undertook the duties of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undertook the duties of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who has taken on specific responsibilities or roles, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "She undertook the duties of project manager during the absence of her supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When he seized power, Mr. ben Ali said Mr. Bourguiba had "become totally incapable of undertaking the duties of the presidency".

The New York Times

RAM means the Restricted Access Management division in the Alaska Regional Office of NMFS or the office that undertakes the duties of this division to issue or manage quota shares.

Cornell University

Lord Kitchener undertakes the duties of the office for the time being in view of the emergency created by the war and his post in Egypt will be kept open.

The Guardian

The title, apart from being a nod to the tyranny of managerial buzz phrases, refers to the shift from the geriatric ward to domestic life for Kim Wilde Jo Brandd), as she undertakes the duties of her new job as a community domiciliary care assistant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While they may not have been writing grant reports of marking exams, they were likely seeking patronage, carrying on journalistic careers, undertaking the duties of a doctor or a vicar, teaching, family business or otherwise making a – usually non-scientific – living.

The Guardian

A police doctor certified him as "unfit to undertake the duties of a police constable" and diagnosed him with "severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder".

BBC

He was certified by a force doctor as "unfit to undertake the duties of a police constable" and was diagnosed with "severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder".

BBC

The camouflage of snakes, female birds that "undertake the duty of incubation", birds' eggs, mammals, fish, and marine molluscs is briefly covered.

Wikipedia

It lays no blame on anyone at those organisations for these failures: it is clear that they do not have the resources they need in terms of staffing to undertake the duties demanded of them by parliament". HMRC has lost more than 30,000 staff in recent years and will lose another 15,000 by 2014 under coalition spending cuts.

The Guardian - Business

But in the summer, after she had moved from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, she undertook the routine duties of the sovereign and carried out her first state opening of Parliament on November 4, 1952.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thwaite, a distinguished poet and critic and a longtime friend of Larkin's, was delighted to discover, as he undertook, in 1986, the duties of a literary executor, that the deceased poet had been a methodical preserver of his own drafts and copious youthful efforts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertook the duties of", ensure the context clearly defines the specific responsibilities being assumed. Be specific about the tasks or obligations involved to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "undertook the duties of" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "took on" or "handled" to maintain a natural and approachable tone in casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertook the duties of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the assumption and commencement of specific responsibilities or tasks. It often introduces a description of the roles or functions someone has begun to perform. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undertook the duties of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the assumption and commencement of specific responsibilities. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use in formal contexts. Given its professional tone, it's best employed in scenarios where a degree of formality is required. While there is limited frequency due to lack of examples, related phrases such as "assumed the responsibilities of" or "discharged the duties of" can be alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed the responsibilities of

Replaces "undertook" with "assumed", emphasizing the act of taking on responsibilities.

took on the responsibilities of

Uses "took on" instead of "undertook", providing a slightly less formal tone.

carried out the functions of

Focuses on the execution of functions rather than the undertaking.

discharged the duties of

Emphasizes the fulfillment of obligations associated with a role.

performed the tasks of

Replaces "duties" with "tasks", suggesting a more concrete set of actions.

executed the responsibilities of

Highlights the execution aspect with a slightly more formal tone.

fulfilled the obligations of

Stresses the mandatory nature of the duties being performed.

served in the capacity of

Emphasizes the role or position in which the duties were performed.

acted in the role of

Focuses on the temporary or substitute nature of performing the duties.

administered the affairs of

Implies a management or oversight role in performing the duties.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "undertook the duties of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "assumed the responsibilities of" or "discharged the duties of". These options emphasize the serious and official nature of the responsibilities.

What are some simpler alternatives to "undertook the duties of" for everyday conversation?

In less formal settings, you can use phrases like "took on", "handled", or "was in charge of" to convey the same meaning in a more relaxed way.

Is "undertook the duties of" appropriate for a resume or cover letter?

Yes, "undertook the duties of" is suitable for resumes and cover letters, particularly when describing past roles and responsibilities. However, ensure the phrasing aligns with the overall tone of your application. Alternatives like "managed", "oversaw", or "executed" might be more impactful depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "undertook the duties of" and "performed the duties of"?

"Undertook the duties of" implies the act of starting or taking on responsibilities, whereas "performed the duties of" emphasizes the actual execution or completion of those responsibilities. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the initiation or the completion of the tasks.