a massive undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"a massive undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task or task that is difficult and requires a great deal of effort and resources to complete. For example: "Securing the funding needed to complete the project was a massive undertaking, but the organiztion finally succeeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The project, which started a year ago, has been a massive undertaking, Dover said, and has involved changing the culture of the department.

The Guardian

It's been a massive undertaking".

The New York Times

"This is a massive undertaking".

The New York Times

Reconstruction involves a massive undertaking.

The New York Times

"It's a massive undertaking," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a massive undertaking, so we need your help.

The Guardian - Arts

Capturing the Games sonically is a massive undertaking.

The Guardian - Sport

But the foundation for such a massive undertaking is shaky.

The Guardian - Opinion

It just happens that these sorts of events are a massive undertaking".

Independent

It is also a massive undertaking, still one of the longest pieces in the symphonic repertoire.

The Guardian

It shows what a massive undertaking this was, a seemingly impossible task.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a massive undertaking", provide context to help the reader understand the specific challenges and scope of the project. For example, mention the resources required, the number of people involved, or the timeline.

Common error

Avoid using "a massive undertaking" as a generic descriptor for any large project. Provide specific details about the project's scope, challenges, and resources to justify the use of this phrase. Otherwise, consider more specific and descriptive alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something requiring substantial effort. For example, 'Reconstruction involves a massive undertaking'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive undertaking" is a noun phrase used to describe a task that is large in scale and complex in nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, but also appears in formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context to convey the challenges and resources involved. Alternatives include "a monumental task" or "a herculean effort". Being mindful of the scope and complexity of the project is key to its accurate and effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental task

Emphasizes the scale and impressiveness of the task.

a herculean effort

Highlights the immense strength and effort required.

a colossal endeavor

Focuses on the size and ambition of the project.

a significant challenge

Underlines the difficulty and complexity involved.

a considerable project

Stresses the size and importance of the project.

an ambitious operation

Highlights the scope and goals of the operation.

a complex enterprise

Emphasizes the intricate nature and interconnectedness of the enterprise.

a large-scale operation

Focuses on the extensive scope and reach of the operation.

a demanding activity

Highlights the high level of effort and skill required.

an arduous task

Emphasizes the difficulty and strenuous nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a massive undertaking" to describe a project or task that requires significant effort and resources. For example: "Building the new bridge was "a massive undertaking" involving hundreds of workers and millions of dollars."

What are some alternatives to "a massive undertaking"?

Some alternatives include "a monumental task", "a herculean effort", or "a colossal endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a massive undertaking" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a project that requires significant resources and effort. It is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and academic papers.

What makes something qualify as "a massive undertaking" rather than just a 'large project'?

The term "a massive undertaking" implies a greater scale, complexity, and level of difficulty than a simple 'large project'. It suggests that the project requires significant resources, expertise, and coordination to complete successfully.