I am undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to mean beginning something (or attempting to do something). For example: "I am undertaking a major home improvement project this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This week, one of the busiest in the parliamentary year because of Tuesday's State Opening of Parliament, I am undertaking a challenge to look after myself better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"While I am undertaking these tasks I will refrain from indulging in such remarks as 'Shit,' 'Goddamn sonofabitch,' and similar vulgarities, as such language is nerve-wracking to have around the house when nothing more drastic is taking place than the facing of Necessity".

The New Yorker

What prompts my thinking is current research I am undertaking on activist campaigns against corporations.

Huffington Post

Given the current debate on intelligence and the credibility of the President, I can certainly understand the attempts to make me just 'go away.' Despite the great personal risk I am undertaking reaching out to you, I feel it my duty to bring to your attention information that is vital to the national security of this country.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was undertaking to write about geology and the question was proper.

The New Yorker

I'm undertaking some lovely research which requires traipsing through the English countryside.

The Guardian - Opinion

I didn't say I was a journalist, but that I was undertaking research into the issue.

The Guardian

"I'm undertaking that process and we will of course, by the next election, have a manifesto that sets out precisely what our position is," she said.

The Guardian

For me to do it apart from an inner confidence that I was undertaking it with God's full blessing is simply unthinkable".

The New York Times

"I felt like I'd come home when I met Jonathan, but also like I was undertaking a grand adventure," Ms. Van Pelt wrote in an e-mail message just after the event.

The New York Times

This image came to life for me years after I first puzzled about it, when I was undertaking a transformation in my own work and realized that Robert had planted a seed that was then sprouting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am undertaking" when you want to convey a sense of formality and commitment to a task or project. It's suitable for professional communications and formal reports.

Common error

Avoid using "I am undertaking" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I'm starting" or "I'm working on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am undertaking" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's current engagement in a specific activity or task. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am undertaking" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to express that one is currently engaged in a task or project. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Although it's not as common as simpler alternatives, it's appropriate for professional and formal communications. The phrase frequently appears in news and media sources and also science related contexts. When considering alternative phrasings, options like "I am commencing" or "I am initiating" can offer a similar level of formality and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am commencing

Emphasizes the start of an activity, similar to undertaking but with a stronger focus on initiation.

I am initiating

Highlights the act of starting something, often implying a leadership role.

I am embarking on

Suggests starting a journey or adventure, which can be literal or metaphorical.

I am launching

Implies a formal beginning or introduction of something new.

I am pursuing

Focuses on the effort and dedication towards achieving a goal.

I am engaging in

Indicates active participation or involvement in something.

I am dedicating myself to

Highlights a strong commitment and focus on a particular task.

I am devoting myself to

Suggests allocating time and resources to a specific activity.

I am tackling

Implies addressing a challenge or difficult task.

I am handling

Suggests managing or dealing with a situation or task.

FAQs

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

Use "I am undertaking" to indicate that you are beginning or engaging in a task, project, or activity. For example, "I am undertaking a research project on climate change".

What are some alternatives to "I am undertaking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "I am starting", "I am beginning", or "I am working on".

Is "I am undertaking" formal or informal?

"I am undertaking" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I am undertaking" and "I am trying"?

"I am undertaking" implies a commitment to start and complete a task, while "I am trying" suggests an attempt or effort to do something, without necessarily implying commitment to completion.