lengthy undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires a significant amount of time and effort to complete. Example: "The construction of the new bridge was a lengthy undertaking that took several years to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And like Planet Earth, which took five years to make, Our Planet will be a similarly lengthy undertaking, set to premiere on Netflix in 2019.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Pinning ropes to the rock along the way is a necessary safeguard, and learning how to climb with a rope is a lengthy undertaking that long kept the sport on the fringe.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Daisey does not work from a prepared script — this lengthy undertaking would probably be impossible if he did — but what surprised me about his shows was their fluidity.

The New York Times

When work on the horse's head started after almost two years of examining the challenge from every angle, she declared: "The first hurdle was one of logistics – we have taken considerable time to measure and calculate the best approach to what will be an extraordinary and lengthy undertaking.

The Guardian - Arts

This can be a lengthy undertaking, Coyne says.

Huffington Post

Members of the congregation remain upset about the lack of communication on the part of the feds the FBI did send a document to the synagogue on March 6, 2013, but it said that "a criminal investigation can be a lengthy undertaking and, for several reasons, we cannot tell you about its progress at this time".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Among the documents that surfaced from that hacking is a roadmap of a very expensive and lengthy investigation undertaken by Dow Chemical related to their subsidiary Union Carbide and the Bhopal disaster.

The New York Times

But creating a new culture is a lengthy and difficult undertaking, as the winners of the first season of Mashrouy know all too well.

The Guardian

Manufacturers like Nokia only issue new phones after undertaking lengthy consumer research.

Forbes

There have been so many mistakes when it comes to estimating shale gas reserves, that countries are undertaking lengthy and costly exploration campaigns".

Vice

We present this automated slice system as an appropriate model of in vivo remyelination in the rodent CNS, and as a model of pathology in MS. We suggest that it can be used as an intermediate step between in vitro experiments and undertaking lengthy in vivo studies, to select the most promising compounds, though clearly not replacing the latter.

Experimental Neurology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lengthy undertaking" when you want to emphasize both the duration and the commitment involved in a project or task. It's particularly useful when highlighting the challenges and resources required.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy undertaking" in very casual conversations. It's more appropriate for formal writing or professional discussions. In informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "long project" or "time-consuming task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" modifies the noun "undertaking". It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lengthy undertaking" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase used to describe a task or project that requires a significant amount of time and effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is suitable for formal and professional contexts. Alternatives such as "prolonged endeavor" or "extensive project" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "lengthy undertaking", ensure the context is appropriate, as overuse in informal settings can sound unnatural. The phrase finds frequent usage in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lengthy process

It only omits the word "undertaking", being nearly identical.

Prolonged endeavor

Replaces "undertaking" with "endeavor" emphasizing effort and determination over a significant period.

Extensive project

Substitutes "undertaking" with "project", focusing on the scale and scope rather than the commitment.

Time-consuming task

Highlights the duration aspect, replacing both words with more explicit terms.

Complex and lengthy project

This alternative emphasizes both the complexity and the time commitment, providing a more descriptive alternative.

Long-term commitment

Shifts focus to the sustained involvement required, rather than the activity itself.

Protracted effort

Emphasizes the sustained and often difficult nature of the work involved.

Extended operation

Implies a structured and organized activity that spans a considerable time.

Comprehensive assignment

Highlights the thoroughness and breadth of the task at hand.

Drawn-out process

Focuses on the gradual and extended nature of the activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "lengthy undertaking" to describe projects or tasks that require significant time and effort. For example, "The construction of the new research facility was a "lengthy undertaking" that spanned several years."

What are some alternatives to "lengthy undertaking"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "prolonged endeavor", "extensive project", or "time-consuming task".

Is "lengthy undertaking" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "lengthy undertaking" is well-suited for formal and professional writing. It clearly conveys the significant time and effort involved in a task or project.

What makes "lengthy undertaking" different from "long project"?

"Lengthy undertaking" emphasizes not only the duration but also the commitment and effort required. "Long project" is simpler and focuses primarily on the duration. Therefore, "lengthy undertaking" is usually used for more complicated tasks than "long project".