tortuous task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tortuous task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is complicated, lengthy, or difficult to navigate, often involving many twists and turns. Example: "Completing the project was a tortuous task, requiring countless revisions and meetings to finalize the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He and other officials expressed confidence that the tortuous task could be completed on Friday.

The New York Times

In this difficult, tortuous task, the word counts in both of its senses.

The Economist

Founded by an engineering and MIT heavy team, Baydin tries to turn the painstaking and tortuous task of answering email into a game, with timing capabilities, Google Calendar integration and rewards.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That is the task that I resume today …" Rudd's tortuous course back has been costly to the party and contributed to, although is not responsible for, Gillard's failures.

The Guardian

Theirs is the historic task of freeing the people of the DRC and the region from tortuous history of conflict and instability, and to introduce a new future offering democracy, peace, stability progress and prosperity," said Zuma.

The Guardian

He has also borrowed a number of tricks from the private sector: setting up a marketing department to sell the city to outside business (not always an easy task); publishing a concise version of his annual budget modelled on company statements; simplifying the tortuous process needed to get a licence; lightening the tax burden in the hope that greater compliance may actually increase revenues.

The Economist

The task of proving that the Arab world without its dictators is a better place may yet be a tortuous struggle.See next article.

The Economist

The funding package is tortuous.

The Economist

Tortuous negotiations between Egypt and Israel ensued.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This often makes business decisions tortuous.

The Economist

That made the ductwork even more tortuous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task as "tortuous", ensure that the context clearly illustrates the complexity and difficulty involved. Use it when the task involves many steps, setbacks, or confusing elements.

Common error

Avoid using "tortuous" when you mean "torturous". "Tortuous" describes something twisting or complicated, while "torturous" describes something involving torture or extreme suffering. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tortuous task" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "tortuous" modifies the noun "task". It describes the quality of the task, indicating that it is complex, difficult, and potentially long-winded. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tortuous task" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes a complex, difficult, and winding undertaking. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of challenge and complication. To avoid potential errors, remember to distinguish "tortuous", meaning twisting or complicated, from "torturous", which implies pain or suffering. Alternatives such as "arduous undertaking" or "complex endeavor" can offer similar connotations, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult undertaking

Stresses the hardship involved. Substitutes "task" for "undertaking" and "tortuous" for "difficult".

arduous undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved. Shifts from "task" to "undertaking".

grueling assignment

Highlights the exhausting nature of the task. Replaces "task" with "assignment" and "tortuous" with "grueling".

complex endeavor

Focuses on the intricacy and multifaceted nature. Swaps "task" for "endeavor" and "tortuous" for "complex".

challenging endeavor

Focuses on the difficulty and the call for skill. Replaces "task" with "endeavor" and "tortuous" with "challenging".

complicated procedure

Highlights the convoluted steps involved. Changes "task" to "procedure" and "tortuous" to "complicated".

laborious effort

Highlights the extensive work and exertion required. Swaps "task" for "effort" and "tortuous" for "laborious".

convoluted process

Emphasizes the winding and confusing nature. Substitutes "task" for "process" and "tortuous" for "convoluted".

intricate mission

Focuses on the detailed and complex nature of the task. Replaces "task" with "mission" and "tortuous" with "intricate".

demanding activity

Emphasizes the high requirements and effort needed. Replaces "task" with "activity" and "tortuous" with "demanding".

FAQs

What does "tortuous task" mean?

A "tortuous task" refers to a job or undertaking that is complicated, lengthy, and difficult, often involving many twists, turns, and setbacks.

What are some synonyms for "tortuous task"?

Alternatives to "tortuous task" include "arduous undertaking", "grueling assignment", or "complex endeavor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You might say, "Navigating the legal system proved to be a tortuous task" or "The negotiations became a tortuous task, filled with unexpected obstacles."

Is it correct to use "tortuous" and "torturous" interchangeably?

No, "tortuous" and "torturous" have distinct meanings. "Tortuous" means twisting or complicated, while "torturous" means involving torture or extreme suffering. Use "tortuous" to describe a difficult path or process, and "torturous" to describe a painful experience.