the task before us

USAGE SUMMARY

"the task before us" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific task or goal that is currently facing a person or group. Example: "As we enter the final stage of the project, the task before us is to complete the last few remaining tasks and present our findings to the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The task before us is immense".

The New York Times

The task before us is daunting.

The Guardian

The task before us now is threefold.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scale of the task before us is daunting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because the task before us will demand nothing less.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have no illusions about the difficulties of the task before us.

The New York Times

"We're still early in the process, and the task before us is sizable and complex.

The New York Times

"We are not naïve about the task before us," the paper said.

The Guardian

But the task before us was to make a record of the play.

The New York Times

The task before us is to develop practical steps for the problems before us now".

The New York Times

We are going to concentrate on our work and implement the task before us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the subsequent discussion directly relates to the identified task, maintaining focus and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "the task before us" without clearly defining what that task actually is. Providing specific details ensures clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the task before us" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific goal or objective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is very common. It's often used to set the stage for further discussion or action, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the task before us" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase used to introduce a shared objective or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency of use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts, this phrase is suitable for various registers. Alternatives like "the challenge ahead" or "the objective at hand" can provide nuanced variations, while clarity and specificity are key to effective usage. The phrase's purpose is to establish a shared understanding and align efforts, making it a powerful tool for communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the objective at hand

Emphasizes the specific goal or aim to be achieved.

the challenge ahead

Focuses on the challenging nature of the task.

the mission we are on

Highlights a sense of purpose.

the undertaking we face

Puts an emphasis on the act of starting something.

the problem to solve

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of the task.

our current endeavor

Highlights the active and effortful nature of the task.

the duty to perform

Highlights the obligatory aspect of the task.

the matter at hand

Highlights the issue that need to be discussed.

the business at hand

Focuses on the immediacy and relevance of what must be done.

the project in progress

Highlights the ongoing nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "the task before us" in a sentence?

You can use "the task before us" to introduce a challenge, goal, or project. For example, "The task before us is to increase sales by 15% next quarter."

What's a more formal way to say "the task before us"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "the objective at hand" or "the undertaking we face" instead of "the task before us".

What can I say instead of "the task before us" to sound more engaging?

For a more engaging tone, consider alternatives like "the challenge ahead" or "the mission we are on". These options can inspire a sense of excitement and motivation.

Is it correct to say "the task in front of us" instead of "the task before us"?

Yes, "the task in front of us" is also correct and carries a similar meaning. Both phrases are commonly used to refer to a current objective or challenge.