ENGLISH
REFERENCE

undertook

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌəndɝˈtʊk// UK //ˌʌndətˈʊk// un·der·took

v. started a task or a job, especially one that takes a long time or is difficult.

v. the past tense of 'undertake'; refers to having committed oneself to and begun a specific task, responsibility, or journey.


SIMPLE

She undertook the difficult task of cleaning the entire house.

CONTEXTUAL

The university undertook a massive renovation project to modernize the science labs before the new semester.

COMPLEX

The explorers undertook a perilous journey across the frozen tundra, knowing that their supplies would barely last until they reached the coastal outpost.

Synonyms
Usage

Transitive; requires a direct object representing the task or responsibility.

Pitfall

He has undertook the workHe has undertaken the workLearners often confuse the past tense 'undertook' with the past participle 'undertaken' in perfect tenses.

© 2026 English Reference