significant undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or project that requires considerable effort, resources, or commitment. Example: "The construction of the new bridge is a significant undertaking that will take several years to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Identifying persuadable friends became a significant undertaking.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a significant undertaking in terms of time and some expense, but for most organisations, probably unnecessary.

The Guardian

This would be a significant undertaking that could take a well-funded team at least a decade.

The Guardian

Podesta said this was separate from Obama's reforms of US intelligence activities overseas, but was a "meaningful" and "significant undertaking".

The Guardian

To investigate all these would, of course, be a significant undertaking; but we need to change the terms of the debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously heading up one of the big national companies is a significant undertaking and there are plenty of high profile jobs at theatres such as the Donmar.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Stephen M. Cutler, the director of enforcement at the S.E.C., said the settlement "involves a significant remedial undertaking that goes well beyond the current legal requirements and gets in place a restitution process now".

The New York Times

It would be a significant research undertaking to solve the aforementioned problem by load control.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

"This would be a very significant engineering undertaking," explained Dr Teagle.

BBC

Kim called it a "significant technological undertaking," part of the reason that 9 of SimpleReach's 10 employees are engineers or data scientists.

TechCrunch

With anyone else, such a suggestion for a significant engineering undertaking would have prompted questions about my mental state.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant undertaking", consider the audience and tailor your language to match. In formal contexts, this phrase conveys seriousness and importance, while in informal settings, it might sound overly verbose. Always ensure the complexity and scope of the project justify the use of this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "significant undertaking" for minor tasks or projects. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated. Reserve it for truly substantial and complex endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "undertaking". It identifies an activity or project of considerable importance or magnitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant undertaking" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe substantial projects or tasks. According to Ludwig AI, it is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, especially within News & Media and Scientific domains. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve it for truly major endeavors to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "major project" or "substantial task" might be more appropriate in less formal settings. Remember to consider your audience and the context when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major project

Focuses on the project aspect, emphasizing its importance.

substantial task

Highlights the task component, stressing its considerable size or effort.

considerable endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and determination required.

extensive operation

Implies a large-scale and complex activity.

monumental effort

Highlights the impressive scale and difficulty involved.

demanding assignment

Focuses on the challenging nature of the task.

ambitious venture

Emphasizes the scope and aspiration of the project.

complex operation

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted aspect of the project.

sizeable commitment

Emphasizes the resources and dedication required.

notable activity

Highlights the importance or visibility of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant undertaking" to describe a project or task that requires considerable effort and resources. For example, "The construction of the new hospital is a significant undertaking".

What are some alternatives to "significant undertaking"?

Alternatives include "major project", "substantial task", or "considerable endeavor", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "significant undertaking" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "significant undertaking" might sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "big project" or "major task".

What makes an activity qualify as a "significant undertaking"?

A "significant undertaking" typically involves a large scope, considerable resources, a high degree of complexity, and a notable impact or outcome. It's more than just a routine task; it requires strategic planning and dedicated effort.