I undertake a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I undertake a course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are looking to say that you are beginning a course of study or instruction. For example: "I am undertaking a course in Japanese to improve my language skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

All new students admitted to Texas A&M University at Qatar undertake a course entitled Foundations of Engineering I (ENGR 111); an introduction to the engineering profession and its required skills.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

All staff and managers undertake a course on preventing and addressing harassment, including sexual harassment, while additional sessions have recently been introduced.

The Guardian

Drivers newly acquiring a super licence required to compete in F1 should undertake a course, and pass a test, to familiarise themselves with safety procedures for an event and the regulations.

The Guardian - Sport

The fourth key skill LinkedIn mentioned was persuasion, the ability to convince individuals to undertake a course of action.

Forbes

Murdoch was posted to England in 1936 37 to undertake a course in long navigation at RAF Manston and serve on attachment with No. 114 Squadron.

Wikipedia

I recently undertook a course in English language teaching at the Intensive School of English & Business Communication in Brighton and Hove.

Independent

In addition to practical experience within labs at the university, I undertook a week long field course in my second year which allowed me to put many of the theoretical modules I'd studied in the first two years of my degree into practice.

Independent

In the end, the fifty-something Londoner chose not to have more invasive surgery ("I didn't want to go through all that again"), but undertook a course of injections with non-invasive specialist Dr Michael Prager.

Independent

Animal is in anger management, undertaking a course of therapy, success of which is predicated on nobody mentioning the D-word.

The Guardian - Film

Instead, Turing was left humiliated when he was charged and convicted of public indecency and, instead of serving a prison sentence, voluntarily undertook a course of chemical castration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Below stairs, Thomas had undertaken a course of electrotherapy – "to change me, to make me more like other people, other men".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I undertake a course" when you want to express a formal or slightly elevated tone when describing your enrollment in a course. Consider your audience and the context to determine if a more common alternative would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I undertake a course" in informal settings, as it may sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for more common alternatives like "I'm taking a course" or "I'm doing a course" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I undertake a course" functions as a statement of action, indicating that the speaker is beginning or engaging in a course of study. It’s a declaration of intent or current activity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I undertake a course" is a grammatically correct but formal way to express enrollment in a course of study. According to Ludwig, its usage is appropriate in formal settings where a more elevated tone is desired. While grammatically sound, it's less common than alternatives like "I am taking a course". The lack of examples indicates its relative infrequency in contemporary usage. When deciding whether to use this phrase, consider your audience and the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am taking a course

This is a more common and slightly more informal way of saying "I undertake a course".

I am enrolled in a course

Focuses on the enrollment aspect rather than the active participation.

I am studying a course

Emphasizes the act of studying the material within the course.

I am participating in a course

Highlights the involvement and activity within the course.

I am doing a course

A more colloquial alternative with similar meaning.

I'm pursuing a course of study

This alternative focuses on the academic advancement obtained from the course.

I'm attending a course

Specifies physical presence at a course if needed.

I'm registered for a course

Highlights the act of registering, rather than the course itself.

I will be undertaking a course

This represents intention to enroll in the future.

I've signed up for a course

Implies a previous active registration action, not necessarily present engagement.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "I undertake a course"?

A more common way to express the same idea is to say "I am taking a course", which is less formal and more frequently used in everyday conversation.

Is "I undertake a course" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I undertake a course" is grammatically correct, but it's considered a more formal way of expressing that you are participating in a course of study.

What's the difference between "I undertake a course" and "I am taking a course"?

"I undertake a course" is more formal, while "I am taking a course" is more common and informal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "I undertake a course"?

Use "I undertake a course" in formal settings such as academic applications, professional communications, or official reports where a more elevated tone is desired.