a secret undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secret undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a covert or hidden project or task that is not meant to be disclosed to others. Example: "The organization was involved in a secret undertaking that aimed to develop new technologies without public knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This involves joint-marketing by labelling flights with either airline's two-letter code.The Europeans, however, are furious about a secret undertaking given by the Japanese transport ministry.

The Economist

Yet some months ago, the British gave a secret undertaking to Spain that they would oppose the adoption of the double majority in return for Spanish support in blocking any move towards tax harmonisation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Shortly before Russia's defence minister visited Tehran last December, the Russian government declared invalid a previous secret undertaking, given to America, that it would suspend arms sales to Iran.

The Economist

Cora, deciding to flee with Caesar, a fellow slave, finds herself swept into the great secret undertaking that is the underground railroad.

The Guardian - Books

But Mr. Huang is perhaps best known for a secret trip he undertook as a college student in Beijing.

The New York Times

"She and I worked pretty closely together to torpedo Larry Summers," Fine said, recalling a secret campaign they undertook.

The New Yorker

Mr. Nichols was undertaking a secret trade at a German bank and was ambushed outside by a cockeyed "Middle Eastern guy".

The New York Times

After the war, McClellan continued his military career — at one juncture undertaking a secret mission to Santo Domingo at the direction of Jefferson Davis, then the secretary of war — until resigning in 1857 to work for the Illinois Central Railroad.

The New York Times

This afternoon I have to undertake a secret mission.

The Guardian - Money

Beginning in the early 1980s, Libya undertook a secret nuclear weapons program in violation of its commitments to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Who knows, for example, that British-trained Polish special forces undertook a secret war against the Soviets?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a secret undertaking" with synonyms like "covert operation" or "clandestine mission" if they better suit the tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

While "a secret undertaking" is grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternative expressions such as "confidential project" or "hidden endeavor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secret undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of activity characterized by its concealed nature, as demonstrated by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secret undertaking" is a noun phrase used to describe a hidden or confidential project, task, or commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its frequency is rare, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. While its tone is neutral, context is crucial to defining the exact nature of the secrecy. Consider alternatives such as "covert mission" or "clandestine operation" for nuanced expression. The phrase can add intrigue and specificity to your writing, provided it's used judiciously and clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clandestine operation

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'operation', emphasizing the planned and executed nature of the secret activity.

a covert mission

Substitutes 'undertaking' with 'mission', highlighting the specific goal and secretive nature.

a hidden project

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'project', focusing on the planning and development aspect that is concealed.

a private initiative

Replaces 'secret' with 'private', softening the implication of secrecy while retaining the exclusivity of the effort.

a confidential commitment

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'commitment', emphasizing the binding nature of the secret agreement or promise.

an undisclosed activity

Uses 'activity' instead of 'undertaking', focusing on the action being performed in secret.

a veiled endeavor

Replaces 'secret' with 'veiled' and 'undertaking' with 'endeavor', suggesting a concealed effort or attempt.

a surreptitious venture

Substitutes 'undertaking' with 'venture', emphasizing the risky or daring nature of the secret activity.

a classified assignment

Replaces 'undertaking' with 'assignment', suggesting a formal and secret task.

a hushed enterprise

Replaces 'secret' with 'hushed' and 'undertaking' with 'enterprise', conveying a quiet and secretive effort.

FAQs

What does "a secret undertaking" mean?

The phrase "a secret undertaking" refers to a project, mission, or commitment that is intentionally kept hidden or confidential from certain individuals or groups.

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

You might say, "The government launched "a secret undertaking" to gather intelligence" or "The company initiated "a secret undertaking" to develop new technology without public knowledge".

What are some alternatives to "a secret undertaking"?

Alternatives include "a clandestine operation", "a covert mission", or "a hidden project". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "a secret undertaking" formal or informal?

The phrase "a secret undertaking" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "a confidential commitment" might be preferred in certain situations.