a chancy undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chancy undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an endeavor that involves a significant risk or uncertainty. Example: "Starting a new business in a saturated market can be a chancy undertaking, but it may also lead to great rewards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Development is always a chancy undertaking, and Mr. Ratkovich has had his share of money-losing projects, including the Wiltern.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are typically three to four minute programs, with a single advertiser involved as part of a package sale – a somewhat expensive and chancy undertaking.

Forbes

Life is a chancy deal.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a chancy business.

The Guardian - Arts

Making predictions is a chancy business.

The Guardian

"It's such a chancy business, this patrolling," he reported.

Independent

The creation of a new opera is a chancy proposition.

The New York Times - Arts

One prisoner, given a chancy triple dose, goes wacko.

The New York Times - Books

Every family has a chancy cow or two roaming the meadows of its past.

The New Yorker

Assessing, or canonizing, Justices before they have had a chance to judge is a chancy proposition.

The New Yorker

Writing to companies with requests or complaints is a chancy business.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chancy undertaking" when you want to subtly emphasize the inherent risks and uncertainties involved in a project or activity, without necessarily portraying it as overtly negative.

Common error

Avoid using "a chancy undertaking" when the situation clearly presents minimal risk. It's best suited for describing situations with genuine uncertainty, not everyday activities or sure bets.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chancy undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "chancy" modifies "undertaking". It describes a specific type of activity or project. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chancy undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an activity or project involving significant risk and uncertainty. Ludwig confirms its correctness, and the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, its use is appropriate in situations where it is important to highlight potential pitfalls. Consider alternatives like "a risky endeavor" or "a precarious venture" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the described situation genuinely warrants such a characterization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A risky endeavor

Focuses on the element of risk involved.

A hazardous enterprise

Highlights the potential dangers or difficulties.

A precarious venture

Emphasizes the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

A dicey proposition

Implies a significant element of chance or gamble.

A speculative project

Highlights the uncertain outcome and reliance on predictions.

A fraught operation

Emphasizes the stress and anxiety associated with the undertaking.

A questionable bet

Suggests doubt about the likelihood of success.

An uncertain prospect

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the future.

A gamble

Short, direct way to describe the undertaking as a game of chance.

A long shot

Implies the undertaking is unlikely to succeed.

FAQs

What does "a chancy undertaking" mean?

The phrase "a chancy undertaking" describes an activity or project that involves a significant degree of risk, uncertainty, or potential for failure. It suggests that the outcome is not guaranteed and relies heavily on chance.

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

You might say, "Starting a new business in a saturated market can be "a chancy undertaking", but it may also lead to great rewards." The phrase is suitable when the outcome is uncertain and dependent on various external factors.

What are some alternatives to "a chancy undertaking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a risky endeavor", "a hazardous enterprise", or "a precarious venture". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the risk involved.

Is "a chancy undertaking" formal or informal?

The phrase "a chancy undertaking" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both news reporting and professional communication. More formal alternatives might include "a speculative project", while less formal options could involve simpler expressions like "a gamble".