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Infinik Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

when to use "undergo"?

hi there

I'm not sure how to use the word "undergo" as a verb, particularly in scientific writing.

I've seen a lot of usage such as "undergoing oscillation", "undergoing compression", "undergoing the motion". The question is, why not use "oscillating", "compressing/compressed/being compressed" directly? Does undergoing have more than "be subject to" meaning in such condition?

You would say "the spring undergoing ocsillation" but not "the projector undergoing display(ing)", wouldn't you?
Or "the layer undergoing compression" = "the layer being compressed"?
You would say "the company undergoes a massive restructuring" but not "the company restructures massively"??

Thanks in advance

i
  

Top answer

Infinik The question is, why not use "oscillating", "compressing/compressed/being compressed" directly? Does undergoing have more than "be subject to" meaning in such condition? The exact context might make one or the other more appropriate stylistically.

— CalifJim

  • Infinik The question is, why not use "oscillating", "compressing/compressed/being compressed" directly?
  • Does undergoing have more than "be subject to" meaning in such condition?
  • The exact context might make one or the other more appropriate stylistically.
  • It might depend on the rhythm of the sentence.
  • Infinik You would say "the spring undergoing ocsillation" but not "the projector undergoing display(ing)", wouldn't you?
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2 Answers
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InfinikThe question is, why not use "oscillating", "compressing/compressed/being compressed" directly? Does undergoing have more than "be subject to" meaning in such condition?
The exact context might make one or the other more appropriate stylistically. It might depend on the rhythm of the sentence.
InfinikYou would say "the spring u
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Alright, so it shouldn't deviate from the meaning, but just a way it is written. I was afraid it would mean differently, even if slightly, such as sounding passive or something.
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