serious undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that requires significant effort, commitment, or resources. Example: "Starting a new business is a serious undertaking that demands careful planning and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Philanthropy, done well, is a serious undertaking.

The Economist

Exhilarated by working on their own, the friends made their adventure into a more serious undertaking.

The New Yorker

"That bothered me a little bit because I felt each record was a very serious undertaking".

The Guardian - Music

Frankly, parts of it are closer to Jesus Christ Superstar than any serious undertaking.

The Guardian - Books

Boxing is a dangerous and serious undertaking, and licences are not granted lightly.

The Guardian - Sport

Before the film could come to life, the sets had to be built, which was a serious undertaking.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"If it were a serious, professional undertaking, there wouldn't be such a loud beating of the drums around it," said Khodorkovsky's main lawyer, Vadim Klyuvgant.

The Guardian

The Delphi exercise of Schoenbaum in early fall of 1976 133 ) was the most serious scientific undertaking to poll scientists to decide whether or not to continue the program.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Refinancing your mortgage is a serious financial undertaking.

WikiHow

This is a serious, spiritual undertaking, and it is not to be used to entertain friends or impress.

WikiHow

Foos made it clear to me from the beginning that he regarded his voyeurism as serious research, undertaken, in some vague way, for the betterment of society.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious undertaking", ensure the context clearly reflects the significant effort, resources, and commitment required. Avoid using it for trivial or minor tasks.

Common error

Be mindful not to overuse "serious undertaking" for tasks that are merely routine or slightly challenging. This can diminish the impact of the phrase when applied to truly significant projects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious undertaking" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular activity or project that demands considerable attention, effort, and resources. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

23%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious undertaking" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe activities demanding significant commitment and effort. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. While the phrase is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, it should be used judiciously to avoid overstating the seriousness of routine tasks. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase in written English. Consider "significant endeavor" or "major commitment" as potential alternatives for enhanced clarity or impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant endeavor

Emphasizes the importance and scale of the effort involved.

major commitment

Highlights the dedication and resources required.

challenging project

Focuses on the difficulty and obstacles faced.

formidable task

Suggests the task is daunting and requires considerable skill.

complex operation

Implies a high degree of intricacy and coordination.

demanding responsibility

Highlights the burden and accountability involved.

momentous activity

Emphasizes the significance and potential impact of the work.

substantial enterprise

Indicates a large and well-organized undertaking.

weighty matter

Draws attention to the seriousness and potential consequences.

grave responsibility

Highlights the solemnity and importance of the task at hand.

FAQs

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

Use "serious undertaking" to describe a task or project that requires significant effort, commitment, or resources. For example: "Starting a new business is a "serious undertaking" that demands careful planning and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "serious undertaking"?

You can use alternatives such as "significant endeavor", "major commitment", or "challenging project" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "serious undertaking" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "serious undertaking" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives that convey a similar meaning without sounding overly formal.

What makes something qualify as a "serious undertaking"?

A "serious undertaking" typically involves a significant investment of time, resources, and effort, and often carries important consequences or implications. It's more than just a simple task; it's a project that demands careful planning and execution.