make an undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

'make an undertaking' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to communicate that someone has promised to do something. Example sentence: After much consideration, the company decided to make an undertaking to reduce their environmental impact.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A high profile campaigner for press reform, Grant told the Leveson inquiry last year that hundreds of celebrities and actors would forgo damages and apologies if newspapers would "just make an undertaking never to mention their names again".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ashcroft made an undertaking to become resident in the UK – including paying tax – when he received his peerage in 2000.

The Guardian

"In that letter AC Rowley made an undertaking that in order for them to consider the report, the MPS would not make a formal statement until Tuesday 17 December".

The Guardian

He is rightly remembered for it; it was a great speech that not only addressed the wrongs of the past but made an undertaking for the future: [F]or the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking about negotiations over the stadium's ownership, the chief executive of the Sky Blues, Tim Fisher, said: "We have made an undertaking not to discuss this matter publicly.

BBC

"We'll be writing to every company that has used flyposting in the borough of Camden and we'll be inviting them to make a similar undertaking to the one Sony made.

The Guardian

Second, the United States and other donors could make a formal undertaking to ensure that the vast amounts that will soon pour into the country for reconstruction go not to foreigners but to Haitians — and not only to Haitian contractors and builders but to Haitian workers, at reasonable wages.

The New York Times

"Nor will I make any undertaking to do so".

The Guardian - Arts

There is this nightmare which keeps recurring in which I have to make a choice: undertake the search for the truth about what is really going on at Rangers, or a journey to the centre of the earth?

BBC

Further studies are indicated to evaluate this assay in crisis situations, but the logistics may make such an undertaking even more challenging.

BMC Infectious Diseases

From Eisenman, to the party planners who make sure Playboy's yearly Super Bowl bash is harder to get into than the game itself, to the security personnel and countless others who make the game happen but never set foot on the field, St. John picks telling examples to illustrate what makes an enormous undertaking seem so effortless.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make an undertaking", clearly specify the scope and limitations of the commitment to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "make an undertaking" when the commitment is tentative or subject to change. Choose a less definitive phrase if the situation is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an undertaking" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a formal commitment or promise. It signifies an agreement to perform a specific action or fulfill a particular obligation. This usage is supported by Ludwig which says that it is generally used to communicate that someone has promised to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an undertaking" is a phrase used to express a formal promise or commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a serious intention to fulfill an obligation and is grammatically correct. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives like "pledge to do something" or "commit to doing something" exist, "make an undertaking" holds a specific weight implying formality and assurance. When using the phrase, clearly define the commitment to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undertake to complete

Similar, but places greater stress on following through to the end.

make a commitment

More general expression of dedication.

commit to doing something

Highlights the dedication and resources allocated to a specific task or goal.

give an assurance

Focuses on providing confidence or certainty rather than a formal promise.

pledge to do something

Emphasizes a solemn promise or vow to take action.

offer a guarantee

Implies a stronger level of commitment, often with potential repercussions if not fulfilled.

agree to perform

Focuses on the acceptance of a responsibility or duty.

give one's word

Emphasizes personal honor and integrity.

promise to deliver

Specifies a commitment to achieve a particular outcome or result.

vow to accomplish

Suggests a determined and unwavering commitment to reach a specific achievement.

FAQs

What does "make an undertaking" mean?

The phrase "make an undertaking" means to give a formal promise or commitment to do something. It often implies a serious intention to fulfill the obligation.

How can I use "make an undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "make an undertaking" to describe someone's commitment. For example: "The company decided to "make an undertaking" to reduce carbon emissions."

What can I say instead of "make an undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "pledge to do something", "commit to doing something", or "offer a guarantee" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "make an undertaking" and "make a promise"?

While both phrases involve commitment, "make an undertaking" often suggests a more formal or official pledge than "make a promise", which can be more personal or informal.