a colossal undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is extremely large, complex, or challenging. Example: "Building the new bridge was a colossal undertaking that required years of planning and coordination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The killings were a colossal undertaking.

The New York Times

Whatever the intentions, though, pushing the world's largest and most diversified economy in any particular direction is a colossal undertaking.

The New York Times

In 1999, he announced plans to demolish all of Chicago's public-housing towers, a colossal undertaking equivalent to relocating a city of more than fifty thousand people.

The New Yorker

It has also pledged that 20% of its energy would come from renewable sources by 2030, a colossal undertaking equivalent to powering the United States national grid purely through non-fossil fuels.

The Guardian

A colossal song to celebrate a colossal undertaking.

BBC

This will be a colossal undertaking.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Reading through Green's entry for punk brings home what a truly colossal undertaking slang lexicography can be.

The New York Times - Books

CECIL B. DeMILLE would probably have approved of the concept behind Paramount Home Entertainment's 55th anniversary gift set edition of "The Ten Commandments," an appropriately colossal undertaking that includes three Blu-ray discs and three standard DVDs, a commemorative book, reproductions of the original program and assorted documents and costume sketches.

The New York Times

Making solar big enough to matter environmentally would be an even more colossal undertaking.

The New York Times

Mr. Portman is a rare example of an architect who is also a real estate developer, and the Peachtree Center is his most colossal undertaking.

The New York Times - Travel

Chongqing's rapid implementation of this colossal undertaking, beginning in 2010, led the central leadership to argue for similar projects nationwide.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a colossal undertaking" when you want to emphasize the sheer size, complexity, and challenge of a particular project or task. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding weight to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "a colossal undertaking" to describe everyday tasks or minor projects. The phrase is most effective when reserved for situations that genuinely involve significant effort and resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal undertaking" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the idea of a task or project of immense scale and complexity. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal undertaking" is a noun phrase used to describe tasks or projects of immense scale and complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its usage across various contexts, including news media, academia, and encyclopedias. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing, adding weight to descriptions of challenging endeavors. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual scale of the project to avoid overuse in trivial contexts. Related phrases include ""a monumental project"" and ""a massive endeavor"", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental project

Emphasizes the historical significance and lasting impact of the undertaking.

a massive endeavor

Focuses on the scale and effort involved in the project.

a gigantic task

Highlights the immense size and difficulty of the task.

a herculean effort

Draws a parallel to the mythical hero Hercules, underscoring the strength and determination required.

a vast enterprise

Suggests a wide scope and extensive planning involved in the venture.

an ambitious scheme

Implies a bold and potentially risky plan.

a sweeping initiative

Highlights the broad range and comprehensive nature of the project.

a complex operation

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the activity.

a formidable challenge

Underscores the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

a major undertaking

A more general phrase indicating a significant project.

FAQs

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

You can use "a colossal undertaking" to describe a project or task that is extremely large, complex, and challenging. For example, "Building the Panama Canal was "a colossal undertaking" that required significant resources and manpower."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a colossal undertaking"?

Similar phrases include "a monumental project", "a massive endeavor", or "a gigantic task". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a colossal undertaking" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a colossal undertaking" is suitable for formal writing. It is often found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe significant projects or challenges.

What is the difference between "a colossal undertaking" and "a large project"?

"A colossal undertaking" implies a greater degree of size, complexity, and difficulty than "a large project". While a large project may be significant, a colossal undertaking suggests something truly exceptional in scale and challenge.