undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that requires effort, is difficult or risky, or to a task or project that someone has agreed to do. For example: "I'm apprehensive about undertaking such a risky venture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The logic was simple: Sinn Fein was considered to be undertaking its baby steps in democracy.

The Guardian

"His character is in every way that of a moderate; he is absolutely capable of undertaking the necessary renovation without any leaps into the unknown," said Francesca Ambrogetti, one of his biographers.

The Guardian

Given that beyond this next Ashes series England will not be undertaking a Test match tour until they go to the Caribbean in April 2015, it may be the last trip of its kind for Swann, Anderson, and perhaps Kevin Pietersen, depending on his desire, and fitness to pursue 10,000 Test runs.

The Guardian - Sport

Tajikistan is a state dependent on foreign aid, but that doesn't stop president Emomali Rahmon from undertaking extravagant building projects.

The Guardian

Initially officials were reluctant to respond about the idea of him undertaking community work.

The Guardian

Realising that there was little attention paid to the needs of bereaved children, she set up training and supervision for colleagues, as well as undertaking direct work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And we're going to be undertaking further targeted operations this summer… …bringing together key enforcement bodies to form a series of local and national taskforces… ….to focus on abuse in particular sectors and regions – including on agricultural work in East Anglia.

The Guardian

After undertaking research to test various options, the commission had made two recommendations to parliament.

The Guardian

This week, MPs tabled an amendment to the infrastructure bill so that in England pub owners will need to get planning permission before demolishing or undertaking any type of pub conversion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Osborne said the Treasury was now undertaking "extensive contingency planning" to cope with a possible break-up of the euro, and admitted: "If the rest of Europe heads into recession, it may prove hard to avoid one here in the UK".

The Guardian

On Monday the finance minister announced that eight public service departments would join the departments of health and education in undertaking "functional reviews" to identify efficiency savings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertaking", consider the scale and complexity of the task. Reserve it for significant projects or commitments that require substantial effort and resources.

Common error

Avoid using "undertaking" for trivial tasks or everyday activities. Opt for simpler words like "task", "job", or "activity" when the situation doesn't warrant the weight and formality of "undertaking".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "undertaking" is that of a noun, referring to a task, project, or commitment. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "undertaking" functions as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting something being done or considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertaking" functions primarily as a noun referring to a project, task, or commitment that requires significant effort. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, its usage is versatile, making it a valuable term for conveying a sense of serious commitment to a complex endeavor. Using "undertaking" appropriately involves considering the scale of the task and opting for simpler alternatives in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

venture

A "venture" suggests a risky or daring undertaking, often with uncertain outcomes.

endeavor

An "endeavor" implies a serious attempt or effort to accomplish something, often implying difficulty.

project

A "project" refers to a specific, planned activity with a defined scope and objectives.

task

A "task" is a specific piece of work that needs to be done, often as part of a larger undertaking.

mission

A "mission" suggests a specific assignment or duty, often with a defined goal and purpose.

assignment

An "assignment" is a task or piece of work given to someone to do, typically as part of their job or studies.

initiative

An "initiative" implies a new plan or strategy, often aimed at solving a problem or achieving a goal.

operation

An "operation" refers to a planned activity involving a number of people, often with a specific objective.

enterprise

An "enterprise" suggests a business or commercial undertaking, often involving risk and innovation.

commitment

A "commitment" refers to a promise or pledge to do something, often involving dedication and responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "undertaking" to describe a project or task that someone has decided to do or start. For example, "The company is undertaking a major expansion project."

What can I say instead of "undertaking"?

You can use alternatives like "venture", "endeavor", or "project" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "undertaking" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "undertaking" is more formal. In informal settings, words like "project" or "task" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "undertaking" and "project"?

"Undertaking" often implies a more significant or complex task than a simple "project". An undertaking typically involves a greater commitment of resources and effort.