undertaking that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertaking that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a commitment or promise to do something in a formal context. Example: "The company is undertaking that all safety regulations will be strictly followed during the construction process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wagoner suggests taking the internship and filing a lawsuit, but few are capable of undertaking that effort.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Obama administration was undertaking that effort to reach out to Iran "with its eyes wide open," he said.

The New York Times

Find a project or undertaking that deeply engages you.

Huffington Post

Reform was overdue, but it was a highly sensitive undertaking that evoked strenuous response from the services.

Huffington Post

Each intervention is represented by a circle; the size of the circle is proportional to the number of participants undertaking that intervention.

Sports Medicine - Open

Police action, isolated military undertaking that does not require a declaration of war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is an undertaking that suffered major setbacks in the first decade after the Soviet collapse.

The New York Times

In addition, we have the Ambassador's blog, a relatively new undertaking that is attracting attention.

The Guardian

"It was an undertaking that was for the benefit of all humanity," said Wallworth.

The Guardian - Arts

It commissioned CJ's Towing Unlimited, which towed the island in 2001, an undertaking that lasted 14 hours.

The New York Times

It was rolled inch by inch in the snow to Fifth Avenue, an undertaking that took more than 100 days.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertaking that", ensure the subject is capable of fulfilling the commitment being made. This adds credibility and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "undertaking that" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious, making your communication less natural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "promising" or "ensuring" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertaking that" primarily functions as a connector introducing a clause that specifies the commitment or promise being made. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertaking that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a formal commitment or assurance. Ludwig identifies it as correct and usable in various professional contexts. While very common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, its formality makes it less suited for casual conversation. When writing, ensure the subject is capable of fulfilling the commitment to maintain credibility and avoid overuse in informal situations to maintain a natural tone. Consider using alternatives like "committing to" or "ensuring that" when a less formal tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committing to that

Highlights a pledge or dedication to a specific action or outcome.

promising that

Highlights a verbal commitment to perform a specified action.

guaranteeing that

Emphasizes a firm promise or assurance about a future event.

pledging that

Suggests a solemn or formal promise.

assuring that

Focuses on conveying a sense of confidence or certainty.

ensuring that

Focuses on the act of making certain something happens.

agreeing to that

Highlights a consensus or mutual understanding regarding a specific matter.

warranting that

Indicates a formal assurance, often in a legal or business context.

taking responsibility for that

Emphasizes accepting accountability for a particular task or outcome.

certifying that

Focuses on formally attesting to the truth or validity of something.

FAQs

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

Use "undertaking that" to formally express a commitment or promise to perform a specific action. For example: "The company is undertaking that all employees will receive updated safety training."

What are some alternatives to "undertaking that"?

Alternatives include "committing to", "ensuring that", or "promising that". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "undertaking that" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "undertaking that" is generally more appropriate for formal writing or professional communication. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

What's the difference between "undertaking that" and "promising that"?

"Undertaking that" often implies a more formal and significant commitment compared to "promising that". "Undertaking" suggests a deliberate and often challenging endeavor.