undertake a review of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake a review of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of examining or evaluating something, such as a document, project, or policy. Example: "The committee will undertake a review of the current policies to ensure they are effective and up to date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is why parliament has asked the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, David Anderson QC, to undertake a review of investigatory powers and their regulation.

The Guardian

The previous government commissioned Dr Allan Hawke to undertake a review of FOI laws.

The Guardian

In reaction to the growing crisis, Lord Dearing was asked to undertake a review of languages.

The Guardian

"We will undertake a review of the situation as matter of urgency.

The Guardian

TMG is using corporate consultancy firm Deloitte to undertake a review of the business.

The Guardian

He said he wanted the council to undertake a review of the "social work response" to the case.

The Guardian

Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images 3.15pm GMT Ann Clwyd: will undertake a review of complainst procedures in NHS hospitals.

The Guardian

"The civil service reform plan states that each department will undertake a review of their terms and conditions.

The Guardian

For the future the Government should honour its commitment to undertake a review of UK refining capacity.

The Guardian - Business

Provided that the Secretary undertake a review of existing Government-owned housing provided to employees of the National Park Service.

Cornell University

The UN said it will undertake a review of the its peacekeeping force in Congo, known as Monusco, to better help the country's government address security challenges.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake a review of", ensure the scope and objectives of the review are clearly defined to provide context for the action being taken. For example, specify what aspects are being reviewed and why.

Common error

While grammatically correct, phrases like "undertake a review of" can sometimes sound passive. To make your writing more direct and impactful, consider using active verbs like "analyze", "evaluate", or "investigate" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake a review of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of formally examining or assessing something. It suggests a deliberate and organized process of evaluation, often with the intention of identifying areas for improvement or change. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertake a review of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes the formal examination or assessment of something. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While the phrase is generally appropriate, being mindful of potential passive voice and considering stronger verbs like "analyze" or "evaluate" when a more direct tone is desired is recommended. Remember to use "of" and not "on" with the phrase. Also be aware that it is more formal than simply "review". The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources suggests its reliability and appropriateness for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct an assessment of

Replaces "review" with "assessment", implying a more formal and thorough evaluation.

begin an examination of

Similar in meaning, but the word "examination" can imply a more detailed inspection.

carry out an evaluation of

Uses "carry out" instead of "undertake", offering a more direct and active tone while maintaining a similar level of formality.

perform an analysis of

Substitutes "review" with "analysis", suggesting a more detailed and methodical examination.

initiate a study of

Replaces "review" with "study", implying a deeper and more research-oriented investigation.

launch an investigation into

Uses "investigation" instead of "review", suggesting a more probing and potentially critical examination.

audit

Suggests a formal and systematic examination, typically of records or accounts.

start a survey of

Offers a less intensive alternative, implying a broader overview rather than an in-depth analysis.

scrutinize

Implies a very careful and critical review.

analyze

A shorter, more direct verb that captures the essence of examining something carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "undertake a review of" in a sentence?

You can use "undertake a review of" to describe the act of examining something, such as "The committee will undertake a review of the current policies". It indicates a formal process of evaluation.

What are some alternatives to "undertake a review of"?

Alternatives include "conduct an assessment of", "perform an analysis of", or "carry out an evaluation of". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "undertake a review on" grammatically correct instead of "undertake a review of"?

The correct preposition to use with "undertake a review" is "of", not "on". Therefore, "undertake a review of" is the grammatically correct phrase.

What's the difference between "undertake a review of" and simply "review"?

"Undertake a review of" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "review". It emphasizes the deliberate and planned nature of the examination. Using just "review" is less formal but perfectly acceptable in many contexts.