undertake work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertake work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking on a job or task. For example: The company decided to undertake the work of building a new website.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As an outsider, this can be hard to understand: at the end of a lifetime of working, why would anybody want to undertake work that involves hard, physical labour at the bottom of the chain of command?

The Guardian

While one city agency may not undertake work on land controlled by another agency, private entities can and will.

The New York Times

Workfare requires jobseekers to undertake "work experience" for up to 30 hours a week over four weeks.

The Guardian - Opinion

We know that Cambridge Analytica's parent company, SCL, employed a Canadian individual – Zackary Massingham – to undertake work for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some may get to undertake work experience, such as horticulture, but most won't see any wages for it.

The Guardian

Muscles generate force to resist gravitational and inertial forces and/or to undertake work, e.g. on the centre of mass.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

Students should be free to undertake work alongside their studies and given time to fill valuable roles in industry after graduation.

The Guardian

My advice is for academics who are putting themselves at risk to make sure thy have a written contract signed and sealed before they undertake work".

The Guardian

"One of the gap year's most undervalued advantages is the ability to undertake work placements outside of the over-subscribed holiday periods," says gap-year student Katherine Hodgson.

The Guardian

Ben Page, chief executive of Ipsos Mori, said: "Client confidentiality prevents us from giving details of which companies have approached us to undertake work for them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is about a claimant's ability to undertake "work-related activity" at their local jobcentre, which is not nearly as difficult as claiming JSA, but there is still a risk of being sanctioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake work", ensure the context clearly defines the type of work being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "undertake research work" or "undertake project work".

Common error

Avoid using "undertake work" in very casual settings where simpler alternatives like "do the job" or "start working" would sound more natural. It's often perceived as overly formal in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake work" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun. It describes the action of committing to or starting a task or project, signaling an intention to begin a specific activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undertake work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the commencement of a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its use across diverse contexts. While versatile, it carries a professional tone, making it best suited for business, academic, and news-related discussions. Consider alternatives like "perform duties" or "carry out tasks" for varied emphasis. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively employ "undertake work" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform duties

Focuses on the execution of specific responsibilities.

carry out tasks

Implies the completion of smaller, individual assignments.

assume responsibilities

Signifies accepting and taking on specific duties.

execute projects

Emphasizes managing and completing a defined endeavor.

tackle responsibilities

Implies addressing and managing one's obligations.

handle assignments

Suggests managing and dealing with specific responsibilities.

discharge obligations

Highlights the fulfillment of duties or commitments.

conduct operations

Focuses on a series of planned activities, often in a business or military context.

pursue endeavors

Focuses on the active pursuit of specific goals or aims.

engage in activities

Broadly describes involvement in various actions or pursuits.

FAQs

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

You can use "undertake work" to describe starting or engaging in a task or job. For example, "The team will "undertake work" on the new project next week."

What are some alternatives to "undertake work"?

Alternatives include "perform duties", "carry out tasks", or "execute projects", depending on the context.

Is "undertake work" formal or informal?

"Undertake work" leans towards the formal side. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "do the work" or "start the job" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "undertake work" or "undertake works"?

"Undertake work" is generally correct. "Works" implies specific artistic creations or constructions. However, if referring to multiple separate tasks, "undertake various works" might be appropriate, but is less common.