past undertakings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past undertakings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to previous projects, tasks, or commitments that have been completed or attempted. Example: "In reviewing our past undertakings, we can identify areas for improvement in our current strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As he explained, "Instead of a teaching methodology successfully employed in the past, I assume that all past undertakings are in some degree obsolete, as the total environment of the technical frontier is constantly providing improved means". By discouraging study of the visual appearance of form, in his pedagogy he emphasized the benefit of leaping to connect form to its social utility.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This Messianic view of the Jewish state's destiny has grown for the past 46 years, despite undertakings from various leaders, including Netanyahu in 2009, to seek a two-state peace.

The New York Times

CIS has dealt with HUD on undertakings in the past.

The New York Times

The need for trust was easily explained: Germany, in particular, but not exclusively, has felt repeatedly let down by Greece and its failure to deliver on firm undertakings in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the most remarkable scholarly undertakings of the past century, the publication of the collected works of Karl Marx and his collaborator Friedrich Engels, started in the British Library before the first world war, when an émigré Russian Marxist scholar called David Riazanov began collecting some of Marx's journalistic articles.

Columbia University

Local authorities have in many cases in the past set up their own undertakings in order to safeguard continuity, improve quality and service provision, introduce innovations, improve working conditions, substantially reduce tariffs and keep better control over the award of large public subsidies to a loss-making industry.

European Parliament

We believe our undertakings will succeed — despite past evidence to the contrary — which means we must really want, on some level, for things to turn out well.

The Washington Post

In the event, however, he appears to have decided that past obligations to Coolmore supersede even any formal undertakings he may have made, though Wonder Of Wonders presumably helped to quieten his conscience.

Independent

However it is in undertakings like the creative process that stepping past mere skill can be examined.

Huffington Post

On the other hand, too rigid an adherence to the specifics of the past can leave us with a paralyzing fear of major new undertakings and opportunities.

University of Chicago

McEntee stuck to that line on the Today programme, saying the UK had given undertakings to ensure there was no return to the borders of the past.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing lessons learned or future strategies, referencing "past undertakings" can provide valuable context. Be specific about which undertakings you are referring to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "past undertakings" without specifying which specific projects or efforts you're referencing. Vague references can lead to confusion and dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past undertakings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively references prior projects, tasks or commitments. It can be used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past undertakings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. As verified by Ludwig AI, it serves to reference prior projects or commitments, providing context for present or future actions. The phrase appears most often in news media, academic and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you specify which undertakings you're referencing to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "previous ventures" or "prior commitments" to slightly shift the emphasis, where needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous ventures

Focuses on the entrepreneurial or exploratory nature of the activities.

prior commitments

Emphasizes the obligatory or binding nature of the tasks.

earlier endeavors

Highlights the effort and ambition involved in the activities.

historical projects

Stresses the completed and documented nature of the work.

past assignments

Refers to specific tasks or duties that were previously given.

previous tasks

A more general term for activities that have been completed.

former activities

Highlights the fact that these activities are no longer ongoing.

historical operations

Implies a structured or organized series of actions in the past.

prior initiatives

Emphasizes the proactive and strategic nature of the activities.

concluded efforts

Focuses on the completion and result of the activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "past undertakings" to refer to projects or tasks that have been completed. For example, "Reviewing our "past undertakings" helps us improve future strategies."

What is a good alternative to "past undertakings"?

Alternatives include "previous ventures", "prior commitments", or "earlier endeavors", depending on the specific context.

Is "past undertakings" formal or informal?

"Past undertakings" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal settings might call for simpler language.

What's the difference between "past undertakings" and "previous projects"?

While similar, "previous projects" often refers to specific, defined tasks. "Past undertakings" can encompass broader efforts or commitments that may not be strictly project-based.