earnest undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earnest undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or sincere effort to accomplish a task or project. Example: "The committee's earnest undertaking to improve community relations has garnered widespread support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But mostly, Things to Come is a smart, earnest undertaking: an exploration of the insecurity that can hit any of us, at any age, when we start to question the life we've built.

The Guardian - Film

Providing this voice doesn't need to be an earnest undertaking, though.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But in time it reveals itself as an impulse at the core of his earnest, prolific, and — yes — heartfelt undertaking: he was forever pushing for entrance into something he could not enter.

The New Yorker

He died, for instance, before Europe undertook in earnest a re-examining of its wartime past.

The New York Times - Arts

My father feared the vulnerability and the humility that learning, undertaken in earnest, surely requires.

The New Yorker

After some initial forays in the late 1970's, an effort to secure land and the cooperation of Israeli officials was undertaken in earnest beginning in 1990, according to a timeline provided on the Raëlian Web site.

The New York Times

With such a permanent, massive infusion of money, the process of liquidating unresuscitative loans could be undertaken in earnest, without bringing down the whole financial system.

Forbes

Earnest efforts are being undertaken to revamp the physical and IT infrastructure to ensure educational resources are maximized.

Global Health Action

It is a great pleasure to me to open the extension to Spitalfields Market, and by so doing to give a practical proof of my earnest desire to promote every undertaking which is calculated to increase the trade of this great city, and through it the welfare of my people both at home and overseas".

The Guardian

The SEC has been "working in earnest to finalize the exact contours of this complex undertaking for adoption," Nester said of that proposal.

Huffington Post

This week, however, US Admiral William McRaven undertook an effort to roll back the earnest accomplishments of Senator Leahy and others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest undertaking" when you want to emphasize both the sincerity and the significant effort involved in a project or task. It adds a tone of seriousness and commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "earnest undertaking" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "serious effort" or "sincere attempt" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "earnest" modifies the noun "undertaking". It describes a specific type of effort, one characterized by sincerity and seriousness. Ludwig provides examples where it signifies a deliberate and significant action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnest undertaking" is a formal phrase used to describe a serious and sincere effort. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, suggesting it's best reserved for situations where emphasizing sincerity and commitment is crucial. Consider alternatives like "sincere endeavor" or "serious effort" for broader applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere endeavor

Replaces "undertaking" with "endeavor", maintaining the sense of a serious effort but with a slightly more formal tone.

serious effort

Uses simpler and more direct language to convey the same meaning, replacing both "earnest" and "undertaking" with more common words.

dedicated project

Substitutes "undertaking" with "project" and "earnest" with "dedicated", suggesting commitment and focus.

committed endeavor

Similar to "dedicated project", but uses "endeavor" to emphasize the effort involved.

determined effort

Focuses on the resolve and determination behind the effort, rather than the sincerity.

conscientious task

Highlights the careful and thorough nature of the task, implying a sense of responsibility.

diligent activity

Emphasizes the consistent and hardworking nature of the activity.

purposeful pursuit

Suggests a clear goal and determined action towards achieving it.

zealous pursuit

Uses "zealous" to convey enthusiasm and passion, adding a sense of fervor to the effort.

genuine attempt

Focuses on the authenticity and honesty of the attempt, rather than the scale or complexity of the undertaking.

FAQs

What does "earnest undertaking" mean?

The phrase "earnest undertaking" refers to a serious and sincere effort to accomplish a task or project. It implies a strong commitment and a genuine desire to succeed.

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

You might say, "The committee's "earnest undertaking" to improve community relations has garnered widespread support" or "Completing this research is an "earnest undertaking" that requires dedication and perseverance."

What can I say instead of "earnest undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "sincere endeavor", "serious effort", or "dedicated project" depending on the context.

Is "earnest undertaking" formal or informal?

"Earnest undertaking" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "genuine attempt" or "honest effort".