principal task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important task in a given context or situation. Example: "The principal task of the project is to improve the user experience on our website."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His principal task was to keep Weizmann informed about world affairs and their bearing on Israel.

The Guardian - Books

But for now, this is not the principal task in front of us".

The Guardian

So FEMA still isn't up to carrying out its principal task.

The New York Times

"The principal task was to sell these things to somebody for cash".

The Guardian - Business

And the car succeeded in its principal task: slaying the Corvette in the market.

The New York Times

Chelsea's principal task is to go about the fixture in a normal, effective way.

The Guardian - Sport

His principal task was to model an enormous equestrian statue of the king.

The New York Times - Arts

Traditionally, curbing inflation, not worrying about deflation, has been the principal task of central bankers.

The New York Times

Part of the reason for the commission's indecision may have been the way it took on its principal task.

The New York Times

Clerici's principal task is to supply Quadri's address to the men who will carry out the killing.

The New Yorker

For years its principal task was to give structure to other wines, to beef them up, as it were.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal task", ensure that it clearly represents the most important duty or objective in the given context. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who is responsible for the task.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "principal", which means main or most important, with "principle", which means a fundamental truth or proposition. Ensure you are using the correct word based on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal task" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important duty or responsibility within a particular context. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal task" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the most important duty or objective in a given situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal and professional contexts, though it also appears frequently in news and general media. While alternatives such as "main responsibility" or "primary objective" exist, "principal task" provides a clear and direct way to highlight what is most crucial. Remember to differentiate between "principal" and "principle" to avoid common writing errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main responsibility

Focuses on the accountability aspect rather than the activity itself.

primary objective

Emphasizes the goal or aim to be achieved.

chief duty

Highlights the obligatory nature of the task.

key function

Stresses the operational role of the task.

core responsibility

Underlines that the task is at the heart of all responsibilities.

central goal

Indicates the task is a target to reach instead of a task to fulfill.

fundamental aim

Highlights basic intention for the main subject

major undertaking

Refers to the task as a project or endeavor

essential mission

Highlights that the task is vital and important to carry out.

overriding concern

Stresses the importance or urgency of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "principal task" to describe the most important responsibility or objective in a given situation. For instance, "The principal task of the project manager is to ensure the project is completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "principal task"?

You can use alternatives like "main responsibility", "primary objective", or "chief duty" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "principal task" or "primary task"?

Both "principal task" and "primary task" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Principal" emphasizes importance and rank, while "primary" highlights the order or sequence. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "principal task" and "core responsibility"?

"Principal task" refers to the main duty, while "core responsibility" suggests a foundational duty. "Core responsibility" implies a duty that is central to a role or function.