a big undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big undertaking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a difficult task that requires a significant amount of effort. For example, "Starting a business in a foreign country is a big undertaking".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a big undertaking.

The Economist

This race is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

But it's still a big undertaking.

The New York Times

UNIQ is a big undertaking.

The Guardian

It's a big undertaking for one guy".

The New York Times - Sports

But, learning the technical aspect was a big undertaking.

The New York Times

Getting new systems going is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

"It wasn't just a big undertaking as a first film," he confirmns, "it was a big undertaking as a big film to finish in a ridiculous time scale.

The Guardian - Film

"That is a big undertaking — bigger than moving an apartment," he said.

The New York Times

But this much is obvious: Running for Senate in New York is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

"It's a big undertaking and it has gotten to be too much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a big undertaking", ensure that the context clearly defines why the task is considered substantial or challenging. Provide specific details about the resources, effort, or complexity involved to emphasize the magnitude of the undertaking.

Common error

Avoid using "a big undertaking" to describe tasks that are relatively straightforward or require minimal effort. This can diminish the impact of the phrase and mislead the audience about the actual scale of the task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes something requiring substantial effort and resources, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big undertaking" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a task that requires significant effort and resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the magnitude of the task, and be mindful of overstating the simplicity of the task. Consider the suggested alternatives like "a major endeavor" or "a substantial project" to fine-tune the nuance. By understanding the grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "a big undertaking" to convey the challenges and complexities involved in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and importance of the task.

an ambitious undertaking

Emphasizes the level of aspiration and difficulty.

a considerable task

Highlights the amount of effort and resources needed.

a substantial project

Focuses on the scale and complexity of the activity.

a complex endeavor

Focuses on the intricacy and interrelated parts of the task.

a significant challenge

Underlines the difficulty involved.

a demanding assignment

Stresses the rigorous nature of the task.

a monumental effort

Highlights the considerable work required.

a large-scale operation

Highlights the size and organizational aspect.

a herculean task

Uses hyperbole to emphasize the extreme difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big undertaking" to describe a project or task that requires a significant amount of effort and resources. For example, "Launching a new product line is "a big undertaking" for any company".

What are some alternatives to "a big undertaking"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a major endeavor", "a substantial project", or "an ambitious undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big undertaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "a big undertaking" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a challenging or complex task. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "a major endeavor" if the context requires a higher level of formality.

What makes something qualify as "a big undertaking"?

A task qualifies as "a big undertaking" if it involves significant effort, resources, time, or complexity. It typically requires careful planning, coordination, and execution to achieve the desired outcome. Successfully completing "a big undertaking" often yields substantial rewards or benefits.