put to task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put to task" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the process of assigning someone a duty or task to perform. Example sentence: The manager put the new employee to task, assigning him a number of projects to work on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I argue that the landscape comes to appear in the world as it is put to task.

Geoforum

But I do think that labor is expensive in the Bay Area, and if you can put to task machines that address the problem of labor, then you're helping to solve the problem.

University of California, Berkeley

Today, we have much better machine learning technology which could be put to task trying to spot a burglary.

Forbes

Finally, students are put to task during the practical stage where students are placed with a porn star and taught the most common positions while trying to keep their boners in check.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It does not perform in an identical way each time it is put to a task.

The Guardian - Sport

But which other well-known authors should be put to the task of writing video game tie-ins?

The Guardian - Tech

THAT problem solving becomes easier when more minds are put to the task is no more than common sense.

The Economist

It remains possible to determine first the kind of life you wish to lead, and only then ask how magnificent and hazardous arrays of ones and zeroes can be put to the task of making that life come true.

The New York Times

Three different algorithms, as implemented in three different computer programs, were put to the task of extracting direct space lattice parameters from four sets of synthetic images that were per design more or less periodic in two dimensions (2D).

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

The North Carolinians were immediately put to the task of defending the city, which was threatened with a siege by British General Henry Clinton in early March.

Wikipedia

But what if our distributed global communication networks were put to the task of helping us re-participate in deep communion with the common biosphere that sustains all of our lives?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put to task" when you want to emphasize the action of assigning a specific duty or responsibility to someone, often implying that the person's abilities will be tested or utilized.

Common error

Avoid using "put to task" when a simpler term like "assigned" or "asked" suffices, as the phrase carries a connotation of challenge or testing one's abilities. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put to task" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of assigning someone a job or duty, often implying that their abilities or resources will be utilized or tested. Ludwig examples show the phrase in contexts ranging from landscape management to machine learning applications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put to task" is a grammatically sound idiom used to denote assigning a duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though examples are relatively rare. It finds its niche in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. Related phrases include "assign a task" and "delegate responsibility", each carrying slightly different connotations. While useful for emphasizing the challenge or utilization of skills, overuse can sound overly formal. As such, understanding its nuance will help make your writing sound more professional and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

task with

A more concise and direct way of expressing assignment.

assign a task

Focuses more on the action of assigning, less on the person being assigned to.

delegate responsibility

Implies a formal transfer of duty and authority.

charge with a duty

Emphasizes the obligation or responsibility given.

give an assignment

More general term for giving someone something to do.

entrust with a mission

Suggests a higher level of confidence and importance in the assigned task.

set to work

Focuses on the action of starting to work, rather than the act of assigning.

appoint to the role

Suggests a more formal designation to a specific position or duty.

designate for the job

Similar to appoint but can be less formal.

instruct to perform

Highlights the act of giving instructions for a task.

FAQs

How can I use "put to task" in a sentence?

You can use "put to task" to indicate that someone is assigned a specific job or duty. For example, "The manager "tasked" the new employee with a challenging project."

What are some alternatives to "put to task"?

Some alternatives include "assigned", "delegated", or "charged with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "put to task" or "assigned"?

"Put to task" can often sound more formal and imply a test of one's abilities, while "assigned" is a more neutral and common term. The choice depends on the context and the tone you want to establish.

What's the difference between "put to task" and "tasked with"?

"Put to task" emphasizes the action of assigning a duty, whereas "tasked with" directly states that someone has been given a task. They are similar but have slightly different emphasis. For example "They were "tasked with" completing the report by Friday."