undertake not to

USAGE SUMMARY

"Undertake not to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize a promise or agreement not to do something. For example, "I hereby undertake not to interfere in any way with the business dealings of my former employer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Iran would also undertake not to build a reprocessing facility for extracting plutonium.

The Guardian

Iran would undertake not to build a reprocessing facility for extracting plutonium.

The Guardian

And he was ordered to undertake not to make another record in Cuba without permission.

The Guardian - Music

The Parties undertake not to enter into any obligation in conflict with this Treaty.

Yale University

Both Moscow and Kiev should undertake not to move any troops in the run-up to next month's presidential election.

The Guardian - Opinion

The High Contracting Parties undertake not to enter into any international obligation incompatible with the present pact.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

India has undertaken not to use atomic weapons first.

The Economist

It won't talk to me either and Steorn has undertaken not to name it.

The Guardian

Polanski has undertaken not to leave his house and property at any time".

The New York Times

When the British CEO complied, Forrest undertook not to divulge the name of his firm.

The Guardian

Julia Gillard casually brought in a "carbon tax" after undertaking not to.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake not to", ensure the context is formal and the commitment is significant. This phrase is best suited for legal agreements, official statements, or situations where a strong assurance is required.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake not to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "promise not to" or "agree not to" are more appropriate for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake not to" functions as a verbal commitment or assurance. It signifies a formal agreement to avoid a specific action. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to emphasize a promise or agreement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertake not to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a formal commitment or promise to avoid a specific action. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is most appropriate in formal and professional contexts, such as legal agreements or official statements. The phrase is relatively uncommon in everyday language, with its usage concentrated in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. For more casual settings, alternatives like "promise not to" or "agree not to" may be more suitable. Remember to use "undertake not to" when a strong assurance and a formal tone are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promise not to

This alternative uses "promise" instead of "undertake", making it slightly less formal.

pledge not to

Replacing "undertake" with "pledge" emphasizes a solemn or formal commitment.

agree not to

Using "agree" suggests a mutual understanding and commitment between parties.

commit not to

This option emphasizes dedication to avoid a specific action.

vow not to

"Vow" suggests a deeply personal and serious promise.

guarantee not to

"Guarantee" implies a strong assurance that something will not happen.

assure not to

This alternative offers reassurance that a specific action will be avoided.

refrain from

This option uses a more general term, suggesting restraint from a particular behavior.

desist from

"Desist" is a more formal and legalistic way of saying to stop or abstain from something.

abstain from

"Abstain" is a formal way to say to refrain from doing something, often for moral or health reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "undertake not to" in a sentence?

You can use "undertake not to" in sentences where a formal promise or commitment needs to be expressed. For example, "The company "undertakes not to" disclose any confidential information".

What are some alternatives to "undertake not to"?

Alternatives to "undertake not to" include "promise not to", "pledge not to", or "agree not to", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "undertake not to" formal or informal?

"Undertake not to" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's suitable for legal documents, official agreements, and situations where a serious commitment is being made. Using "promise not to" is more appropriate in less formal cases.

What's the difference between "undertake not to" and "promise not to"?

While both phrases express a commitment, "undertake not to" is more formal and carries a stronger sense of obligation. "Promise not to" is a more common and versatile alternative, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.