a bigger undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bigger undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a task or project that is larger or more complex than another. Example: "Starting a new business is a bigger undertaking than I initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's a bigger undertaking.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was a bigger undertaking than we had grasped," she said.

The New York Times

"This is a bigger undertaking than we've done in a very long time, so we're feeling a mixture of excitement and some nervousness," Mr. Boyd said in an interview before Monday's announcement, which came at a news conference at Alice Tully Hall.

The New York Times

But there was a day — Feb. 25, 1908, to be precise — when President Theodore Roosevelt could say that the H & M had the "greatest subaqueous tunnel in the world" and was a "bigger undertaking than any Alpine tunnel which has yet been constructed".

The New York Times

But outside of its absurdist function on an episodic level, the announcement also serves to clue us into a bigger undertaking at the heart of "Orange Is the New Black": to counter the mainstream narrative of bodies that fall outside the thin cultural norm.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is a big undertaking.

The Economist

UNIQ is a big undertaking.

The Guardian

This race is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

But it's still a big undertaking.

The New York Times

But, learning the technical aspect was a big undertaking.

The New York Times

It's a big undertaking for one guy".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific context to determine if a more descriptive alternative, such as "a more ambitious project" or "a more significant endeavor", would provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a bigger undertaking" when a simpler phrase like "a big task" is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Only use it if you want to stress an increase in the complexity of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bigger undertaking" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes an activity, project, or task, emphasizing its magnitude and complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bigger undertaking" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a task or project that has grown in size or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it's not exceedingly common, its use in reputable news sources indicates its acceptability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on increased scale, and consider alternative phrases if a simpler description suffices. The phrase conveys the increased scale, difficulty, or complexity of a task or project.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more substantial project

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'project' emphasizing the planning and execution aspects. Focuses on the tangible results and objectives.

a more significant endeavor

Substitutes 'undertaking' with 'endeavor', highlighting the effort and ambition involved in the task.

a larger task

Uses 'task' instead of 'undertaking', simplifying the phrase and focusing on the work that needs to be done. It's less formal.

a more ambitious venture

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'venture', emphasizing the risk and potential reward associated with the activity.

a major operation

Substitutes 'undertaking' with 'operation', suggesting a coordinated and strategic effort, often on a larger scale.

a considerable enterprise

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'enterprise' focusing on complexity and organizational size.

a grand scheme

Substitutes 'undertaking' with 'scheme', highlighting the planning aspect and potential for a broad impact. It can sometimes imply ambition.

a massive challenge

Uses 'challenge' instead of 'undertaking', emphasizing the difficulty and obstacles involved.

a profound commitment

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'commitment', underscoring the dedication and investment required.

a sweeping initiative

Substitutes 'undertaking' with 'initiative', suggesting a broad and comprehensive approach to a problem or opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bigger undertaking" to describe something that is more challenging or complex than initially expected. For example, "Launching a new product line proved to be "a bigger undertaking" than we had anticipated".

What are some alternatives to "a bigger undertaking"?

Alternatives include "a larger project", "a more significant endeavor", or "a major operation", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a bigger undertaking" formal or informal?

"A bigger undertaking" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in a variety of contexts. The overall tone of your writing will dictate whether it's appropriate. Consider "a larger project" for a simpler phrasing.

What's the difference between "a big undertaking" and "a bigger undertaking"?

"A big undertaking" refers to a task that is substantial in size or effort, while "a bigger undertaking" implies that the task has grown in size or complexity compared to what was initially expected. "A bigger undertaking" suggests a change in scale.