substantial undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when speaking or writing about a significant effort that requires time and dedication, such as a large project. For example, "This project is a substantial undertaking, but I'm confident that our team can achieve success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

CONS: The kitchen and baths need updating; renovating the back stairs and multibedroom attic would be a substantial undertaking.

The New York Times

Ford has a substantial undertaking before employees and businesses move into the building.

TechCrunch

"You'd need to spend a lot of money to justify the substantial undertaking that Uber is undertaking".

TechCrunch

For @borthwick, the project is a substantial undertaking for a company we've been trivializing in recent months along with its stock price.

TechCrunch

Finally, implications for LPG fuel quality standards are discussed briefly, as part of a suggested, more substantial undertaking by the community which also revisits the standard test procedures for measuring the RON and MON of LPG.

Fuel

It is a substantial undertaking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The substantial efforts undertaken by the JJ-TRIALS study design team to monitor implementation fidelity, as outlined above, have resulted in a trove of data that can be used to assess the effectiveness of the GAT design and protocol, training, delivery, and receipt.

Health & Justice

As the financial costs of ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemia are substantial, we undertook a detailed retrospective analysis among a large cohort of adults with Type 1 diabetes attending a DAFNE course.

Diabetic Medicine

"In undertaking substantial change there is a need to win the trust of Gwynedd inhabitants and ensuring that what is proposed establishes more sustainable services arrangements for the future," the draft says.

BBC

Patients reported time restrictions in their everyday lives to be a substantial barrier to undertaking physical activity.

Clinical interventions in aging

This view of gene expression in the L1 stage is consistent with these stages undertaking substantial protein synthesis, consistent with growth of these stages as L1s and in preparation for development to the L2 stage.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial undertaking" when you want to emphasize that a project requires significant resources, effort, and time. It is suitable for formal contexts and highlights the magnitude of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial undertaking" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "big project" or "major task" are more appropriate for those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial undertaking" functions as a noun phrase where "substantial" modifies the noun "undertaking". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial undertaking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a project or task that is significant in size, effort, or importance. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for formal contexts, particularly in Science, News & Media, and Wiki. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where you want to highlight the magnitude and seriousness of the task. While it's grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant endeavor

Replaces "undertaking" with "endeavor", maintaining the sense of a serious and committed effort but changes the tone.

considerable project

Uses "project" instead of "undertaking", which is a more common and less formal term. It also replaces substantial for considerable to minimize the semantic transformation.

notable enterprise

Indicates that the project is worthy of attention or recognition.

major operation

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the task, making it sound more organized and logistical.

complex challenge

Highlights the difficulty and intricacy involved in the task.

formidable task

Emphasizes the challenging and potentially overwhelming nature of the work.

extensive assignment

Suggests a task that requires a lot of detailed work and attention.

serious commitment

Focuses on the dedication and responsibility required.

extensive responsibility

Shifts the focus to the burden and accountability involved.

grand scheme

Conveys a sense of ambition and large-scale planning.

FAQs

What does "substantial undertaking" mean?

A "substantial undertaking" refers to a project or task that is significant in size, effort, or importance, often requiring considerable resources and time.

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

You might say, "Completing this research paper is a "substantial undertaking" that will require many hours of work".

What are some synonyms for "substantial undertaking"?

Alternatives include "significant endeavor", "major operation", or "considerable project". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "substantial undertaking" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "substantial undertaking" is well-suited for formal writing, such as reports, academic papers, and business proposals. In less formal contexts, consider simpler alternatives.