take on a task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take on a task" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to assume the responsibility of completing a certain task. For example: I decided to take on the task of organizing our office's files.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

— to ask a young woman to take on a task that we approached with trepidation.

The New Yorker

"When Steven Safyer wants to take on a task, a lot of people want to be helpful".

The New York Times

But there is something refreshing about being able to take on a task that isn't that trying nor testing.

The Guardian

Many women won't take on a task unless they're 100% convinced they are qualified to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a relief sometimes to take on a task and see it through and know it to be wholly sufficient.

The New Yorker

As he said what he required — X amount of flour, X grams of butter, a minced onion, X egg yolks — each student would quickly take on a task.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The agency took on a task described in its documents as "overseas interrogations".

The New York Times

You took on a task unbeknown to you, from performing as a professional violinist to running a political office and campaigns.

The Guardian

Now, Mr. Cox, 62, is re-entering public life, taking on a task that many see as impossible: reviving the demoralized and shrunken Republican Party in New York State.

The New York Times

He also became Mr. bin Laden's cook, taking on a task that most of the other "brothers" shunned, the F.B.I. summary quotes him as saying.

The New York Times

Whoever succeeds Salmon as head of the prime public service channel on British television will be taking on a task that will either be the pinnacle of their career, or turn them into a nervous wreck.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take on a task", ensure the task is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "take on a task at work", specify "take on the task of managing social media accounts".

Common error

Avoid using "take on a task" for very simple or trivial actions. Reserve it for actions that require effort, responsibility or a specific skill set. Describing a straightforward task as "taking it on" can sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take on a task" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of accepting responsibility for and committing to the completion of a specific duty or project. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take on a task" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate accepting responsibility for a specific duty or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science publications. When using the phrase, it's important to specify the task clearly and avoid using it for trivial actions. Alternatives include "undertake a project" or "assume a responsibility" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undertake a project

Focuses on a more formal or significant commitment.

assume a responsibility

Emphasizes the obligation or duty involved.

embark on a mission

Suggests a challenging or purposeful endeavor.

shoulder a burden

Highlights the potential difficulty or weight of the task.

commit to an assignment

Implies a formal agreement or dedication.

handle an activity

Focuses on managing or dealing with a specific activity.

tackle a challenge

Emphasizes overcoming difficulties or obstacles.

get down to business

Signals the start of serious work or effort.

set about a job

Indicates starting to work on a specific job or piece of work.

engage in an endeavor

Suggests participation in a noteworthy or enterprising activity.

FAQs

How can I use "take on a task" in a sentence?

You can use "take on a task" to describe accepting responsibility for a particular job or duty. For example: "She decided to take on a task that no one else wanted".

What is a synonym for "take on a task"?

Alternatives to "take on a task" include "undertake a project", "assume a responsibility", or "embark on a mission". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "take on a task" in formal writing?

Yes, "take on a task" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "undertake a project" or "assume a responsibility".

What's the difference between "take on a task" and "do a task"?

"Take on a task" implies accepting responsibility for a task and seeing it through to completion. "Do a task" is more general and simply refers to performing the task without necessarily implying responsibility. The degree of responsibility can increase or decrease based on the scenario.