a mammoth undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mammoth undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is extremely large, complex, or challenging. Example: "The construction of the new bridge was a mammoth undertaking that required years of planning and coordination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The committee has said that old industries will need to be accommodated by shifting them out or reskilling workers – a mammoth undertaking.

The Guardian

That sounds like a mammoth undertaking.

Forbes

It is a mammoth undertaking.

The Economist

Bureaucracies exhibit incredible inertia, and reform is a mammoth undertaking, usually with modest results.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But doing this for thousands of products would be a mammoth undertaking.

The Economist

If building the T.K.D.L. was a mammoth undertaking, so, too, will be the process of governing its use.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Constructing a river of blood would be a mammoth physical undertaking (not heard that speech myself but I can't imagine why such a thing would be wanted, let alone feasible).

The Guardian

Josie Rourke, the artistic director of the Bush, began working with colleagues three years ago on the mammoth undertaking, which came to involve not only 66 writers but also 130 actors and 23 directors (some of whom staged more than one play).

The New York Times

This mammoth undertaking is encyclopedic in scope and, like the restaurant, it represents how far beer has come in the United States since those dark days before the craft beer movement took off.

The New York Times - Food

The mammoth undertaking is part of the school district's effort to right what it has said was a very large mistake: allowing Pamela C. Gluckin, a former assistant superintendent of business, to quietly resign in October 2002 after it confronted her about stealing $250,000.

The New York Times

The cost, so far, of this mammoth undertaking: $50 million.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure the context aligns with activities that genuinely demand significant resources, planning, and dedication.

Common error

While "a mammoth undertaking" is impactful, avoid using it too frequently. Overuse can diminish its effect. Opt for simpler alternatives when describing smaller, less complex tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mammoth undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase describes the nature or scope of a task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

22%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mammoth undertaking" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively communicates the significant size and complexity of a task. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media sources, with usage extending to formal business contexts. While versatile, remember to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like ""a colossal task"" or ""a monumental effort"" to maintain impact. This phrase can be considered neutral to professional in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colossal task

Emphasizes the immense size of the task.

a monumental effort

Highlights the significant amount of work and dedication required.

a herculean task

Implies a task requiring immense strength, courage, or ability, referencing the mythological hero Hercules.

a prodigious endeavor

Stresses the extraordinary nature and scale of the endeavor.

a substantial project

Focuses on the considerable size and importance of the project.

a massive operation

Describes the task as a large-scale, organized activity.

an ambitious undertaking

Highlights the high goals and aspirations associated with the task.

a formidable challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

a complex endeavor

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

a sweeping initiative

Suggests a broad and comprehensive approach to the task.

FAQs

What does "a mammoth undertaking" mean?

The phrase "a mammoth undertaking" refers to a task or project that is extremely large, complex, and challenging, requiring considerable effort and resources.

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

You might say, "Restructuring the company was "a mammoth undertaking" that took several years." or "Converting the garden is "a mammoth task".

What are some alternatives to "a mammoth undertaking"?

Alternatives include "a colossal task", "a monumental effort", or "a herculean task", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a mammoth undertaking" formal or informal?

The phrase "a mammoth undertaking" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in a variety of contexts, including business, news, and academic writing.