working on this task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working on this task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of engaging in or completing a specific assignment or job. Example: "I am currently working on this task and hope to finish it by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Scientists from the China CDC are working on this task in collaboration with large pharmaceutical companies.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If a worker is assigned to a task, he/she works on this task from its start till completion.

International Journal of Production Economics

In this case, when students actually went about working on the task, their thinking was very shallow and focused on the scientific terminology at a superficial level.

International Journal of STEM Education

If they did so, we timed how long they spent working on the task.

The New York Times

"One of the great things about working on the task force was being able to work with Leslie," he said.

The New York Times

How does the person feel physically and emotionally while working on the task?

TechCrunch

Therein, participants were asked to talk or 'think' out loud while working on the tasks.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

As you begin working on these tasks, your focus increases along with your feelings of adequacy.

Huffington Post

It will also make sure your day is spent working on the tasks you should be working on, not just the tasks that caught your eye first.

WikiHow

Students have time to work on the task, and this work may include both observing the diagram and observing how the diagram responds to actions the students may do on them, such as drawing in or measuring attributes.

International Journal of STEM Education

Two recent works take on this task and mostly succeed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "working on this task", ensure the context clearly defines 'this task' to avoid ambiguity. If the task is complex, briefly describe its scope or objective.

Common error

Avoid using "working on this task" repeatedly without specifying what the task entails. This can make your writing seem generic and uninformative. Instead, vary your language by providing brief descriptions or using more specific terms for the task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working on this task" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. Ludwig provides many examples of its uses across different contexts, suggesting its acceptability and broad applicability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working on this task" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe active engagement with a specific duty or assignment. According to Ludwig, it is widely acceptable and appears frequently in diverse sources. While it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, clarity is key. It's important to ensure the phrase's context clearly defines 'this task' to avoid vagueness. By specifying the task when necessary and varying your language, you can effectively use "working on this task" in your writing. You can consider alternatives such as "engaged in this task", "addressing this task", or "busy with this task" to express your meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged in this task

A more formal way of saying 'working on', emphasizing involvement and participation.

handling this task

Emphasizes managing or dealing with the task effectively.

tackling this task

Implies a more vigorous or energetic approach to the task.

addressing this task

Focuses on directly dealing with or confronting the task.

concentrating on this task

Highlights the mental effort and focus being directed towards the task.

undertaking this task

Suggests a more formal or serious commitment to the task.

attending to this task

Highlights giving attention and care to the task.

devoted to this task

Suggests a high level of commitment and dedication to the task.

busy with this task

Implies an active engagement, suggesting ongoing activity on the task.

occupied with this task

Similar to 'busy with', emphasizing that one's time and energy are being used by the task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "working on this task" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "engaged in this task", "undertaking this task", or "addressing this task".

What's a more casual alternative to "working on this task"?

Informal alternatives include "handling this task", "tackling this task", or simply saying you're "busy with this task".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "working on this task"?

While grammatically correct, "working on this task" can be vague. Ensure the context makes the specific task clear. Overuse without clarifying the task can make your writing less effective.

What are some ways to specify the type of "task" I am working on?

Instead of just saying "working on this task", try specifying the type of task, for example, "working on this project", "working on this report", or "working on this assignment".