they are undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a group of people who are in the process of taking on a task or responsibility. For example, "The committee is undertaking a comprehensive review of our security procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sort of measures that they are undertaking in Scotland are good developments".

Independent

They are undertaking this in typical fashion, with a spirit of generosity and collaboration.

The Guardian

Companies often say they are undertaking a reverse split to prevent shares from being delisted.

The New York Times

They are undertaking perilous journeys and many are dying in huge numbers.

The Washington Post

"So really organisations have got to be as transparent as possible when they are undertaking business processes.

The Guardian

"Certain departments do, however, have a requirement for specialist roles, especially where they are undertaking complex transformative projects.

The Guardian

The recent comeback of private contracting suggests that central governments have become weaker again, at least relative to the tasks they are undertaking.

The New York Times

It added: "More worryingly, the committee is not convinced that Surrey and West Midlands police fully understand, or are fully able to articulate, the process they are undertaking.

The Guardian

Some in Congress may well know that the evidence does not support any assertion that the privatization they are undertaking will reduce costs.

The New York Times

The administration says that "beneficiaries will not lose benefits as long as they are undertaking a good-faith effort to provide documentation".

The New York Times

I know they are undertaking their own review at the minute and I welcome that and look forward to its conclusions".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing "they are undertaking". In less formal settings, alternatives such as "they are doing" or "they are working on" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "they are undertaking" in very informal conversations. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler phrasing like "they're doing" or "they're working on it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are undertaking" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, indicating that a group of people is currently in the process of performing or engaging in a specific action or task. Ludwig shows that this expression is often followed by a noun phrase describing the task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are undertaking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes a group actively involved in a task. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, this phrase is best suited for neutral to professional settings. When writing, remember that while versatile, simpler alternatives like "they are doing" may be more appropriate for informal contexts. To enhance your writing, consider using it to convey significance or commitment to the task. Remember, depending on the context you may choose between "they are undertaking" and "they are doing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are carrying out

Replaces "undertaking" with a more direct and commonly used synonym, focusing on the action of performing a task.

they are performing

Emphasizes the execution or completion of a specific action or duty.

they are conducting

Suggests a more formal and organized approach to carrying out a task, often implying research or investigation.

they are pursuing

Focuses on the active effort and striving towards a particular goal or objective.

they are implementing

Highlights that they are putting a plan or system into effect.

they are engaged in

Highlights their involvement and participation in a particular activity or project.

they are executing

Emphasizes the precise and controlled performance of a task.

they are occupied with

Implies that their time and attention are devoted to a specific task or concern.

they are initiating

Focuses on starting a project or process.

they are working on

Offers a more general and informal way of expressing current activity on a project.

FAQs

How do I use "they are undertaking" in a sentence?

Use "they are undertaking" to describe a group of people currently involved in a project or task. For instance, "The engineers "are undertaking" a complex renovation of the bridge".

What phrases are similar to "they are undertaking"?

Similar phrases include "they are carrying out", "they are performing", and "they are conducting". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "they are undertaking" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "they are undertaking" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of seriousness and commitment to a task, making it ideal for reports, academic papers, and professional communication.

What's the difference between "they are undertaking" and "they are doing"?

"They are doing" is a more general and informal phrase. "They are undertaking" implies a more significant, complex, or formal endeavor. Consider the tone and audience when choosing between "they are undertaking" and "they are doing".