a firm undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a serious commitment or promise to do something. Example: "The company made a firm undertaking to complete the project by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Estimating the likelihood of a firm undertaking a divestiture requires a binary variable as the dependent variable, calling for a conditional logistic regression as the estimation strategy in Model (1).

Journal of Organization Design

We can only reassure you that ABC have decided to run the programmes 'back to back,' and there is a firm undertaking not to segment them".

The New Yorker

Tory MPs, who had been calling on No 10 to give a firm undertaking that it would meet the Nato target, welcomed the move.

The Guardian

Stephanie - I'd really like you to ask George Osborne if he will give a firm undertaking that the senior officers of the Office of Budget Responsibility will NOT receive bonuses.

BBC

In the eyes of Esa, the 2016 orbiter and the 2018 rover are one programme, and without a firm undertaking from the Americans on the latter part of the venture, the Europeans are reluctant to press ahead on the former part.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If a firm undertakes customer involvement, it is possible to sum up the values according to this method and set the maximum CI variable to 10.

International Journal of Quality Innovation

Indeed, by definition, when a firm undertakes a divestiture, it is reducing the scope of its operations that is, the firm's boundaries are shifting to exclude the divested businesses and enclose only those that remain.

Journal of Organization Design

Our research found that for every five positive actions a firm undertook for its stakeholders, it committed one negative action further down the line.

The Guardian

In 1991, A.I.G.'s general counsel, newly arrived from a law firm, undertook a review of the practice.

The New York Times

The finding has led Campaign Company, the polling firm undertaking the research for Cruddas, to conclude that, "the unpalatable truth for the left is that the Tories did not win despite austerity, but because of it".

The Guardian

Any firm undertaking this work should think carefully about four processes: how people are hired, how work is assigned, what happens during performance evaluations, and how compensation is determined.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm undertaking" to convey a sense of seriousness and commitment, particularly in formal contexts like contracts or official statements.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm undertaking" when describing tentative plans or possibilities. This phrase implies a solid and unbreakable commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm undertaking" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It represents a commitment or promise that is considered solid and reliable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples include situations where a company makes a promise or when someone commits to a task.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a firm undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, commonly employed to convey a strong commitment or promise. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that while versatile, it appears most frequently in news, media and scientific contexts, indicating a professional and neutral register. Alternatives such as "a solid commitment" or "a strong promise" can be used to provide a similar sense of assurance, depending on the specific context and nuance required. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the commitment is indeed solid and reliable, avoiding its use for tentative plans or mere possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid commitment

Replaces "undertaking" with "commitment", emphasizing dedication.

a strong promise

Substitutes "undertaking" with "promise", highlighting assurance.

a binding agreement

Emphasizes the legally enforceable nature of the commitment.

a solemn pledge

Implies a more formal and serious commitment.

a guaranteed endeavor

Focuses on the assured nature of the effort.

a resolute action

Highlights the determined nature of the activity.

a definite project

Replaces "undertaking" with "project", focusing on the specific task.

a committed venture

Focuses on the entrepreneurial aspect of the commitment.

a concrete plan

Emphasizes the structured and actionable nature of the undertaking.

a steadfast guarantee

Combines commitment with assurance, highlighting reliability.

FAQs

What does "a firm undertaking" mean?

The phrase "a firm undertaking" signifies a solid and serious commitment to a task, promise, or agreement. It implies a high degree of certainty and reliability.

When should I use "a firm undertaking" in my writing?

Use "a firm undertaking" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and unwavering nature of a commitment. This phrase is suitable for formal contexts where clarity and assurance are essential.

What are some alternatives to "a firm undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "a solid commitment", "a strong promise", or "a binding agreement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a firm undertaking" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "a firm undertaking" is more commonly found in formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "a definite promise" or "a solid plan" may be more appropriate.