B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

simple task

مهمة بسيطة

Use `simple task` to describe easy work or to make a request feel less burdensome to others.

En 15 segundos

  • An easy job requiring very little effort or time.
  • Used to reassure others that a request is not difficult.
  • Perfect for both professional emails and casual home conversations.

Significado

A 'simple task' is a piece of work or an action that is very easy to finish. It doesn't require much effort, special skills, or a long time to complete.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

At the office

Updating the spreadsheet is a simple task that won't take long.

تحديث جدول البيانات مهمة بسيطة لن تستغرق وقتاً طويلاً.

💼
2

Asking a roommate for help

Could you do a simple task and take out the trash?

هل يمكنك القيام بمهمة بسيطة وإخراج القمامة؟

😊
3

Giving instructions

Setting up your new account is a simple task for any user.

إعداد حسابك الجديد مهمة بسيطة لأي مستخدم.

🤝
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase reflects the Western emphasis on breaking down large goals into manageable steps. It became particularly popular in corporate 'time management' seminars during the 1990s. In some cultures, calling a job 'simple' might be seen as devaluing the work, but in English, it's usually a positive way to show competence.

💡

The Confidence Booster

Use `simple task` when delegating work to make the person feel like they can definitely succeed.

⚠️

Don't Minimize Effort

If someone spent hours on something, don't call it a `simple task`. It might sound like you don't appreciate their hard work.

En 15 segundos

  • An easy job requiring very little effort or time.
  • Used to reassure others that a request is not difficult.
  • Perfect for both professional emails and casual home conversations.

What It Means

A simple task is something you can do almost without thinking. It is the opposite of a complex project. Think of it as a small win in your day. It could be washing a single dish or sending a quick email. It feels light and manageable.

How To Use It

You use this phrase to describe work that is straightforward. Use it when you want to reassure someone. It fits perfectly after verbs like is, seems, or should be. You can say, "It's a simple task to reset the router." It sounds confident and clear. Don't overthink the grammar; it usually acts as a noun phrase.

When To Use It

Use it in the office to lower stress levels. Tell your boss a report is a simple task to show you are capable. Use it at home when asking for a small favor. "Could you do this simple task for me?" It makes the request sound less demanding. It works well in manuals or instructions too. It guides the reader through easy steps without scaring them off.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase if the job is actually quite hard. Calling a difficult project a simple task can sound sarcastic or rude. Don't use it if someone is struggling with the work. It might make them feel unintelligent. If a friend is crying over a 1,000-piece puzzle, don't call it a simple task. You might get a puzzle piece thrown at you!

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, we value efficiency and "can-do" attitudes. Labeling something a simple task is a way of showing control over your environment. It’s often used in productivity culture to encourage "quick wins." There is a psychological trick here: calling it "simple" makes it feel less scary. It’s a common way to motivate teams during a busy Monday morning.

Common Variations

You will often hear people say easy task or straightforward job. If it's incredibly easy, they might call it a piece of cake or a breeze. In a professional setting, you might hear minor action item. However, simple task remains the most neutral and widely understood version. It’s the "Goldilocks" of phrases—not too formal, not too casual.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any register from neutral to formal. Be careful not to use it in a way that belittles someone else's struggle with a specific job.

💡

The Confidence Booster

Use `simple task` when delegating work to make the person feel like they can definitely succeed.

⚠️

Don't Minimize Effort

If someone spent hours on something, don't call it a `simple task`. It might sound like you don't appreciate their hard work.

💬

The 'Just' Rule

Native speakers often add the word `just` before it, like: 'It's `just a simple task`.' This makes it sound even smaller and easier.

Ejemplos

6
#1 At the office
💼

Updating the spreadsheet is a simple task that won't take long.

تحديث جدول البيانات مهمة بسيطة لن تستغرق وقتاً طويلاً.

Used here to manage expectations about time.

#2 Asking a roommate for help
😊

Could you do a simple task and take out the trash?

هل يمكنك القيام بمهمة بسيطة وإخراج القمامة؟

Makes the favor sound small and easy to do.

#3 Giving instructions
🤝

Setting up your new account is a simple task for any user.

إعداد حسابك الجديد مهمة بسيطة لأي مستخدم.

Encourages the user to feel confident.

#4 In a job interview
👔

I find organizing schedules to be a simple task because I am very tidy.

أجد أن تنظيم الجداول مهمة بسيطة لأنني منظم للغاية.

Shows competence and confidence in one's skills.

#5 A humorous moment with a friend
😄

I thought boiling an egg was a simple task, but I still burnt it!

ظننت أن سلق البيضة مهمة بسيطة، لكنني أحرقتها رغم ذلك!

Uses the phrase to highlight a funny failure.

#6 Encouraging a child
💭

Don't worry, tying your shoes is a simple task once you learn the trick.

لا تقلق، ربط حذائك مهمة بسيطة بمجرد أن تتعلم الحيلة.

Provides emotional support by simplifying the challenge.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

Checking your email in the morning is usually a ___ task.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: simple

Checking email is generally considered an easy, everyday action, making 'simple' the natural choice.

Complete the professional reassurance.

Don't worry about the update; it's a ___ task for our IT team.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: simple

In a professional context, calling it a 'simple task' reassures the client that the team is capable.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Simple Task'

Casual

Used with friends for chores.

It's a simple task, just feed the cat.

Neutral

Standard everyday use.

This is a simple task for most people.

Formal

Used in reports or meetings.

The committee completed the simple task quickly.

Where to use 'Simple Task'

Simple Task
🍳

Cooking

Boiling water is a simple task.

🖨️

Office

Printing a file is a simple task.

📱

Technology

Downloading an app is a simple task.

🌱

Chores

Watering plants is a simple task.

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

It refers to a job or activity that is very easy to do and requires little effort. For example, making toast is a simple task.

Yes, it is perfectly fine for formal writing. You might say, Completing the registration is a simple task.

They are very similar, but simple task sounds slightly more professional. Easy job is more common in very casual speech.

Absolutely. If something is impossible, you might say, Oh sure, climbing Everest is a simple task!

Common synonyms include easy chore, straightforward assignment, or minor job.

Yes, if you want to show that a project is under control. You could say, I've finished those simple tasks you assigned.

Yes, you can say simple tasks when referring to multiple easy things to do.

You can say it is a complex undertaking or a challenging project if it's difficult.

Yes, it is used globally in all major English dialects including British, American, and Australian English.

Yes, like walking to the corner store is a simple task.

Not necessarily. A task can be simple but still very important, like locking the front door.

Frases relacionadas

Piece of cake

Something that is extremely easy to do.

Walk in the park

An activity that is pleasant and easy.

No-brainer

A decision or task that requires very little thought.

Child's play

Something so easy that even a child could do it.

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