Take the field

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take the field" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a sports context to indicate that a team or player is entering the playing area to begin a game or match. Example: "As the referee blew the whistle, the players took the field, ready to compete for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the Field expects to raise an additional $3.6 million from private sources this year.

The New York Times

"He excites me when we take the field," Manuel said.

The New York Times - Sports

I cannot make a team take the field of play.

Independent

He has yet to take the field for a snap.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, he said, he is eager to take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

And that meant the offense had to take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Players take the field shortly before 5 for batting practice.

The New York Times - Sports

We expect to win every time we take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes the offense does not even take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

A great stirring, inspiring anthem to take the field to!

The Guardian - Sport

You take the Cubs; I'll take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific sport or activity being referred to, as it is most commonly associated with sports.

Common error

Avoid using "Take the field" in situations that do not involve a literal or metaphorical field of play. For example, it would be unusual to say "The students took the field to study for their exams" unless the studying was framed as a competition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Take the field" is as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use to describe entering a playing area to compete. The phrase can also function metaphorically to describe entering any arena of competition or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Take the field" is a common idiom, primarily used in sports contexts to describe a team or individual entering the playing area to begin a game or match. Ludwig AI confirms that it's considered grammatically correct and is widely used. While predominantly found in sports journalism and informal settings, it can also be used metaphorically to describe entering any competitive arena. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly relates to sports or competition to avoid misinterpretation. While acceptable, other alternatives like "enter the arena" or "begin the game", are appropriate in alternative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Enter the arena

This alternative focuses on a more general term for a competitive space.

Step onto the pitch

This phrase is specific to field sports like soccer or rugby.

Begin the game

This alternative emphasizes the start of the competition itself.

Start the match

Similar to 'begin the game', but uses 'match' to refer to a competition.

Go on stage

This alternative is used in performing arts contexts.

Commence play

A formal way to indicate the beginning of a game or match.

Join the fray

This implies entering a chaotic or intense situation, often competitive.

Get into action

This is a broader phrase that signifies starting to participate actively.

Get underway

This phrase means to begin or start something.

Get started

A general phrase for initiating an activity or task.

FAQs

How is "Take the field" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "Take the field" is commonly used to describe a team or individual entering a playing area to begin a game or competition. For example, "The players "take the field" after the national anthem".

What are some alternatives to "Take the field"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "enter the arena", "step onto the pitch", or "begin the game".

Is "Take the field" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "Take the field" is more common in sports journalism and informal contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives that are more precise and less idiomatic.

Can "Take the field" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "Take the field" can be used metaphorically to describe entering any competitive arena, such as business or politics. For instance, "Several new candidates are preparing to "take the field" in the upcoming election".