a small undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is relatively minor or not very complex. Example: "Organizing the office picnic was a small undertaking compared to the annual company retreat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is not a small undertaking.

The Guardian - Business

"The task that we have set out to achieve is hardly a small undertaking.

Independent

"There are times that I realize this is not a small undertaking".

The New York Times

"In an area like that, it's not a small undertaking," said Paul Jewell, a Kittitas County commissioner.

The New York Times

And so, I think the policies are also in place because bringing people into the labor market is not a small undertaking.

Columbia University

Helpouts is not a small undertaking.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

While you can certainly clean an entire house, either yourself or by hiring a cleaner, don't underestimate the power of a smaller undertaking.

Huffington Post

Like his 2008 book, "Indignation," "Nemesis" is a modest undertaking: a small-scale portrait of an era and of an earnest young man who finds the unstoppable engine of history steamrolling over his life.

The New York Times - Books

They all agreed that the responsibility of maintaining a pātaka was no small undertaking, but also that they had never felt so connected to their communities.

Vice

Replacing a pipe organ is no small undertaking.

The New York Times

The site serves as one of the Internet's most popular news sites and is also among the most trafficked sites overall, so a major redesign is no small undertaking.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small undertaking" when you want to downplay the complexity or size of a project, making it seem less daunting. This can be especially useful in proposals or when assigning tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "a small undertaking" when the task actually requires significant effort or resources. This can lead to a perception of dishonesty or incompetence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it denotes an activity or project that is not complex or extensive. Examples show it being used to characterize the scale and impact of different activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small undertaking" is a noun phrase used to describe a task or project that is not considered complex or extensive. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and business. It's crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring that the task genuinely aligns with the description to avoid misrepresenting the effort required. Related phrases like "a minor endeavor" or "a simple task" can be used as alternatives, providing nuanced options to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase or using it to diminish the significance of tasks that require considerable effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor endeavor

Emphasizes the limited scope and effort required.

a simple task

Highlights the lack of complexity involved.

a modest project

Underscores the limited scale and ambition.

an easy assignment

Focuses on the straightforward nature of the task.

a light workload

Suggests a minimal amount of effort or responsibility.

a manageable activity

Implies that the activity is easily controlled and completed.

a limited operation

Highlights the restricted nature and scale of the operation.

a trivial pursuit

Suggests the task is of little consequence or importance.

a basic exercise

Emphasizes the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the exercise.

a routine chore

Suggests the task is a regular and unremarkable part of a larger process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small undertaking" to describe a task or project that is relatively minor or not very complex. For example, "Organizing the office potluck was "a small undertaking" compared to planning the annual holiday party".

What's the difference between "a small undertaking" and "a major project"?

"A small undertaking" implies the task is simple and requires limited resources, while "a major project" suggests complexity, extensive planning, and significant resource allocation.

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor endeavor", "a simple task", or "a modest project" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe a challenging task as "a small undertaking"?

No, describing a challenging task as "a small undertaking" could be misleading or perceived as an understatement. It's better to accurately reflect the difficulty level.