routine task

USAGE SUMMARY

"routine task" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a task that is regularly performed or done on a daily basis. You can use it when describing a task or duty that is part of a person's usual routine or schedule. Example: "As a receptionist, answering phone calls is just one of my routine tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A routine task, he said.

The New York Times

Runaway Escalator It was a routine task.

The New York Times

To quantify this, the researchers developed an index of "routine task intensity," or RTI.

The Guardian - Tech

He spoke about the mission as if it was a routine task and remained utterly emotionless.

Independent

But supervisors are encouraged to spend time telling the interns what purpose the routine task is serving.

The New York Times

The second, called the Ordering of Things, seems to celebrate the routine task of organizing one's personal effects.

The New York Times

Once a compound has been crystallized, it is a routine task to obtain a detailed X-ray structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Mr. Orozco, 69, of Woodside, it was a routine task on a crisp and sunny day.

The New York Times

Clinton was a politician who could make difficult things simple, yet turn a routine task into an ordeal.

Independent

It is the prefrontal cortex that gets in the way of executing a practiced routine task by essentially overthinking it.

The New York Times

Politics hasn't as yet interfered with his medical practice; the lieutenant governor's only routine task is largely ceremonial — presiding over the senate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the automation of a previously manual process, use "routine task" to emphasize the efficiency gains.

Common error

Avoid using "routine task" when describing activities that require creativity or critical thinking; it can undermine the value and complexity of the work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "routine task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "routine" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". It describes a type of task, emphasizing its repetitive and predictable nature. As Ludwig AI says, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "routine task" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe tasks that are regularly performed and require little variation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it is most frequently used in News & Media and Science sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. When you want to convey the idea of an action done methodically and regularly, "routine task" is the go-to choice. However, be mindful of potentially undermining value when describing tasks that are not mundane and require creative input.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard procedure

Focuses on the established method or process, rather than just the task itself.

typical duty

Emphasizes the expected or normal nature of the task as part of one's responsibilities.

everyday chore

Highlights the mundane and frequently repeated nature of the task.

regular assignment

Stresses the recurring or scheduled nature of the task.

common activity

Focuses on how frequently the activity occurs.

usual activity

Refers to the action's status as customary or expected.

established practice

Suggests that the task is a part of an accepted and time-honored series of actions.

mundane activity

Highlights the task's uninteresting and often tedious nature.

customary operation

Emphasizes that the task is done out of habit or tradition.

daily grind

This alternative implies that the task is a tiresome part of one's daily work.

FAQs

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

You can use "routine task" to describe tasks that are performed regularly and require little thought. For example, "Checking emails is a "routine task" for most office workers."

What's a good synonym for "routine task"?

Alternatives for "routine task" include "standard procedure", "typical duty", or "everyday chore", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "routine task" in formal writing?

Yes, "routine task" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing processes or job responsibilities. However, consider using a more precise term if the context demands it.

What kind of tasks are usually described as "routine task"?

Tasks often described as "routine task" are those that are repetitive, require minimal decision-making, and are performed regularly, such as data entry, filing, or basic administrative duties.