undertook some reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertook some reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of engaging in reading as part of a task or activity, often implying a deliberate effort to learn or understand something. Example: "In preparation for the meeting, she undertook some reading on the latest industry trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He and his colleagues undertook "distant reading," feeding thousands of novels into computers and scanning the texts for patterns.

The New Yorker

"He undertook a reading course so varied and voluminous that his desk often resembled the check-out table at the Library of Congress," Hugh Sidey wrote about Valenti in Life in 1966.

The New Yorker

All undertook second reading and quality checks.

BMC Health Services Research

In later years, he wrote poetry and, following the publication of his first collection, A Glass Half Full (2002), undertook reading tours like a rock star, travelling by jet or helicopter to gigs.

The Guardian

Professor Brottman was on sabbatical when she undertook running a reading group for inmates at the maximum-security Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland, which included discussions of books such as Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita".

Los Angeles Times

In these cases, an additional radiologist who was blinded to the CE MRI results undertook a third reading of the mammograms in order to simulate these conditions.

British Journal of Cancer

When he praised Dostoyevsky, Fife undertook to read all his books.

The New Yorker

After Garfield was elected, in 1880, he, like most of our more bookish Chief Executives, or at least their speechwriters, undertook to read the Inaugural Addresses of every President who preceded him.

The New Yorker

VG then undertook the read-through of selected full-text articles.

BMC Health Services Research

By Christine Smallwood In a climate of embattled bibliophilia, authors have been undertaking reading stunts to prove that reading — anything — matters.

The New Yorker

In this climate of embattled bibliophilia, a new subgenre of books about books has emerged, a mix of literary criticism, autobiography, self-help, and immersion journalism: authors undertake reading stunts to prove that reading — anything — still matters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undertook some reading" when you want to emphasize the deliberate effort or initiative taken to engage in reading as part of a larger task or preparation.

Common error

Avoid using "undertook some reading" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "did some reading" or "read up on" would be more appropriate. This phrase can sound stilted if not used judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertook some reading" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of engaging in reading. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English, referring to the act of reading as part of a task or activity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertook some reading" is grammatically correct and usable for describing a deliberate action of reading to gain knowledge or prepare for a task. Ludwig AI highlights its usability in written English. While it may lean towards a more formal register, suitable alternatives like "engaged in some reading" or "read up on" exist for more informal contexts. Given the lack of examples available, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase's appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged in some reading

Replaces "undertook" with a more common verb, maintaining the meaning of actively participating in reading.

conducted some reading

Substitutes "undertook" with "conducted", which suggests a more formal or organized approach to reading.

performed some reading

Similar to "conducted", implying a task-oriented approach to reading.

carried out some reading

Synonymous to 'conducted some reading', slightly more formal.

did some reading

Simplifies the phrase by using "did" instead of "undertook", making it more informal.

read up on

An idiomatic alternative that means to gain information about a subject by reading about it.

devoted time to reading

Emphasizes the dedication of time for reading.

spent time reading

Focuses on the time investment in reading, rather than the undertaking itself.

studied relevant materials

Indicates a focused approach to learn and understand through reading specific sources.

reviewed relevant literature

Specifically highlights the act of reviewing existing materials.

FAQs

How can I use "undertook some reading" in a sentence?

You can use "undertook some reading" to describe a deliberate act of reading for a specific purpose, such as, "In preparation for the project, she "undertook some reading" on sustainable energy solutions."

What are some alternatives to "undertook some reading"?

Some alternatives include "engaged in some reading", "did some reading", or "conducted some reading", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "undertook some reading" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "undertook some reading" is generally considered more formal and is better suited for academic, professional, or official contexts. Simpler alternatives are preferable for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "undertook some reading" and "read up on"?

"Undertook some reading" implies a more structured and intentional approach to reading, while "read up on" suggests a more informal and general effort to become informed about a topic.