undertake the task

USAGE SUMMARY

"undertake the task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to express the idea of taking on a particular job or activity. For example, "I am willing to undertake the task of organizing our office supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now Shapiro will undertake the task a second time.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps only science could effectively undertake the task of freeing sexuality from science itself.

The New Yorker

"He no longer carries the trust and confidence of the Black community necessary to undertake the task in hand".

The Guardian

Even chefs who never peel favas at their restaurants happily undertake the task at home -- albeit in much smaller quantities.

The New York Times - Food

But providing defense is costly, so no producers would undertake the task, because they could not make money doing so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I would've chosen my own biographer, but I don't know anyone who would agree to undertake the task.

The New York Times - Books

Why did it take an American, like Mr. Dower, who is a professor of history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to undertake the task?

The New York Times - Books

I find myself torn between admiration and bewilderment as I think about those staunch enough to undertake the task of judging their peers under impossible circumstances.

The New York Times

The latest genuinely clever writer to undertake the task is Amanda Craig, a British author of five novels, only one of which, "In a Dark Wood," has been published in the United States.

The New York Times - Books

Whitelaw had so high an opinion of Aitken that despite their very different political views, he chose him as his biographer and over some convivial lunches persuaded him to undertake the task.

The Guardian - Books

When Dodsley asked Johnson to undertake the task, Johnson was of course partly attracted by the decent fee involved, and by the chance to make his name for good and all (other would-be compilers had tried and failed).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undertake the task" when you want to convey a sense of formality and commitment to a particular job or activity.

Common error

While "undertake the task" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "take on the task" might be more appropriate for casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake the task" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of beginning or committing to a specific duty or project. It suggests a deliberate decision to assume responsibility for a particular job. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertake the task" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the commencement or commitment to a specific task. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "undertake the task" carries a formal tone, writers should consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate communication. Alternatives like "take on the task" can be used for less formal situations. Understanding these nuances helps writers effectively convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on the task

This alternative uses "take on" instead of "undertake", providing a more informal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

perform the task

This alternative is a general substitute, suitable for most contexts where "undertake the task" is used.

carry out the task

This alternative focuses on the execution and completion of the task.

assume the task

This alternative suggests accepting responsibility for the task, emphasizing a sense of ownership.

embark on the task

This alternative implies beginning a task, often one that is significant or challenging.

tackle the task

This alternative suggests approaching the task with determination and effort.

execute the task

This alternative is similar to "carry out" but suggests a more formal and systematic approach.

address the task

This alternative implies giving attention to the task and dealing with it directly.

handle the task

This alternative implies managing and dealing with the task effectively.

engage in the task

This alternative emphasizes active participation and involvement in the task.

FAQs

How can I use "undertake the task" in a sentence?

"Undertake the task" is used to describe starting or committing to a specific duty or project. For example, "The team decided to undertake the task of redesigning the website".

What can I say instead of "undertake the task"?

You can use alternatives like "take on the task", "assume the task", or "embark on the task" depending on the context.

Is "undertake the task" formal or informal?

"Undertake the task" is generally considered a more formal expression. In less formal settings, phrases like "take on the task" may be more suitable.

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

It's appropriate to use "undertake the task" when you want to emphasize commitment and formality, especially in professional or academic contexts. However, ensure the level of formality matches your audience.