I take offense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I take offense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something said or done has caused you to feel insulted or hurt. Example: "When he made that joke about my appearance, I took offense and decided to speak up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I take offense".

The New York Times

"I take offense at the idea that we've done nothing," he told me.

The New York Times

"I take offense to a lot of the stuff out there" that is "denigrating, meanspirited and salacious," she added.

The New York Times

I won't deny NPR's (or, quite obviously, my own) liberal leanings, but like Fallows, I take offense with the characterization.

The New Yorker

I take offense at the suggestion that doctors routinely discriminate in their care.

The New York Times - Science

But as an amateur ballroom dancer, I take offense at his method of making this point.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Obviously I took offense to it.

The New York Times - Sports

I took offense to it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I took offense to what he said, because I don't do drugs".

The New York Times

As retaliation, Officer Henn "did something I took offense to," Officer Sahni said, refusing to go into detail.

The New York Times

But as a teacher and as someone who attended public schools here, I took offense at her characterization of New York City public schools.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I take offense" when you want to express a direct and personal reaction to something you find insulting or disrespectful. This phrase is suitable for both spoken and written communication.

Common error

Avoid using "I take offense" in situations where a more subtle or diplomatic response is needed. Overusing it can come across as overly sensitive or confrontational. Consider whether a less direct expression of your feelings would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I take offense" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal reaction to something perceived as insulting or disrespectful. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, aligning with the Ludwig AI assessment that it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I take offense" is a common and direct way to express feeling insulted or disrespected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the situation and whether a more diplomatic approach is necessary. Alternatives such as "I am offended" or "I find that offensive" can offer varying degrees of politeness. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its widespread use in public discourse. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am offended

Directly states the feeling of being offended, simpler in structure.

I find that offensive

Shifts the focus to the offensive nature of the action or statement.

I resent that remark

Specifically addresses a remark, indicating strong displeasure.

I am insulted by that

Highlights the feeling of being insulted, focusing on personal dignity.

I am not pleased with that

A more polite way of expressing displeasure, suitable for formal contexts.

I object to that

Expresses disagreement or opposition, often used in formal settings.

That is unacceptable to me

Indicates a firm rejection of something due to its offensive nature.

I disapprove of that

Shows disapproval, which can stem from offense but isn't always as strong.

That is out of line

Suggests that someone has crossed a boundary, causing offense.

I am displeased by this

A formal way to express dissatisfaction, implying offense.

FAQs

How can I use "I take offense" in a sentence?

You can use "I take offense" to express that you feel insulted or aggrieved by something. For example, "I take offense at the suggestion that I was not being honest."

What's a more polite way to say "I take offense"?

If you want to be more polite, you could say "I am offended", "I find that offensive", or "I resent that remark" depending on the context.

Is "I take offence" the same as "I take offense"?

"I take offence" is an alternative spelling primarily used in British English, while "I take offense" is the standard spelling in American English. Both phrases have the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "I take offense"?

It's appropriate to use "I take offense" when you genuinely feel insulted or disrespected by someone's words or actions and want to express your displeasure directly.