undertook

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "undertook" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to begin or to agree to do something, often a task or a project. For example, "The company undertook a large research project to develop a new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The work that Snow, who was born 200 years ago last Friday, undertook to prove his case remains a classic of medical detection and reveals Snow as one of the founders of epidemiology, a science that has since helped unravel the causes of a host of illnesses and saved countless lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

I studied at university for seven years, undertook unpaid internships and have a career development loan at a figure that would cover the deposit for a pretty decent house.

The Guardian - Opinion

The biography sensitively uncovers the facts of an unusual life that Fitzgerald was reticent about and reveals the voluminous research she undertook, then used economically in novels that appear simple on the surface but are complex masterpieces.

The Guardian - Books

The barrister said the outcome of the inquiry came as a genuine surprise to him after Lawler undertook to give advance notice of any adverse findings against his client but had not.

The Guardian

He also undertook reconnaissance missions in the UK and US in 2000 and 2001, during which he filmed buildings including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank headquarters in Washington DC, the stock exchange and Citigroup in New York and the Prudential insurance premises in Newark, New Jersey.

The Guardian

He undertook a large volume of constituency work and served on the Northern Ireland affairs committee at Westminster.

The Guardian

The deputy coroner, Thomas Osborne, denounced the understaffing in the maternity unit at Milton Keynes General hospital as "nothing short of scandalous" and undertook to write to ministers about it.

The Guardian

The social psychologist Peter Marsh, who has died aged 67, was fearless in the investigations he undertook.

The Guardian

Because of Snowden, we now know that the listeners undertook to do what they repeatedly promised respectable expert opinion they would never do.

The Guardian - Tech

We took swift action; 10 members expelled or retired, and we undertook reforms.

The Guardian - Sport

It is disturbing that the few detailed answers obtained about who exactly undertook that review had to come by way of a Freedom of Information request, not by an immediate and voluntary statement from the Office for Nuclear Regulation ONRR).

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing less formal or more casual endeavors, consider synonyms like "started", "began", or "tried".

Common error

Avoid using "undertook" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday situations. Choose simpler alternatives like "started" or "did" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "undertook" is as a verb in the past tense. It signifies the action of beginning or committing to a task, venture, or responsibility. Ludwig shows its prevalent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertook" is the past tense of "undertake", indicating the beginning or commitment to a task or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. It signals a formal and serious commitment, best used in neutral to formal settings. While it's a very common term, it's advisable to avoid it in informal situations to maintain a natural tone. Consider alternatives like "embarked on" or "carried out" for nuanced meanings. Understanding its proper use ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarked on

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey or enterprise.

carried out

Focuses on the completion or execution of a task.

conducted

Implies a formal or organized execution.

performed

Highlights the action of doing something, often in a skillful way.

engaged in

Suggests active participation or involvement.

set about

Implies a determined or methodical start to a task.

taken on

Indicates acceptance of a responsibility or challenge.

committed to

Emphasizes dedication and obligation to a task.

assumed responsibility for

Highlights the act of accepting accountability for a task.

dedicated oneself to

Suggests devoting one's time and energy to a particular purpose.

FAQs

How do I use "undertook" in a sentence?

"Undertook" is the past tense of "undertake", meaning to begin or commit to something. For example, "The company "undertook" a major restructuring project last year".

What are some alternatives to "undertook"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "embarked on", "carried out", or "performed".

Is it correct to say "undertook to do" something?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. "Undertook to do" indicates a commitment or promise to perform a specific action. For example, "The government "undertook to reform" the healthcare system".

What is the difference between "undertook" and "underwent"?

"Undertook" means to take on or begin something, while "underwent" means to experience something. You "undertook" a task, but you "underwent" a medical procedure.