to undergo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to undergo" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the experience of going through a process, change, or treatment. Example: "The patient will need to undergo surgery to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I am willing to undergo any test".

The New York Times

And I was to undergo "media training".

The New York Times - Magazine

He is expected to undergo surgery.

The Guardian - Sport

They were ordered to undergo psychiatric tests.

The New York Times

He was scheduled to undergo additional tests.

The New York Times - Sports

He was ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment.

The New York Times

Rosetta has had to undergo other indignities.

The Guardian

Guantanamo is slated to undergo a transformation.

The New York Times

He was also ordered to undergo counseling.

The New York Times - Sports

Jim is 57 and has yet to undergo the procedure.

The New York Times - Health

He is required to undergo testing within 21 days".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to undergo" when describing a process, test, or treatment that someone or something experiences, especially when it involves a formal or medical context.

Common error

Avoid using "to undergo" interchangeably with simpler verbs like "to do" or "to have" when describing routine actions. "To undergo" implies a more significant or impactful process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to undergo" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of experiencing or being subjected to a process, procedure, or change. As supported by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to undergo" is a grammatically correct and versatile infinitive phrase commonly used to describe the experience of going through a process, test, or treatment. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is standard and accepted in English. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, use "to undergo" to convey that someone or something is experiencing a notable process, but avoid overusing it in place of simpler verbs in routine situations. Consider alternatives such as "to experience" or "to go through" depending on the context. Its widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to experience

Focuses on the act of living through something, emphasizing personal involvement.

to go through

Implies a process or series of events that one must navigate.

to be subjected to

Highlights the element of being forced or required to experience something.

to be exposed to

Suggests encountering something, often with potential effects or consequences.

to face

Emphasizes confrontation or dealing with a challenge or situation.

to withstand

Indicates resisting or enduring something difficult or harmful.

to endure

Highlights the ability to tolerate or bear something unpleasant over time.

to submit to

Implies yielding or accepting a process or authority.

to be a party to

Suggests participating in or being involved in an action or event.

to be in receipt of

Highlights the aspect of receiving something, usually in a formal context.

FAQs

How to use "to undergo" in a sentence?

Use "to undergo" to indicate experiencing a process or procedure, especially a medical one. For example, "The patient will "need to undergo surgery"".

What can I say instead of "to undergo"?

You can use alternatives like "to experience", "to go through", or "to be subjected to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to undergo a change" or "to do a change"?

"To undergo a change" is correct. "To undergo" is often used with nouns like "change", "test", or "treatment" to describe the process of experiencing them. "To do a change" is not idiomatic in this context.

What's the difference between "to undergo" and "to experience"?

"To undergo" often implies a formal or structured process, while "to experience" is more general. You might "to undergo" surgery, but you would "to experience" joy or sorrow.