extraordinary undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraordinary undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is remarkable, ambitious, or requires significant effort and resources. Example: "The construction of the new bridge was an extraordinary undertaking that took several years to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is an extraordinary undertaking.

The Guardian

In purely technical terms, it is an extraordinary undertaking for a composer who has virtually no formal schooling.

The New York Times

Now, at age 40, Mr. Benno is walking into another extraordinary undertaking dominated by an even more formidable hierarchy of powerful figures.

The New York Times - Food

This was an extraordinary undertaking, with more than 20 different variants, based on a project Frutiger had started while at college in Zurich.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's the Pistons in the greater Detroit area at the Palace; to replicate all that today would be an extraordinary undertaking," David Stern, the commissioner of the N.B.A., said.

The New York Times - Sports

The photobook, rather than the gallery, was the main medium for this psychic exploration and it is good to see Kikuji Kawada's extraordinary undertaking, The Map – perhaps the most intricately designed and powerfully evocative Japanese photobook ever – on display alongside his prints.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Dresden is an extraordinary museum undertaking in the context of Germany and I'm sure he will be a formidable leader for the British Museum".

The Guardian

"This case presents to the court a record of the extraordinary efforts undertaken by the state to implement a preschool program of unprecedented scope," the response said.

The New York Times

His journeys through Mongolia, Siberia, Australia and Europe culminate with the extraordinary work undertaken by the American "craniac" community to re-establish migratory routes from Wisconsin to Florida using microlights to lead the birds south.

The Guardian - Books

And then there was the extraordinary project undertaken by Stéphane Mallarmé, who in 1874 conceived of, wrote, edited, and designed eight issues of the fashion magazine La Dernière Mode: fashion news, fashion theory, book and theatre essays, notes on food, and even dress designs — a loving mix of seriousness and satire.

The New Yorker

This freeze, the first in a series of "extraordinary measures" undertaken by the Treasury to avoid a federal default, could pose difficulties for local governments nationwide, making it more complicated for strapped localities to manage their already weak finances.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extraordinary undertaking" to describe projects that are not only large or complex but also possess a unique or remarkable quality. It suggests a significant departure from the ordinary.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinary undertaking" for routine tasks or projects. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the effort or outcome is genuinely exceptional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinary undertaking" functions as a noun phrase that describes a task or project. The adjective "extraordinary" modifies the noun "undertaking", emphasizing the exceptional nature of the endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extraordinary undertaking" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to describe a significantly ambitious or exceptional project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is well-suited for formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional settings. While alternatives such as ""remarkable endeavor"" and ""exceptional project"" offer similar meanings, "extraordinary undertaking" carries a stronger emphasis on the unique and demanding nature of the task. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations where the undertaking genuinely stands out due to its scale, complexity, or innovative nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and commitment involved in the task.

exceptional project

Highlights the high quality and uniqueness of the project.

significant enterprise

Focuses on the importance and scale of the venture.

ambitious scheme

Suggests a large-scale and challenging plan.

notable task

Underlines the noteworthy nature of the assignment.

monumental effort

Highlights the extensive exertion required.

considerable feat

Emphasizes the skill and achievement involved.

challenging mission

Stresses the difficulty and complexity of the undertaking.

groundbreaking initiative

Implies innovation and pioneering spirit.

unprecedented activity

Highlights the unique and novel aspect of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "extraordinary undertaking" to describe something remarkably ambitious and challenging. For instance: "The construction of the new research facility was an "extraordinary undertaking" requiring international collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "extraordinary undertaking"?

Alternatives include "remarkable endeavor", "exceptional project", or "significant enterprise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extraordinary undertaking" a formal phrase?

Yes, "extraordinary undertaking" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts.

What makes an undertaking "extraordinary"?

An undertaking is "extraordinary" when it stands out due to its scale, complexity, innovation, or the sheer effort required to achieve it.