extremely difficult undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely difficult undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is very challenging and requires significant effort or skill to accomplish. Example: "Starting a new business in a competitive market is an extremely difficult undertaking that requires careful planning and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Among other things, this extremely difficult undertaking would involve full disclosure of Assad's chemical arsenal.

The New York Times

Modulation of pH-driven conformational transitions by selective manipulation of the electrostatic component of the switch is an extremely difficult undertaking.

Biophysical Chemistry

"Taking nearly £50m out of a well-run organisation that provides high quality news services that are trusted, relied upon and used by millions of people is an extremely difficult undertaking.

The Guardian

Identifying, locating and isolating Syria's chemical arsenal in the midst of civil war would be an extremely difficult undertaking even if all parties were acting in good faith, motivated by the desire to achieve peace.

The New York Times

The end result is that launching a spacecraft into outer space remains an extremely difficult undertaking and that launch failures are a fact of life for those seeking access to space.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is an extremely difficult undertaking in an extremely difficult part of the world," said a senior American official at the United States Embassy in Islamabad after the presentation of an embassy PowerPoint slide show attended by nearly a dozen embassy officials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Experiments with wine are extremely difficult to undertake.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The Drug Lessons They Should Have Taught You at School.

Vice

The undertaking proved extremely difficult, given the scant historical record of even the most significant artists.

Wikipedia

The exploitation of these sites has been undertaken despite the extremely difficult working conditions encountered in the desert.

Britannica

"They are cramming what would probably be five or six years' worth of work into a period of several months, and they are undertaking this in an extremely difficult security environment due to the ongoing civil war".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse; while accurate, "extremely difficult undertaking" can sound formal. Consider synonyms like "tough challenge" or "major hurdle" for variety.

Common error

Be careful not to label tasks as an "extremely difficult undertaking" if the challenges are only moderate. Overusing this phrase diminishes its impact and credibility. Reserve it for truly exceptional challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely difficult undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "undertaking" is the noun and "extremely difficult" acts as a modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, supported by various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely difficult undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes tasks or projects with significant challenges, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While effective in emphasizing difficulty, consider alternatives like "exceptionally challenging task" or "formidably complex endeavor" for variety. Avoid overusing the phrase and ensure that the described task truly warrants such a description. While it's usage is considered correct, it is also considered uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally challenging task

Replaces 'difficult' with 'challenging' and 'extremely' with 'exceptionally', emphasizing the demanding nature of the task.

formidably complex endeavor

Uses 'formidably complex' to highlight the intricate and potentially daunting aspects of the 'endeavor'.

remarkably arduous undertaking

Substitutes 'difficult' with 'arduous' and 'extremely' with 'remarkably', stressing the effort and stamina required.

highly demanding enterprise

Emphasizes the stringent requirements and pressure associated with the 'enterprise'.

seriously problematic project

Highlights the potential issues and obstacles that could arise during the 'project'.

tough proposition

A more informal way to convey difficulty, suitable for less formal contexts.

fiercely competitive venture

Highlights that the difficulty stems from intense rivalry or competition.

major uphill battle

Emphasizes the struggle and resistance faced during the undertaking.

no easy feat

An idiomatic expression that indicates something requires considerable effort and skill.

significant challenge

A more general term for something that presents difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely difficult undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely difficult undertaking" to describe a task that requires considerable effort, skill, and resources. For example: "Identifying and isolating Syria's chemical arsenal would be an "extremely difficult undertaking".

What are some alternatives to "extremely difficult undertaking"?

Alternatives include "exceptionally challenging task", "formidably complex endeavor", or "remarkably arduous undertaking", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "extremely difficult undertaking"?

Use "extremely difficult undertaking" when you want to emphasize the significant challenges and complexities involved in a particular task or project. It's suitable for situations demanding substantial effort and expertise.

Is "difficult undertaking" the same as "extremely difficult undertaking"?

While both phrases refer to a challenging task, "extremely difficult undertaking" intensifies the degree of difficulty. "Extremely" suggests a higher level of complexity and effort compared to simply a "difficult undertaking".