a formal undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a serious commitment or promise is being made, often in legal or official documents. Example: "The parties involved have signed a formal undertaking to adhere to the terms of the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The judge ordered Whitehall officials to give a formal undertaking that they would carry out a further policy review.

The Guardian

Second, the United States and other donors could make a formal undertaking to ensure that the vast amounts that will soon pour into the country for reconstruction go not to foreigners but to Haitians — and not only to Haitian contractors and builders but to Haitian workers, at reasonable wages.

The New York Times

We've spoken with the company and made clear that changes need to be made, and a formal undertaking is now in place".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Only by such formal undertaking can an unequivocal message of bipartisan commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice be conveyed to the world.

The New York Times

Yet, the concept of enjoyable online learning experiences – specifically when learning is not part of a formal instructional undertaking – has not been well studied, and thus it is not well understood.

Decision Support Systems

"Any formal undertaking the party makes would have to be agreed collectively.

Independent

In a letter to the Greens justice spokesman, David Shoebridge, who contacted Scipione in early April, the commissioner said a formal investigation was undertaken by the police transport command.

The Guardian

A formal procedure was undertaken to enable caregivers to fill out the interRAI PC on a secured online web-application (belrai.org).org

BMC Geriatrics

School staff and contact teachers do not have a formal opportunity to undertake evaluation or feedback to YHDP Committee/ M&E committee, MT or SMTs reports (although some YHDP do have teachers as committee members).

Unicef

The CHSMW scheme applies to designated healthcare providers (DHP) which include hospitals and community centres that are designated through a formal accreditation process undertaken by the municipal or district Health Bureau and licensed by the city's Social Security Bureau SSBB).

BMC Health Services Research

On 13 November 2007 Schumacher, who had not driven a Formula One car since he had retired a year earlier, undertook a formal test session for the first time aboard the F2007.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal undertaking", ensure the context aligns with a serious, official pledge or commitment, often in legal or business settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal undertaking" in casual or informal contexts. This phrase implies a legally or officially binding agreement, so use more appropriate language for less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a structured and serious commitment or promise, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formal undertaking" is a noun phrase that signifies a serious and structured commitment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in professional and formal contexts such as news, science, and business. Due to its formal nature, it's best suited for situations requiring documented and binding agreements and less appropriate for casual conversation. Semantically related alternatives include "a solemn pledge" and "a binding agreement". Remember to reserve this phrase for contexts where formality and a clear commitment are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solemn pledge

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'pledge', implying a serious and binding promise, often with moral or ethical implications. Replaces 'formal' with 'solemn', which emphasizes the seriousness of the promise.

a binding agreement

Focuses on the legally enforceable aspect of the commitment, changing 'undertaking' to 'agreement' and 'formal' to 'binding'.

an official guarantee

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'guarantee', highlighting assurance, and 'formal' with 'official', emphasizing the endorsement by an authority.

a written assurance

Emphasizes the documented nature of the commitment; replaces 'undertaking' with 'assurance' and 'formal' with 'written'.

a firm commitment

Highlights the resoluteness of the promise, substituting 'undertaking' with 'commitment' and 'formal' with 'firm'.

a legal warranty

Implies a guarantee backed by law. Replaces 'formal' with 'legal'.

a signed affidavit

Highlights the sworn statement aspect of the commitment. Replaces 'formal undertaking' with 'signed affidavit'.

a notarized declaration

Emphasizes the official witnessing of the commitment. Replaces 'formal undertaking' with 'notarized declaration'.

a public vow

Focuses on the open and transparent nature of the promise, replacing 'formal' with 'public' and 'undertaking' with 'vow'.

a certified promise

Indicates a promise that has been officially verified, replacing 'formal' with 'certified' and 'undertaking' with 'promise'.

FAQs

How to use "a formal undertaking" in a sentence?

Use "a formal undertaking" to describe a serious commitment or promise, often in legal or official contexts. For instance, "The company provided "a formal undertaking" to comply with the new regulations."

What can I say instead of "a formal undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "a solemn pledge", "a binding agreement", or "an official guarantee" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a formal undertaking" the same as "a verbal agreement"?

No, "a formal undertaking" implies a documented and often legally binding commitment, whereas "a verbal agreement" is an unwritten agreement that may be harder to enforce. The formality is what sets them apart.

In which contexts is it appropriate to use "a formal undertaking"?

It is appropriate in legal, business, or official settings where a serious commitment or promise needs to be documented and adhered to. It is less appropriate in informal or casual situations.