undertakings

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "undertakings" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a task or commitment that someone has made, either to themselves or to someone else. For example, "John's recent volunteer work for the local charity was one of his most impressive undertakings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Undertakings agreed by Rupert Murdoch upon his acqusition of the titles in 1981 mean that editors of the Times and Sunday Times "may be appointed... only by the agreement of a majority of the independent national directors".

The Guardian

To do so, would require News International to have the 1981 undertakings dispensed with – but the company has made no such application to ministers according to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The Guardian

An RSF spokesperson said: "This is an encouraging gesture for freedom of information in the sultanate… The [Omani] laws on freedom of information, including online freedom of information, must be reformed so that they comply with international undertakings signed and ratified by the sultanate".

The Guardian

Earlier this month staff voted for industrial action including possible strike action over plans to cut more than 400 posts after management declined to give undertakings that there would be no compulsory redundancies and a freeze on bringing in staff from rivals.

The Guardian

Purchasers can now also be asked to give binding undertakings, theoretically enforceable through the courts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our task is to convince our partners that our undertakings are strategic, rather than tactical, and that our logic is sound.

The Guardian - Business

In a meeting with editorial staff, he told journalists it was "not allowed" by the undertakings given by Rupert Murdoch in 1981 to maintain the independence of the paper and was "not part of any strategy".

The Guardian

If these cuts are necessary at all, that is only because of other manifesto undertakings, such as to cut inheritance tax and move beyond budget balance to an outright surplus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Undertakings signed by Rupert Murdoch in 1981 as part of his takeover of the Times and Sunday Times mean that a majority of the six independent directors must approve the appointment of the editor of the other title, as a restraint against proprietorial interference – an arrangement unique on Fleet Street.

The Guardian

Lebedev said: "These undertakings - both hugely ambitious and difficult - would not have happened without him.

The Guardian

Yet Comcast says that it would make the same undertakings not to discriminate against other content firms and distribution networks that News Corp did last year when it acquired DirecTV.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertakings", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and nature of the commitment. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "undertakings" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "commitments" or "plans" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "undertakings" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple tasks, commitments, or projects. Ludwig shows examples where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertakings" functions as a plural noun that describes tasks, commitments, or projects. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and enjoys common usage, especially within news and formal business environments. When writing or speaking, the word presents a level of formality that might not be adequate in informal conversations, as you might need to turn to simpler alternatives, as suggested in the writing guidance. The linguistic analysis indicates a neutral to professional tone, and the word is predominantly used in contexts related to news reporting and business communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commitments

Focuses on the obligation aspect, similar to the sense of duty in "undertakings".

responsibilities

Highlights the duties and roles that "undertakings" often involve.

agreements

Emphasizes the mutual understanding and acceptance of terms in "undertakings".

pledges

Stresses a firm promise or assurance, akin to the commitment in "undertakings".

assurances

Focuses on guaranteeing or instilling confidence in the completion of "undertakings".

guarantees

Highlights the security and certainty associated with "undertakings".

projects

Refers to specific tasks or activities, similar to the concrete nature of some "undertakings".

ventures

Implies a risk-taking and innovative aspect of "undertakings".

endeavors

Suggests a serious attempt or effort, mirroring the dedicated nature of "undertakings".

enterprises

Indicates a systematic and purposeful activity, akin to the planned nature of "undertakings".

FAQs

How to use "undertakings" in a sentence?

You can use "undertakings" to refer to commitments or projects, as in "The company has several major undertakings planned for the next quarter."

What can I say instead of "undertakings"?

You can use alternatives like "commitments", "responsibilities", or "projects" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "undertakings" or "undertakings'"?

"Undertakings" is the plural form of "undertaking". "Undertakings'" is the possessive plural, used to show ownership by multiple undertakings. The correct form depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "undertakings" and "obligations"?

"Undertakings" often imply a voluntary commitment to a task, while "obligations" suggest a duty imposed by law, contract, or morality. While there can be overlap, the nuance lies in the source of the commitment.