was a mammoth task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a mammoth task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is extremely large, difficult, or challenging to complete. Example: "Completing the project on time was a mammoth task, requiring the efforts of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It was a mammoth task," Basheer said.

The New Yorker

"It was a mammoth task," Kataria recalled.

The New Yorker

It was a mammoth task, but we have done that for the nation".

The New Yorker

Trying to coordinate all of that and keep it together was a mammoth task".

The New York Times - Tech

It was a mammoth task – and never done before – but the results were staggering.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a mammoth task, but little credit is normally offered to the surveyors who, to all intents and purposes, make such amazing edifices possible.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

So it's been a mammoth task".

Independent

Converting a garden is a mammoth task.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Restoring true democracy to Zimbabwe will be a mammoth task.

The Economist

"It has been a mammoth task," said Major Austin Lillywhite.

The Guardian

"We actually told them it is a mammoth task.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was a mammoth task" to convey the sheer size and difficulty of an undertaking, particularly when emphasizing the effort and resources required. It's suitable for situations where the challenge is not just about complexity, but also about scale.

Common error

Avoid using "was a mammoth task" repeatedly in the same text. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "monumental undertaking" or "enormous challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a mammoth task" functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing a specific undertaking. It is typically used as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun that represents the task. Ludwig's examples show it often appears after verbs like 'be' or 'become'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was a mammoth task" effectively conveys that an undertaking was exceptionally large, difficult, and challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, where its descriptive power helps to emphasize the scale of events. While synonyms exist, understanding the specific nuance each conveys (like effort, achievement or complexity) ensures the most appropriate choice for the context. The phrase should be used judiciously to maximize its impact and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a monumental undertaking

Emphasizes the historical or lasting significance of the task, not just its size.

was an enormous challenge

Highlights the difficulty aspect of the task.

was a herculean effort

Implies that the task required immense strength and effort.

was a Herculean task

Similar to 'herculean effort', but puts the stress on the task and not the effort.

was a considerable feat

Focuses on the achievement and skill required to complete the task.

was a substantial project

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the work involved.

was a major operation

Suggests the task involved complex planning and coordination.

was a taxing endeavor

Highlights the demanding and draining nature of the task.

was a grueling process

Focuses on the long and arduous nature of the task.

was a formidable undertaking

Emphasizes that the task presented significant obstacles and required courage.

FAQs

What does "was a mammoth task" mean?

The phrase "was a mammoth task" means that something was a very large, difficult, and challenging undertaking. It implies the task required significant effort and resources to complete.

How can I use "was a mammoth task" in a sentence?

You can use "was a mammoth task" to describe any endeavor that is exceptionally large or difficult. For example, "Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was a mammoth task".

What are some alternatives to "was a mammoth task"?

Some alternatives include "was a monumental undertaking", "was an enormous challenge", or "was a herculean effort". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "was a mammoth task" formal or informal?

"Was a mammoth task" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it is descriptive and conveys a clear meaning. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and overall tone of the writing.