formidable undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is challenging and requires significant effort or skill to accomplish. Example: "Building the new bridge was a formidable undertaking that required the collaboration of multiple engineering teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Getting people to draft advance directives is a formidable undertaking.

The New York Times

For the casual reader, however, this can feel like a formidable undertaking.

The Guardian - Books

The "TENEbrae" series was an even more formidable undertaking, one that in other hands might have been ill-advised.

The New Yorker

From the start, Mr. Kerry acknowledged that getting Israeli-Palestinian talks started would be a formidable undertaking.

The New York Times

The Ocean House alone was a formidable undertaking for Mr. Royce, who runs Royce & Associates, a mutual fund company in Manhattan.

The New York Times

There followed gut renovation of the main house, a formidable undertaking that cost $250,000 and involved, among many tasks, the removal of many Dumpsters' worth of trash.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Although the lion's share of the Methow's trails parallel the broad valley floor, they are complemented by some short but steep downhill stretches which become all the more formidable when undertaken on slim, light-weight cross-country skis.

BBC

It proved to be a formidable and daunting undertaking.

The Guardian

This formidable Broadway diva undertakes her first strictly dramatic role in several years as the trash-bin-inhabiting Nell in a new production of Samuel Beckett's "ENDGAME".

The New York Times

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) is a formidable procedure when undertaken for severe pancreaticoduodenal injury.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

The sheer scope of the undertaking was formidable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable undertaking" when you want to emphasize that a task requires significant effort, skill, and possibly courage to complete successfully.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable undertaking" for tasks that are merely routine or slightly challenging. Reserve it for situations that genuinely present significant obstacles and require substantial resources or expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a task or project that is challenging, complex, and demands significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable undertaking" is a valid phrase that effectively describes a task or project characterized by substantial challenges and significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as correct and usable. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely warrants its emphasis on difficulty and complexity. While the phrase is well-regarded, be aware of alternatives such as "daunting task" or "challenging endeavor" to prevent overuse and to add more color to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting task

Focuses on the intimidating aspect of the task.

challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required.

arduous task

Highlights the laboriousness and difficulty.

demanding project

Stresses the high requirements and effort needed.

difficult assignment

Focuses on the problematic nature of the task.

herculean effort

Implies a task requiring immense strength and effort, referencing the mythical hero Hercules.

monumental task

Highlights the significant scale and importance.

laborious undertaking

Emphasizes the effort required to complete the project.

complex challenge

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

onerous responsibility

Highlights the burdensome and demanding nature of the duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable undertaking" to describe a challenging task, such as "Launching a new product in a competitive market is a "formidable undertaking"."

What is a synonym for "formidable undertaking"?

Alternatives to "formidable undertaking" include "daunting task", "challenging endeavor", or "arduous task". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "formidable undertaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "formidable undertaking" is suitable for formal writing. It is a relatively formal phrase that adds emphasis to the difficulty of a task. It's suitable in both News & Media contexts and Formal & Business contexts.

What makes a task a "formidable undertaking" rather than just a "difficult task"?

A "formidable undertaking" suggests a task that is not only difficult but also presents significant obstacles, requires substantial resources, and may inspire a degree of awe or apprehension. It implies a higher level of challenge than simply a "difficult task".