine assignment", "common chore", or "typical activity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "ordinary task" might sound too informal in some contexts. Consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "standard procedure" for a more professional tone.

What does "ordinary task" mean?

"Ordinary task" refers to a routine or commonplace activity that is not particularly challenging or noteworthy. It's a simple and direct way to describe something that is part of everyday life.