Take heed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take heed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to pay attention or be cautious about something important. Example: "As you navigate through the forest, take heed of the warning signs indicating dangerous areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take heed clubbers!

Independent

Take heed, Andy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Take heed, movie theater chains.

The New York Times

Take Heed or Fail!" — from 1984.

The New York Times - Arts

Take heed: the king has spoken.

The New York Times - Sports

Take heed.

The New York Times

Take heed of former highflier Qwest Communications.

Forbes

Take heed of enemies reconciled, and of meat twice boiled.

Forbes

Take heed politicians.

Huffington Post

Take heed world.

Huffington Post

Take heed, Bristol.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take heed", ensure the context involves a situation where paying attention or being cautious is crucial for avoiding negative consequences or achieving a desired outcome. This phrase is particularly effective when introducing a warning or important piece of advice.

Common error

Avoid using "take heed" in contexts where the situation is not serious or the advice is obvious. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "pay attention" or "note this" in less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take heed" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to pay attention and be cautious. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from news articles to personal advice, emphasizing the importance of heeding a warning or instruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take heed" is a phrase used to urge attention and caution, particularly in response to warnings or important advice. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, but also in other contexts. While effective in serious situations, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "pay attention" or "be careful" may be more appropriate in less critical contexts. This emphasizes the importance of considering the specific context and desired tone when choosing the most suitable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pay attention

This alternative is a more straightforward and common way to express the need to focus on something important.

Be careful

This alternative focuses on caution and avoiding potential danger or mistakes.

Take note

This alternative emphasizes the importance of remembering or recording something for future reference.

Listen up

This alternative is a more direct and informal way to command attention, often used in a group setting.

Bear in mind

This alternative highlights the need to remember or consider something significant.

Be aware

This alternative focuses on being conscious and informed about a particular situation or fact.

Mind you

This alternative is used to add a cautionary or qualifying remark, often implying a potential drawback or exception.

Mark my words

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's certainty about a future event or outcome, urging the listener to remember their prediction.

Consider this

This alternative invites contemplation and reflection on a particular point or idea.

Take warning

This alternative specifically conveys the need to heed a warning sign or potential threat.

FAQs

What does "Take heed" mean?

"Take heed" means to pay close attention and be cautious, often in response to a warning or important piece of advice. It's a call to be mindful and avoid potential negative consequences.

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

You can use "take heed" when you want to emphasize the importance of paying attention to something. For example, "Take heed of the warning signs" or "Take heed of this advice".

What are some alternatives to "Take heed"?

Alternatives to "Take heed" include "pay attention", "be careful", "take note", or "bear in mind". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "Take heed" formal or informal?

"Take heed" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "pay attention" or "listen up". It is often used in writing or in situations where a serious tone is appropriate. For more casual settings, consider using a less formal phrase.