a gigantic undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gigantic undertaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a task that is unexpectedly difficult or time-consuming. For example, "Moving to a new city was a gigantic undertaking, but in the end it was well worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a gigantic undertaking".

The New Yorker

"It's a gigantic undertaking," Orellana told me, when we spoke by phone late Sunday night.

The New Yorker

And doing it on the industrial scale required for a studio motion picture — this one is being produced by Twentieth Century Fox Animation — is a gigantic undertaking.

The New Yorker

An experienced science writer, she has the sense to hang such a gigantic undertaking on a strict framework: a day in the life of an average person who wakes up (a little before the alarm rings; how do we do that?), sips coffee (why does it taste so good?), drives to work (how does anyone know when to press the brake?) and looks forward to lunch (why do we become hungry?).

The New York Times - Health

Thus, up until now, most large-scale analysis of phenotype on micro- and nanoscale systems has been a gigantic undertaking [ 8– 10].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It would be a stretch to compare the staging of "Doctor Atomic" to the Manhattan Project, but the undertaking is gigantic all the same.

The New Yorker

It was called "the most gigantic undertaking since the making of the King James edition of the Bible" by The New York Herald.

The New York Times

But this gigantic undertaking is built on local successes, such as at Kadima mission.

Unicef

He doesn't examine man's assault on the earth as an environmentalist, but as a historian: "The human race, without intending anything of the sort, has undertaken a gigantic uncontrolled experiment on the earth.

The New York Times - Books

As Mr. Hershkowitz said: "We are dealing with a gigantic problem and there is no one large undertaking that any individual or business or country can do to solve our ecological problems.

The New York Times

Just a gigantic headache.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gigantic undertaking" to describe projects or tasks that require significant resources, time, and effort. This phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the scale and difficulty of the endeavor.

Common error

While "a gigantic undertaking" emphasizes size and difficulty, avoid overusing it for tasks that are merely challenging. Reserve this phrase for truly substantial and complex projects to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

"A gigantic undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and describes a specific task or project. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct, evidenced by examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gigantic undertaking" is a noun phrase used to describe tasks or projects that are exceptionally large, complex, and challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While its frequency is rare, it's commonly found in contexts such as news and media, science, and formal communications. When employing the phrase, ensure it aligns with the scale of the task at hand and consider the suggested alternatives for nuanced expression. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is deemed correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental task

Focuses on the impressive scale and historical significance of the task.

a colossal endeavor

Emphasizes the immense size and effort required.

a massive project

Highlights the large scale and scope of the project.

an enormous challenge

Stresses the difficulty and demanding nature of the task.

a herculean effort

Implies that the task requires extraordinary strength and effort, referencing the mythical hero Hercules.

a daunting prospect

Emphasizes the intimidating and overwhelming nature of the task.

a significant undertaking

Highlights the importance and impact of the task.

a major operation

Implies a complex and coordinated effort, often with strategic planning.

an ambitious scheme

Focuses on the high goals and broad vision of the project.

a considerable enterprise

Emphasizes the complexity and organization of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a gigantic undertaking" to describe a task or project that is very large, complex, and requires considerable effort. For example, "Building a new bridge across the river was "a gigantic undertaking"."

What are some synonyms for "a gigantic undertaking"?

Alternatives to "a gigantic undertaking" include "a monumental task", "a colossal endeavor", or "a massive project".

Is "a gigantic undertaking" formal or informal?

"A gigantic undertaking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news and media or business settings. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language.

What makes "a gigantic undertaking" different from "a big project"?

"A gigantic undertaking" implies a greater scale, complexity, and level of challenge than "a big project". It suggests that the project is exceptionally demanding and resource-intensive.