complex undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is intricate and requires significant effort or skill to complete. Example: "Developing a new software application is a complex undertaking that involves multiple stages of planning, design, and testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Building the Higg Index is a complex undertaking, Kibbey says.

The Guardian

Assembling the exhibition has been a complex undertaking.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a complex undertaking and complicated," Ms. Bresch said.

The New York Times

For an M.M.O. that is a much more complex undertaking.

The New York Times

Even with those partners, Fruitvale Village was a complex undertaking for a novice developer.

The New York Times

Navigating the residential costs, which vary by institution, is also a complex undertaking.

The New York Times

Business can avoid legal entangling by being proactive, which doesn't have to be a complex undertaking.

The Guardian

Mastering the skills and intricacies of play, however, is an altogether more complex undertaking.

Independent

But fostering these skills in a child is a complex undertaking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Often though, creating your own branching stories can be a complex undertaking; which is a where StoryNexus comes in.

The Guardian - Tech

Rebuilding downtown has been an incredibly complex undertaking, and there has been no more important challenge than security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs to emphasize the "complex undertaking" i.e. "overcoming" a complex undertaking or "managing" a complex undertaking.

Common error

While "complex undertaking" is acceptable, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms like "challenging task" or "intricate endeavor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a task or project characterized by intricacy and requiring substantial effort. Ludwig indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex undertaking" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe tasks or projects that are intricate and demanding. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is very common, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, be sure to provide enough specific details to describe the intricacies involved. Consider alternatives like "challenging task" or "intricate endeavor" to avoid repetition. Overall, it's a reliable phrase for conveying the multifaceted nature of a task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated project

Replaces "undertaking" with the more common "project", implying a defined, planned activity.

complex operation

Replaces "undertaking" with the more formal "operation", suitable for business or technical contexts.

intricate endeavor

"Endeavor" suggests a more purposeful and effortful attempt than "undertaking". "Intricate" emphasizes the detailed and interwoven nature of the task.

challenging assignment

"Assignment" implies a task given by someone, while "challenging" highlights the difficulty.

demanding task

"Demanding" emphasizes the high level of effort and skill required.

difficult mission

"Mission" suggests a specific objective, often with a sense of importance or urgency.

elaborate scheme

"Scheme" implies a plan, often with many parts or steps, that is complex to execute.

sophisticated operation

"Operation" suggests a planned and coordinated activity, and "sophisticated" implies advanced techniques or knowledge are required.

involved process

"Process" highlights the sequential steps and stages of the complex activity, and "involved" suggests that the process is complicated.

convoluted affair

"Affair" refers to an event or matter, and "convoluted" implies that it is complex and difficult to follow or understand.

FAQs

What does "complex undertaking" mean?

A "complex undertaking" refers to a project, task, or endeavor that is intricate, challenging, and requires significant effort and skill to complete. It typically involves multiple interconnected elements and may present unforeseen difficulties.

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

You might say, "Launching the new product line was a "complex undertaking" that required coordination between several departments".

What are some alternatives to "complex undertaking"?

Alternatives include "challenging task", "intricate endeavor", or "complicated project", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "complex undertaking" and "difficult undertaking"?

While similar, "complex undertaking" emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task, whereas "difficult undertaking" highlights the level of effort and challenge involved. They are often interchangeable, but "complex" focuses on the structure, and "difficult" on the effort.