Undertake the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Undertake the task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of beginning or committing to a specific job or responsibility. Example: "She decided to undertake the task of organizing the community event to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now Shapiro will undertake the task a second time.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps only science could effectively undertake the task of freeing sexuality from science itself.

The New Yorker

"He no longer carries the trust and confidence of the Black community necessary to undertake the task in hand".

The Guardian

Even chefs who never peel favas at their restaurants happily undertake the task at home -- albeit in much smaller quantities.

The New York Times - Food

But providing defense is costly, so no producers would undertake the task, because they could not make money doing so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I would've chosen my own biographer, but I don't know anyone who would agree to undertake the task.

The New York Times - Books

Why did it take an American, like Mr. Dower, who is a professor of history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to undertake the task?

The New York Times - Books

I find myself torn between admiration and bewilderment as I think about those staunch enough to undertake the task of judging their peers under impossible circumstances.

The New York Times

The latest genuinely clever writer to undertake the task is Amanda Craig, a British author of five novels, only one of which, "In a Dark Wood," has been published in the United States.

The New York Times - Books

Whitelaw had so high an opinion of Aitken that despite their very different political views, he chose him as his biographer and over some convivial lunches persuaded him to undertake the task.

The Guardian - Books

When Dodsley asked Johnson to undertake the task, Johnson was of course partly attracted by the decent fee involved, and by the chance to make his name for good and all (other would-be compilers had tried and failed).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake the task", ensure that the task is clearly defined and that the context implies a serious commitment to its completion.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake the task" in casual conversation or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "start" or "do" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake the task" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It signifies the act of beginning and committing to a specific job, duty, or responsibility. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Huffington Post

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertake the task" is a verb phrase used to express a formal and serious commitment to begin and complete a specific duty or project. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears across various authoritative sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While highly versatile, it is best suited for professional and formal contexts, where simpler alternatives may suffice in more casual settings. Consider alternatives like "take on the task" or "embark on the task" to express similar commitment with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Embark on the task

Suggests a beginning or initiation of the task with enthusiasm or a sense of adventure.

Take on the task

Implies acceptance of the responsibility to complete the task.

Assume the task

Highlights the act of taking responsibility or control of the task.

Shoulder the task

Emphasizes bearing the weight or burden associated with the task.

Set about the task

Focuses on the manner of approaching the task, typically with diligence or purpose.

Get down to the task

Implies beginning the task with seriousness and focus, often after a period of delay.

Tackle the task

Suggests confronting the task directly, often when the task is perceived as challenging.

Engage in the task

Highlights active participation and involvement in the task.

Devote oneself to the task

Emphasizes dedication and commitment to the task.

Apply oneself to the task

Focuses on directing one's efforts and skills towards the task.

FAQs

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

Use "undertake the task" to indicate a serious commitment to starting and completing a specific duty or project. For example, "The committee will undertake the task of reviewing the proposals".

What are some alternatives to saying "undertake the task"?

You can use alternatives like "take on the task", "embark on the task", or "assume the task" depending on the context.

Is "undertake the task" formal or informal?

"Undertake the task" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives like "start the task" or "do the task" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "undertake the task" and "begin the task"?

"Undertake the task" implies a more significant level of commitment and responsibility than "begin the task". While both refer to starting something, "undertake the task" suggests a more deliberate and serious approach.