undertake to

USAGE SUMMARY

"undertake to" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an agreement or promise to do something. For example: "I undertake to finish this project by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He will undertake to become "the King's friend".

The New Yorker

"They recognise cultural diversity and undertake to respect that diversity".

The Economist

I undertake to publish them as soon as they are received.

The Guardian

We therefore undertake to adhere to the time and date of the future ABC Concurrent Releases".

The Guardian

What actions can these stakeholders undertake to help break this impasse?

The Guardian

I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom.

The New Yorker

The federal government should undertake to compensate any veterans who suffer losses from this shameful fiasco.

The New York Times

So Ariel and her true love, the former priest Adam, undertake to save us.

The Guardian - Books

This increases the amount of travel outreach workers must undertake to communities for health-education sessions.

The Guardian

But what's the best project to undertake to increase value and attractiveness?

Independent

Your boss and staff undertake to help you to keep to the plan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undertake to" when formally stating an intention or obligation, particularly in business, legal, or academic contexts. For example, "The company undertakes to provide regular updates on the project's progress."

Common error

Avoid using "undertake to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "promise to" or "will" to maintain a natural tone. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake to" primarily functions as a marker of commitment or intention to perform a specific action. This is supported by Ludwig's AI response which indicates that it "is used to express an agreement or promise to do something".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertake to" is a formal phrase used to express a commitment or intention to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in formal agreements and promises. While grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it should be avoided in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Consider alternatives like "commit to" or "promise to" for less formal situations. Remember to use "undertake to" followed by a verb in the infinitive form for correct grammar. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit to

Indicates a firm decision to do something.

pledge to

Suggests a more formal and public promise.

promise to

A straightforward declaration of intent.

agree to

Implies mutual consent or acceptance of an obligation.

resolve to

Highlights a firm decision made after deliberation.

assure to

Emphasizes a guarantee or certainty in fulfilling the action.

take upon oneself to

Suggests accepting responsibility or initiative.

guarantee to

Offers a strong assurance of performance.

dedicate oneself to

Conveys a strong sense of commitment and focus.

make a commitment to

Emphasizes the act of making a firm decision.

FAQs

How to use "undertake to" in a sentence?

Use "undertake to" when you want to express a formal promise or commitment to do something. For example, "The organization "undertakes to" support local communities."

What can I say instead of "undertake to"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to", "pledge to", or "promise to" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "undertake to" or "undertake doing"?

"Undertake to" is the correct usage when followed by a verb in the infinitive form. "Undertake doing" is grammatically incorrect; instead, you can use "undertake a task" or a similar construction that uses "undertake" with a noun.

What's the difference between "undertake to" and "try to"?

"Undertake to" implies a firm commitment and responsibility to complete a task. "Try to" suggests an attempt or effort, but without a guarantee of success. The former is more definitive and carries a stronger sense of obligation.