undertake a task

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking on a job, project, or obligation. For example: "We decided to undertake the task of renovating the kitchen ourselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Once there, they undertake a task that teaches them how the site formed and why it is important.

The Guardian - Travel

If they set clear standards and guidelines, then teams of people can undertake a task without centralised control.Complex communications and loose hierarchies sound much more fun than life on the traditional production line.

The Economist

I am about to undertake a task full of difficulties, and from this moment on I beg of you to help me with your prayers so I can translate this work into French with the same spirit with which it was composed".

The New Yorker

But practically, very few people are so organized or willing to undertake a task so "labor-intensive," Heisman says.

Huffington Post

They should know that they can confidently undertake a task without fear of failure.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Few people have ever willingly undertaken a task more punishing than the one Álvaro Uribe is to assume today when he is sworn in as president of Colombia.

The New York Times

After only a few months, Franklin abandoned his project of moral renovation: "I soon found that I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I had imagined".

The New York Times - Magazine

Last year, Mr. Walker undertook a task similar to the worker in the film: to show Sledge that a different kind of life was possible.

The New York Times

Now his daughter is undertaking a task that even a Smithsonian curator might find daunting: researching and cataloging every item, in a kind of extreme version of the trial many people go through upon inheriting the contents of a parent's household.

The New York Times

For the sake of simplicity, in the description of the business roles and processes below, the relevant staff member undertaking a task is referred to as an 'adminstrator'adminstrator

International Journal for Educational Integrity

As a form of the input into the collaboration the group from the Andrzej Sołtan Institute for Nuclear Studies undertook a task of investigating the validity of the design of a compact detector for Gamma Ray Bursts photon polarization measurements, known as POLAR.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undertake a task" when you want to emphasize a formal or serious commitment to beginning a project or responsibility. It conveys a sense of purpose and diligence.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake a task" in informal contexts where a simpler phrase like "start a job" or "begin working on something" would be more appropriate. Choose language that aligns with your overall register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake a task" primarily functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of beginning or committing to a specific task, job, or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undertake a task" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of committing to and beginning a specific job or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid and versatile. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally formal, it's essential to consider the register of your writing and choose the most appropriate language. Alternatives include "take on a task" or "begin a task", depending on the context. Remember to use "undertake a task" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and commitment involved in starting something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on a task

Focuses on accepting responsibility, less formal than "undertake".

embark on a task

Emphasizes the beginning of a potentially lengthy or challenging task.

begin a task

A more straightforward and general way to express starting a task.

commence a task

A more formal way of saying "begin a task".

engage in a task

Suggests active involvement and participation in a task.

perform a task

Highlights the execution or completion of a task.

execute a task

Focuses on the efficient and precise completion of a task.

carry out a task

Implies fulfilling or completing a task according to instructions.

handle a task

Suggests managing and dealing with a task effectively.

assume a task

Implies taking on a task or responsibility, often willingly.

FAQs

What does "undertake a task" mean?

The phrase "undertake a task" means to commit to and begin working on a specific job, project, or responsibility. It implies a deliberate and often formal commencement of an activity.

When is it appropriate to use "undertake a task"?

Use "undertake a task" in formal or professional settings when you want to emphasize the seriousness and commitment involved in starting something. It's suitable for official documents, presentations, and formal conversations.

What are some synonyms for "undertake a task"?

Synonyms for "undertake a task" include "take on a task", "begin a task", or "embark on a task", each with slightly different nuances.

How do I use "undertake a task" in a sentence?

You can use "undertake a task" like this: "The team will undertake the task of redesigning the website." It indicates that the team is committing to and beginning the process of redesigning.