undertook to

USAGE SUMMARY

"undertook to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to express someone's commitment or willingness to do something. It is often followed by an action verb. Example: The company undertook to complete the project within the given deadline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

McFeely undertook to do works.

The Guardian

Uddyotakara undertook to refute Nagarjuna and Dignaga.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She then undertook to reform her monastery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mark undertook to reverse this trend.

The New Yorker

Greeley undertook to finance Catherine's education.

The New Yorker

Sylvia undertook to counsel Michael herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Duch undertook to secure my release.

The New York Times

"Tamara" undertook to enact rather than merely assert this truth.

The New York Times

Kennedy shows how Jefferson undertook to deny Burr that route.

The New York Times - Books

Berezovsky undertook to replace Yeltsin with a new leader.

The New Yorker

Through learning, the powerful undertook to support the imaginative.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "undertook to" with a specific and measurable action. For example, "The team undertook to reduce operational costs by 15% in the next quarter."

Common error

Ensure the sentence clearly identifies who or what "undertook to" do something. Avoid ambiguity by making the subject explicit. For example, instead of "It was undertaken to improve safety," write "The committee undertook to improve safety."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertook to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a formal commitment or agreement to perform a specified action. It signifies a deliberate choice to assume responsibility for a particular task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertook to" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a formal commitment or agreement to perform a specific task. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used and acceptable in English writing. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, indicating its formal and professional nature. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating who or what undertook the action. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "agreed to" or "tried to". Overall, "undertook to" remains a strong choice when a writer wants to express a deliberate decision and commitment to action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committed to

Implies a strong sense of dedication and obligation, often involving a formal pledge.

pledged to

Suggests a formal and often public promise to do something.

resolved to

Emphasizes a firm decision and determination to achieve a goal.

agreed to

Indicates a mutual understanding and consent to perform a task.

set out to

Highlights the initiation of an effort with a specific aim in mind.

embarked on

Implies starting a significant or challenging project.

endeavored to

Suggests a sincere attempt to achieve something, often implying difficulty.

strove to

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in pursuing a goal.

aimed to

Focuses on the intention or objective of an action.

aspired to

Highlights the ambition and desire to achieve something significant.

FAQs

What does "undertook to" mean?

"Undertook to" means to commit or agree to do something; to take on a task or responsibility.

How can I use "undertook to" in a sentence?

Use "undertook to" to show that someone has committed to performing a specific action. For example: "The company "pledged to" reduce its carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "undertook to"?

You can use alternatives like "committed to", "agreed to", or ""pledged to"" depending on the context.

Is "undertook to" formal or informal?

"Undertook to" is generally considered a formal phrase. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "tried to" or "attempted to".