a retake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a retake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a second attempt at something, such as a test, exam, or film scene. Example: "After reviewing the footage, the director decided that a retake was necessary to capture the scene more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The press was summoned back, for a retake.

The New York Times

GOA... Hang on, the ref orders a retake.

The Guardian - Sport

You can only apologise for restarting play too soon, and award a retake.

The Guardian - Sport

There they needn't fear a muffed scene so much; they can always ask for a retake.

The New Yorker

"Are you also a Marxist?" Before I could answer, the choir scene was ready for a retake.

The New York Times

A clam is a bad note that comes up during the making of a record, which usually necessitates a retake.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

I am an A-level retake student who has just received his results.

BBC

Benfica's top-scorer Cardozo kept his nerve to place the ball past Krul from a retaken penalty.

BBC

Previously they knew that they had a January retake opportunity.

Independent

He gave a penalty that wasn't, didn't give one that was and ordered a bizarre retake.

The Guardian - Sport

These students were encouraged to visit a refresher course and to retake an equivalent test afterwards.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a retake" in the context of film or photography, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to a single shot or an entire scene that needs re-shooting. Be specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a retake" when the situation calls for a completely different approach or strategy. A "retake" implies a repetition with adjustments, not a radical change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a retake" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies the act of repeating something, usually with the intention of improving upon the initial attempt. Ludwig examples show its usage in film, sports, and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a retake" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase signifying a second attempt or repetition, typically to improve upon a previous effort. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news, media, and sports contexts, maintains a neutral register, and serves to indicate the need for or possibility of correcting errors or enhancing quality. While versatile, consider the formality of the situation and choose alternatives like "second attempt" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a second attempt

Emphasizes the act of trying again after an initial attempt.

a redo

Suggests a complete re-execution of the task or action.

another try

A simple and direct way of saying to attempt something again.

a revision

Focuses on improving something through editing or modification.

a further attempt

A more formal way to indicate another try.

a repeat performance

Implies a re-enactment or duplication of a previous event.

a fresh start

Suggests beginning anew, often after a failure.

a second chance

Emphasizes the opportunity to correct past mistakes.

a new version

Highlights that the output is a modified or improved iteration.

a revised edition

Commonly used in publishing and academia, indicating updates.

FAQs

How can I use "a retake" in a sentence?

You can use "a retake" when referring to a second attempt at something, like "The director called for "a retake" of the scene" or "I need "a retake" on the exam to improve my grade".

What is an alternative to "a retake"?

Alternatives include "a second attempt", "a redo", or "another try", depending on the context. Each conveys the idea of trying again.

When is it appropriate to use "a retake" versus other alternatives?

"A retake" is most suitable when referring to repeating a specific action or performance with minor adjustments. For a completely new approach, phrases like "a fresh start" or "a rethink" might be more appropriate.

Is "a retake" formal or informal?

"A retake" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a second attempt" or "a further attempt".