a serious undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires significant effort, commitment, or resources. Example: "Starting a new business is a serious undertaking that demands careful planning and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Philanthropy, done well, is a serious undertaking.

The Economist

Before the film could come to life, the sets had to be built, which was a serious undertaking.

The Guardian - Film

Dorothea Röschmann, the German soprano, is a serious artist, and a lieder program is a serious undertaking.

The New York Times - Arts

Natalie Gamble, a family lawyer based in London, blames government policy, which currently holds that surrogacy is such a serious undertaking it should be restricted to couples.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The border with Djibouti in the far south is technically open but its lack of public transport, border facilities and roads make this a serious undertaking through an inhospitable environment.

The Guardian - Travel

Still, town-building of any sort is a serious undertaking: plans for Andricgrad include stone streets, gates, and a tower, along with various arts venues dedicated to Andric and his work, according to the Guardian.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Frankly, parts of it are closer to Jesus Christ Superstar than any serious undertaking.

The Guardian - Books

Recalling his role in the impeachment of a federal judge, Schiff said it had been a very serious undertaking, adding, "It's a whole other order of magnitude when we are talking about the President of the United States".

The New Yorker

"That bothered me a little bit because I felt each record was a very serious undertaking".

The Guardian - Music

Exhilarated by working on their own, the friends made their adventure into a more serious undertaking.

The New Yorker

We arrived at the Trient Hut, perched at 3,170m above a huge expanse of glacier, at 9.10pm – exhausted, heads spinning from dehydration and altitude sickness, and in no doubt that the Haute Route was a very serious undertaking.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious undertaking", ensure the context clearly indicates why the activity is significant, such as the resources, time, or potential impact involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious undertaking" for trivial tasks. Reserve it for activities that genuinely require significant effort and commitment to avoid sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. Ludwig AI examples show it describing activities requiring significant effort, such as "planning a trip" or "re-building the ORF".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious undertaking" is a versatile phrase that effectively communicates the weight and significance of a task. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and varied examples indicate its wide applicability. While predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, it's essential to consider the level of formality and potential for overstatement. Opting for alternatives like "a significant project" or "a major endeavor" can refine the tone and precision of your writing. When you do use it, make sure you convey why exactly the undertaking is considered serious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant project

Focuses on the project aspect, highlighting its importance.

a major endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and ambition involved.

a considerable task

Highlights the size and scope of the work.

an important mission

Suggests a sense of purpose and value.

a critical operation

Emphasizes the necessity and precision required.

a challenging activity

Focuses on the difficulty and demands involved.

a complex enterprise

Highlights the intricate nature and multiple facets.

a substantial commitment

Emphasizes the dedication and resources required.

an earnest endeavor

Highlights the sincerity and dedication involved.

a weighty responsibility

Emphasizes the seriousness of the obligation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a serious undertaking" in a sentence?

Use "a serious undertaking" to describe tasks or projects that require significant effort, commitment, and resources. For example, "Starting a new research project is "a serious undertaking" that demands careful planning."

What are some alternatives to "a serious undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant project", "a major endeavor", or "a considerable task" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a serious undertaking" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "a serious undertaking" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "a serious undertaking" from "a simple task"?

"A serious undertaking" implies a substantial commitment of time, resources, and effort, whereas "a simple task" suggests minimal effort and straightforward execution. The key difference lies in the scale and complexity of the activity.