Take a cab

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take a cab" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting or instructing someone to use a taxi for transportation. Example: "If you're running late, you should take a cab to the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Take a cab up and bring a picnic.

The New York Times

Take a cab from Sleepy Hollow to Main Street and Route 9 in Tarrytown.

The New York Times

Take a cab, Uber or Lyft.

Huffington Post

Should I take a cab?

The New York Times

They take a cab to her house.

The New Yorker

"I'll take a cab home," he said.

The New Yorker

He wants to take a cab.

The New York Times

We didn't take a cab.

The New York Times

Can you take a cab?

The New York Times - Arts

"Tell him to take a cab".

The New York Times

We take a cab to my apartment.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For safety at night, recommend a cab instead of walking. For example: "The area isn't well lit, better "take a cab"."

Common error

While versatile, "take a cab" might sound too direct in very informal settings. Consider softening the command with phrases like "Why don't we "take a cab"?" for a more relaxed suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Take a cab" is to serve as an imperative, directly instructing or suggesting that someone use a taxi for transportation. Ludwig shows its practical application in various contexts, reflecting its common use in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Take a cab" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as an imperative to suggest or instruct someone to use a taxi. As Ludwig confirms, it is commonly found in news and media sources. While versatile, it's register is generally neutral to informal, and alternative phrases might be more appropriate for certain contexts. The phrase is a straightforward and practical way to address transportation needs, reflecting its common usage in everyday scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take a taxi

Uses the full word "taxi" instead of the shortened "cab".

Get a taxi

Uses "get" instead of "take", slightly altering the focus but maintaining the core instruction.

Catch a cab

Uses "catch" to mean obtaining a taxi, similar to "get".

Hail a cab

Implies signaling for a taxi, adding a specific action.

Grab a cab

Emphasizes quickness or urgency in getting a taxi.

Order a cab

Suggests booking or requesting a taxi in advance.

Call a cab

Specifies using a phone to request a taxi.

Taxi, please

A shortened, more direct way to request a taxi.

Use a ride-sharing service

Suggests using services like Uber or Lyft as an alternative.

Take public transport

Suggests using buses or subways instead of a taxi.

FAQs

How can I use "Take a cab" in a sentence?

You can use "Take a cab" as a suggestion or instruction. For instance, "If you're running late, "take a cab" to the meeting" or "It's raining heavily; you should "take a cab" home".

Are "Take a cab" and "Take a taxi" interchangeable?

Yes, "Take a taxi" and "Take a cab" are largely interchangeable. "Cab" is simply a shortened, more informal version of "taxi".

What are some alternatives to "Take a cab"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "Get a taxi", "Hail a cab", or "Order a taxi".

When is it appropriate to use "Take a cab"?

"Take a cab" is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts when suggesting someone use a taxi for transportation. In very formal contexts, "take a taxi" might be preferred.