I undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

'I undertake' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are taking an obligation or responsibility upon yourself. For example: "I undertake to complete this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

People often ask me why I undertake the climb.

The New Yorker

Where can I undertake research using original documents?

The Guardian

Where can I undertake research using the original documents?

The Guardian

I undertake to publish them as soon as they are received.

The Guardian

Every aspect of each project that I undertake is carefully and meticulously designed and documented.

The New York Times

This is part of the reason I undertake these long trips.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I undertook specific investigations.

The Guardian

I undertook 75 hours of community service.

The Guardian - Opinion

I undertook what I like to think of as a classic American project of self-improvement.

The New Yorker

I undertook to write an article in 2013 revealing the results, whether I won or lost.

The Guardian

For each felling, I undertook a new planting at a safe distance from my house.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I undertake" in formal writing, ensure the subsequent action is clearly defined and measurable, making your commitment more concrete and verifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "I undertake" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and overly serious in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I undertake" functions as a declarative statement of commitment. It's typically used to formally express the intent to perform a specific action or fulfill a responsibility. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates a serious obligation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I undertake" is a formal expression of commitment, suitable for professional, academic, and official contexts. As Ludwig highlights, it signifies a serious intention to fulfill a responsibility or perform a specific action. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it should be avoided in informal settings where a more casual tone is appropriate. Ludwig’s examples illustrate its usage in various authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times. Alternatives like "I commit to" or "I pledge to" can be used in similar contexts to convey a comparable level of dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I commit to

Focuses on the act of binding oneself to a particular course of action or responsibility.

I pledge to

Emphasizes a formal and often public declaration of commitment.

I guarantee to

Suggests a strong assurance that something will be done or achieved.

I promise to

Implies a personal assurance of fulfilling a task or obligation.

I take responsibility for

Highlights the acceptance of accountability for a specific task or outcome.

I assume responsibility for

Similar to 'take responsibility', but can also imply a proactive acceptance of duties.

I engage in

Focuses on starting or participating in a particular activity or task.

I embark on

Suggests starting a new and often challenging project or venture.

I set about

Implies starting to do something with purpose and determination.

I see to it that

Emphasizes ensuring that something is done properly or happens as planned.

FAQs

How can I use "I undertake" in a sentence?

Use "I undertake" to formally commit to an action or responsibility. For instance, "I undertake to complete this project by the deadline" shows a serious commitment.

What's a good alternative to "I undertake" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, alternatives like "I commit to", "I pledge to", or "I guarantee to" can be used to express a similar level of commitment.

When is it inappropriate to use "I undertake"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "I undertake" in informal conversations or casual writing. Simpler phrases like "I'll do it" or "I'll handle it" are more suitable.

What is the difference between "I undertake" and "I will do"?

"I undertake" implies a more formal and serious commitment than "I will do". The former suggests a sense of duty or obligation, while the latter is a simple statement of future action.