must undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must undertake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a necessary action or responsibility that someone is required to perform. Example: "To complete the project successfully, the team must undertake a thorough analysis of the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You must undertake the purchase soberly, with plenty of occasions to confirm your intentions".

The Guardian

"But failing that, Israel must undertake an immediate, grand, one-sided move".

The New York Times

Indeed, the first task a visitor must undertake is deciding where to enter.

The New York Times - Travel

In the future, the ministry must undertake comprehensive cost and benefit analysis of its new policies".

The Guardian

Women must undertake this workload on top of their other burdens.

The Guardian

His government is frighteningly inexperienced for the size of the task it must undertake.

The Economist

This increases the amount of travel outreach workers must undertake to communities for health-education sessions.

The Guardian

He also said France must undertake reforms to bring down public spending.

The Guardian - Business

The ringbinder contained a long list of compulsory building work the Murphys must undertake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, the F.B.I. must undertake the more logistically difficult task of teaming with multiple police forces, he said.

The New York Times

Before suspending or expelling a child, schools must undertake "dialogue" with the pupil, to educate her about secularism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more specific verb in place of "undertake" to provide a more vivid description of the action being performed. For example, instead of "must undertake a review", try "must conduct a review".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "must undertake" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Opt for alternatives like "need to do" or "have to start" for a more natural tone. For example, avoid saying "I must undertake this task immediately" to a friend; instead, say "I need to do this now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must undertake" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation or necessity. It signifies that a particular action is required or indispensable. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "must undertake" is used to express duties or essential tasks across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must undertake" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression indicating obligation or necessity, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, its formality should be considered depending on the context. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, scientific and business contexts. For more casual settings, alternatives like "need to do" may be more suitable. Remember to clearly define the responsible party and, when possible, use more specific verbs to replace "undertake" for a more vivid description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must perform

Replaces "undertake" with a more direct synonym, suggesting a specific action needs to be executed.

must carry out

Similar to "must perform", but emphasizes the process of completing a task or duty from start to finish.

must execute

Implies a more formal and precise fulfillment of a task or order.

has to undertake

Replaces the modal verb "must" with a more casual alternative while keeping "undertake".

must accomplish

Focuses on the successful completion of a goal or objective.

must engage in

Suggests active participation or involvement in a particular activity.

is required to perform

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the action, highlighting the obligation.

is obligated to carry out

Highlights the legal or moral duty to complete the action.

is bound to execute

Implies a strong commitment or contractual obligation to fulfill the action.

should undertake

Suggests a recommendation rather than an obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "must undertake" in a sentence?

The phrase "must undertake" is used to indicate that someone has an obligation or necessity to perform a specific action or task. For example, "The company must undertake a thorough investigation" indicates that the investigation is required.

What are some alternatives to "must undertake"?

Alternatives to "must undertake" include "must perform", "must carry out", or "is required to perform". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "must undertake" or "should undertake"?

"Must undertake" indicates a strong obligation, while "should undertake" suggests a recommendation. Use "must" when the action is compulsory and "should" when it is advisable but not strictly required.

Is "must undertake" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "must undertake" is grammatically correct, it is often perceived as formal. In casual conversations, consider using alternatives like "need to do" or "have to do" for a more relaxed tone.