Ambitious undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Ambitious undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project or task that requires significant effort, resources, or determination to achieve. Example: "Starting a new business in a competitive market is an ambitious undertaking that requires careful planning and execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hers is an ambitious undertaking.

The Economist

It was an ambitious undertaking.

The Economist

It's an ambitious undertaking.

The New York Times - Books

It is a hugely ambitious undertaking.

The Guardian

This is an ambitious undertaking.

The New York Times - Books

The ACE study was an ambitious undertaking.

The New Yorker

He had asked their views on the ambitious undertaking.

The New York Times

THE re-unification of Bosnia is a worryingly ambitious undertaking.

The Economist

One describes it as perhaps Mr Sharif's most ambitious undertaking.

The Economist

Zuckerberg and Chan acknowledged it was an ambitious undertaking.

The Guardian - Tech

EVEN in flush times, CityCenter was an ambitious undertaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambitious undertaking", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and potential impact of the project. It's most effective when the ambition is a key aspect of the subject.

Common error

Avoid describing routine tasks as an "ambitious undertaking". This phrase is best reserved for projects that genuinely stretch resources and capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambitious undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "ambitious" modifies the noun "undertaking". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and effectively conveys the scale and intent of a project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambitious undertaking" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe projects requiring significant effort and resources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent appearance across diverse sources, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the scale of ambition and consider alternatives like "challenging endeavor" or "bold initiative" to refine the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ambitious project

More specific, implying a defined project with specific goals.

Challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the difficulty and challenges involved in the project.

Grand scheme

Suggests a large-scale and complex project, often with long-term goals.

Bold initiative

Highlights the courage and innovation required for the project.

Formidable task

Focuses on the daunting nature of the task and the potential obstacles.

Monumental effort

Emphasizes the large amount of effort and resources required.

Far-reaching enterprise

Implies a project with significant and widespread impact.

Daring venture

Suggests risk-taking and a willingness to push boundaries.

Complex operation

Implies a project involving intricate processes and coordination.

Demanding mission

Emphasizes the rigorous requirements and high expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "ambitious undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "ambitious undertaking" to describe a project that requires significant effort, resources, and determination. For example, "Building a sustainable city from scratch is an "ambitious undertaking"."

What are some alternatives to "ambitious undertaking"?

Alternatives include "challenging endeavor", "grand scheme", or "bold initiative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "ambitious undertaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "ambitious undertaking" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant projects or initiatives in business, academic, or scientific contexts. Be aware that less formal alternatives such as "big project" exist, but lack a layer of formality.

What makes something qualify as an "ambitious undertaking"?

An "ambitious undertaking" typically involves a high degree of difficulty, requires extensive resources, and aims to achieve a significant or transformative outcome. It often pushes the boundaries of what is currently possible.