a major undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"a major undertaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is difficult or complex to accomplish. For example, "Building the bridge across the river was a major undertaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a major undertaking.

The New York Times

For one thing, a house move is a major undertaking.

The New York Times

It's a major undertaking, every judge reading everything.

The Guardian - Books

Eliminating that confusion has been a major undertaking.

The New York Times

Building the new church was a major undertaking.

The New York Times

But the tentative design suggests that it could be a major undertaking costing millions of dollars.

The New York Times

Throughout the depot's history, keeping track of the inventory has been a major undertaking.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Denerstein said the agreement was "a major undertaking" for the stores.

The New York Times

Starting a business from scratch is a major undertaking with huge challenges.

The Guardian

This is a major undertaking and impossible for any one organisation, short of government, to achieve.

The Guardian

The celebration of the Wright brothers' invention has been a major undertaking in Dayton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major undertaking" to describe projects, tasks, or activities that require considerable resources, planning, and effort.

Common error

Avoid using "a major undertaking" too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "significant project" or "substantial endeavor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a particular activity or project as being significant in scope and difficulty. Ludwig shows the phrase used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major undertaking" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe tasks or projects that are significant in scope and require substantial effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While appropriate in most contexts, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing synonyms such as "significant project" or "substantial endeavor" to enhance clarity and engagement. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business settings, reflecting its broad applicability across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant project

Focuses on the project aspect, emphasizing planning and execution rather than inherent difficulty.

a considerable task

Highlights the amount of work involved, suitable when emphasizing effort and labor.

a substantial endeavor

More formal, emphasizes commitment and ambition in pursuing a goal.

an ambitious enterprise

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the activity, often suggesting innovation or risk.

a challenging operation

Highlights the difficulties and potential complications involved.

a complex activity

Focuses on the intricate nature and multiple elements involved.

a momentous effort

Emphasizes the historical importance or long-lasting impact of the activity.

a demanding assignment

Highlights the rigor and high expectations associated with the activity.

a Herculean task

Implies an extremely difficult and arduous undertaking, referencing the labors of Hercules.

a formidable challenge

Stresses the intimidating and potentially overwhelming nature of the obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major undertaking" to describe something complex and difficult to accomplish. For example: "Building a new hospital wing is "a major undertaking"."

What are some alternatives to "a major undertaking"?

Alternatives include "significant project", "considerable task", or "substantial endeavor", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a major undertaking" is suitable for formal writing, but consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "substantial endeavor" for a more elevated tone.

What makes something qualify as "a major undertaking"?

A "major undertaking" typically involves significant resources, extensive planning, and considerable effort to achieve a complex or ambitious goal.