complicated undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'complicated undertaking' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a task that is difficult, time-consuming, and involved. For example, "The project proved to be a very complicated undertaking, but in the end, we were able to accomplish our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But things have changed, and these days writing a book is a far more complicated undertaking.

The New Yorker

The inventors of the Sabbath understood that it was a much more complicated undertaking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Working out the details of this proposed "treaty within a treaty" looks to be a highly complicated undertaking.

The New York Times

H.O.K. is responsible for the meat and potatoes -- all the structural and logistical issues that make building a sports complex a hugely complicated undertaking.

The New York Times - Arts

Back in the olden days, when people still churned their own butter and the process of writing and publishing a book was simple, the process went something like this: But things have changed, and these days writing a book is a far more complicated undertaking.

The New Yorker

The project is a complicated undertaking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Weather had further complicated the undertaking: the torrential Southern California rains that caused deadly mudslides to the north had washed out roads on the American side, making access difficult.

The New Yorker

But as these case studies prove, undertaking complicated process changes can also produce significant rewards.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This result means that it is not necessary to collect large amounts of information, or to undertake complicated calculations, in order to implement the correct incentives in a large peer-to-peer network.

Computer Networks

But companies regularly undertake complicated calculations for shareholders about things like, say, derivative hedges, BusinessWeek noted.

Huffington Post

So to realize a daily real-time prewarning capability, the system must retain all NI information and be able to undertake complicated time-serial alignments to identify and recognize new suspicious NIs on a daily basis.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "complicated undertaking". While widely understood, in some professional contexts, more specific language may be preferred for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "complicated undertaking" as a vague placeholder for actual complexity. Instead of simply stating something is a "complicated undertaking", specify why it is complicated. Instead of saying, "Implementing the new software was a complicated undertaking", try "Implementing the new software was a complicated undertaking due to integration issues with legacy systems, user training requirements and data migration challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies the noun "undertaking". Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and suitable for describing tasks that are difficult and involved. The examples show its usage across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicated undertaking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a task that is complex, difficult, and requires significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register. The phrase is found most often in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, it is best practice to provide context and specifics about what makes the undertaking complex. Alternatives like "complex endeavor" or "challenging project" can be used for variety, but "complicated undertaking" remains a versatile and well-understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex endeavor

Replaces "undertaking" with "endeavor", emphasizing the effort and ambition involved.

challenging project

Focuses on the difficulty and demands of the task, using "project" as a more specific noun.

intricate task

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the work.

involved process

Emphasizes the complexity and numerous steps of the activity.

laborious effort

Stresses the amount of work and dedication required.

demanding activity

Highlights the high demands and requirements of the task.

difficult assignment

Uses "assignment" to suggest a specific task given or delegated.

elaborate scheme

Suggests a detailed and carefully planned, but possibly risky, project.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating and daunting nature of the task.

sophisticated operation

Implies a high level of skill, complexity, and technical expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicated undertaking" to describe a task or project that involves many complex steps or factors. For example, "Launching a new product line is a "complicated undertaking" that requires careful planning and coordination".

What are some alternatives to "complicated undertaking"?

Alternatives to "complicated undertaking" include "complex endeavor", "challenging project", or "intricate task". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is "complex undertaking" the same as "complicated undertaking"?

While "complex" and "complicated" are often used interchangeably, "complex undertaking" may emphasize the multifaceted nature of the task, while "complicated undertaking" highlights the difficulty in understanding or managing its elements. They are largely similar in meaning.

What makes something a "complicated undertaking"?

A "complicated undertaking" typically involves numerous interconnected parts, requires specialized knowledge or skills, and may have a high risk of failure or unexpected challenges. The level of planning, coordination, and resources required also contribute to its complexity.