undertake to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake to work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a commitment or intention to engage in a task or project. Example: "The team will undertake to work on the new project starting next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Unionists would undertake to work within the devolved government, rather than repeatedly threatening to walk out.

The Economist

The joint statement, unprecedented in recent White House history, saw both politicians undertake "to work together in the days and months ahead on challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation's security".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency has undertaken to work with the Royal Yachting Association to clarify the requirements for the stowage of inflatable life rafts, and the Royal Yachting Association has drafted enhancements to its sea survival handbook relating to the possibility of a keel failure.

The Guardian

Baroness Ashton's office said both leaders had undertaken to work together to normalise relations.

BBC

Amazon has undertaken to work with Penguin and Overdrive between now and the end of the year to address Penguin's concerns.

TechCrunch

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, who chaired the talks, said afterwards that both leaders had undertaken to work together to normalise relations.

BBC

In a statement, the Football League said the receivers had "made it clear" that they had "undertaken to work in a transparent manner" to enable the "League's Board to consider the matter at the earliest possible opportunity".

BBC

Students are offered provincial bursaries in return for undertaking to work in the provincial health services immediately after qualifying for as many years as they received the bursary.

Global Health Action

Vast public works were undertaken to make jobs and bring in tourists.

The Economist

Direct observations of practice in multiple sites will be undertaken to identify work role changes and innovation.

BMC Health Services Research

McFeely undertook to do works.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake to work", ensure the context clearly indicates a formal agreement or a determined commitment to perform a specific task. This phrasing is stronger than simply stating an intention.

Common error

Avoid using "undertake to work" in casual conversation. It carries a weight of formality and commitment that might sound out of place in informal settings. Alternatives like "plan to work" or "aim to work" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake to work" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a formal commitment or agreement to perform a task. It is often used in contexts where a deliberate and planned effort is involved. The phrase conveys a sense of responsibility and intention. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertake to work" signifies a formal commitment or agreement to perform a task. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and best suited for professional or formal contexts, reflecting a serious intention and responsibility. While it can be used in News & Media and Scientific writing, it's important to be mindful of the formality it conveys. More casual situations might benefit from less formal alternatives. The frequency of this term is rare, which suggests its use is specific and intentional, rather than commonplace.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit to work

Emphasizes dedication and obligation towards working.

agree to work

Highlights consent and willingness to engage in work.

pledge to work

Implies a formal or solemn promise to work.

resolve to work

Stresses a firm decision or determination to work.

promise to work

A straightforward assurance of working.

guarantee to work

Indicates a secured or certain commitment to work.

assure to work

Offers reassurance of working.

contract to work

Formal agreement or engagement to perform work.

engage to work

To formally involve oneself in work.

take on work

To accept or assume responsibility for a task.

FAQs

How can I use "undertake to work" in a sentence?

Use "undertake to work" to express a formal commitment or promise to engage in a task. For example, "The organization will undertake to work with local communities to improve education."

What are some alternatives to "undertake to work"?

Alternatives include "commit to work", "agree to work", or "pledge to work", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undertake to work" or "undertake working"?

"Undertake to work" is generally preferred as it maintains the infinitive form, clearly indicating an intention or commitment. "Undertake working" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "undertake to work" and "start working"?

"Undertake to work" implies a formal agreement or commitment to begin working, whereas "start working" simply indicates the beginning of work. The former carries a stronger sense of obligation.