paper-pushing tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

"paper-pushing tasks" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to administrative or bureaucratic tasks that involve a lot of paperwork or routine processes. Example: "I spent the entire day on paper-pushing tasks instead of focusing on my main project." Alternative expressions include "administrative tasks" and "clerical duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With investors and regulators demanding more transparency, hedge fund managers may find it a blessing to hand paper-pushing tasks to someone else.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a cathartic expression of the frustration that comes from living in a city where the most menial tasks are often infused with the paper-pushing, stamp-stamping and time-wasting so loved by Russia's bureaucracy.

The Guardian

The results demonstrated that handle rotation and tilt angles affected pushing strength and should be taken into consideration when evaluating or designing pushing tasks.

Applied Ergonomics

External perturbations during pushing tasks have been suggested to be a risk factor for low-back symptoms.

Journal of Biomechanics

It's in paper pushing.

The Washington Post

There is still too much paper pushing in our business.

Harvard Business Review

Eleven female industrial workers performed a 40-min treadmill pushing task in the context of a larger experiment and two 2-h push cart tasks with a unique water loading system.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

The results indicated that females were more resistant to muscular fatigue than males in the pushing task.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Forget paper pushing.

Forbes

Both papers pushed back against such claims.

Huffington Post

Using toilet paper push the toilet handle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paper-pushing tasks", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, "administrative duties" or "clerical work" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "paper-pushing tasks" in highly formal documents or presentations. Opt for more professional terms like "administrative responsibilities" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paper-pushing tasks" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig identifies it as referring to routine administrative or bureaucratic duties, often implying tediousness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paper-pushing tasks" is a grammatically sound phrase referring to routine administrative duties, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig's analysis indicates that its usage is more common in news and media, as well as science, though less frequent overall. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "administrative duties" or "clerical work". The AI analysis confirms the phrase is usable in written English, although, considering all aspects, is better to use formal alternatives if possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative duties

Replaces "paper-pushing" with a more formal term, focusing on the administrative aspect.

clerical work

Focuses on the office-related and often routine nature of the tasks.

bureaucratic procedures

Highlights the adherence to established rules and protocols.

routine paperwork

Emphasizes the repetitive and documentary nature of the work.

tedious administrative tasks

Adds a negative connotation, highlighting the monotonous aspect.

office administration

Broader term encompassing various administrative responsibilities.

documentation processing

Focuses on the handling and managing of documents.

form-filling exercises

Highlights the action of completing forms as a primary task.

compliance-related tasks

Emphasizes adherence to regulations and standards.

organizational tasks

Focuses on actions to organize and keep an institution operating.

FAQs

How can I use "paper-pushing tasks" in a sentence?

"Paper-pushing tasks" typically refer to routine administrative or bureaucratic duties. For example, "The new software aims to automate many of the tedious "paper-pushing tasks" that consume employees' time".

What are some alternatives to "paper-pushing tasks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "administrative duties", "clerical work", or "bureaucratic procedures".

Is "paper-pushing tasks" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "paper-pushing tasks" may sound informal. For formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "administrative responsibilities" or "compliance-related tasks".

What is the difference between "paper-pushing tasks" and "administrative tasks"?

"Paper-pushing tasks" often implies a negative connotation, suggesting the work is tedious and unproductive. "Administrative tasks" is a more neutral term that encompasses a broader range of duties.