undertaking research

USAGE SUMMARY

"undertaking research" is a correct and common phrase used in written English.
It means to conduct or carry out a thorough investigation or study on a particular topic or subject. Example: The students spent several months undertaking research on the effects of climate change on coastal communities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It penalises us for undertaking research to contribute to healthcare advancements.

The Guardian

He is currently undertaking research into the employment destinations and career motivations of graduates.

The Guardian

I didn't say I was a journalist, but that I was undertaking research into the issue.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Scientists from the trust are undertaking research into the Bewick's swan's sharp population drop.

Independent

He is part of a team currently undertaking research into how automation can be used for the common good.

The Guardian

Students spent time undertaking research projects for their organisations, as well as researching how politics works in real-life situations.

The Guardian

Together we conceived of doing some sort of project on drugs and addiction, and began undertaking research.

The Guardian

In one case, the clinic is undertaking research about a medical treatment after surgery developed by one of its own start-up companies.

The New York Times

Even people undertaking research into human evolution seem to consistently fall into the trap of imagining that humans are special, and unique in a whole host of ways.

The Guardian

A consortium of academics is currently undertaking research and the LETR should deliver recommendations to the regulators by the end of the year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, "undertaking research" is preferable to more casual alternatives like "doing research".

Common error

Avoid using "undertaking research" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler phrases like "doing research" or "studying" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertaking research" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or part of the subject of a sentence. As exemplified by Ludwig, it indicates the action of conducting a systematic investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertaking research" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that signifies the action of conducting a systematic investigation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for formal and scientific contexts and serves to inform about ongoing or planned research activities. Given its frequent presence in scientific and news media sources, it is considered a formal expression. For more casual contexts, alternatives such as "doing research" might be more suitable. The provided writing guidance and FAQs aim to clarify its proper usage and address common linguistic inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conducting studies

Focuses on the act of carrying out specific investigations, implying a structured approach.

carrying out investigations

Emphasizes the process of performing detailed inquiries to uncover facts.

pursuing inquiry

Highlights the active quest for knowledge and understanding through investigation.

performing analyses

Stresses the execution of analytical procedures to examine data and draw conclusions.

engaging in exploration

Suggests a broader, less structured form of investigation, often exploratory in nature.

embarking on experimentation

Implies a more hands-on approach, focused on testing hypotheses and observing results.

doing fieldwork

Specifies research conducted in a natural setting, away from a laboratory or office.

exploring avenues of investigation

Emphasizes a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to uncovering information.

delving into analysis

Suggests a deep and thorough exploration of a particular subject or topic.

probing into specific areas

Implies an intense and focused investigation of particular issues or questions.

FAQs

What does "undertaking research" mean?

The phrase "undertaking research" means to conduct or carry out a systematic investigation into a particular subject to discover new facts or test existing theories.

Is "undertaking research" formal or informal?

"Undertaking research" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, scientific, and professional contexts. In more casual situations, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What are some synonyms for "undertaking research"?

Some synonyms for "undertaking research" include "conducting studies", "carrying out investigations", or "pursuing inquiry", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "undertaking research" in a sentence?

You can use "undertaking research" in a sentence like this: "The university is currently undertaking research into the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems".