can we undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we undertake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the possibility of starting or engaging in a specific task or project. Example: "Can we undertake this project together to ensure its success?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Only then can we undertake the important job of improving teacher performance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The EU needs a robust defence budget and coordination of production within Europe's defence sector to guarantee that we can accomplish the missions we undertake.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would add that the collaborative work in this vein that we undertake now can begin to create the professional life, the conditions for teaching, that will help to attract and to retain those individuals whom we wish to enter and to remain in the profession.

Yale University

Cordasco said on Thursday: "Now that Facebook has come forward, we can confirm that we undertook an assignment for that client.

The Guardian - Tech

Now that Facebook has come forward, we can confirm that we undertook an assignment for that client.

TechCrunch

To test whether and how 'research for health justice' can be upheld, we undertook case study research with the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU).

BMC Medical Ethics

"Even though we can't hear, we can undertake any role," Gerardo said, speaking through an interpreter.

The New York Times

Before we can undertake such an analysis we must first build a conceptual toolkit for phase space analysis of transient, non-autonomous dynamics.

BMC Systems Biology

"In particular, our approach must be: not just 'can we' undertake a given business activity, but 'should we.' " The committee in its report tries to address longstanding concerns that Goldman is rife with conflicts of interest.

The New York Times

"We are looking for assistance from international crocodile experts so we can undertake a report with scientific data and information that will prove the crocodile population is slowly increasing, as we believe it is.

The Guardian

It is a world where, at times, pulling back — and focusing on rebuilding our strength at home — is the most meaningful foreign policy initiative we can undertake because when America is at its best — its institutions, schools and values — it can inspire emulation, whereas Russia and China still have to rely on transactions or bullying to get others to follow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we undertake" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines the task or project being considered. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the proposition.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "can we undertake" might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "can we do" or "should we start" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we undertake" functions primarily as an interrogative clause used to inquire about the feasibility or permissibility of initiating a specific action or project. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we undertake" is a grammatically sound phrase used to question the feasibility or permission to start a task or project. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a professional register, making it suitable for formal communication. Its purpose is primarily to seek confirmation or assess the possibility of initiating action. Alternatives like "are we able to take on" or "shall we begin" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we capable of initiating

Replaces "can" with "are we capable of" and "undertake" with "initiating", emphasizing capability and commencement.

may we embark on

Substitutes "can" with "may" (permission) and "undertake" with "embark on", suggesting a formal beginning.

is it feasible for us to commence

Replaces "can" with "is it feasible" and "undertake" with "commence", highlighting feasibility and initiation.

are we in a position to execute

Focuses on current positioning, replacing "undertake" with "execute", indicating preparedness to carry out a task.

could we proceed with

Suggests progression, replacing "undertake" with "proceed with", implying a continuation from a starting point.

are we able to tackle

Replaces "undertake" with "tackle", indicating a direct and energetic approach to a challenge.

can we begin to implement

Focuses on implementation, replacing "undertake" with "begin to implement", suggesting the start of a practical application.

shall we get started on

Offers an invitation, replacing "undertake" with "get started on", conveying an informal and collaborative tone.

are we prepared to launch

Emphasizes readiness, replacing "undertake" with "launch", suggesting a formal initiation or introduction.

is it within our means to pursue

Focuses on resources and intention, replacing "can" and "undertake" to emphasize capability and direction.

FAQs

How to use "can we undertake" in a sentence?

"Can we undertake" is used to inquire about the possibility or feasibility of starting a task. For example, "Can we undertake this project with the current resources?"

What can I say instead of "can we undertake"?

You can use alternatives like "are we able to take on", "can we embark on", or "shall we begin" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can we undertake" or "could we undertake"?

Both "can we undertake" and "could we undertake" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Can we undertake" questions the ability or feasibility, while "could we undertake" explores the possibility or condition.

What's the difference between "can we undertake" and "should we undertake"?

"Can we undertake" questions the ability to perform a task, whereas "should we undertake" questions the advisability or necessity of doing so. They address different aspects of decision-making.