undertake an assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake an assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of taking on a task or project, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "I have decided to undertake an assignment that focuses on environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The action moves out of the bathhouse and turns surreal when the brothers, both bus drivers, undertake an assignment to transport an Iraqi politician from Amman, Jordan, back to Baghdad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The third book, Sovereign, has Shardlake undertaking an assignment in York for Archbishop Cranmer.

The Guardian - Books

She said that Mr. Sullivan would have been required to disclose the sponsorship had he accepted the money while undertaking an assignment involving the drug industry.

The New York Times

Cordasco said on Thursday: "Now that Facebook has come forward, we can confirm that we undertook an assignment for that client.

The Guardian - Tech

Now that Facebook has come forward, we can confirm that we undertook an assignment for that client.

TechCrunch

Navdy, Inc. ("Navdy" or the "Company") has undertaken an assignment for the benefit of creditors ("Assignment") as of October 26, 2017 and appointed an Assignee.

TechCrunch

At the end of the masterclass there will be an opportunity to undertake a photographic assignment.

The Guardian

There's also an exciting opportunity to undertake a photography assignment that could see your work on the Guardian website.

The Guardian

Franceschi is the only person to have convinced Nassar to undertake a literary assignment since his official retirement.

The New Yorker

According to the 2016 Deloitte Millennial Survey, 70% of millennials believe their personal values are shared by the organizations they work for, while nearly half chose not to undertake a work assignment because it went against their personal values or ethics.

Huffington Post

It was not until the following month that police learned that Amer had left the country, and even then it was believed that he was undertaking an aid assignment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake an assignment", ensure the context reflects a formal or serious commitment to the task. This phrase is particularly effective in professional or academic settings to convey dedication and responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake an assignment" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "do a task" or "work on a project" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake an assignment" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating the act of beginning or committing to a specific task or duty. Ludwig shows examples across various domains, from News to Science.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertake an assignment" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe the act of committing to a task or project. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is most frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal tone. While acceptable in various settings, it is best suited for professional or academic environments to convey a sense of dedication. For less formal contexts, simpler alternatives are recommended. The phrase is primarily used to express the initiation of a task, rather than its completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accept a task

Focuses on the act of agreeing to do something, emphasizing the acceptance rather than the execution.

take on a project

Emphasizes the commitment to a larger, more complex activity.

assume a responsibility

Highlights the duty and accountability associated with the assignment.

embark on a mission

Implies a sense of purpose and determination, often suggesting a challenging endeavor.

tackle a duty

Suggests a direct and assertive approach to handling a specific obligation.

handle a job

Focuses on the practical aspects of managing and completing a specific piece of work.

execute a commission

Implies a formal instruction or order that needs to be carried out.

discharge an obligation

Highlights the fulfillment of a formal or moral requirement.

shoulder a burden

Conveys the idea of accepting a difficult or demanding task.

embrace a challenge

Focuses on the willingness to accept something difficult with enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "undertake an assignment" in a sentence?

You can use "undertake an assignment" to describe the act of taking on a specific task or project, especially in a formal or professional context. For instance: "The researcher decided to undertake an assignment to study the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "undertake an assignment"?

Alternatives include "accept a task", "take on a project", or "assume a responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "undertake an assignment" formal or informal?

"Undertake an assignment" is generally considered a formal expression. In less formal situations, simpler phrases like "do a task" or "work on something" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "undertake an assignment" and "complete an assignment"?

"Undertake an assignment" refers to the beginning of a task, indicating the act of starting and committing to it. "Complete an assignment", on the other hand, refers to the act of finishing or finalizing the task.