undertake to supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake to supply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts, particularly in contracts or agreements, to indicate a commitment to provide something. Example: "The contractor will undertake to supply all necessary materials for the project within the specified timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A simple but significantly meaningful declaration by Saudi Arabia that they would undertake to supply world customers with whatever shortfall resulted from an embargo on Iranian oil.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They undertook to supply us with seeds, chemicals and fertilisers.

The Guardian

Montgomery Meigs, the quartermaster general, compared Burnside's plan to "undertaking to supply Boston without any previous provision being made".

The New York Times

It relates to the price of a gas formula set when Gazprom undertook to supply natural gas to Lithuania in 2004.

BBC

Great System IN THE UNITED STATES the majority undertakes to supply a multitude of ready-made opinions for the use of individuals who are thus relieved from having to form their own.

Forbes

A US government report on all forms of human trafficking estimates that around 43% of trafficking is undertaken to supply women and girls for forced commercial sex [ 60].

Globalization and Health

A major logistical effort was undertaken to provide each school with deworming pills and necessary supplies such as cups and water.

Unicef

Although this type of change carries some risks, and will not work for every hospital, it is an example of the creative solutions hospitals must sometimes undertake to maintain the supply of critical care in response to a rising demand.

Critical Care

Dickson did indeed undertake to operate services.

Wikipedia

In accordance with this agreement, Washington undertook and agreed to supply nuclear installations, equipment, and train specialists.

Huffington Post

In contrast to neoclassical growth models where the market brings about an adjustment of demand to supply, the "target-instrument" models of Tinbergen assume that the government (as in the Netherlands and other European countries) undertakes to regulate demand and supply in an effort to achieve certain targets such as full employment or a predetermined rate of growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use "undertake to supply" when you want to emphasize a serious and formal commitment to provide something. Consider the context to determine if a more direct alternative like "agree to supply" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake to supply" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "promise to provide" or "will supply" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake to supply" functions as a verb phrase indicating a formal commitment or agreement to provide something. It signifies a deliberate decision and responsibility to ensure the provision of a specific item or service, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

13%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undertake to supply" is a grammatically correct verb phrase signifying a formal commitment to provide something. According to Ludwig, it is best suited for formal contexts like contracts or official statements. While alternatives such as "commit to providing" or "agree to supply" exist, "undertake to supply" carries a stronger sense of responsibility. Its frequency is uncommon, and it appears across various domains, including news, science, and business. Ludwig confirms its usability and appropriateness in formal English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit to providing

This alternative uses "commit" instead of "undertake", emphasizing a firm pledge.

agree to provide

Using "agree" instead of "undertake" offers a simpler, more direct expression of the commitment.

pledge to furnish

"Pledge" adds a sense of strong commitment, while "furnish" is a more formal synonym for "supply".

guarantee to deliver

"Guarantee" implies assurance, and "deliver" focuses on the action of providing.

promise to provide

"Promise" conveys a straightforward assurance to supply.

ensure the provision of

This alternative emphasizes the act of ensuring that something is supplied.

contract to furnish

"Contract" suggests a formal agreement, and "furnish" implies a comprehensive supply.

vow to deliver

"Vow" adds a sense of solemn commitment, similar to "pledge".

consent to provide

"Consent" implies agreement and willingness to supply.

undertake the responsibility of supplying

This is a more verbose alternative that explicitly mentions taking on the responsibility.

FAQs

What does "undertake to supply" mean?

The phrase "undertake to supply" means to formally commit or agree to provide something. It implies a sense of responsibility and assurance in delivering what is promised.

When is it appropriate to use "undertake to supply"?

It is best to use "undertake to supply" in formal contexts such as legal agreements, contracts, or official statements where a strong commitment needs to be conveyed. Simpler phrases may be better suited for informal communication.

What are some alternatives to "undertake to supply"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to providing", "agree to provide", or "promise to provide" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "undertake to supply" different from "agree to supply"?

While both phrases convey a commitment to provide something, "undertake to supply" carries a stronger sense of formality and responsibility compared to "agree to supply". The choice depends on the context and the desired emphasis.