tasks

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Pieces of work that need to be done, especially ones that are difficult or unpleasant.

   Grammar: Plural of 'task'; use with plural verbs: 'The tasks are finished.'

   Patterns

   • complete tasks
   • assign tasks
   • daily tasks

   The teacher gave us several tasks to finish by Friday.

   She has many tasks to do before the meeting.

   These tasks require careful attention.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Assigns a job or duty to someone (third-person singular of 'task').

   Grammar: Takes an object: 'She tasks him with the job.'

   Patterns

   • tasks someone with something
   • tasks someone to do something

   The manager tasks each employee with a specific project.

   He tasks his team to complete the report by Monday.

Word forms

Common combinations

daily tasks

Checking email is one of my daily tasks.

complete a task

She completed the task ahead of schedule.

assign tasks

The supervisor assigns tasks every morning.

difficult task

Learning a new language is a difficult task.

Synonyms and how they differ

jobs

More general; can refer to paid work, while 'tasks' are specific pieces of work.

assignments

Often used for schoolwork or official duties; 'tasks' is broader.

duties

Suggests responsibilities that come with a role; 'tasks' are more concrete actions.

Word family

task noun

A single piece of work to be done.

task verb

To assign a job to someone.

tasking noun

The act of assigning tasks.

Commonly confused: tasks or tax? tasks or tusk?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “tasks”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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