terrible undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is daunting, difficult, or likely to result in negative outcomes. Example: "The team was hesitant to accept the terrible undertaking of renovating the old building, knowing the challenges that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Philomena says she fought against signing the terrible undertaking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was a terrible endeavor to undertake.

Huffington Post

Above all, there is the terrible war in Iraq, undertaken on the basis of faulty, willfully distorted, sometimes falsified intelligence and now about to enter its fourth year, with no end in sight to the bloodshed and chaos.

The New Yorker

My response to the terrible tragedy was to undertake a "Walk Your Talk Pilgrimage".

Huffington Post

On July 3 the Crusaders undertook an exhausting day's march, spent a terrible night without water, and were surrounded and constantly harassed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all, Moby's personal favourite is 1996's Animal Rights – a record that "sold nothing", "got terrible reviews", and resulted in the "most depressing tour" he ever undertook.

The Guardian - Music

The disease is called, simply, neurolathyrism, or more commonly, "lathyrism".… Kessler, who … initially recognized the sinister experiment that had been undertaken at Vapniarca, was one of those who escaped death during those terrible times.

The New Yorker

President Franklin D. Roosevelt undertook his mission at a time when German U-boats were inflicting a terrible toll on Allied shipping and Britain was under heavy pressure.

The New York Times

· View the work online Artist: Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), born in Tuscany and educated in Florence, undertook his most ambitious work in Rome for Julius II, a warrior pope whose terrible temper did not exclude a sensitivity to art.

The Guardian

The moral obligation that Europe has undertaken by promising "never again" has been shattered in view of the recent terrible scenes and devilish sayings.

Huffington Post

Terrible, terrible, terrible.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terrible undertaking", clearly define what makes the task so difficult or unpleasant to give the reader a complete understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible undertaking" in casual conversation. It's more appropriate for formal writing or serious discussions where a strong, negative connotation is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible undertaking" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "terrible" modifies the noun "undertaking". Ludwig AI suggests this phrase describes an endeavor characterized by significant difficulty or unpleasantness. It is most often encountered when describing negative or challenging projects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible undertaking" describes a project or task fraught with difficulty and potential for negative outcomes. While grammatically sound and found in credible sources like The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica, as noted by Ludwig AI, it is not a frequently used phrase. More common alternatives such as "daunting task" or "formidable challenge" might be preferred. When using "terrible undertaking", ensure the context warrants the strong negative connotation and clearly define the source of the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting task

Focuses on the challenging nature of the task.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential obstacles involved.

arduous endeavor

Highlights the effort and difficulty required.

grueling task

Suggests a physically and mentally exhausting task.

horrendous job

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and difficulty of the work.

awful project

Focuses on the negativity associated with the project.

unenviable task

Highlights the undesirable nature of the assigned work.

nightmarish undertaking

Emphasizes the terrifying or unpleasant nature of the task.

challenging mission

Emphasizes the difficulty of the project.

difficult assignment

General term for a task that requires effort and skill.

FAQs

What does "terrible undertaking" mean?

A "terrible undertaking" refers to a task, project, or endeavor that is exceptionally difficult, unpleasant, or likely to have negative consequences. It suggests a significant challenge with potential for adverse outcomes.

How to use "terrible undertaking" in a sentence?

You might say, "The construction project became a "terrible undertaking" due to unforeseen environmental issues" or "Signing that contract was a "terrible undertaking" she would later regret".

What can I say instead of "terrible undertaking"?

Alternatives include "daunting task", "formidable challenge", or "arduous endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "terrible undertaking" a common phrase?

No, "terrible undertaking" is not a very common phrase. While grammatically correct, there are more frequently used synonyms that may sound more natural in contemporary English.