a careful undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a careful undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires attention to detail and thoroughness. Example: "The research project was a careful undertaking, requiring months of planning and meticulous execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The department is undertaking a careful and thorough review and evaluation of the terms of the proposed licenses to determine whether the licenses comply with the proposed final judgment," a Justice Department official said.

The New York Times

With regard to balancing transparency and national security, the Administration is undertaking a careful and thorough review of whether and to what extent additional information or documents pertaining to this program may be declassified, consistent with the protection of national security.

TechCrunch

The jurors undertook a careful and "methodical examination" of the judge's instructions, the juror recalled.

The New York Times

Relying on primary and secondary sources, students will undertake a careful study of his manifestos, paintings, and performances.

Yale University

"These circumstances have challenged Congress to undertake a careful and sensitive review of proposals that will preserve the sanctity of marriage in our country," she said.

The New York Times

Mr. Tierney said the department would undertake a careful review of the engineering involved in New York City's plan, but added, "We're interested in exploring it and making it happen".

The New York Times - Science

When, in the early 1960's, some of his ideas about Poussin were publicly challenged by a rival connoisseur, Blunt, already rattled by investigations into his spying, falsely claimed to have undertaken a careful examination of a painting that he actually knew only from a photograph.

The New York Times - Books

In overruling a school regulation prohibiting the wearing of antiwar armbands, the Court undertook a careful analysis of the legitimate requirements of orderly school administration in order to ensure that the students were afforded maximum freedom of speech consistent with those requirements.

Cornell University

The buyer will undertake a careful review of the selling company's involvement in any current or past IP litigation or other disputes.

Forbes

President Obama undertook a careful analysis of what to do in Afghanistan (something the Republicans shamefully portrayed as dithering), settling on the current counterinsurgency strategy that relies on building trust in government institutions as a way of winning the loyalty of the Afghan people (at the expense of the Taliban).

Huffington Post

Therefore, we undertook a careful genome analysis of the STK35 locus.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a careful undertaking" with specific verbs (e.g., "undertake a careful review", "conduct a careful analysis") to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by not using too many adjectives similar to "careful" in the same sentence. Overuse can weaken the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a careful undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Given the analysis from Ludwig, the phrase suggests a task or project needing meticulous attention.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a careful undertaking" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a task or project requiring diligence and attention to detail. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability in written English. While examples are currently missing, the phrase’s construction is standard. Its neutral-to-professional register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, from academic writing to business communications. Alternatives like "a meticulous endeavor" or "a thorough examination" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific emphasis desired. Remember to avoid overuse and redundancy with similar adjectives to maintain the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meticulous endeavor

Replaces "careful undertaking" with a more formal and precise term, emphasizing the thoroughness and precision involved.

a thorough examination

Focuses on the depth and completeness of the review or analysis being conducted, similar to "a careful undertaking".

a detailed investigation

Emphasizes the investigative aspect of the task, highlighting the attention to detail and comprehensiveness.

a considered project

Highlights the thoughtfulness and deliberation involved in the undertaking, focusing on the planning and consideration aspects.

a diligent effort

Emphasizes the persistent and hardworking nature of the endeavor, highlighting the dedication required.

a painstaking task

Highlights the meticulousness and effort involved, suggesting a task that requires great care and attention to detail.

a prudent action

Emphasizes the wisdom and careful consideration behind the undertaking, focusing on the judicious nature of the action.

a deliberate process

Focuses on the intentional and methodical nature of the undertaking, highlighting the step-by-step approach.

a circumspect measure

Emphasizes caution and careful consideration, highlighting the prudence involved in the undertaking.

a thoughtful activity

Highlights the mental effort and consideration invested, focusing on the reflective nature of the activity.

FAQs

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

"A careful undertaking" typically refers to a project or task that requires great attention to detail and planning. For example, "The research project was "a careful undertaking", demanding months of meticulous data collection and analysis."

What are some synonyms for "a careful undertaking"?

Alternatives include "a meticulous endeavor", "a thorough examination", or "a detailed investigation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always necessary to use "a" before "careful undertaking"?

Yes, since "undertaking" is a singular countable noun, it generally requires an article ("a" or "the"). "A careful undertaking" is used when referring to a general instance, while "the careful undertaking" would refer to a specific undertaking already mentioned or understood.

What distinguishes "a careful undertaking" from "a simple task"?

"A simple task" implies ease and minimal effort. In contrast, ""a careful undertaking"" suggests a task or project that demands significant attention, precision, and planning to be successful. The level of complexity and required diligence are key differentiators.