able to undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to undertake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's capability or willingness to take on a task or responsibility. Example: "The team is able to undertake the project within the given timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without sufficient advances, many writers will not be able to undertake long, difficult, risky projects.

The New Yorker

Yet as of early 2014, not one of the businesses had been able to undertake fortification.

The Guardian

Differences also emerged on the kind of nuclear research Iran will be able to undertake.

Independent

For instance, will American soldiers be able to undertake military operations as they see fit, as they do now?

The New York Times

In 2004 Hu Jintao, China's president, said the PLA should be able to undertake "new historic missions".

The Economist

In Spain Charles was concerned to make himself more absolute and therefore better able to undertake reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Otherwise there is simply no way that students from low-income families, however brilliant, will be able to undertake full-time master's study.

The Guardian

In any case, firm conclusions about numbers cannot really be reached without far more exhaustive observation than I've been able to undertake.

The Guardian

The latter means you'll be able to undertake aerial raids whenever you want, not just when the scripted mission demands it.

The Guardian - Tech

If local authorities are to have a real grip of their care responsibilities they need to keep these in house, leaving Ofsted able to undertake its inspection role.

The Guardian

This means that this year the Treasury Committee will not be able to undertake its usual budget inquiry until after the second reading.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to undertake", ensure the subject performing the action possesses both the capacity and resources necessary for the task. For example: "The research team is able to undertake the data analysis due to their expertise and access to necessary software."

Common error

Avoid using "able to undertake" for simple, everyday actions. "Undertake" implies a deliberate and often complex or significant endeavor. For example, instead of saying "He was able to undertake eating his lunch", simply say "He was able to eat his lunch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to undertake" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or readiness to initiate and perform an action. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, signifying the subject's capability. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to undertake" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the capability and readiness to perform a task. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase and is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "capable of performing" or "equipped to handle" exist, "able to undertake" emphasizes the initiation and carrying out of a specific action. It's important to use this phrase for tasks that are deliberate and often complex, avoiding its application to trivial actions. Ludwig AI confirms the expression correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of performing

Emphasizes inherent skill or capacity rather than the act of beginning something.

competent to initiate

Focuses on the required competence for beginning a task.

equipped to handle

Focuses on having the necessary resources or preparation for a task.

ready to take on

Less formal and indicates willingness and preparedness.

prepared to execute

Highlights readiness and intention to carry out a plan or task.

authorized to proceed with

Emphasizes having the necessary permission or approval.

empowered to perform

Highlights the delegation of authority or power to carry out a task.

in a position to commence

More formal and emphasizes the favorable circumstances for beginning something.

in a state to commence

Similar to 'in a position to commence' but implies a specific condition being met.

fit to embark on

Suggests suitability and enthusiasm for starting a new venture.

FAQs

What does "able to undertake" mean?

The phrase "able to undertake" means having the capacity, resources, and authorization to begin and carry out a task or project. It suggests readiness and competence.

How can I use "able to undertake" in a sentence?

Use "able to undertake" to describe someone or something that is in a position to start and complete a task. For example, "The company is able to undertake the new marketing campaign after securing funding."

What are some alternatives to "able to undertake"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of performing", "equipped to handle", or "prepared to execute" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "able to undertake" and "willing to undertake"?

"Able to undertake" refers to the capability and resources to perform a task, while "willing to undertake" refers to the readiness and motivation to do so. One can be "capable of performing" a task but not "eager to do it" and vice versa.