up to the task of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up to the task of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is capable or competent enough to handle a specific task or responsibility. Example: "After reviewing her qualifications, I am confident that she is up to the task of leading the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't think they're up to the task of merging.

The New York Times

It is not that they're not up to the task of getting in.

The Guardian

Not even the Money Diaries commenters were up to the task of criticizing her.

The New Yorker

Is handsome film star Jude Law up to the task of playing Hamlet?

The Guardian

But are children up to the task of buying baseball cards?

The New Yorker

In Ranieri's eyes, the referee was not up to the task of such a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Romney has said Mr. Obama is "not up to the task" of being president.

The New York Times

He said the city had proved itself "up to the task of regulating its own taxicabs".

The New York Times

But they mustn't kid themselves that they are up to the task of defeating Brexit on their own.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Europe is not up to the task" of fighting terrorism, said Sebastien Pietrasanta, a Socialist MP who presented the report.

The Guardian

The private sector, sometimes helpful, sometimes obstructionist, has not historically proved itself up to the task of conquering epidemics.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "up to the task of", ensure the subject clearly possesses the necessary skills, resources, or qualities to successfully complete the mentioned task or responsibility. This provides a clear understanding of capability.

Common error

Avoid using "up to the task of" when there's little to no evidence supporting the subject's ability to handle the described task. It could lead to misrepresenting someone's actual competence or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to the task of" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something as capable or competent enough to handle a specific responsibility. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "up to the task of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's capability or competence to handle a specific responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, especially within News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives exist, this phrase offers a straightforward and readily understandable way to convey confidence or doubt in someone's ability. Remember to avoid overestimating someone's capabilities when using it. This analysis suggests that this phrase is versatile and appropriate for many different communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of handling

Focuses on the ability to manage or deal with something effectively. Shift in wording from task to handling.

equal to the challenge of

Emphasizes overcoming a difficult situation. Change in structure from task to challenge.

fit for the purpose of

Highlights appropriateness for a specific aim or intention. Change in wording from task to purpose.

competent to perform

Stresses the necessary skills and knowledge to execute something. Shift in wording and structure.

qualified for the role of

Indicates having the right credentials or experience for a position. Highlights suitability for a role.

able to manage

Focuses on the ability to control or direct something. Highlights managing skills.

equipped to deal with

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources to handle something. Highlights availability of necessary resources.

prepared to undertake

Emphasizes readiness and willingness to take on a responsibility. Focuses on willingness to assume a responsibility.

adept at executing

Highlights skillfulness in carrying out a task or plan. Focuses on the efficient execution.

sufficiently skilled for

Emphasizes that the person has the skill to take care of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "up to the task of" in a sentence?

You can use "up to the task of" to describe someone's ability or competence to handle a specific duty. For example, "After reviewing her qualifications, I am confident that she is up to the task of leading the project."

What are some alternatives to "up to the task of"?

Alternatives include "capable of handling", "equal to the challenge of", or "fit for the purpose of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "up to the task" or "capable of doing the task"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "up to the task of" suggests a broader assessment of readiness and suitability, whereas "capable of doing the task" focuses more narrowly on specific skills. The better choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What does it mean when someone is described as "not up to the task of" something?

It suggests that the person lacks the necessary skills, experience, or resources to successfully handle the particular duty. It may imply inadequacy or incompetence.