# undertake

/ˈəndɝˌteɪk/ (US) · /ˌʌndətˈeɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/undertake
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to start a task

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to start a piece of work, a project, or a responsibility.

For teachers: to commit to and begin a specific task, project, or responsibility. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the activity.

- The university decided to undertake a major study on climate change.
- The engineering firm agreed to undertake the bridge restoration project, despite the significant logistical challenges posed by the winter weather.

Usage: Often used with nouns like 'task', 'study', 'project', or 'journey'.

### 2. to promise

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to promise or agree that you will do something.

For teachers: to pledge or formally commit oneself to an obligation or course of action. Often followed by a 'to' infinitive.

- The company will undertake to finish the repairs by the end of the week.
- The defendant must undertake to remain within the jurisdiction of the court until the trial has concluded.

Usage: Commonly followed by a 'to' infinitive clause.

### 3. to pass on the inside

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

to drive past a slower car using the lane on the left (in countries where people drive on the left).

For teachers: to overtake a slower vehicle on the nearside (the side closest to the verge or kerb).

- It is dangerous to undertake other cars on the motorway.
- The driver was pulled over by the police after he tried to undertake a lorry on a busy stretch of the M25.

Teaching tip: This is specifically British usage; in American English, this is simply called 'passing on the right'.

### 4. passing on the inside

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Informal

the act of driving past a slower car on the left side.

For teachers: the act of passing a slower-moving vehicle on the nearside.

- The police officer gave him a ticket for a dangerous undertake.
- Aggressive undertakes are a common cause of accidents on multi-lane highways where lane discipline is poor.

## Examples

- The university will undertake a major study on climate change.
- The construction firm agreed to undertake the bridge repair project despite the tight deadline and limited budget.
- Before you undertake such a massive renovation, you must ensure that you have secured all the necessary permits and have sufficient capital to cover unexpected structural repairs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.