major undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And just making sure you have the most up to date software installed can turn into a major undertaking.

TechCrunch

It was a major undertaking.

The New York Times

For one thing, a house move is a major undertaking.

The New York Times

It's a major undertaking, every judge reading everything.

The Guardian - Books

Eliminating that confusion has been a major undertaking.

The New York Times

Building the new church was a major undertaking.

The New York Times

But the tentative design suggests that it could be a major undertaking costing millions of dollars.

The New York Times

Throughout the depot's history, keeping track of the inventory has been a major undertaking.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Denerstein said the agreement was "a major undertaking" for the stores.

The New York Times

The major undertaking is to improve the backstage areas of the theater.

The New York Times - Arts

Starting a business from scratch is a major undertaking with huge challenges.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider quantifying the resources, time, or manpower required, such as 'a major undertaking costing millions of dollars'.

Common error

Avoid using "major undertaking" for routine tasks. Reserve it for projects that genuinely require significant effort and resources to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a task or project of considerable importance and scale. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to convey the significance of various endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major undertaking" is a noun phrase widely employed to denote projects demanding considerable effort and resources. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function is typically as a subject complement or object. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. When deploying "major undertaking", ensure the described task genuinely warrants the label, quantifying its demands for enhanced impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and importance involved.

substantial project

Focuses on the scale and resources needed.

considerable task

Highlights the amount of work required.

formidable challenge

Stresses the difficulty and potential obstacles.

monumental effort

Implies a large and lasting impact.

ambitious enterprise

Highlights the aspiration and scope of the project.

demanding assignment

Focuses on the rigor and expectations involved.

complex operation

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the work.

extensive activity

Highlights the broad reach and involvement.

arduous job

Implies a tough and tiring process.

FAQs

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

You can use "major undertaking" to describe a significant project or task. For example, "The construction of the new hospital is a "major undertaking" that will benefit the entire community."

What are some alternatives to "major undertaking"?

Alternatives include "significant endeavor", "substantial project", or "considerable task", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "major undertaking" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe a significant project or task. Its use is supported by many examples in news media and formal publications.

What's the difference between "major undertaking" and "minor task"?

"Major undertaking" refers to a large, complex project requiring considerable resources, while a "minor task" is a small, simple activity that can be completed quickly and easily. A "major undertaking" necessitates strategic planning and extensive effort, unlike a minor task.