What is task? Pronunciation and usage in English

task means . Learn how to pronounce and use task through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of task

tasknoun

/tɑːsk/
Definition & pronunciation of task

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "task" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /tæsk/ (rhymes with "mask")

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  • "t": Pronounced as a regular /t/ sound – like in "top" or "cat."
  • "a": Pronounced like the "a" in "father" or "car." Short and crisp.
  • "sk": This is the tricky part! It's a blend of a “s” and a “k” sound. It’s almost like saying "sk" quickly, without fully separating the sounds. Think of it as a single, slightly explosive sound.

Here's a helpful way to break it down to practice:

  1. Say "t" - /t/
  2. Say "a" - /æ/ (as in father)
  3. Say "sk" - /sk/ (blend the sounds together)

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences with "task" in them?

Usage and examples with the word task in English

Let's break down how to use the word "task" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different applications!

1. Basic Definition: A Piece of Work

At its core, a "task" is simply a piece of work that needs to be done. It's something you have to accomplish.

  • Example: "My task for today is to finish the report."
  • Example: “I have several tasks to complete before the deadline.”

2. Common Uses & Variations

Here’s a breakdown of how you’ll often encounter “task” and related phrases:

  • Individual Task: This refers to a single action or activity.

    • Example: "Cleaning the kitchen is a small task."
    • Example: “Completing the assignment is your main task.”

  • List of Tasks (Tasks List): A collection of individual tasks.

    • Example: “I made a task list to stay organized.”
    • Example: “The project manager created a tasks list for the team.”

  • Work Task: A duty or responsibility within a job or role.

    • Example: "Part of my work task is answering customer emails."
    • Example: “He’s responsible for data entry as one of his work tasks.”

  • Scheduled Task (Automatic Task): A task that runs automatically on a set schedule. (Common in computers and software)

    • Example: “The computer will automatically back up your files as a scheduled task.”
    • Example: "The software performs a regular maintenance task."

  • Task Force: A group of people assigned to a specific task or problem.

    • Example: "The government assembled a task force to investigate the crisis.”

  • Task-Oriented: Describing someone or something focused on accomplishing tasks.

    • Example: “He’s a very task-oriented employee – he gets things done.”

  • Tasked with: Meaning to be given or assigned a task.

    • Example: "She was tasked with leading the new marketing campaign."

3. Phrases Using "Task"

  • Complete a task: To finish something.
  • Assign a task: To give someone a task to do.
  • Prioritize tasks: To decide which tasks are most important.
  • Delegate tasks: To give a task to someone else.
  • Handle a task: To deal with, manage, or complete a task.
  • Difficult task: A challenging task.
  • Simple task: A easy task.

4. Tone & Formality

"Task" is generally a fairly neutral word. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts.

Example of Formal Use: "The project team must diligently execute each assigned task to ensure timely completion."

Example of Informal Use: "I've got a ton of tasks to do tonight!"

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • What context are you using "task" in? (e.g., work, school, personal life, computer use)?
  • Are there any specific situations you'd like to know how to use "task" in? (e.g., "How do I say I have a lot of tasks to do?" or "How do I assign a task to someone?")

Synonyms for the word task

Idioms of the word task

take somebody to task (for/over something)
to criticize somebody strongly for something they have done
  • The local newspaper has been taking the city council to task over its transport policy.

Practice with vocabulary task

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager assigned each team member a specific _________ to complete by Friday.
  2. Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is a challenging _________ that requires extensive research and collaboration.
  3. As part of your new role, it's your _________ to ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed in the laboratory.
  4. The primary _________ of this research paper is to explore the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems in the region.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. The successful completion of this complex project requires meticulous planning and efficient resource allocation. Which word(s) best describe(s) "this complex project" in a professional context? a) assignment b) endeavor c) undertaking d) task

  2. Which of the following best describes a specific piece of work to be done, often as part of a larger plan or project? a) chore b) mission c) task d) errand

  3. To ensure timely delivery, the lead developer decided to break down the large software development effort into smaller, manageable _________ for the team. a) phases b) segments c) tasks d) duties

  4. After the client meeting, I need to follow up on several action _________ that were discussed and assigned. a) points b) items c) duties d) plans

  5. Our main _________ for the quarter is to increase customer satisfaction by 15% across all service channels. a) target b) aim c) duty d) routine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The process of completing the annual financial report is quite demanding for the finance department. (Rewrite using "task")
  2. Managing multiple projects simultaneously presents a significant challenge for even experienced team leads. (Rewrite using "task")
  3. It's important for everyone to do their part to ensure the successful execution of the marketing campaign. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "do their part," without using "task")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager assigned each team member a specific task to complete by Friday.
  2. Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is a challenging task that requires extensive research and collaboration.
  3. As part of your new role, it's your responsibility to ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed in the laboratory.
  4. The primary objective of this research paper is to explore the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems in the region.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) assignment, b) endeavor, c) undertaking, d) task
  2. c) task
  3. a) phases, b) segments, c) tasks
  4. a) points, b) items
  5. a) target, b) aim

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Completing the annual financial report is a demanding task for the finance department.
  2. The task of managing multiple projects simultaneously presents a significant challenge for even experienced team leads.
  3. It's important for everyone to fulfill their role to ensure the successful execution of the marketing campaign.

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