challenging undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an activity or task that requires a great deal of effort or dedication. For example, "The building of the bridge was a challenging undertaking, but the end result was worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The first conflict was for the liberation of Kuwait – the second the much more challenging undertaking of the invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

The Guardian

Tian spent the next three years working on a tennis game, one of EA's first 3D projects, a vastly challenging undertaking given the limited power of 1980s computers.

The Guardian - Tech

One of the most intriguing, she said, and the one that gave rise to the most challenging undertaking of the project, was the group of some 3,000 16th -and 17th-century ceramic tiles from the Ottoman Empire that had been languishing in storage since the 1970s.

The New York Times - Arts

It's quite a challenging undertaking, though.

BBC

Protein design is still a challenging undertaking, often requiring multiple attempts or iterations for success.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

Thus, designing appropriate bioMEMS with photostable and environment-friendly components is still a worthwhile and challenging undertaking.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The work is challenging, undertaken by committed individuals who willingly run toward, not from, harm's way to help those most in need.

Huffington Post

That's why Birdman is so riveting: the execution makes us aware of the extremely precarious nature of the challenge undertaken.

The Guardian - Film

The F-111C represented the most significant maintenance challenge undertaken by the RAAF, and No. 3 AD's hangars and workshops were extensively revamped before and after the new bomber's entry into service in mid-1973.

Wikipedia

That's one of the challenges undertaken by Udi Aloni, the veteran Israeli director who tackles the subject of Israeli Arabs in "Junction 48," his new narrative movie that made its U.S. premiere last weekend at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Los Angeles Times

A remaining challenge, undertaken in this study, is to link mutant cycle analysis to extended networks.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenging undertaking" to describe projects or activities that demand considerable effort, skill, and perseverance. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the difficulty and complexity involved.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging undertaking" in every context where difficulty is implied. Vary your language with alternatives like "difficult task", "complex project", or "demanding endeavor" for greater impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging undertaking" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "challenging" modifies the noun "undertaking". It describes an activity or project that requires significant effort and skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging undertaking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe tasks or projects demanding considerable effort and skill. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "difficult task" or "complex project" can enhance clarity. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, especially within science, news media, and formal business settings. Remember that while "challenging undertaking" is useful for conveying the degree of difficulty, make it clear that it's an achievable feat with sustained effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable challenge

Stresses the size and potential impact of the obstacle.

difficult task

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, less on the commitment.

demanding endeavor

Emphasizes the effort required and ambition of the activity.

tough assignment

Implies a difficult job or responsibility that must be completed.

testing endeavor

Highlights the way the attempt tests one's abilities.

complex project

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the work.

ambitious venture

Focuses on the boldness and innovation of the activity.

complicated enterprise

Emphasizes the complex and interconnected nature of the activity.

arduous mission

Implies a long and strenuous journey toward a specific goal.

laborious effort

Highlights the extensive work and dedication involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "challenging undertaking" to describe a task or project that requires significant effort and skill. For example, "The construction of the new bridge was a "challenging undertaking"."

What are some alternatives to "challenging undertaking"?

Alternatives include "difficult task", "demanding endeavor", or "complex project" depending on the specific context.

Is "challenging undertaking" formal or informal?

"Challenging undertaking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What makes an undertaking considered "challenging"?

An undertaking is considered "challenging" when it requires significant effort, skill, resources, and perseverance to accomplish. It often involves overcoming obstacles and navigating complex situations.