while undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening simultaneously with the act of undertaking a task or responsibility. Example: "While undertaking the project, we encountered several unexpected challenges that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said he was captured in October last year, while undertaking humanitarian work in Syria.

The Guardian

Hanger said: "Four young men died while undertaking installations funded by the home insulation program.

The Guardian

While undertaking the necessary modernization, they also tried, successfully, to retain its original charm.

The New York Times

Amber Heard has described coming out as bisexual while undertaking lead roles in the film industry.

Independent

Billie Piper and Jonjo O'Neill will star as the lovers who meet while undertaking a pharmaceutical research trial.

The Guardian

But the idea that we can't be fiscally responsible while undertaking public investment at the same time is a myth.

The New York Times

so that Chinese firms can meet challenges while undertaking their obligations," he said in a recent China Daily article.

The New York Times

During the first year the government announced there would be no further recruitment of ambulance technicians (a job he needed while undertaking the three-year paramedic degree).

The Guardian

Like them, Eye (pronounced "I") is a Dadaist ham: he flirts with lunacy and embraces comedy while undertaking strenuous musical explorations.

The New Yorker

In 1958, while undertaking an anthropological study of Weyburn hospital, Saskatchewan, Francis participated in Humphrey Osmond's research on the therapeutic value of LSD for alcohol addiction.

The Guardian

She said that Mr. Sullivan would have been required to disclose the sponsorship had he accepted the money while undertaking an assignment involving the drug industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while undertaking", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being undertaken and what action is happening simultaneously. For instance, "While undertaking the research, we discovered new data."

Common error

Avoid shifting verb tenses within the sentence. If the main clause uses the past tense, the undertaking should also be in a past or past participle form. For example, avoid: "While undertaking the experiment, the results are analyzed". Instead, use "While undertaking the experiment, the results were analyzed".

Linguistic Context

"While undertaking" functions as a conjunctional phrase, linking a subordinate clause of time or circumstance to a main clause. This structure indicates that two actions are occurring concurrently. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while undertaking" is a versatile conjunctional phrase used to indicate concurrent actions, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its frequency in news, scientific, and formal business contexts makes it a valuable tool for writers. Remember to maintain consistent verb tenses and ensure clarity in your sentences. Consider alternatives such as "during the undertaking of" or "whilst carrying out" depending on the specific context and desired formality. Ludwig's analysis shows it is a correct and usable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while performing

A simpler, more direct alternative.

whilst carrying out

A slightly more formal British English alternative.

in the course of

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

in the process of undertaking

Highlights the sequential nature of the action.

during the undertaking of

More formal and emphasizes the duration of the activity.

as you carry out

More direct and conversational.

when engaged in undertaking

Emphasizes the state of being involved in the activity.

during the execution of

More formal and emphasizes the completion of a specific task.

when pursuing

Highlights the act of striving towards a goal.

as one undertakes

Shifts the focus to the agent performing the action, adding a sense of purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "while undertaking" connects a continuous action with an ongoing task or project. For example, "While undertaking research, we discovered new insights" or "While undertaking renovations, they found an old artifact".

What are some alternatives to "while undertaking"?

Alternatives include "during the process of", "whilst carrying out", or "in the course of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "while undertaking" and "during undertaking"?

"While undertaking" is generally preferred because "while" indicates simultaneous actions. "During undertaking" is less common and can sound awkward. Using phrases like "during the process of" or "during the course of" is generally better than "during undertaking".

Is "while undertaking" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "while undertaking" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly used in academic, business, and news contexts. However, consider whether a more concise alternative like "during" or "as" might be more appropriate depending on the specific sentence structure.