a big endeavour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big endeavour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or challenging task or project that requires considerable effort and resources. Example: "Starting a new business is a big endeavour that requires careful planning and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a big endeavour by the guys who are putting the whole thing together.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a big endeavour, and we currently expect them to open in early 2017," said Staggs in response to the delay.

The Guardian - Film

Attending the school, and commuting from Long Island into the city, was "a big adventure, a big endeavour" and "quite intimidating for me.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If there's a shame to Corrie's big endeavour, it's that the Platts vs Callum never felt like the strongest story in play.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The city provides all sorts of incentives to encourage acts of greenery, and sets green examples, such as using cars that run on compressed natural gas or ethanol and heaters that run on recycled oil.The mayor's second big endeavour, the transformation of Chicago's public housing, has proved much more difficult.

The Economist

The sign said: "Proud Supporter … The Big Endeavour".

Los Angeles Times

The sign said: "Proud Supporter … The Big Endeavour". That year, she'd gotten up at the crack of dawn to see Endeavour leave LAX.

Los Angeles Times

The lesson Myanmar's has drawn from North Korea is that a real or rumoured nuclear capability is a big help in this endeavour.

The Economist

All of this risks being lost for ever unless it is properly preserved, and at the British Library, the home of the UK Sound Archive, we face a big challenge as we endeavour to safeguard the nation's collection of 6.5m sounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Opportunity vehicle is driving around the rim of a big crater known as Endeavour where clays have been sighted from orbit.

BBC

"I'm a big fan of non-league football and the honest endeavour involved".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big endeavour", ensure the context clearly indicates the significant effort, resources, and planning involved in the project or task. Consider using more specific language if the nature of the endeavour can be described more precisely.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a big endeavour" as it can sometimes be vague. Substitute with more descriptive terms to convey the specifics of the project, such as "a complex research project" or "a large-scale marketing campaign."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big endeavour" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in written English to depict significant or challenging tasks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Film

17%

TV & Radio

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big endeavour" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes a significant or challenging task. While its frequency is rare, it is found in diverse sources like The Guardian and BBC, particularly in the News & Media category. Alternatives such as "a major undertaking" or "a significant project" can be used for variety. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects the scale and effort involved, avoiding overuse for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major undertaking

Replaces "endeavour" with "undertaking", emphasizing the scale and complexity of the task.

a significant project

Substitutes "endeavour" with "project", focusing on the planned and organized nature of the activity.

a considerable task

Uses "task" instead of "endeavour", highlighting the work that needs to be done.

an ambitious undertaking

Adds "ambitious" to emphasize the challenging and aspirational nature of the endeavour.

a monumental effort

Replaces "endeavour" with "effort", stressing the amount of work required.

a substantial venture

Uses "venture" in place of "endeavour", suggesting a new and potentially risky project.

a grand scheme

Substitutes "endeavour" with "scheme", emphasizing the planning and strategic aspect, often implying ambition.

a large-scale operation

Replaces "endeavour" with "operation", focusing on the systematic and organized execution.

a sweeping initiative

Uses "initiative" to suggest a proactive and strategic approach.

an expansive activity

Replaces "endeavour" with "activity", focusing on the scope and reach of the undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "a big endeavour" in a sentence?

You can use "a big endeavour" to describe a significant or challenging task that requires considerable effort. For example, "Starting a new business is "a big endeavour" that demands careful planning."

What are some alternatives to "a big endeavour"?

Alternatives to "a big endeavour" include "a major undertaking", "a significant project", or "an ambitious goal", depending on the specific context.

Is "a big endeavour" formal or informal?

"A big endeavour" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What makes something qualify as "a big endeavour"?

For something to be considered "a big endeavour", it typically involves a substantial commitment of time, resources, and effort, and often carries a significant degree of challenge or complexity.