B2 adjective Neutral

task

/tæsk/

Relating to a specific piece of work, duty, or assignment to be completed. It is most frequently used attributively to describe groups, tools, or methods designed to achieve a particular goal.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She positioned the task lamp so she could see the fine print of the contract.

She positioned the task lamp so she could see the fine print of the contract.

2

The ministry established a task group to address the rising levels of urban pollution.

The ministry established a task group to address the rising levels of urban pollution.

3

I've got a massive task list to get through before we can go to the cinema.

I've got a massive task list to get through before we can go to the cinema.

Word Family

Noun
task
Verb
task
Adjective
tasking
Related
taskmaster
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Mask' you wear for a specific 'Task'—you put on a special face for a special job.

Quick Quiz

The manager created a _____ list to ensure every part of the event was covered.

Correct!

The correct answer is: task

Examples

1

She positioned the task lamp so she could see the fine print of the contract.

everyday

She positioned the task lamp so she could see the fine print of the contract.

2

The ministry established a task group to address the rising levels of urban pollution.

formal

The ministry established a task group to address the rising levels of urban pollution.

3

I've got a massive task list to get through before we can go to the cinema.

informal

I've got a massive task list to get through before we can go to the cinema.

4

Task-based learning environments allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

academic

Task-based learning environments allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

5

Our task management software helps the team stay synchronized on long-term projects.

business

Our task management software helps the team stay synchronized on long-term projects.

Word Family

Noun
task
Verb
task
Adjective
tasking
Related
taskmaster

Common Collocations

task force task force
task lighting task lighting
task management task management
task analysis task analysis
task performance task performance

Common Phrases

take someone to task

to criticize someone for a mistake

up to the task

capable of doing something

multi-task

perform more than one duty at once

Often Confused With

task vs tax

A tax is a financial charge by the government, whereas a task is a piece of work.

task vs test

A test measures ability or knowledge, while a task is the actual execution of a duty.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective (attributively), 'task' identifies the purpose of a noun, such as a 'task force' or 'task light.' In TOEFL contexts, it usually refers to a specific section of an exam or a required activity.

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Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'task' to mean a general job or career; it should be used for specific, discrete pieces of work.

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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Mask' you wear for a specific 'Task'—you put on a special face for a special job.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'tasque', which comes from the Latin 'taxare', meaning 'to rate, value, or impose a tax'.

Grammar Patterns

Often functions as an attributive noun Commonly used in compound adjectives like 'task-oriented'
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Cultural Context

In professional Western environments, being 'task-oriented' is often seen as a positive trait for efficiency and productivity.

Quick Quiz

The manager created a _____ list to ensure every part of the event was covered.

Correct!

The correct answer is: task

Related Words

unknown

A1

A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.

of

A1

A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.

in

A1

A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.

it

A1

A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.

on

A1

A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.

as

A1

A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.

this

A1

Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.

by

A1

A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.

we

A1

The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.

or

A1

A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.

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