underwent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "underwent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "underwent" when you want to describe an event or experience in which something changed. For example: "The town underwent a dramatic transformation following the construction of a new highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Training Most of the defendants, whom Babar called the "Crawley lot", visited him there, where they underwent terrorist training in explosives techniques and worked out how to get bomb components and bring them to the UK.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for the Royal Victoria hospital confirmed Robinson had a medical procedure after he arrived there, saying: "Mr Robinson underwent a procedure this morning and is currently recovering.

The Guardian

But The Jump underwent a root-and-branch overhaul.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The whole Plaza de Toros complex underwent a refurbishment in the 1970s when canny restaurateurs realised that its high ceilings and open brickwork would provide the perfect setting for a series of bars and eateries.

The Guardian - Travel

Just one in five women with breast cancer underwent surgery, considered the highest impact treatment for cancer, after being diagnosed in an emergency compared to four out of five when referred by a GP.

The Guardian

Drayton Manor theme park, which is also located in Staffordshire, defended its safety procedures and said its rides underwent a "rigorous" daily inspection.

The Guardian

A diabetic, Di Stéfano underwent a quadruple aorta-coronary bypass with a pacemaker implanted in December 2005 after suffering a myocardial infarction.

The Guardian - Sport

In desperation Gündogan recently underwent treatment from a specialist at a children's hospital in Crimea, right in the midst of the Ukrainian civil unrest.

The Guardian - Sport

Sitting in a restaurant in central London, Gregory looks and sounds remarkably well for a man who underwent open heart surgery at the start of the year and it says much about the speed of his recovery that he is already talking about the next chapter of a managerial career that in recent times has taken him from Israel to Crawley via Kazakhstan.

The Guardian - Sport

The doctor, who prefers not to be named, laughs as I explain the machines I saw in Iganga and the test I underwent in Kampala.

The Guardian

Many of around 30 street prostitutes underwent drug treatment and the scheme was widely recognised as a success.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underwent" to describe a formal or significant process of change or treatment. For instance, "The company underwent a major restructuring" is more appropriate than "The company went through a major restructuring" in a business context.

Common error

Avoid using "underwent" in very informal or casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "went through" or "experienced" would be more natural. Using "underwent" in overly casual settings can sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underwent" is as the main verb in a sentence, specifically in the past tense. It indicates that the subject of the sentence experienced or was subjected to a particular process, treatment, or change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "underwent" functions as the past tense of the verb "undergo", signifying that someone or something has experienced a particular process, treatment, or change. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English, particularly when describing a formal or significant event. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "went through" exist, "underwent" carries a more formal tone, making it suitable for professional and technical writing. Common errors involve using "underwent" in excessively casual settings where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate. In conclusion, understanding the nuances of "underwent" ensures its effective use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went through

A more informal way of saying "underwent", suitable for everyday conversation.

experienced

Focuses on the subjective feeling or state during a process rather than the process itself.

went under

Often used specifically in the context of surgery or medical procedures.

was subjected to

Implies a more passive role, suggesting something was imposed upon the subject.

was put through

Similar to "was subjected to" but slightly less formal.

endured

Suggests a difficult or challenging experience.

participated in

Highlights active involvement in a process or activity.

undertook

Implies a deliberate and purposeful engagement in a process or task.

passed through

Emphasizes the transient nature of an experience.

realized

When used with transformations, it can mean underwent. Emphasis on the act of realizing the transformation.

FAQs

How is "underwent" typically used in a sentence?

"Underwent" is the past tense of "undergo", used to describe someone or something that has experienced a process, treatment, or change. For example, "The patient "underwent surgery"" or "The city "underwent renovation"".

What are some alternatives to using "underwent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "experienced", "went through", or "was subjected to". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "underwent" in place of "went through"?

While "underwent" and "went through" can often be used interchangeably, "underwent" is generally more formal. Use "went through" in casual contexts, and reserve "underwent" for more formal or technical writing.

What does it mean when something "underwent a transformation"?

When something "underwent a transformation", it means it experienced a significant change in form, appearance, or nature. This suggests a fundamental shift or alteration.