undertook a course

USAGE SUMMARY

"undertook a course" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when talking about someone beginning a course of action, such as a program of study or a type of work, with the intention of completing it. For example, "When she graduated high school, she undertook a course of study that would eventually lead to a degree in economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Instead, Turing was left humiliated when he was charged and convicted of public indecency and, instead of serving a prison sentence, voluntarily undertook a course of chemical castration.

The Guardian - Opinion

I recently undertook a course in English language teaching at the Intensive School of English & Business Communication in Brighton and Hove.

Independent

In the end, the fifty-something Londoner chose not to have more invasive surgery ("I didn't want to go through all that again"), but undertook a course of injections with non-invasive specialist Dr Michael Prager.

Independent

In 1874, Paul entered Harvard, his father's alma mater, where he undertook a course of classics, history and philosophy, graduating with highest honors in those fields.

University of Chicago

During his time in England, Statton undertook a course at the Motor Training Institute in preparation for non-military employment, before he was granted a month's leave.

Wikipedia

He was saved from despair when, at Ayerst's suggestion, he undertook a course of Jungian analysis with the psychotherapist John Layard.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

All staff and managers undertake a course on preventing and addressing harassment, including sexual harassment, while additional sessions have recently been introduced.

The Guardian

Animal is in anger management, undertaking a course of therapy, success of which is predicated on nobody mentioning the D-word.

The Guardian - Film

All new students admitted to Texas A&M University at Qatar undertake a course entitled Foundations of Engineering I (ENGR 111); an introduction to the engineering profession and its required skills.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

This study developed a quantitative methodology to ascertain lead indicators of student sense of community whilst undertaking a course of study.

The Internet and Higher Education

Below stairs, Thomas had undertaken a course of electrotherapy – "to change me, to make me more like other people, other men".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with descriptive adjectives like "rigorous", "arduous", or "intensive" to provide more context about the nature of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "undertook" if the subject was purely passive or forced without any personal initiative. For instance, if a student was simply present in a required class without engagement, "attended a course" is more accurate. Reserve "undertook" for instances involving commitment or effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertook a course" acts as a transitive verb phrase where "undertook" is the past tense of the verb "undertake", and "a course" serves as the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it identifies the initiation of a structured process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Informal

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertook a course" is a robust and grammatically correct phrase frequently used in professional and academic writing. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility across domains, from describing Alan Turing's medical treatment to a student's classical education at Harvard. While "took a course" is a valid synonym, "undertook a course" adds a layer of formal commitment and is especially prevalent in British English news sources and scientific time-course analyses. It is a reliable choice for writers seeking to convey a professional or serious tone regarding education and systematic action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took a course

Provides a more common and slightly less formal alternative for general contexts.

enrolled in a course

Focuses specifically on the administrative act of joining an educational program.

commenced a course

Highly formal synonym for starting, often used in official reports.

underwent a course

Used when the course is a medical treatment or something the subject must endure.

pursued a course

Emphasizes the long-term effort or academic ambition behind the study.

attended a course

Highlights the act of being present at the lessons rather than the responsibility of the task.

embarked on a course

Adds a literary or more formal tone, suggesting the start of a significant journey.

completed a course

Shifts the focus from the initiation of the action to its successful conclusion.

engaged in a course

Suggests active participation and involvement in the course material.

signed up for a course

A more casual, conversational way to describe beginning a program.

FAQs

How do I use "undertook a course" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe starting an educational or medical process, such as: "During the summer, she "undertook a course" in digital marketing to improve her skills."

What can I say instead of "undertook a course"?

Depending on the tone, you can use "took a course" for everyday speech, or "enrolled in a course" for more official academic contexts.

Is "undertook a course" formal or informal?

It is generally considered a formal or neutral phrase. It is frequently found in news reporting, academic biographies, and scientific papers rather than casual conversation.

Is "underwent a course" the same as "undertook a course"?

Not exactly. While "undertook" suggests agency and initiative, "underwent a course" is typically used for medical treatments or mandatory training where the subject is 'going through' something.