undertook courses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertook courses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of enrolling in and completing educational classes or training programs. Example: "During my summer break, I undertook courses in graphic design to enhance my skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The only significant association in relation to when pharmacists undertook courses was that early cohorts were more likely to be currently using SP in practice.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only 10percentnt of jailed addicts have access to treatment; 60 per cent of inmates can't undertake courses inside.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is achieved through drinking many different styles as well as undertaking courses to recognise specific flavours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many nurses have undertaken courses in massage, however there is little robust evidence of its effectiveness.

BMC Nursing

DSR students may undertake course work and/or research for periods of one term or one year.

Yale University

Over the next five years she was engaged in a variety of activities and undertook brief courses of study at the University of Buffalo Medical School and the New York School of Civics and Philanthropy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sent to live with a Brethren tutor in Eastbourne, he undertook chemistry courses at Eastbourne College.

Wikipedia

It is not possible to undertake both courses simultaneously.

The New York Times

A number of studies have explored the experience of non-traditional students undertaking nursing courses.

Nurse Education Today

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

Independent

She revealed that GCHQ did not know Williams had undertaken the courses or that he had an interest in fashion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undertook courses" to convey a sense of formality and active engagement in educational pursuits. This phrasing is particularly suitable in academic or professional contexts when describing someone's commitment to learning.

Common error

While "undertook courses" is grammatically correct, avoid using "undertook" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "took courses" or "attended courses" may be more appropriate and natural in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertook courses" functions as a verb phrase, where "undertook" is the past tense of the verb "undertake" and "courses" serves as the direct object. It typically describes the action of enrolling in and participating in educational or training programs, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertook courses" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe the action of enrolling in and participating in educational or training programs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it carries a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "took courses", making it appropriate for academic or professional contexts. While generally acceptable, it's best to avoid using "undertook" in very informal settings where simpler phrasing would be more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took courses

Uses a more common and simpler verb, "took", instead of "undertook", making it slightly less formal.

enrolled in courses

Focuses on the act of enrollment rather than the completion or active participation.

participated in courses

Highlights active involvement in the courses, emphasizing engagement.

completed courses

Emphasizes the completion aspect, implying successful finishing of the coursework.

pursued studies

A more general phrase that suggests a broader academic endeavor rather than specific courses.

engaged in coursework

Focuses on the course material and the effort put into it.

attended educational programs

Broader term encompassing various types of educational activities, not just courses.

studied subjects

Highlights the area of knowledge, not the formal course structure.

received training

Focuses on acquiring skills or knowledge, often in a professional context.

underwent training

Similar to "undertook courses" but emphasizes the process of being trained or educated.

FAQs

What does "undertook courses" mean?

The phrase "undertook courses" means to have enrolled in and actively participated in courses, often implying a formal or structured educational setting.

When is it appropriate to use "undertook courses"?

It's appropriate to use "undertook courses" in formal contexts, such as academic reports, professional summaries, or when emphasizing the commitment and effort involved in pursuing education or training. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "took courses" or "attended courses" might be preferable.

What are some alternatives to "undertook courses"?

Some alternatives to "undertook courses" include "took courses", "enrolled in courses", "participated in courses", or "completed courses", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "undertook courses" more formal than "took courses"?

Yes, "undertook courses" is generally considered more formal than "took courses". The verb "undertake" often implies a more serious or dedicated approach to the courses in question.