Tasked Me With: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 15, 2023

The phrase "tasked me with" indicates that someone has assigned the speaker a specific duty or responsibility. It can convey a sense of obligation and is generally used to discuss work, projects, or significant tasks someone has been instructed to carry out. The idiom can be adapted to fit various contexts, utilizing different pronouns and tenses to suit the situation.

In short:

"Tasked me with" refers to being assigned or given a responsibility or duty.

What Does "Tasked Me With" Mean?

"Tasked me with" is a phrase that often denotes that another individual or group has given someone a specific job or responsibility. When someone says this, they mean:

  • They have been assigned a specific duty or responsibility.
  • Someone has entrusted them with a job or mission.
  • It emphasizes the importance or urgency of a given task.

While this is the main meaning, the idiom can be modified slightly for different situations, using different pronouns or tenses. For instance, "tasked him with" or "will task her with" are variations of the idiom.

Where Does "Tasked Me With" Come From?

The word "task" has its roots in the Old French word 'tasque', which refers to a duty or tax. Over time, the term evolved and began to signify a job or assignment. Combining it with pronouns like "me," the idiom "tasked me with" emerged to indicate the assignment of duty to someone.

"They tasked me with the inspection of the entire estate before nightfall."

10 Examples of "Tasked Me With" in Sentences

Understanding the idiom is easier when we see it in action. Here are some examples:

  • My manager tasked me with creating a comprehensive report on our recent project; I had to stay on top of the process.
  • She was tasked with organizing the event.
  • I've tasked him with handling the client meetings this week.
  • They tasked me with a challenging project. I'm worried that I'd get axed if I didn't deliver.
  • The committee tasked her with drafting the new guidelines.
  • While you're on vacation, they've tasked me with much work to cover for you.
  • Management tasked the team with improving sales numbers.
  • The editor tasked me with writing a feature article for next month's edition.
  • My friend tasked me with planning her surprise birthday party.
  • My jaw dropped upon seeing all the projects they tasked me with.

Examples of "Tasked Me With" in Pop Culture

The idiom has made its mark in various forms of media, reinforcing its relevance and familiarity:

  • In the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, the main character, Chris Gardner, often talks about the tasks he was assigned during his internship.
  • In the TV series Friends episode, Monica says, "They tasked me with choosing the new chef."
  • MxPx's song "Responsibility" includes a line about being tasked with duties and challenges.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Tasked Me With"

There are many ways to convey the same meaning without using this exact idiom:

  • Assigned me to
  • Charged me with
  • Entrusted me with
  • Gave me the duty of

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Tasked Me With":

  • What is the main meaning of "tasked me with"?

It refers to being given or assigned a responsibility or duty.

  • Is the phrase always used in the past tense?

No, it can be modified for different tenses, like "will task her with" or "tasks him with."

  • Does it always involve work-related responsibilities?

No, it can refer to any kind of duty or responsibility, even personal or casual tasks.

  • Can the phrase be used in a negative context?

Yes, for instance, "They tasked me with an impossible job."

  • Is "tasked me with" formal or informal?

It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

  • Can "tasked" be used on its own?

Yes, "tasked" alone can mean someone was given a task, but adding "with" specifies what the task is.

  • Is there a difference between "tasked with" and "tasked to"?

"Tasked with" usually precedes a noun (tasked with a job), while "tasked to" precedes a verb (tasked to do something).

  • Are there other idioms similar to "tasked me with"?

Yes, phrases like "put in charge of" or "entrusted with" convey similar meanings.

  • How old is this idiom?

The exact age is uncertain, but the root word "task" dates back to Old French origins.

  • Can the phrase be used humorously?

Yes, like "My cat tasked me with serving dinner on time."

Final Thoughts About "Tasked Me With"

"Tasked me with" is a phrase often used to communicate the assignment of a responsibility or duty. It can be employed in professional settings, such as a boss distributing tasks to employees, in educational environments where a teacher assigns duties to students, or even in casual contexts when one is discussing the chores or responsibilities assigned to them.

Here's a quick wrap-up:

  • It refers to being given a duty or responsibility.
  • The idiom can be adapted for different situations and tenses.
  • Its presence in pop culture underscores its continued relevance and usage.

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