a cumbersome undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cumbersome undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is difficult, awkward, or requires a lot of effort to complete. Example: "Organizing the annual conference turned out to be a cumbersome undertaking, requiring months of planning and coordination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The whole programme seems burdened by a terribly cumbersome bureaucracy.

Independent

Why create a cumbersome bureaucracy?

The New York Times

It was a cumbersome and costly process.

The New York Times

The Department of Homeland Security is a cumbersome bureaucratic monster.

The Economist

Complicating matters is a cumbersome bureaucracy.

The New York Times - Sports

He wore a cumbersome white neck brace.

The New York Times - Sports

Overturning regulations is a cumbersome process.

The New York Times

Organizing feeds is a cumbersome process.

The Guardian - Tech

Drug development is a cumbersome process.

The New York Times

The device was a cumbersome assemblage weighing 65 tons.

The New York Times

But this requires a cumbersome and lengthy waiver process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cumbersome undertaking", ensure the context clearly highlights the difficulty, complexity, or inefficiency associated with the task. This emphasizes the significance of the effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a cumbersome undertaking" when the task is merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. Reserve this phrase for situations genuinely marked by significant difficulty and complexity, otherwise your writing will sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cumbersome undertaking" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "cumbersome" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "undertaking". It describes the nature or quality of the undertaking, indicating it is unwieldy or difficult to manage. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cumbersome undertaking" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a complex, difficult, and potentially inefficient task. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable, the absence of examples suggests it may not be frequently used. Alternatives such as "a challenging endeavor" or "a complex task" may offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure the description of complexity and difficulty is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging endeavor

Focuses on the difficulty and the effort required; 'endeavor' suggests a serious attempt to achieve something.

a complex task

Highlights the intricacy and the many interconnected parts involved.

a difficult assignment

Emphasizes the level of skill and effort needed to complete the task successfully.

an arduous task

Stresses the demanding and tiring nature of the task.

a laborious process

Highlights the extensive amount of work and time required.

a demanding project

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements of the project.

a formidable challenge

Emphasizes the significant obstacles and difficulties to be overcome.

a tricky situation

Highlights the potential for problems and the need for careful handling.

an unwieldy operation

Suggests that the project is difficult to manage or control due to its size or complexity.

a ponderous activity

Indicates the activity is slow and requires a great deal of thought and effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cumbersome undertaking" to describe tasks that are complex and require significant effort. For example, "Reorganizing the company's database was "a cumbersome undertaking"."

What are some alternatives to "a cumbersome undertaking"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging endeavor", "a complex task", or "a difficult assignment" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a cumbersome undertaking" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning, but be mindful of the potential for sounding overly dramatic if the task isn't truly complex. Alternatives with less gravitas may be more appropriate in some business contexts.

What makes something qualify as "a cumbersome undertaking"?

A task qualifies as "a cumbersome undertaking" when it is not only difficult but also involves multiple steps, intricate details, and a significant amount of time and effort. It suggests that the process is inefficient or overly complex.