undertook a study of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertook a study of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of conducting research or analysis on a specific topic or subject. Example: "The researchers undertook a study of the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So the company undertook a study of Ketek in 24,000 patients to prove its safety.

The New York Times - Science

He undertook a study of every musical produced on Broadway between 1945 and 1989.

The New Yorker

After the initial layoffs, Mr. Marsal recalled, Western Union undertook a study of all its businesses.

The New York Times

When his wife was sent as a diplomat to Egypt, he undertook a study of living conditions in Palestine.

The New York Times

We undertook a study of the association of obesity with 30-day outcomes after carotid endarterectomy.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

The National Center for Schools and Communities at Fordham undertook a study of the city's more than 1,100 public schools last year.

The New York Times

And last fall the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry undertook a study of people who might have had other, lesser exposure to the dust.

The New York Times

Noting the void, three Columbia Business School professors undertook a study of 600 companies, examining their performance over the last 20 years.

The New York Times

Whirlpool undertook a study of "washer architectures" around the world and started a lengthy consumer research campaign to try to figure out what appliance buyers might respond to.

The New York Times - Magazine

During the cold war, the Academy of Sciences of the USSR undertook a study of how it could ever trust the exceptionally adroit United States.

Nature

Working together with World Monuments Fund and the University of Addis Ababa, they undertook a study of the urbanization and tourism factors influencing the site's heritage values.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertook a study of", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and scope of the study. For instance, specify the variables examined or the population studied for clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who conducted the study. Instead of "A study was undertaken of...", prefer "Researchers undertook a study of..." to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertook a study of" functions as a verbal phrase that introduces the action of conducting research or analysis on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertook a study of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as indicated by Ludwig AI, to describe the action of conducting research or analysis. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it serves to inform about an investigative effort. While alternatives exist, such as "conducted a study on" or "carried out a study of", the choice depends on the specific nuance and desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the study's scope and avoid passive voice constructions for a more direct and impactful statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conducted a study on

Replaces "undertook" with "conducted", offering a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

Carried out a study of

Substitutes "undertook" with "carried out", which is equally formal and emphasizes the execution of the study.

Performed a study on

Replaces "undertook" with "performed", suggesting a more technical or methodical approach.

Executed a study of

Similar to "performed", but highlights the complete and successful implementation of the study.

Initiated a study into

Replaces "undertook" with "initiated", focusing on the beginning or start of the study.

Launched an investigation into

Emphasizes a formal inquiry or detailed examination, suitable for more sensitive or critical topics.

Engaged in research on

Shifts the focus to the broader research activity, rather than just the specific study.

Embarked on a study of

Uses "embarked" to convey a sense of undertaking a significant or extensive study.

Delved into an analysis of

Suggests a deeper, more thorough examination or exploration of the topic.

Explored the subject of

Indicates a more exploratory or less structured approach to understanding the topic.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "undertook a study of" to sound less formal?

Consider using alternatives like "conducted a study on", "researched", or "investigated" depending on the specific context.

Is "undertook a study of" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "undertook a study of" is perfectly suitable for academic writing. It conveys a formal and professional tone, appropriate for research papers and scholarly articles. Alternatives like "conducted a study on" or "carried out a study of" are also acceptable.

What's the difference between "undertook a study of" and "performed a study on"?

While both phrases are similar, "undertook a study of" often implies a more comprehensive and deliberate effort. "Performed a study on" suggests a more technical or methodical execution. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can explore other alternatives like "executed a study of".

Can I use "undertook a study of" in business writing?

Yes, "undertook a study of" is appropriate for business writing, particularly when describing formal analyses or investigations. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document. If a less formal tone is desired, consider using phrases like "conducted research on" or "investigated".