ordinary tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

'ordinary tasks' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to everyday tasks that are not especially difficult or complex. Example sentence: I completed my ordinary tasks for the day before settling down to enjoy some leisure time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 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

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

The Guardian - Books

It may result, instead, from self-absorption and the inability to pay attention to the ordinary tasks at hand.

Harvard Business Review

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a disability or illness, use "ordinary tasks" to highlight the contrast between previously simple actions and current challenges.

Common error

Avoid replacing "ordinary tasks" with overly verbose alternatives. Simplicity and clarity often have a greater impact when emphasizing the routine nature of the actions.

Linguistic Context

"Ordinary tasks" functions as a noun phrase where "ordinary" modifies the noun "tasks". This phrase generally acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing everyday or routine activities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordinary tasks" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe routine activities. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. Its function is typically to highlight the impact of certain conditions or circumstances that make these everyday activities challenging. When writing, remember that while alternatives exist, the straightforward nature of "ordinary tasks" is often the most effective way to convey the intended meaning. "Ordinary tasks" allows writers to underscore the contrast between activities that are typically simple and the difficulties individuals may face in performing them. Therefore, it's a powerful tool for emphasizing the impact of various conditions on daily life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyday activities

Focuses on the daily recurrence of the tasks.

routine duties

Emphasizes the habitual and expected nature of the tasks.

commonplace chores

Highlights the ordinariness and sometimes tedious aspect of the tasks.

typical responsibilities

Stresses the obligatory nature of these tasks.

usual undertakings

A more formal way of referring to standard tasks.

daily grind

Emphasizes the monotonous and laborious aspects of the tasks.

mundane activities

Highlights the lack of excitement or interest in the tasks.

basic functions

Focuses on the fundamental and essential nature of the tasks.

regular assignments

Implies a structured and assigned set of tasks.

standard procedures

Emphasizes the established and formalized way of doing things.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinary tasks" to describe routine activities. For example, "Even "ordinary tasks" became difficult after the injury."

What is a good substitute for "ordinary tasks"?

Alternatives include "everyday activities", "routine duties", or "commonplace chores", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See other alternatives "routine duties".

Is it better to say "ordinary tasks" or "daily tasks"?

"Ordinary tasks" and "daily tasks" are quite similar. "Ordinary tasks" emphasizes the unexceptional nature of the activities, while "daily tasks" emphasizes their frequency. The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does difficulty performing "ordinary tasks" relate to quality of life?

Difficulty performing "ordinary tasks" is often used as an indicator of reduced quality of life, especially in studies related to aging or chronic illness, because it indicates a loss of independence and physical well-being.