I undertook to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I undertook to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a commitment or responsibility to perform a specific task or duty. Example: "I undertook to complete the project by the end of the month." Alternative expressions include "I committed to" and "I agreed to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

At my son's invitation I undertook to co-write with him the story of his life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Guardian

As part of the research, I undertook to eat only green-list foods.

The Guardian

Back in my early 20s, in a fit of literary conscientiousness, I undertook to sample his work.

The New York Times - Books

Of all the things I undertook to get urbanhound launched, the hardest was writing a business plan.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was less sad about the miscarriage, though I undertook to convince myself otherwise by trying to get pregnant again.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

"Because of cases like this I undertake to introduce a private member's bill into the Queensland parliament to have abortion removed from the criminal code, so this sort of thing doesn't happen again," Pyne said.

The Guardian

Must I undertake to prove that the slave is a man?

Huffington Post

D.P.: First, I undertook training to learn how to live independently with very little vision.

Science Magazine

In the past 30 years I have undertaken to learn all I could about proper nutrition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I undertook to", ensure that the action you are committing to is clearly defined. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "I undertook to" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I agreed to" or "I decided to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I undertook to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a commitment or agreement to perform a specific action. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from writing articles to organizing events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I undertook to" signifies a commitment or agreement to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While functional and widely accepted, consider the context to avoid an overly formal tone. Alternatives like "I agreed to" or "I committed to" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Always ensure that the action you're undertaking is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Its presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times further solidifies its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I committed myself to

Emphasizes personal dedication and responsibility.

I pledged to

Suggests a formal or solemn promise.

I resolved to

Implies a firm decision and determination.

I made a commitment to

Highlights the act of making a promise or obligation.

I took it upon myself to

Indicates personal initiative and responsibility.

I assumed responsibility for

Focuses on the acceptance of a duty or task.

I engaged to

Signifies a formal agreement or arrangement (less common).

I set out to

Indicates the beginning of an effort towards a goal.

I volunteered to

Emphasizes a willingness to perform a service without obligation.

I agreed to

A general term for accepting a request or offer.

FAQs

What does "I undertook to" mean?

The phrase "I undertook to" means that you committed or agreed to do something. It indicates a sense of responsibility and intention to fulfill a task.

How can I use "I undertook to" in a sentence?

You can use "I undertook to" to describe an action you promised or committed to do. For example, "I undertook to finish the report by Friday".

What can I say instead of "I undertook to"?

You can use alternatives like "I agreed to", "I promised to", or "I committed to" depending on the context.

Is "undertake to" more formal than "agree to"?

Yes, "undertake to" is generally considered more formal than "agree to". Use "undertake to" in professional or academic settings, while "agree to" is suitable for everyday conversations.