a possible undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a project, task, or endeavor that may be considered or proposed but is not yet confirmed. Example: "We are exploring a possible undertaking that could enhance our community outreach efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The present work provides further evidence that retrieval of authentic DNA from ancient humans is indeed a possible undertaking provided adequate precautions are observed.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Robert Cialdini Taking on too much Over the stretch of my professional years, I'd say my most nagging error has involved an inability to gauge correctly the point at which the next possible undertaking – or even golden opportunity – should be firmly rejected.

Independent

He followed up this completely historically inaccurate assertion by saying that the failures in Iraq had all been down to postwar planning and that future "interventions in other countries must be more subtle, better planned, and if possible undertaken with the agreement of multilateral institutions".

The Guardian - Opinion

The Department of Energy (DOE), which has also expressed its suspicions of a possible collusion, is undertaking a separate investigation on the issue.

Huffington Post

Computerized programs offering a basis for investigation offer a great potential for improving conceptual understanding of problems; however, this study shows that this area is not yet fully explored, and taking full advantage of such learning environments to examine their impact on student achievement is a possible extension of this undertaking.

International Journal of STEM Education

To investigate a possible genetic contribution, we undertook SNP genotyping of the CRY2 gene in two independent population-based samples from Sweden (118 cases and 1011 controls) and Finland (86 cases and 1096 controls).

Plosone

Furthermore, a putative miRNA site of interaction identified in this study and localized in the 3'UTR suggests a possible new direction to be undertaken for the improvement of finfish productivity.

BMC Genomics

This study was undertaken to present a possible association between maternal hypercalcemia and fetal polyhydramnion.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

No previous study has been undertaken to evaluate a possible population-level impact of brief alcohol interventions.

British Journal of Psychiatry

About 3 dozen taxonomists, informatics experts, ecologists, sociologists, and computer scientists met this week at the New York Botanical Garden and decided that in the past decade, technological improvements primarily related to molecular tools and the digitization of collections (such as the Biodiversity Heritage Library makee such a major undertaking possible.

Science Magazine

Most of those on the research career track at BASF entered the company already equipped with a Ph.D., but in some cases it is possible to undertake a doctoral research project as an employee, in close co-operation with a university.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a possible undertaking" when you want to convey that something is being considered or explored as a potential project, but it's not yet definite or confirmed. This phrase is particularly useful in formal and scientific contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a possible undertaking" in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a potential project" or "something we might do" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where 'possible' modifies 'undertaking'. The term typically denotes a project, task, or endeavor that is under consideration but not yet confirmed. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possible undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that denotes a project or task being considered but not yet finalized. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its primary function is to describe potential actions in a formal and scientific register. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears consistently in academic, news, and encyclopedia sources. When aiming for less formal communication, consider alternatives such as "a potential project" or "a feasible endeavor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential project

Focuses on the project aspect, highlighting its potential rather than its current status.

a feasible endeavor

Emphasizes the doability and practicality of the endeavor.

a conceivable task

Highlights the thinkable or imaginable aspect of the task.

a viable activity

Stresses the capability of the activity to succeed or function.

a prospective venture

Indicates a future-oriented business-like project.

a theoretical attempt

Implies that the attempt is still in the planning or conceptual phase.

a hypothetical operation

Suggests a scenario that is being considered but may not be real.

a contemplated action

Implies a deliberative process of thinking about the action.

a projected scheme

Emphasizes the forward-looking and planned nature of the scheme.

a considered initiative

Highlights that the initiative has been carefully thought through.

FAQs

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

You can use "a possible undertaking" to describe a project or task that is being considered but hasn't been finalized. For example, "We are evaluating "a possible undertaking" to improve our customer service."

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

You can use alternatives like "a potential project", "a feasible endeavor", or "a conceivable task" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a possible undertaking"?

It is appropriate to use "a possible undertaking" in formal or scientific contexts when you want to precisely convey that something is being considered as a potential action, but it's not yet confirmed or definite. It is less appropriate in casual conversation.

Which is more formal, "a possible undertaking" or "a potential project"?

"A possible undertaking" is generally considered more formal than "a potential project". The word "undertaking" itself carries a slightly more serious and formal connotation.