vast task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is extensive, significant, or requires considerable effort to complete. Example: "The project ahead of us is a vast task that will require the collaboration of multiple teams over several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She now oversees the vast task of borrowing money to finance the government's operations.

The New York Times

As Japan begins the vast task of rebuilding, the nation's investors are expected to repatriate their vast overseas holdings.

The Guardian - Business

Handicapped by a budget considered too small for such a vast task, the commission's work has been slow.

The New York Times

Wheaton – a delightfully humorous person – knows she has set herself a vast task, so, "It's just as well I'm only 84".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also reported American concerns about the level of military resources Britain was devoting to the vast task of stabilising Afghanistan's most dangerous province.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so on.The vast task aheadTravel round India, and see and hear how, despite the efforts of so many dedicated people, the problems abound.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Both here and at home, American officials spoke of the vast humanitarian task ahead, hoping to bolster the relationship between the nations, which is widely viewed as critical for stability in the region.

The New York Times

Conducting complex national elections, a vast logistical task in places with few roads, has become a UN speciality across Africa.To assess the success of today's eight missions, ambassadors from the 15 countries now represented in the UN Security Council visited the continent last month.

The Economist

I have a vast and difficult task to address within a comparatively short period of time.

The Guardian

Beyond their argument that disruptive technologies have a place in "curing" our health system, their proposal that we need "diagnostic and therapeutic advances that allow nurse practitioners to treat diseases that used to require a physician's care" could undoubtedly be informed by the vast experience in task shifting that human resource constraints have necessitated in low resource settings.

Globalization and Health

Elsewhere he attends to similarly vast and improbable tasks with equally low-tech equipment.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast task" when you want to emphasize the significant size or scope of an undertaking, highlighting the resources and effort required for its completion.

Common error

Avoid using "vast task" to describe everyday activities or small projects. Reserve it for situations where the scale genuinely warrants the description, ensuring the phrase retains its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast task" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vast' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'task'. It serves to describe the magnitude or scope of a particular undertaking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast task" is a phrase used to describe an undertaking of considerable scale and complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function is that of a noun phrase, emphasizing the magnitude or scope of a project. While the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and common, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports, scientific articles, and formal business communications. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "immense undertaking" or "enormous challenge" to tailor your language to the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and effort required; subtly more formal.

mammoth undertaking

Synonymous to immense, but with slightly less formal register.

enormous challenge

Highlights the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

huge responsibility

Focuses on the burden and importance associated with the task.

significant undertaking

Implies a major or important task that will have a lasting impact.

massive project

Implies a well-defined, large-scale endeavor.

colossal endeavor

Suggests a grand and ambitious undertaking, often with a sense of awe.

herculean effort

Highlights the extreme strength and effort needed to complete the task.

formidable assignment

Emphasizes the demanding and potentially intimidating nature of the task.

extensive operation

Describes a large-scale, often coordinated activity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "vast task" in a sentence?

Use "vast task" to describe an undertaking that is large in scale, scope, or complexity. For instance, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was a "vast task"." Always ensure that the scale of the described activity warrants the use of such a term.

What phrases can I substitute for "vast task"?

Alternatives include "immense undertaking", "enormous challenge", or "massive project". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the task you wish to emphasize.

Is it more appropriate to say "vast task" or "large task"?

"Vast task" typically implies a greater scale or complexity than "large task". While both describe considerable undertakings, "vast task" suggests something exceptionally extensive and demanding, while "large task" is more generic.

Can "vast task" be used in informal contexts?

While "vast task" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, it may sound slightly elevated in very informal settings. In casual conversation, consider alternatives like "huge job" or "big project" if they fit the context better.