about to undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to undertake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is on the verge of starting a task or project. Example: "We are about to undertake a major renovation of the office space next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our small United Nations team was about to undertake a surprise inspection of three airfields in eastern Congo, notorious for smuggling operations.

The New York Times

Does it necessarily detract from the day that perfect strangers stop to ask if you have carefully considered what you are about to undertake?

The New York Times - Style

Ten states from Maryland to Maine are about to undertake the nation's most serious effort yet to tackle climate change, putting limits on carbon dioxide emissions from utilities and making them pay for each ton of pollutants.

The New York Times

I am about to undertake a task full of difficulties, and from this moment on I beg of you to help me with your prayers so I can translate this work into French with the same spirit with which it was composed".

The New Yorker

But in order to write what I do I have to convince myself, first, that I have never before written a novel like the one I am about to undertake; and, second, that no one else in the history of literature has ever done so, either.

The New Yorker

In order to write what I do I have to convince myself, first, that I have never before written a novel like the one I am about to undertake; and, second, that no one else in the history of literature has ever done so, either.

The New Yorker

Pre-production for Slayer's ninth studio album Christ Illusion had just begun, and the band was about to undertake a three-day rehearsal with producer Josh Abraham.

Wikipedia

While many members of the AIF initially believed that they would take part in further fighting in the Mediterranean, as preparations continued it became obvious that the units were about to undertake a long sea voyage.

Wikipedia

I cannot stress this enough - relaxation is a crucial part of cleansing your mind and therefore easily being able to accept and love the changes you are about to undertake.

WikiHow

An investigator about to undertake a dose finding study can choose from rival methods.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

"What we were about to undertake was brought sharply into focus in those few moments.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to undertake" to convey a sense of formality and intention when starting a project, task, or journey.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to undertake" functions as a verb phrase indicating an imminent action. It commonly describes the state of being on the verge of starting a task, project, or journey. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to undertake" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that signals the imminent commencement of a task or project. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is considered correct and suitable for written English. It is mostly found in formal contexts such as news reports and academic papers, implying a level of significance and planning. While "about to start" and similar phrases offer simpler alternatives, "about to undertake" is preferred when emphasizing the deliberate and committed nature of the upcoming action. Best practice is to avoid the phrase when communicating casually, and always aim for clarity and context-appropriate language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to commence

A more formal alternative using "commence" instead of "undertake".

on the verge of starting

Focuses on the immediate proximity to the beginning of an action.

just about to start

Emphasizes the very near future and immediacy of the beginning.

on the brink of commencing

Emphasizes the edge or threshold of beginning, often with a sense of anticipation or potential risk.

ready to initiate

Highlights the state of preparedness and intention to start something.

poised to undertake

Highlights readiness and balance before beginning, often implying skill or expertise.

set to embark on

Implies a planned or deliberate start, often of a journey or project.

preparing to launch

Suggests a formal or significant beginning, like launching a new product or initiative.

going to initiate

A more direct and less formal way of expressing the intention to begin.

intending to begin

Focuses on the intention and planning stage before the start.

FAQs

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

Use "about to undertake" when you want to express that someone is on the verge of beginning a formal or significant task. For example: "The company is about to undertake a major restructuring project."

What can I say instead of "about to undertake"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of starting", "preparing to launch", or "ready to initiate" depending on the specific context.

Is "about to undertake" formal or informal?

"About to undertake" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, using phrases like "going to start" or "about to begin" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "about to undertake" and "about to start"?

While both phrases express the imminence of an action, "about to undertake" often implies a more deliberate, complex, or formal task than "about to start". Using "about to undertake" suggests a level of planning and commitment to the task at hand, while "about to start" is more generic and can refer to simpler activities.