taking on the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking on the task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of accepting or assuming responsibility for a specific job or duty. Example: "After much consideration, I decided to take on the task of organizing the annual company retreat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the inhabitants alone there was the more complicated satisfaction of discovering that, after being dismissed as a potential basket-case when the glow of the Rainbow Nation began to fade, they are capable of taking on the task of holding one of the world's biggest public events.

The Guardian - Sport

Only a ridiculously brave, and determinedly self-confident writer would therefore dream of taking on the task of 'updating' it, a perfect description, one might say, of Steve Jones.

The Guardian

And now, Irene was taking on the task of memorializing her mother's work in one of the great museums of the world.

Huffington Post

I was nervous about taking on the task, wondering whether it would actually work or not.

The New York Times

The UK's information commissioner, Christopher Graham, is currently reviewing the ruling, but a spokesman for his office declined to comment on the possibility of taking on the task of reviewing such cases.

The Guardian - Tech

And as the token environmentalist in the room, I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you that when you buy something, you're also taking on the task of disposing of it (responsibly or not) when you're done with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There were more contacts over the following years, although it was only in summer of 2013 that the prospect of AKPD taking on the task of sharpening Miliband's candidacy started to seem plausible.

The Guardian

A nice twist, really: a do-gooder American not bringing the Protestantism of his rector father to a missionary life, but rather taking on the task of purifying a Buddhism he has never practiced.

The New York Times - Books

The next street along is inhabited, with makeshift barrel-shaped flowerbeds peppered along the length of the terrace: the residents' first steps towards taking on the task of regeneration themselves.

The Guardian

But Minot handicaps herself from the start by taking on the task of describing the attenuated emotional contact between characters so out of touch with themselves they seem about to drop out of life.

The New York Times - Books

East spent 10 years turning ARM Holdings into arguably Britain's top technology business, supplying microchips to Apple and other leading companies before taking on the task of turning around Rolls.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "Taking on the task" can range from neutral to slightly formal, so choose synonyms if a more casual or emphatic tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "taking on the task" multiple times within a single complex sentence. Vary your language to maintain clarity and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking on the task" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the act of accepting responsibility or beginning a specific job. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking on the task" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes accepting responsibility for a specific job or duty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely applicable in written English. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, science, and academic contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the specific task and consider the desired tone. Alternatives include "undertaking the responsibility" or "assuming the duty", depending on the context. Avoid overuse and maintain variety in your language for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undertaking the responsibility

This alternative emphasizes the serious nature of the commitment.

assuming the duty

This alternative highlights the obligatory aspect of the task.

accepting the challenge

This alternative focuses on the potentially difficult nature of the task.

embarking on the endeavor

This alternative suggests a more formal and ambitious undertaking.

commencing the operation

This alternative emphasizes the start of a planned activity.

tackling the assignment

This alternative implies a direct and focused approach.

shouldering the burden

This alternative highlights the potential difficulties and responsibilities involved.

embracing the mission

This alternative suggests a wholehearted commitment to the task.

stepping up to the plate

This alternative implies willingness and readiness to act.

getting down to business

This alternative is a more informal way to express starting a task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "taking on the task" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "undertaking the responsibility" or "assuming the duty".

What are some informal alternatives to "taking on the task"?

In more casual contexts, you might use phrases like "stepping up to the plate" or "getting down to business" as alternatives.

Is there a difference between "taking on the task" and "accepting the challenge"?

While similar, "taking on the task" generally refers to accepting responsibility for a specific job, while "accepting the challenge" implies embracing a potentially difficult or demanding undertaking.

How to use "taking on the task" in a sentence?

You can use "taking on the task" when referring to the act of accepting or assuming responsibility for a specific job or duty. Example: "After much consideration, I decided to take on the task of organizing the annual company retreat."