undertake

Everyday

1. To agree to do a piece of work or take on a job or task, often a big or hard one. tree →
2. To promise to do something: He undertook to pay the money back. tree →
3. (UK, informal driving) To overtake a vehicle on the wrong side (the inside lane). tree →

In the lessons

In formal language and exams, «undertake a project» means start and take responsibility for it. In science, you undertake an investigation. In UK driving talk, undertaking on a motorway is passing on the left, which is dangerous. Noun: undertaking (a big task or promise).

Examples

• Our class undertook a project on recycling. tree →
• Scientists undertook a long study of whales. tree →
• She undertook to look after the class hamster. tree →
• Building the new bridge is a huge undertaking. tree →
• Don't undertake a long hike without enough water. tree →
• It is dangerous to undertake on the motorway. tree →
• “I will undertake the defence,” said Fionn. tree →

Note

Irregular like take: undertook, undertaken. Formal; everyday words: take on, do, promise. Not linked in meaning to «undertaker».