undertake to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake to do something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a commitment or promise to perform a specific task or duty. Example: "She will undertake to complete the project by the deadline." Alternative expressions include "commit to doing something" and "agree to do something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I take the simple view that if you undertake to do something, you should do it," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Action planning involves giving a written undertaking to do something specific.

BMC Health Services Research

But even more crucially, those overlapping interests were served by the concerted undermining of U.S. institutions, something that both of them undertook to do.

The Washington Post

McFeely undertook to do works.

The Guardian

To find out, I needed to do something rarely undertaken with customer surveys: Match survey responses from individual customers to their actual behavior repeat purchases and referral patterns over time.

Harvard Business Review

And so, to fight against your better ease-taking instincts, if you really, really need to do something, you must undertake the action within 15 minutes of thinking of it otherwise, forget it, Jake.

Independent

Many people who have spent 30 years in one career are deciding to undertake the difficult task of changing jobs to do something they find more rewarding.

The New York Times

If you resolve to do something, you need to ask yourself if you're really prepared to undertake that self-expectation.

HuffPost

But it meant something to do something.

The New Yorker

He had to do something.

The Economist

I want to do something".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undertake to do something" when you want to convey a formal commitment or a sense of duty. It adds a layer of seriousness to your intent, suitable for professional or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake to do something" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "promise" or "agree" are more appropriate in informal settings. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake to do something" functions as a commitment expression. It is an infinitive phrase acting as a verbal complement, indicating a decision or agreement to perform a specified action. Ludwig AI confirms its use in contexts where a formal assurance is required.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertake to do something" signifies a commitment or promise to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, though less common than alternatives like "commit to do something" or "promise to do something". It is best suited for professional, official, or serious contexts, as overuse in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, this expression conveys a sense of duty and formal assurance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commit to do something

Replaces "undertake" with "commit", focusing on dedication.

Pledge to do something

Emphasizes a formal promise or vow.

Promise to do something

Uses a more common and straightforward expression of intent.

Agree to do something

Focuses on mutual consent or agreement.

Take responsibility to do something

Highlights the acceptance of duty or obligation.

Vow to do something

Implies a solemn and serious commitment.

Resolve to do something

Indicates a firm decision to act.

Set out to do something

Emphasizes the initiation of an action or task.

Take it upon oneself to do something

Highlights personal initiative and responsibility.

Assume the obligation to do something

Stresses a formal or legal duty.

FAQs

What does "undertake to do something" mean?

The phrase "undertake to do something" means to commit or promise to perform a particular task or duty. It suggests a formal acceptance of responsibility.

How can I use "undertake to do something" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a commitment. For example: "The company will undertake to complete the project by the end of the year."

What can I say instead of "undertake to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to do something", "promise to do something", or "agree to do something" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "undertake to do something"?

It is best used in formal or professional contexts where a serious commitment or obligation is being expressed. Avoid using it in casual settings.