undertake
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to start a piece of work, a project, or a responsibility.
v.to commit to and begin a specific task, project, or responsibility. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the activity.
Simple“The university decided to undertake a major study on climate change.”
In context“The engineering firm agreed to undertake the bridge restoration project, despite the significant logistical challenges posed by the winter weather.”
UsageOften used with nouns like 'task', 'study', 'project', or 'journey'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to promise or agree that you will do something.
v.to pledge or formally commit oneself to an obligation or course of action. Often followed by a 'to' infinitive.
Simple“The company will undertake to finish the repairs by the end of the week.”
In context“The defendant must undertake to remain within the jurisdiction of the court until the trial has concluded.”
UsageCommonly followed by a 'to' infinitive clause.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to drive past a slower car using the lane on the left (in countries where people drive on the left).
v.to overtake a slower vehicle on the nearside (the side closest to the verge or kerb).
Simple“It is dangerous to undertake other cars on the motorway.”
In context“The driver was pulled over by the police after he tried to undertake a lorry on a busy stretch of the M25.”
Teacher's tipThis is specifically British usage; in American English, this is simply called 'passing on the right'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.the act of driving past a slower car on the left side.
n.the act of passing a slower-moving vehicle on the nearside.
Simple“The police officer gave him a ticket for a dangerous undertake.”
In context“Aggressive undertakes are a common cause of accidents on multi-lane highways where lane discipline is poor.”
Usage currently undertake · undertake activity · undertake analysis
“Top tip: No matter what project you undertake, stay open-minded.”
“The King and Queen will undertake a royal visit to Antigua and Barbuda during an autumn tour, Buckingham Palace has announced.”
From Middle English undertaken; equivalent to under- + take (after undernim).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.