an extensive undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a project or task that requires significant effort, resources, or time to complete. Example: "The construction of the new bridge is an extensive undertaking that will take several years to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ms. Schapiro acknowledged on Wednesday that the rule-making had been "an extensive undertaking".

The New York Times

This quietly passionate masterwork is an extensive undertaking, comprising 496 pages, 111 of which cite a variety of informative source materials including memoirs, archives, local records and personal letters, which are referenced in four appendices, extensive picture credits, 30 pages of chapter notes and a 9-page bibliography that also cites websites, along with a 23-page index.

The Guardian

Specifically, accessing and navigating case files is an extensive undertaking, and a task that many researchers have had to maneuver with little guidance.

Children and Youth Services Review

They make it clear that this project was an extensive undertaking, not a casual discovery.

Vice

The specifics remain classified, but former Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson says it's an extensive undertaking, with staff referring to the designated survivor as "Mr. President".

Los Angeles Times

The GBD Study was an extensive undertaking; however, echinococcosis was not among the conditions studied.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The error was found during an extensive review undertaken after the office learned that one of its laboratory technicians had missed detecting DNA evidence in at least 26 rape cases — an embarrassing oversight for an agency at the forefront of forensic technology, but one that the office said at the time was isolated and unprecedented.

The New York Times

Background This report is a summary of an extensive evaluation undertaken by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) of its response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Unicef

In December 2009, an extensive search was undertaken to identify currently available headache treatment guidelines (acute phase and prophylaxis).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Henry Lahore, Project leader of an extensive Skycar study undertaken by Boeing Aircraft Company-- With the developing airspaCompany-- Withure in plaCompany-- With will become a widely used un-pilothe air-taxi.

Huffington Post

As outlined in the introductory paper in this series of manuscripts, 12 core dimensions for the assessment of PtDAs were generated in 2005 by the International Patient Decision Aids Standards IPDASS) Collaboration, and further reinforced by an extensive Delphi survey undertaken by the IPDAS Collaboration [ 1].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "an extensive undertaking" with a specific outcome or goal to provide context and showcase the purpose behind the effort. For example, "an extensive undertaking to modernize the city's infrastructure".

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive undertaking" to describe tasks that are relatively simple or straightforward. This phrase is best reserved for situations where significant effort and resources are genuinely involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive undertaking" functions as a noun phrase that describes a project, task, or activity requiring considerable effort, resources, and planning. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes something more than just a simple task.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive undertaking" is a noun phrase used to describe a project or task that demands significant effort, resources, and time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure it accurately reflects the scale of the endeavor you are describing, as overuse in simple contexts can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major operation

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the task, likening it to a coordinated effort.

a large-scale project

Focuses on the size and scope of the project, highlighting its ambition.

a significant endeavor

Highlights the importance and effort involved in the activity.

a comprehensive task

Stresses the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the work.

a sweeping initiative

Implies a broad and impactful effort, often with widespread effects.

a thorough process

Emphasizes the detailed and meticulous steps required.

a far-reaching operation

Highlights the extensive impact and scope of the task.

a considerable commitment

Underlines the dedication of resources and effort required.

a demanding job

Focuses on the effort and skill needed to complete it successfully.

a complex activity

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted aspects of the undertaking.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an extensive undertaking" in a sentence?

Use "an extensive undertaking" to describe projects requiring significant resources, time, and effort. For instance, "Renovating the historic building proved to be "an extensive undertaking"." Be sure the scope of the project aligns with the phrase's weight.

What are some alternatives to "an extensive undertaking"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a major operation", "a large-scale project", or "a significant endeavor". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to the project's scope or importance.

Is it appropriate to use "an extensive undertaking" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an extensive undertaking" tends to be more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "a big project" might be more fitting.

What distinguishes "an extensive undertaking" from "a simple task"?

"An extensive undertaking" implies a project that is complex, resource-intensive, and time-consuming. Conversely, "a simple task" refers to something straightforward and easily accomplished. The difference lies in the magnitude of effort and resources required.