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Grammar fix

a daunting task

an intimidating or overwhelming task

A task or responsibility that seems very difficult, challenging, or overwhelming, often making you feel nervous or unsure about how to start or succeed.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Organizing the entire conference by myself was a daunting task, but I managed to pull it off.daily life
  • I think moving to a new country can be a daunting task for many people, especially if they don't speak the language or know anyone there.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a daunting task (for someone) / to do something is a daunting task

WrongIt's a very daunted task.

RightIt's a very daunting task.

The task is 'daunting' (it causes the feeling); you feel 'daunted'.

Patterna daunting task (for someone) / to do something is a daunting task

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Confronting the workload was an exceedingly formidable undertaking.

Natural It was a really daunting task.

'Daunting task' is the natural collocation; 'formidable undertaking' is overwritten.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • daunting + task
    a daunting taska daunting prospectdaunting challengeseem daunting

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'a difficult task', which only describes the level of challenge, 'a daunting task' emphasizes the emotional reaction—feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or even afraid to begin.

Try it in Daily Speak →