Useful word: 'undergo' (and why collocation is so important)
'undergo' is a really useful word.
For example in Academic Writing Task 1:
- The town underwent a complete transformation.
- In May, gas prices underwent a significant increase.
But when I saw this advert for a (very expensive) course, I asked myself "Can you undergo a COURSE?"
Look at the definition of 'undergo':
- to experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant or arduous).
e.g. "he underwent a life-saving brain operation"
I asked Ludwig.guru.
Most collocations with 'undergo' are related to medical treatment/surgery.
The ONLY example I could find of undergoing a COURSE was this:
- The England player was fined and ordered by his club to undergo a course in diversity awareness.
(i.e. he was FORCED to do it, against his will).
Therefore, I think this advert is completely wrong, and I shall not be giving them my money!
Full set of collocations and meanings:
- undergo [a procedure, an operation]
- is undergoing [treatment, therapy, surgery] (for) [cancer]
- has undergone a major [change, breakup, move]
- undergo (further) [training, testing, renovation, development]
- has undergone (extensive) [training]
- undergo [regular, frequent, significant, major, minor, minimal, invasive] treatment
- undergo (additional) [scrutiny, examination, screening]
- underwent [starvation, deprivation, hardships]
- underwent years of [starvation]
- has undergone more than most (people)
