is a big undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a big undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires significant effort, resources, or commitment. Example: "Organizing the charity event is a big undertaking, but we are excited to make a difference in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is a big undertaking.

The Economist

This race is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

UNIQ is a big undertaking.

The Guardian

Getting new systems going is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

"That is a big undertaking — bigger than moving an apartment," he said.

The New York Times

But this much is obvious: Running for Senate in New York is a big undertaking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"This is a bigger undertaking than we've done in a very long time, so we're feeling a mixture of excitement and some nervousness," Mr. Boyd said in an interview before Monday's announcement, which came at a news conference at Alice Tully Hall.

The New York Times

But, learning the technical aspect was a big undertaking.

The New York Times

It's a big undertaking for one guy".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a rabbit in the headlights situation, it's a big undertaking.

The Guardian

"It's a big undertaking and it has gotten to be too much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a big undertaking", ensure the context clearly indicates what the undertaking is and why it is considered 'big'. Providing specific details about the scope, resources, or challenges involved will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is a big undertaking" for tasks that are inherently known to be complex or time-consuming. Instead, reserve the phrase for situations where the scale or difficulty might not be immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a big undertaking" functions as a predicate nominative, attributing a quality (being a significant project) to a subject. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the scale and complexity of a task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a big undertaking" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a task or project that requires considerable effort and resources. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "is a major project" or "is a significant endeavor" exist, "is a big undertaking" provides a balanced and widely understood way to convey the scale and complexity of an endeavor. When using the phrase, be sure to provide context to clarify what makes the undertaking 'big' and avoid using it for tasks that are obviously challenging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a major project

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the task.

is a significant endeavor

Highlights the effort and purpose involved.

is a considerable challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and demands of the task.

is a substantial commitment

Stresses the time and resources required.

is a herculean task

Implies an extremely difficult and demanding effort.

is a complex operation

Highlights the multiple steps and intricate details involved.

is an ambitious plan

Emphasizes the scope and aspirational nature of the project.

is a demanding responsibility

Stresses the burden and expectations associated with the task.

is a monumental effort

Highlights the scale and importance of the undertaking.

is a taxing job

Focuses on the draining and exhausting nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "is a big undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "is a big undertaking" to describe a project, task, or challenge that requires significant effort and resources. For example, "Building a new hospital is a big undertaking" or "Overhauling the company's infrastructure is a big undertaking".

What are some alternatives to "is a big undertaking"?

Alternatives include "is a major project", "is a significant endeavor", or "is a considerable challenge", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "is a big undertaking" or "is a huge undertaking"?

Both "is a big undertaking" and "is a huge undertaking" are correct, but "huge" implies a greater magnitude than "big". Choose the word that best reflects the scale of the task you are describing.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "is a big undertaking"?

Avoid using "is a big undertaking" for trivial or commonplace tasks. The phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely involve substantial effort, resources, or complexity.