undergo a period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undergo a period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to experiencing a specific duration of time characterized by certain conditions or changes. Example: "After the surgery, the patient will need to undergo a period of rehabilitation to regain strength."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cardinal would undergo "a period of prayer and penance".

The Guardian

Sometimes a business needs to undergo a period of disruption before it can find its true path.

The Guardian

Unmodified salmon undergo a period of restricted growth when they are young.

The Economist

But Mr. Rutan said that space flight was about to undergo a period of intense creativity, similar to what occurred with airplanes starting around 1908.

The New York Times

The trade commission's proposed study must undergo a period of public comment and then be approved by White House budget officials.

The New York Times

Here, the subject matter is the hinterland between the urban and rural in an area of Germany then beginning to undergo a period of industrial decline.

The Guardian - Arts

However, rolling out a global online title is an enormously complex undertaking, and many multiplayer titles undergo a period of server underperformance.

The Guardian - Tech

They often hatch in about two weeks but may, under certain circumstances, undergo a period of varying duration in which no growth occurs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While a more sensible price strategy and stable leadership was clearly required, Mulberry must now surely undergo a period of self-reflection to ascertain the extent of the damage the brand may have sustained during its exclusive luxury experiment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before July, the letter says, screening was "somewhat more acceptable as patients would undergo a period of surveillance within the detention centre in which abnormal results were followed up and any medical problems could be detected and/or further assessed by medical officers in clinics".

The Guardian

In Scotland the proposal will now undergo a period of consultation before it is decided on by the Scottish Parliament.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undergo a period", ensure the context clearly defines the nature and purpose of the period being described. Specificity enhances clarity. For example, instead of "The company will undergo a period", specify "The company will undergo a period of restructuring".

Common error

Don't use "undergo a period" without specifying what characterizes that period. Saying something will "undergo a period" is too vague. Instead, clarify the specific process, change, or experience that defines that period. A sentence such as, "The project will undergo a period of intensive testing", is preferable to "The project will undergo a period."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undergo a period" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject is experiencing a specific duration of time, often characterized by particular conditions or changes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undergo a period" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the experience of a specific timeframe characterized by particular conditions or changes. This phrase commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, highlighting its versatility. When using "undergo a period", it's essential to clearly define the nature and purpose of that period to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Be sure to specify what characterizes that period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a phase

Replaces "undergo" with "experience" and "period" with "phase", suggesting a less formal or structured process.

go through a phase

Uses the phrasal verb "go through" to convey the idea of experiencing something, while "phase" replaces "period".

pass through a stage

"Pass through" is used instead of "undergo", and "stage" replaces "period", indicating a step in a process.

endure a time

Emphasizes the aspect of tolerating or suffering through a specific duration.

be subjected to a phase

Implies that someone or something is being forced to experience the period

live through a duration

Focuses on the act of living and experiencing a particular length of time, emphasizing survival or persistence.

move through an era

Suggests progression across long term or significant epoch. "Era" emphasize cultural, historical or political context.

see a stretch of time

It suggests a more passive observation of the passing time.

complete a session

Highlights the end of specific period and focuses on conclusion rather than the characteristics of time.

spend a span

It highlight a action during limited duration.

FAQs

How can I use "undergo a period" in a sentence?

You can use "undergo a period" to describe a process or state that someone or something experiences over a certain duration. For example: "The patient will "undergo a period" of rehabilitation after surgery."

What are some alternatives to "undergo a period"?

Alternatives include "experience a phase", "go through a stage", or "pass through a time", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undergo a period of" or "go through a period of"?

Both ""undergo a period" of" and "go through a period of" are grammatically correct. "Undergo" is slightly more formal, while "go through" is more common in everyday language.

What's the difference between "undergo a period" and "experience a time"?

"Undergo a period" often implies a structured or formally recognized process, while "experience a time" is a more general term for living through a certain duration, which can be less structured or formal.