vast undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project or task that is large in scope, complexity, or significance. Example: "The construction of the new bridge is a vast undertaking that will take several years to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is a vast undertaking.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this is a vast undertaking.

University of California, Berkeley

The project is a vast undertaking.

The New York Times

And it could be a vast undertaking to get all the drug testing done.

The New York Times - Health

These three volumes are the beginning of a vast undertaking to be completed in 13.

The Guardian - Books

It is a vast undertaking, not in the cast or the physical production, but in time.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It is also the first account that argues that the commission's founding director, the visionary imperialist Sir Fabian Ware, was the driving force behind this vast memorial undertaking and not just the servant of history.

The Guardian - Books

It also notes that the Allied powers did not execute the "rank and file SS officers who ran the German concentration camps, but reserved the death penalty for the very highest-ranking civilian and military officials who conceived and directed this vast criminal undertaking".

The New York Times

Let's assume it is doable, what would be the cost of such a vast human undertaking?

BBC

Producing the hub of such a vast commercial undertaking brings its own pressures.

Los Angeles Times

Almost 1.8 million people died from TB in 2007 [1] despite vast campaigns undertaken by national and international agencies to control and eliminate this infection.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project, use "vast undertaking" to convey not just its size but also its complexity and the resources it requires. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the comprehensive nature of a task.

Common error

Avoid using "vast undertaking" in casual conversation or informal writing. While grammatically correct, its formal tone can sound unnatural in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big project" or "huge job".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vast' modifies 'undertaking'. It is primarily used to describe a project or task of considerable size, complexity, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show how it is used to describe diverse projects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vast undertaking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe endeavors of considerable scale and complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples presented demonstrate its usage across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it is best suited for formal and professional contexts, as overusing it in casual conversations might sound unnatural. Alternative expressions, such as "immense project" or "extensive operation", can provide similar meanings with slight variations in connotation. When aiming to emphasize the magnitude of a task, "vast undertaking" remains a powerful and precise choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense project

Replaces "undertaking" with "project", focusing on the scale of the endeavor.

extensive operation

Uses "operation" instead of "undertaking", suggesting a more organized and planned effort, while retaining the sense of scale with "extensive".

colossal endeavor

Replaces both "vast" and "undertaking" with synonyms, highlighting the ambition and scale of the task.

large-scale initiative

Emphasizes the scope and proactive nature of the undertaking using "initiative".

monumental task

Focuses on the size and difficulty of the work, suggesting it is significant and challenging.

major enterprise

Highlights the commercial or organizational aspect of the undertaking.

ambitious scheme

Implies a planned project, potentially with high goals and a degree of risk.

complex operation

Stresses the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task.

herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense strength and effort required, drawing a parallel to the mythical hero Hercules.

mammoth job

Uses a more informal term, "job", while maintaining the sense of scale with "mammoth".

FAQs

How can I use "vast undertaking" in a sentence?

You can use "vast undertaking" to describe projects or tasks that are large in scope, complex, or significant. For example, "The construction of the new subway system is a "vast undertaking" that will take several years to complete."

What are some alternatives to "vast undertaking"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "immense project", "extensive operation", or "colossal endeavor" as alternatives to "vast undertaking".

When is it appropriate to use "vast undertaking"?

"Vast undertaking" is suitable for formal writing, reports, or presentations where you need to emphasize the significant scale and complexity of a project. It's less appropriate for casual conversations or informal writing.

Is "vast undertaking" the same as "big project"?

While both phrases refer to a large task, "vast undertaking" implies a higher degree of complexity and ambition than "big project". "Big project" is more informal and general, while "vast undertaking" suggests a more significant and challenging effort.