substantial task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is significant in size, importance, or complexity. Example: "Completing the project on time will be a substantial task, requiring careful planning and coordination among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

England's approach to their substantial task yesterday was refreshingly positive.

The Guardian - Sport

"It will be a substantial task to rewire it.

The Guardian - Business

Bloomberg administration officials have acknowledged that De Blasio inherits a substantial task in tackling the city's homeless problem.

The Guardian

The government has faced a substantial task to meet its commitment to return the budget to surplus in 2016-17.

The Guardian

Westminster is a different matter.Mr Cameron should be emboldened by that, because he faces a substantial task.

The Economist

The crew of space shuttle Atlantis installed a treadmill aboard the international space station today, the last substantial task on this mission inside the orbiting complex.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They are substantial tasks in their own right that mean an hour's lecture given for the first time will have required many multiples of that in preparation.

The Guardian

They did not give me any substantial tasks.

Human Relations

Presently, taxonomic annotation is a manual task and improving annotation across the entire microbial database is a substantial undertaking.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

They found substantial within-task training effects; pre- and posttests identified some transfer to reasoning tasks but no significant changes to performance on the Attention Network Test or Childhood Behaviour Questionnaire (Rueda et al.,  2005).

Child Neuropsychology

In smaller organizations, the administrative role of directors, other volunteers, and paid staff is blurred as volunteers perform substantial administrative tasks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial task" when you want to emphasize that a task requires significant effort, resources, or consideration. Ensure the context clearly indicates why the task is substantial – is it due to its complexity, scope, or importance?

Common error

Avoid using "substantial task" in casual or informal settings where simpler language would suffice. In such contexts, alternatives like "big job" or "major effort" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "task". It describes the nature or quality of the task, indicating that it is significant or considerable. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial task" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an undertaking of significant size, complexity, or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While not overly common, it finds its place in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context highlights why the task warrants the descriptor "substantial". Consider alternatives like "significant undertaking" or "major project" in settings where simpler language is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant undertaking

Replaces both adjectives with synonyms to indicate importance and the noun as a process being done.

major project

Substitutes 'task' with 'project' to suggest a larger, more organized effort.

considerable endeavor

Uses a more formal vocabulary to denote a significant effort.

extensive assignment

Replaces task to a piece of work that is designed to be completed.

large responsibility

Shifts the focus to the burden or duty involved in the task.

challenging objective

Highlights the difficulty and goal-oriented nature of the task.

formidable undertaking

Emphasizes the daunting nature of the task.

onerous duty

Focuses on the burdensome and obligatory aspect of the task.

sizeable challenge

Indicates that the task is a significant hurdle to overcome.

weighty matter

Refers to the task as a serious and important issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial task" to describe an undertaking that requires considerable effort or resources. For example: "Completing the new software update is a "substantial task" requiring many people."

What are some alternatives to "substantial task"?

Alternatives include "significant undertaking", "major project", or "considerable endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "substantial task" formal or informal?

"Substantial task" leans toward the formal side, suitable for professional or academic writing. Simpler terms might be better for casual conversation.

What makes a task "substantial"?

A task is "substantial" when it is significant in size, importance, or complexity. It typically demands considerable effort, resources, and attention to complete successfully.