overwhelming task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that is too difficult or complex to deal with. For example: "The project manager was faced with an overwhelming task of completing the project on an extremely tight deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it's such an overwhelming task.

The New York Times

"Being a caretaker," Mrs. Johnson said, "is an overwhelming task".

The New York Times

Making sense of them all is an overwhelming task.

Harvard Business Review

While sometimes this may seem like an overwhelming task, there are many rewards to doing so.

University of California, Berkeley

Trying to change school meals, however, can be an overwhelming task.

The Guardian

It becomes an overwhelming task, like having to remake the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is the problem itself that has been an overwhelming task for a new researcher or application engineer to comprehend.

Composites Part B: Engineering

However, manually identifying crosscutting concerns, candidate to be rendered as aspects, in large legacy systems can be an overwhelming task.

Knowledge-Based Systems

It is an overwhelming task to address all the failures due to the limited resources and time constraints.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

THOUGH Ben Phillips had occasionally considered buying a home, "it always seemed to be a daunting, overwhelming task," he said.

The New York Times

Budgeting can be an overwhelming task, so you may want to employ the services of a financial adviser to help.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When faced with a task that seems like an "overwhelming task", break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach can make the overall project feel less daunting and more achievable.

Common error

While "overwhelming task" is a useful descriptor, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "daunting challenge" or "formidable undertaking" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming task" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". It describes the nature of the task by emphasizing its difficulty or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming task" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a job or responsibility that seems too difficult or complex. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. As evidenced by the numerous examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When facing an "overwhelming task", consider breaking it down into smaller steps. While a useful descriptor, remember to vary your language with synonyms like "daunting challenge" or "formidable undertaking" to avoid repetition and enrich your writing. The phrase effectively communicates the feeling of being daunted, emphasizing the magnitude and potential stress associated with the task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating nature of the task.

formidable undertaking

Highlights the significant effort and resources required.

herculean effort

Implies a task of immense strength and difficulty.

mammoth assignment

Focuses on the enormous size and scope of the task.

monumental project

Suggests a task of great significance and lasting impact.

arduous endeavor

Stresses the strenuous and tiring nature of the task.

complex undertaking

Emphasizes the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the task.

challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and need for skill in the task.

difficult assignment

A simpler way to express the challenging nature of the task.

onerous responsibility

Focuses on the burdensome and demanding aspects of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "overwhelming task" to describe a job or responsibility that feels too large or difficult to handle. For example, "Managing the company's finances felt like an "overwhelming task" at times".

What are some alternatives to saying "overwhelming task"?

Alternatives include "daunting challenge", "formidable undertaking", or "herculean effort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "overwhelming task" or "insurmountable task"?

An "overwhelming task" feels very difficult, but still possible. An "insurmountable task" is one that seems impossible to overcome. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the perceived feasibility of the task.

What makes a task an "overwhelming task"?

A task becomes an "overwhelming task" when its size, complexity, or emotional weight makes it difficult to even begin. Breaking it down into smaller steps can make it less daunting.