to undertake

USAGE SUMMARY

"to undertake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate that someone is willing to take on a task or responsibility. Example: "I am prepared to undertake the project and ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some choose to undertake further studies abroad.

The New York Times

Not something to undertake lightly.

The Guardian

No vehicle is too forbidding to undertake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is a huge problem to undertake.

The New York Times - Sports

That's what Syriza was elected to undertake.

The Guardian

He wants to undertake some ideological cleansing".

The New York Times

Frantz's department agreed to undertake the project.

The New Yorker

As little as one cares to undertake.

The New York Times - Travel

We quoted to undertake 16 interviews.

Harvard Business Review

Demonstrated competence to undertake independent research.

Columbia University

It's asking Apple to undertake software engineering.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to undertake" when you want to convey a sense of formality and commitment to a task or project. It's appropriate for professional and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to undertake" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to do" or "to start" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to undertake" functions primarily as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase, often indicating an intention or commitment to perform a specific action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to undertake" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the commencement of a task or project. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English, highlighting its prevalence across various contexts. While grammatically sound, "to undertake" carries a level of formality and is most frequently encountered in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. When choosing alternatives, consider the tone and formality required; simpler options like "to take on" may be more suitable for casual settings. Overall, "to undertake" remains a reliable and well-recognized way to indicate a commitment to initiating a specific action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take on

This alternative is a more informal way of saying "to undertake", often used in everyday conversations.

to embark on

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of a journey or project.

to set about

This alternative highlights the action of starting to do something.

to carry out

This alternative focuses on the execution or completion of a task.

to tackle

This alternative suggests dealing with something challenging or difficult.

to engage in

This alternative emphasizes involvement or participation in an activity.

to perform

This alternative is often used in formal contexts to describe the execution of duties or tasks.

to execute

This alternative suggests carrying out something in a planned and systematic way.

to assume responsibility for

This alternative emphasizes the acceptance of duties and accountability.

to shoulder

This alternative suggests taking on a burden or responsibility, often a difficult one.

FAQs

How can I use "to undertake" in a sentence?

You can use "to undertake" to describe starting a task or project. For example, "The company decided "to undertake" a new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "to undertake"?

Alternatives include "to take on", "to embark on", or "to engage in", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "to undertake" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "to undertake" is generally more formal and may sound stilted in casual conversation. Simpler phrases are often more suitable.

What is the difference between "to undertake" and "to attempt"?

"To undertake" implies a commitment to start and possibly complete a task, while "to attempt" simply means to try doing something, without necessarily implying a commitment to finish it.