A2noun1K

Task

UK /["/tɑːsk/"]/US /["/tæsk/"]/

Definition

a piece of work that somebody has to do, especially a hard or unpleasant one

In simple words: A piece of work that needs to be done.

Examples

  • Completing this math task is important for your exam.
  • She was given a difficult task at work that took her all day.
  • His task was to clean the entire house by noon.
  • Each student must complete a task to earn their points.
  • People often feel overwhelmed when they have too many tasks to do.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Suitable for formal and informal contexts, but avoid using in very casual scenarios like chats among friends.

Grammar pattern

task + object

Memory hint

Think of 'task' like a 'tusk' of an elephant—big jobs to handle!

Collocations

  • awesome
  • challenging
  • daunting
  • handle
  • take on
  • take upon yourself
  • involve something
  • require something
  • fall to somebody
  • task for
  • task in
  • be no easy task
  • the task ahead
  • the task at hand
  • awesome
  • challenging
  • daunting
  • handle
  • take on
  • take upon yourself
  • involve something
  • require something
  • fall to somebody
  • task for
  • task in
  • be no easy task
  • the task ahead
  • the task at hand

Synonyms

  • job
  • assignment
  • duty
  • responsibility
  • project

Antonyms

  • leisure
  • idleness
  • rest

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'chore' — tasks are often more formal or job-related.
  • Using 'task' as a verb — 'task' is a noun.
  • Saying 'a task for doing' instead of 'a task to do'.