massive undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"massive undertaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult, large-scale project, such as a government infrastructure project or a philanthropic initiative. For example, "The mayor's plan to revitalize the inner city is a massive undertaking that will take years to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's been a massive undertaking".

The New York Times

"This is a massive undertaking".

The New York Times

Reconstruction involves a massive undertaking.

The New York Times

"It's a massive undertaking," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a massive undertaking, so we need your help.

The Guardian - Arts

Capturing the Games sonically is a massive undertaking.

The Guardian - Sport

But the foundation for such a massive undertaking is shaky.

The Guardian - Opinion

It just happens that these sorts of events are a massive undertaking".

Independent

It is also a massive undertaking, still one of the longest pieces in the symphonic repertoire.

The Guardian

It shows what a massive undertaking this was, a seemingly impossible task.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"This will be a massive undertaking," said Doug Suttles, president of BP Alaska.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "massive undertaking", ensure the context clearly indicates the scale and complexity of the task being described. Provide specific details to illustrate why it qualifies as "massive".

Common error

Avoid using "massive undertaking" for tasks that are merely time-consuming or require effort but lack genuine scale or complexity. Reserve it for projects with significant resources, scope, and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "massive undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it effectively describes projects or tasks of considerable scale, complexity, and effort. Examples show it highlighting the sheer size and challenge of such ventures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "massive undertaking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe projects of significant scale and complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure the context supports the scale implied. While versatile, avoid overuse in situations lacking genuine complexity. Consider alternatives like "extensive project" or "herculean task" to refine your message. Remember this phrase commonly appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its validity in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

herculean task

Draws a parallel to the mythical labors of Hercules, suggesting immense difficulty and effort.

mammoth task

Highlights the sheer size and challenging nature of the work.

colossal endeavor

Suggests a grand and ambitious undertaking, often with significant impact.

extensive project

Focuses more on the scope and breadth of the endeavor rather than the difficulty.

monumental effort

Implies a task of great significance and historical importance.

large-scale operation

Emphasizes the logistical and organizational aspects of the undertaking.

ambitious undertaking

Highlights the aspiration and reach of the project.

considerable task

Highlights the substantial amount of work involved.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential obstacles of the endeavor.

significant enterprise

Focuses on the importance and impact of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "massive undertaking" to describe a large, complex, and challenging project. For example, "The construction of the new airport is a "massive undertaking" that will require years of planning and execution".

What are some synonyms for "massive undertaking"?

Alternatives include "extensive project", "large-scale operation", or "herculean task", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "massive undertaking" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to describe a project of considerable size and complexity. News sources and business sources are good examples.

What makes something qualify as a "massive undertaking"?

A "massive undertaking" typically involves significant resources, extensive planning, numerous personnel, and a long timeline. It also usually carries a high degree of risk and complexity. Examples in the search results include rebuilding infrastructure and organizing large-scale events.