is quite an undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"This job," he said, "is quite an undertaking".

The New York Times

Searching for a new pair is quite an undertaking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is quite an undertaking, and one that is executed with incredible precision.

The New York Times

But to do it by penny farthing is quite an undertaking.

The Telegraph

In the case of the great Barsetshire novels, one only need desire companionship: Making our way through these massive volumes, is quite an undertaking.

The New Yorker

However, getting that process to scale is quite an undertaking.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's quite an undertaking".

The New York Times

MRS. WIJEGOONARATNA Obviously this was quite an undertaking.

The New York Times

Pierre's mother said, "That's quite an undertaking".

The New Yorker

The searchable database that accompanies the article was produced within one day, which was quite an undertaking.

The New York Times

He befriended John Singer Sargent, who later painted a portrait of his daughter, Charlotte Louise, which today hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art near the portrait of Madame X. Burckhardt's panorama was quite an undertaking.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is quite an undertaking" to describe a project or task that requires significant effort, time, and resources. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the scale and complexity involved.

Common error

Avoid using "is quite an undertaking" too frequently in your writing. While appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant challenge" or "considerable endeavor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite an undertaking" functions as a descriptor, typically following a noun or gerund phrase to characterize it as a substantial task. It's used to emphasize the effort, resources, or complexity involved, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is quite an undertaking" is a descriptor indicating that a task requires significant effort or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, scientific, and formal business settings, it conveys the magnitude and challenges involved in a particular endeavor. While adaptable, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing clarity. Related phrases, such as "is a considerable endeavor", offer alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a considerable endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and commitment required. Slightly more formal.

is a significant challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and obstacles involved.

is a monumental task

Highlights the large scale and importance of the task.

is a major operation

Implies a complex and coordinated effort.

is no small feat

Understates the difficulty, often used for emphasis.

is a demanding job

Highlights the rigor and intensity of the work.

is a tough proposition

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential for failure.

is a Herculean effort

Implies immense strength and effort, referencing the mythological hero.

is a complex process

Focuses on the intricate steps and details involved.

is a real commitment

Highlights the level of dedication needed for completion.

FAQs

How can I use "is quite an undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "is quite an undertaking" to describe a task that requires significant effort. For example, "Organizing the conference "is quite an undertaking", but it's rewarding."

What are some alternatives to "is quite an undertaking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is a significant challenge", "is a considerable endeavor", or "is a major operation", depending on the specific context.

Is "is quite an undertaking" formal or informal?

The phrase "is quite an undertaking" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both professional and news contexts, but might be replaced with a simpler phrase in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "is quite an undertaking" and "is a piece of cake"?

"Is quite an undertaking" suggests a task is complex and requires effort, while "is a piece of cake" implies something is very easy to accomplish. They are antonyms.