grand undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grand undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or ambitious project or task that requires considerable effort and resources. Example: "The construction of the new bridge is a grand undertaking that will take several years to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The more he talks about his grand undertaking, the more animated he gets.

The New York Times

"I would hope it's a grand undertaking for anybody," he says.

The Guardian - Music

I suggest that it's a grand undertaking for a 30-year-old who has been composing for only five or six years.

The Guardian - Music

The fake profile was not created as a grand undertaking.

Huffington Post

The TPP was supposed to be a grand undertaking.

Huffington Post

It's so easy to become overwhelmed by any grand undertaking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

His is a grand, heroic undertaking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like every latest and greatest grand national undertaking, the war on shrinkage is supposed to sound inspiring and confident.

Vice

NAPLES POSTCARD about Kiton bespoke suits and Neapolitan tailor Ciro Paone...Writer describes the 19th-century Grand tour undertaken by British gentlemen.

The New Yorker

It has a big role in staging the London Olympics in 2012, perhaps the biggest grand projet undertaken by this government.

The Economist

The New Yorker, January 17 , 2000P. 65 NAPLES POSTCARD about Kiton bespoke suits and Neapolitan tailor Ciro Paone...Writer describes the 19th-century Grand tour undertaken by British gentlemen..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grand undertaking" to describe a project that is not only large in scale but also significant in its impact or importance. It adds a sense of ambition and impressiveness to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "grand undertaking" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal tone and is better suited for describing significant projects or events in more serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grand undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "grand" modifies the noun "undertaking". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is suitable for use in written English. It is typically used as a subject or object in a sentence to describe a project or task.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grand undertaking" is considered correct and usable in written English to describe an ambitious or significant project. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the scale and importance of an endeavor. While "grand undertaking" is suitable for formal contexts, like news reporting and encyclopedic entries, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation. Alternatives like "major enterprise" or "ambitious project" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, underscoring its utility in describing significant events and projects. Overall, "grand undertaking" is a valuable phrase for emphasizing the magnitude and ambition of a project in appropriate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major enterprise

Replaces "undertaking" with "enterprise", suggesting a business-oriented or organized project.

ambitious project

Highlights the ambitious nature of the project, focusing on its scope and goals.

significant endeavor

Emphasizes the importance and effort involved in the task.

large-scale operation

Focuses on the scale and operational aspects of the undertaking.

monumental task

Suggests a task of immense difficulty and historical significance.

sweeping initiative

Implies a broad and comprehensive approach to a particular problem or goal.

heroic effort

Highlights the courage and determination required for the task.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

mammoth undertaking

Replaces "grand" with "mammoth" which is more informal and gives a stronger sense of scale.

colossal endeavor

Combines the sense of scale from "colossal" with the effort implied by "endeavor".

FAQs

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

Use "grand undertaking" to describe a project or task of significant scale, ambition, and importance. For example, "The construction of the new international airport is a "grand undertaking" that will boost the region's economy."

What are some alternatives to "grand undertaking"?

You can use alternatives such as "major enterprise", "ambitious project", or "significant endeavor" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "grand undertaking" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "grand undertaking" is generally considered a formal phrase and is more appropriate for formal writing or describing significant projects or events. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "big project" or "major task" might be more suitable.

What makes "grand undertaking" different from a "simple project"?

"Grand undertaking" implies a higher level of ambition, complexity, and potential impact compared to a "simple project". It suggests that the task requires considerable effort, resources, and strategic planning, whereas a simple project is typically smaller in scope and less demanding.