expensive undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expensive undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project or task that requires a significant financial investment. Example: "Building a new hospital is an expensive undertaking that requires careful planning and budgeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is, surprisingly, not an expensive undertaking.

The New York Times

It has been an expensive undertaking.

The New York Times

As you can imagine, this is an expensive undertaking.

The New York Times

INVESTING in renewable energy remains an expensive undertaking.

The Economist

Building such submarine cables is an expensive undertaking.

The New York Times

He would not specify a budget but said, "Obviously, it's going to be an expensive undertaking".

The New York Times

Finding and then persuading people to take a look is an expensive undertaking.

The New York Times - Travel

State and city officials say courthouse construction is an expensive undertaking, but well worthwhile.

The New York Times

This view, he said, made hedging "an expensive undertaking at the time".

The New York Times

Mohamad is married – an expensive undertaking that most young Syrians can't afford in this environment.

The Guardian

"One thing should be clear about national politics — it's an expensive undertaking," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "expensive undertaking", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspects of the undertaking contribute to its high cost. For example, mention materials, labor, or technology involved.

Common error

Avoid using "expensive undertaking" as a generic statement of cost. Provide specific details about the project's budget, financial impact, or comparative expenses to other options to lend weight to the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive undertaking" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "expensive" modifies the noun "undertaking". According to Ludwig, it describes a project or task that requires a significant financial investment. Examples show its use in various contexts, from construction to political campaigns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expensive undertaking" is a commonly used phrase that effectively describes a project or activity requiring significant financial resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific publications. While the phrase is grammatically sound, clarity and context are key to maximizing its impact. Replacing it by "costly project" can serve as a quick and efficient alternative, but careful attention must be given to provide the reader with sufficient elements to understand the extent of the cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costly project

Replaces "undertaking" with the more direct term "project", emphasizing the planned nature of the activity.

high-priced venture

Substitutes "expensive" with "high-priced" and "undertaking" with "venture", highlighting the risk and investment aspects.

financially demanding endeavor

Replaces "expensive" with "financially demanding" and "undertaking" with "endeavor", emphasizing the financial strain and effort involved.

capital-intensive operation

Uses more formal language to describe a project requiring significant capital investment.

resource-heavy initiative

Highlights the large amount of resources required, not just financial, but also time and manpower.

major financial commitment

Focuses on the commitment aspect, suggesting a long-term financial obligation.

cost-prohibitive measure

Emphasizes that the cost is so high it may prevent the action from being taken.

big-budget activity

Informal alternative emphasizing the large budget allocated to the activity.

sizeable investment

Highlights the investment aspect, suitable when the cost is seen as an investment for future returns.

pricey affair

An informal alternative that emphasizes the high cost of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "expensive undertaking" to describe any project or activity that requires a significant financial investment. For instance, "Building a new subway system is an "expensive undertaking" requiring careful planning and budgeting."

What are some synonyms for "expensive undertaking"?

Alternatives to "expensive undertaking" include "costly project", "financially demanding endeavor", or "high-priced venture", each emphasizing different aspects of the cost or effort involved.

Is it better to say "costly undertaking" or "expensive undertaking"?

Both "costly undertaking" and "expensive undertaking" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Costly" might emphasize the overall burden, while "expensive" focuses more on the monetary cost.

What makes an undertaking considered an "expensive undertaking"?

An undertaking is considered an "expensive undertaking" when it involves substantial costs related to resources, labor, materials, or technology, making it a significant financial commitment compared to other potential activities or projects.