major undertakings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major undertakings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant projects or tasks that require considerable effort, resources, or planning. Example: "The organization is currently involved in several major undertakings aimed at improving community health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

All major undertakings of the king were dependent on directives of the god, who was to be consulted in advance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His major undertakings included finishing Prestes Maia's street-building plans, straightening the Tietê and Pinheiros rivers, and building hydroelectric projects to meet the city's insatiable appetite for power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The projects under scrutiny in the two investigations, which prosecutors are conducting with the transportation authority's inspector general, are not the only major undertakings by Schiavone and Skanska in the city.

The New York Times

He discovered for himself a British composer whose white-heat inspirations suited him as well as Tippett had done, James MacMillan, and one of his last major undertakings with the LSO was a cycle of Nielsen's symphonies.

The Guardian - Music

The tens of millions he killed, the failure and sheer lunacy of most of his major undertakings, as well as his destructive manipulation of the Communist party and its ideology, mean that he can no longer be regarded as a leader without fault.

The Guardian - Opinion

RCTs are major undertakings and the intricacies of trial design, operations, and management are generally underappreciated by the typical researcher.

Seminars in Oncology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Is it fair to say that one of the themes of this season was about major new undertakings, whether it's Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce or Betty's marriage to Henry Francis, coming perilously close to failure? A. There's definitely some of that.

The New York Times

Not to bash on a well-crafted masterpiece, but, for destroyers like myself, MoNE is a refreshing flip of the switch, privileging the small creative spurts as much as the major artistic undertakings.

Huffington Post

Civic assemblies were held in front of the temple to beseech the aid of the gods or to thank them for successes in major civic undertakings such as fighting wars.

Wikipedia

Now, the 70-year-old Energy secretary has turned toward helping Obama pursue another of his top second-term undertakings: a major international accord on climate change.

Los Angeles Times

UNDERTAKING a major renovation or new construction without an architect to provide design know-how or detailed plans would seem to be the realm of either the foolish or the very handy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational strategy or historical events, use "major undertakings" to convey the scale and importance of the activities.

Common error

Avoid using "major undertakings" in casual conversation; opt for simpler phrases like "big projects" or "important tasks" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major undertakings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "major" modifies "undertakings". It describes significant projects, tasks, or activities that are of considerable importance and scale, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "major undertakings" refers to substantial and important projects or activities. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While common, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives like "significant projects" or "large-scale initiatives" can provide similar meaning. The phrase effectively conveys the scale and importance of the discussed activities. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant projects

Replaces "undertakings" with a more common synonym, focusing on the project aspect.

large-scale initiatives

Emphasizes the size and scope of the endeavors.

substantial endeavors

Highlights the effort and importance of the activities.

ambitious ventures

Focuses on the aspirational and potentially risky nature of the projects.

grand schemes

Suggests elaborate and ambitious plans, potentially on a large scale.

key operations

Highlights the operational aspect of important activities.

critical missions

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the tasks.

primary tasks

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the activities.

leading activities

Highlights the prominent and guiding aspect of the endeavors.

notable achievements

Focuses on the successful completion and recognition of the projects.

FAQs

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

You can use "major undertakings" to describe significant projects or tasks. For example: "The company's "major undertakings" this year include expanding into new markets and developing innovative products."

What are some alternatives to "major undertakings"?

Alternatives include "significant projects", "large-scale initiatives", or "substantial endeavors", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "major undertakings" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing business, academic, or historical contexts.

What distinguishes "major undertakings" from regular tasks?

"Major undertakings" implies a higher level of importance, complexity, and resource commitment compared to ordinary tasks. They often involve strategic goals and significant organizational impact.