small task

USAGE SUMMARY

"small task" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a task that is not particularly difficult or time consuming. For example: "I completed the small task of organizing my desk in under 10 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's no small task.

Forbes

It was no small task.

The Economist

This is no small task.

The New York Times

It is no small task.

The New York Times

Its producers took on no small task.

The New York Times - Arts

Capturing these demimondes is no small task.

The New York Times

Identifying these shrimp is no small task.

The New York Times

That is no small task.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a small task.

The Guardian

But it's been no small task.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It means loving the craft of your work and overcoming small, task-related challenges.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the ease or brevity of a task, use "small task" to set realistic expectations and reduce perceived burden.

Common error

Avoid using "small task" when the effort or impact is substantial, as it can undermine the importance of the work and demotivate those involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small task" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "task". It describes a task that is not large in scope or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small task" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a minor or uncomplicated assignment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency across varied sources like news outlets, scientific publications, and business documents highlights its versatility. While context dictates the precise nuance—ease, brevity, or simplicity—it's vital to ensure its use aligns with the actual scale of the undertaking. Overstating or understating the significance can lead to miscommunication, so consider alternative phrases like ""minor undertaking"" or ""simple job"" for subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" to denote a project or endeavor, suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

simple job

Substitutes "task" with "job", indicating a straightforward and uncomplicated activity.

easy assignment

Replaces "task" with "assignment", suggesting a duty that has been given to someone.

trivial matter

Replaces the whole phrase to denote a little relevance.

light chore

Uses "chore" instead of "task", implying a routine or domestic duty that is not burdensome.

quick activity

Focuses on the brevity of the task, highlighting that it can be completed rapidly.

modest endeavor

Emphasizes the limited scope and ambition of the undertaking.

small detail

Shifts the focus to a minor element within a larger project or situation.

insignificant duty

Highlights the lack of importance or consequence associated with the task.

minor operation

Replaces task with the term "operation", which can be used to mean a project or an activity, particularly in a business or organizational context.

FAQs

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

You can use "small task" to describe an assignment that is not particularly difficult or time-consuming. For example: "Completing this "small task" will free up time for more important projects."

What are some alternatives to "small task"?

Alternatives to "small task" include "minor undertaking", "simple job", or "easy assignment", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "small task" in formal writing?

Yes, "small task" is generally appropriate for formal writing, although alternatives like "minor undertaking" might be preferred in certain contexts to convey a more professional tone.

How does the connotation of "small task" differ from "trivial task"?

"Small task" suggests a task that is easy and quick to complete, while "trivial task" implies that the task is unimportant or insignificant. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the ease or the unimportance of the task.