undertake duties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake duties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of taking on responsibilities or tasks, often in a professional or formal context. Example: "As part of my new role, I will undertake duties related to project management and team coordination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Traditionally, HCAs undertake duties like serving meals and helping patients to wash and dress.

The Guardian

In such circumstances the chambers of commerce often undertake duties that are elsewhere usually performed by local or central governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The BMA has ruled out a complete withdrawal of labour but if they vote in favour, doctors would not undertake duties that could safely be postponed.

The Guardian

As part of a policy to remove all gender barriers in the military, the government has decided to allow women to undertake duties previously considered too dangerous for them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The reporting criteria for adverse events is shown in Figure 2. The trial manager is undertaking duties delegated by the trial sponsor and is responsible for reporting of Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reactions (SUSARs) and other Serious Adverse Reactions (SARs) to the competent authorities (regulatory authorities and central research ethics committees).

BMC Oral Health

You should not feel pressurised to undertake any duties you feel unhappy about.

The Guardian

On the one hand, it promotes the concept of the "working peer", appointed, usually by parties, to undertake specific duties.

The Economist

In Tanzania, the SNV coaches local government counsellors to understand their roles and responsibilities in holding the executive to account and works with them to elaborate plans for how they will undertake these duties.

The Guardian

It simply means that their contributions will be more effective where there is local capacity to undertake sovereign duties such as providing security, protecting borders, ensuring food security and safeguarding human health.

The Guardian

On the sidelines PNG and Australia will also have plenty to discuss – Port Moresby recently banned vegetable imports, plans to boot out foreign public servants and is annoyed Australian police posted there can't undertake frontline duties.

The Guardian

He added that he had been on a diet and lost nearly 20lbs and intended to lose another 15 before coming to the UK to undertake promotional duties on 28 August.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake duties", ensure the context is professional or formal, reflecting the gravity of the responsibilities assumed. Use it to highlight the serious nature of the tasks being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake duties" in casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "do the work" or "handle the tasks" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake duties" functions as a verb phrase where "undertake" acts as a transitive verb taking "duties" as its object. It signifies the commencement and execution of specific responsibilities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertake duties" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the commitment to and performance of specific tasks or responsibilities. According to Ludwig, the expression is considered correct and can be used in formal contexts. While not overly common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The Guardian, BBC and Wikipedia, and is best suited for professional or formal settings. When a less formal tone is appropriate, alternatives such as "perform tasks" or "assume responsibilities" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume responsibilities

Focuses on the aspect of accepting accountability for specific tasks or roles.

perform tasks

Emphasizes the action of carrying out specific assignments or activities.

execute responsibilities

Highlights the efficient and effective completion of assigned duties.

discharge obligations

Conveys a sense of fulfilling formal or legal requirements.

carry out assignments

Stresses the execution of specific tasks delegated by someone else.

fulfill commitments

Highlights the completion of promises or agreements.

shoulder responsibilities

Implies taking on a burden of responsibilities with willingness and strength.

attend to obligations

Focuses on giving proper care and attention to required duties.

take on assignments

Suggests a proactive approach to accepting new tasks or responsibilities.

administer duties

Implies managing and overseeing the execution of tasks, often in an official capacity.

FAQs

What does "undertake duties" mean?

The phrase "undertake duties" means to commit to and begin performing specific tasks or responsibilities, often in a formal or professional context.

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

You can use "undertake duties" to describe the actions someone is responsible for, such as: "As a project manager, she will "assume responsibilities" for coordinating the team's efforts."

Are there synonyms for "undertake duties"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "perform tasks", "execute responsibilities", or "discharge obligations" as alternatives to "undertake duties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "undertake duties" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "handle tasks" or "do the work".