Undergo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Undergo" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the experience of going through a process, change, or treatment. Example: "The patient will undergo surgery next week to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The former Wales and Liverpool striker took charge of the Crawley in December after John Gregory stepped down to undergo heart surgery.

The Guardian - Sport

If I do undergo transplant surgery, I know it will mean that someone in his or her darkest moments of loss has reached out to a stranger and offered them a future with the gift of their loved one's organs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has also had to undergo a medical examination.

The Guardian

Under FEC law, anyone employed by a formal campaign must undergo a 120-day waiting period before engaging with independent expenditures.

The Guardian

Liberatore will undergo a traditional reconstruction that usually requires 10 to 12 months of rehabilitation.

The Guardian - Sport

McGuire, who has apologised unreservedly to the AFL star, will face the Racial and Religious Vilification Policy process, usually undertaken by on field players, which will see him undergo a mediation and educational process.

The Guardian - Sport

The merging of two separate shots was intended to depict caring Chinese politicians visiting a sweet old lady, but only gave the internet Orwellian nightmares – and obliged the image-makers to undergo some pretty unflinching Maoist self-criticism.

The Guardian - Arts

The chief source of funding for the Labour party – the trade union political funds – are likely to undergo big cuts as a result of a bill being introduced by the business secretary.

The Guardian

The awards celebrate the best of the British food industry, and in a year when the industry continues to undergo change, OFM editor, Allan Jenkins, encourages readers to nominate those that put food first.

The Guardian

Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, did not have to undergo gender verification at the 1976 Olympics due to "royal courtesy".

The Guardian - Sport

For now, Labour is due to undergo another leadership contest and as the focus turns to possible candidates questions are already being asked about the willingness of David Miliband – whom younger brother Ed defeated for the leadership in 2005 – to return to Britain and stand again.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Undergo" to describe a formal or significant process, such as a medical procedure, investigation, or transformation. This emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "Undergo" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler verbs like "go through" or "experience" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Undergo" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being experienced or subjected to. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Undergo" is a versatile transitive verb frequently used to describe experiencing or being subjected to a process, treatment, or change. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase "Undergo" is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in formal and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When choosing an alternative, consider "go through" for more informal scenarios, or "experience" when emphasizing personal impact. Remember to avoid overusing "Undergo" in casual conversation for a more natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Go through

This is a more common and less formal way to describe experiencing something, often implying a process.

Experience

Focuses on the act of encountering or living through something, often emphasizing the personal impact.

Be subjected to

Emphasizes that someone is forced to endure something, often unpleasant or unwanted.

Be exposed to

Highlights contact with something, often something that has an effect or influence.

Be put through

Implies a difficult or challenging experience, often with a deliberate intent.

Sustain

Indicates suffering or experiencing something, often an injury or loss.

Bear

Suggests enduring something difficult or unpleasant with fortitude.

Endure

Highlights the ability to withstand something difficult or painful over a period of time.

Face

Emphasizes confronting something directly, often a challenge or problem.

Be made to

Suggests being forced or compelled to do or experience something.

FAQs

How can I use "Undergo" in a sentence?

Use "Undergo" to describe formally experiencing or being subjected to something, such as "The patient will "undergo surgery"". or "The company will "undergo restructuring"".

What are some alternatives to "Undergo"?

You can use alternatives like "go through", "experience", or "be subjected to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "undergo a change" or "go through a change"?

"Undergo a change" is more formal and implies a significant transformation, while "go through a change" is more casual and suggests a simple transition.

What's the difference between "Undergo" and "Undertake"?

"Undergo" means to experience something, whereas "Undertake" means to start or engage in something. You "undertake a project", but "undergo surgery".