I took note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to formally note something to remember something. For example, "I took note of the instructions she gave for the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I took note that the N.J.

The New Yorker

And so I took note.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I took note of it mentally.

The New York Times - Sports

I took note of every one of his wonderful inconsistencies.

The New Yorker

As the brother of Gen. A. B. Johnston, I took note of all he said.

The New York Times

"I took note of it because I was feeling strangely fresh".

The New York Times - Sports

I took note of one stand I plan to frequent, which is entirely devoted to meatballs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I took notes.

The New Yorker

I took notes on the décor.

The New York Times - Magazine

I took notes the whole time.

The New York Times - Books

I took notes of everything he wrote.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal documentation or reports, consider the register of your audience and environment and be sure that the expression is appropriate. The term can be replaced by more appropriate or succinct synonyms if required, such as "I noticed" or "I registered".

Common error

Avoid using "I took note" in extremely informal settings or casual conversations where simpler phrases like "I saw" or "I noticed" might be more appropriate. Always consider your audience when choosing your phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took note" functions as an expression indicating observation and remembrance of something. It is used to convey that the speaker or writer has consciously paid attention to and registered something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct usage across a variety of source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I took note" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate observation and remembrance. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, it conveys a sense of professionalism and can be used effectively to highlight the relevance of observed information. Remember to consider your audience and avoid overuse in overly casual settings where simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I observed

A more direct synonym, focusing on the act of watching and noticing.

I noticed

Highlights the act of becoming aware of something.

I paid attention

Emphasizes the effort of focusing on something.

I made a mental note

Specifically indicates remembering something for later.

I registered

Implies a more formal acknowledgment or recording of something.

I was mindful

Implies being aware and attentive.

I kept in mind

Highlights the act of remembering something relevant.

I acknowledged

Suggests recognizing and accepting something.

I considered

Suggests thinking about something carefully.

I bore in mind

A more formal or literary way of saying 'I kept in mind'.

FAQs

What does "I took note" mean?

The phrase "I took note" means that you paid attention to something and registered it in your mind, often implying that it's important or relevant. It suggests a conscious effort to observe and remember information.

How can I use "I took note" in a sentence?

You can use "I took note" to indicate that you observed something significant. For example, "I took note of the unusual behavior of the system /s/system+administrator" or "I took note of the key arguments presented in the discussion /s/key+arguments".

What can I say instead of "I took note"?

You can use alternatives like "I observed", "I noticed", or "I paid attention" depending on the context.

Is "I took note" formal or informal?

The phrase "I took note" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for professional writing, news articles, and academic contexts, but may sound somewhat stilted in very casual conversations.