directed to undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

"directed to undertake" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that someone has been instructed or assigned to carry out a specific task or responsibility. Example: "The committee was directed to undertake a review of the policy." Alternative expressions include "instructed to carry out" and "assigned to perform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When it emerged that the English commissioner could be directed to undertake inquiries by a secretary of state, and would only be able to represent children's interests, the other commissioners lobbied for the role to be strengthened.

The Guardian

Two investigation reports titled "media leaks investigation", written by a Queensland-based prinvestigatorigator, partially released under freedom of information laws, reveal that Wilson Security's regional operations manager requested the investigation, but indicate Wilson Security was in turn directed to undertake it.

The Guardian

The 2/12th Commando Squadron was subsequently directed to undertake topographic work in order to improve the quality of maps of the island.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Bush said he had directed officials to undertake serious talks with a broad agenda that included "verifiable constraints on North Korea's missile programs and a ban on its missile exports, and a less threatening conventional military posture".

The New York Times

It has been widely reported that the Obama administration placed Mr. Awlaki on a target list earlier this year, after a Nigerian man who was charged with trying to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Dec. 25 told interrogators that Mr. Awlaki had directed him to undertake the attack.

The New York Times

If responses to the emotional-well being questions suggested a risk of self harm a staged procedure directed researchers to undertake a second questionnaire derived from the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASISTT) manual produced by LivingWorks Education Inc.[ 15].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

It would direct NASA to undertake the rapid proto-flyte development of an HL-20 reusable, runway-lander that would be mated to this vehicle to meet its LEO requirements, including supporting the ISS, until an alternate capability has been developed and demonstrated the ability to meet this critical requirement.

Huffington Post

It involves purposive activities undertaken by governments directed to a variety of social ends".

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The immigration department has refused to confirm whether it directed Wilson Security to undertake the investigation.

The Guardian

He said he had directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to undertake a comprehensive safety review of the 104 reactors now operating in the United States.

The New York Times

Payne uses it as a photo op to raise money for Sperm, and when a hospice worker confesses to creating the image with benzocaine, Mr. Pro-Life declares that it was the Lord who directed the worker to undertake the dermatological hoax.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the object of 'undertake' is a substantial task, such as an inquiry, a review, or a study, rather than a minor or trivial action.

Common error

Do not use "directed to undertake" in casual conversation or low-stakes emails where simpler verbs like 'asked to do' or 'told to start' would be more natural. Its high formality can sound overly bureaucratic or stilted if used in the wrong setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directed to undertake" serves as a formal directive. According to Ludwig AI, it typically functions within a passive construction (e.g., 'was directed to') or an active one involving a subject of authority directing an object. It effectively bridges an instruction with a complex action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directed to undertake" is a highly formal and precise verb phrase used to describe the assignment of significant tasks by an authority. Based on data from Ludwig AI, it is most prevalent in journalism, scientific reporting, and official documentation. While it is grammatically perfect and stylistically sophisticated, its high degree of formality means it should be reserved for contexts where an official 'directive' is being described. Alternatives like "instructed to perform" offer similar weight, but "directed to undertake" remains a standard in professional English for initiating complex projects or investigations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructed to carry out

Uses a more common verb for giving directions while maintaining a formal tone

tasked with performing

Shifts focus to the specific assignment or 'task' being given

assigned to execute

Focuses on the operational aspect of completing a plan

ordered to conduct

Implies a stronger, more authoritative command than 'directed'

mandated to implement

Specifically suggests a legal or policy-based requirement

requested to engage in

A softer, more polite alternative suitable for collaborative environments

directed to evaluate

Narrows the scope of the undertaking to assessment or analysis

authorized to initiate

Emphasizes the granting of permission to start a process

commissioned to do

Often used in artistic or professional service contexts

obliged to pursue

Suggests a duty or necessity to follow a certain path

FAQs

How do I use "directed to undertake" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a formal instruction, such as: "The committee was directed to undertake a comprehensive audit of the department's finances."

What is a more common way to say "directed to undertake"?

In less formal contexts, you might say "instructed to carry out" or simply "asked to do" depending on the authority level.

Is "directed to undertake" appropriate for legal writing?

Yes, it is very common in legal and administrative contexts to indicate a mandatory assignment, similar to "mandated to perform".

What is the difference between "directed to undertake" and "ordered to do"?

While both imply a command, "directed to undertake" sounds more professional and administrative, whereas "ordered to do" can sound more confrontational or military.