undertake

/ˌʌndəˈteɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndərˈteɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-dər-ˈtāk/ (ame, mw)

undertake — verb

  • undertakepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • undertakeshe / she / it
  • undertookpast simple
  • undertakenpast participle
  • undertaking-ing form

1. to start working on a task, project, or responsibility, especially one that is l

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to start working on a task, project, or responsibility, especially one that is large or challenging.

例句

The research team undertook a detailed survey of local river water quality last spring.

collocation: undertake a survey / a study / a project

Before undertaking any major home renovation, compare prices from at least three builders.

同義詞
  • take on

    less formal; emphasises accepting a responsibility, often one offered by someone else

  • carry out

    focuses on the execution or completion rather than the start

  • embark on

    more literary; highlights the beginning of a long process or journey

反義詞
  • abandon

    to stop doing something after starting it

  • avoid

    to stay away from a responsibility or task

文法句型

undertake + noun phrase (task / project / study / job)

用法筆記

Frequently used with nouns that describe work, research, or responsibilities (a project, a study, a task, a review). The object is typically something that requires effort over time.

常見錯誤

❌He took over the project' (when meaning he started it).
✅He undertook the project
💡'take over' means you assume control from someone else; 'undertake' means you start or assume responsibility yourself.

2. to formally agree or promise to do something, often creating a sense of obligati

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to formally agree or promise to do something, often creating a sense of obligation or commitment.

例句

The landlord undertook to repair the broken heating system within a week.

undertake + to-infinitive for a formal promise

Both governments have undertaken to cut carbon emissions by forty percent before 2035.

passive perfect: have undertaken to [verb]

同義詞
  • promise

    less formal; used in everyday situations

  • pledge

    stronger emotional or moral commitment; common in political contexts

  • commit to

    emphasises dedication and follow-through; takes a gerund or noun

反義詞

文法句型

undertake + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Almost always followed by a to-infinitive clause ('undertook to do something'). Cannot take a that-clause (*'I undertook that I would go'). More formal than 'promise' or 'agree' — common in legal, business, and official contexts.

常見錯誤

❌She undertook that she would finish by Friday.
✅She undertook to finish by Friday.
💡'undertake' takes a to-infinitive, not a that-clause.
❌I undertake I will help.
✅I undertake to help.
💡same rule.

3. to drive past a slower vehicle on its left side when both are travelling the sam

3.動詞及物B1
釋義

to drive past a slower vehicle on its left side when both are travelling the same way, as is done on British roads.

例句

On British motorways you may only undertake in slow-moving or queuing traffic.

British traffic rule context

Niran was fined for undertaking a lorry on the hard shoulder of the motorway.

同義詞
  • pass

    neutral, everyday term for going past another vehicle

  • overtake

    antonym in British driving context; means pass on the right

反義詞
  • overtake

    in British English, passing on the right (the normal, legal manoeuvre)

文法句型

undertake + noun phrase (a car / a lorry / a bus)

用法筆記

The opposite of 'overtake'. In British driving, 'overtake' means pass on the right (the normal, legal way); 'undertake' means pass on the left, which is usually illegal except in slow-moving or queued traffic. This sense is rarely used outside the UK and Ireland.

常見錯誤

❌He undertook the car on the right.
✅He undertook the car on the left.
💡'undertake' specifically means passing on the left side in British English.