primary task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'primary task' is well-formed and acceptable in standard written English.
You can use the phrase when you are referring to the most important task in a sequence or process. For example: "Focusing on safety is our primary task when working with hazardous materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prevention is the primary task.

Independent

Their primary task is to build features.

Harvard Business Review

Our greatest primary task is to put people to work.

The Guardian

A primary task of leadership is to direct attention.

Harvard Business Review

"Fifa's primary task is to prevent match-fixing.

Independent

Lithofacies identification is a primary task in reservoir characterization.

Computers & Geosciences

The Speaker's primary task will be to keep the government operating.

The New Yorker

It is struggling to fulfill its primary task: to draft a new constitution by mid-August.

The New Yorker

It will require the primary task of all analysis, which is the making of distinctions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stemming the Democratic panic was the primary task of this speech.

The Guardian

Why do high-powered executives and celebrities use human assistants as their primary "task management system"?

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is key, "primary task" is superior to alternatives because its meaning is unequivocal.

Common error

Avoid diluting the importance of the "primary task" by listing too many other tasks alongside it. A true primary task should stand out as the most critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary task" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most important duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in defining roles and objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary task" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the notion of a most important duty or responsibility. Ludwig's AI analysis, confirmed by numerous real-world examples, shows that this phrase is suitable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using "primary task", ensure you clearly define what the most important task is and avoid diluting its significance by listing too many secondary tasks. Alternatives like "main responsibility" or "chief duty" can be used, but "primary task" provides a direct and unequivocal clarity. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it a versatile choice for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main responsibility

Focuses on the aspect of duty rather than a specific task.

chief duty

Emphasizes the importance and ranking of the duty.

principal objective

Shifts the focus to the intended outcome or goal.

core function

Highlights the essential activity or operation.

central mission

Suggests a broader, more strategic goal.

key undertaking

Emphasizes the commitment and effort involved.

major priority

Highlights the importance and urgency of the task.

first concern

Indicates what should be considered before all else.

overriding obligation

Stresses the mandatory and compelling nature of the task.

essential role

Focuses on the crucial part played in a process or system.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "primary task" in a sentence?

To use "primary task" effectively, clearly define what the most important task is within a given context. For instance, "The "primary task" of a firefighter is to save lives."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "primary task"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "main responsibility", "chief duty", or "principal objective" to convey a similar meaning. Consider also "core function" or "central mission".

Is it acceptable to use "primary task" in formal writing?

Yes, "primary task" is perfectly acceptable and commonly used in formal writing, including academic papers, business reports, and news articles. It's a clear and direct way to indicate the most important responsibility or duty.

What's the difference between "primary task" and "secondary task"?

"Primary task" refers to the most important or main task, while "secondary task" refers to a task that is less important or subordinate. It's crucial to differentiate between them to prioritize efforts effectively.