assume office

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume office" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone taking up an official responsibility or position, usually for a specified length of time. For example, "On November 3, 2020, Joe Biden assumed office as the 46th President of the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Duterte, who will assume office on 30 June, also said he would offer bounties to law enforcement officers who killed drug traffickers.

The Guardian

Vázquez was to assume office on March 1 , 2005

Encyclopedia Britannica

If too many of them assume office, Malaysia's government could be hampered by fractious political skirmishing.

The Economist

New leaders often condemn the venality of their predecessors, only to exceed it when they assume office.

The New Yorker

Mr. Morsi, a religious conservative, will assume office dogged by serious questions about his commitment to desperately needed reforms.

The New York Times

Mrs. Megawati has been preparing herself for months to assume office and has already put in place an executive structure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He assumed office on February 3 of that year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cardin assumed office in 2007.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tsipras assumed office in January.

The Guardian - Business

Taylor, who died before Jerome assumed office.

The New Yorker

Mr. González Macchi assumed office in 1999.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume office", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific position or role being taken. For instance, "The newly elected president will "assume office" in January."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "assume office". It is not typically followed by "of" or "for". Instead, use it as a transitive verb, like "He will "assume office" next week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume office" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an official role or position. It's used to describe when someone formally begins their duties in a specific office, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assume office" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase signifying the commencement of an official role or position. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register and serves to inform the audience about transitions in leadership or responsibility. When writing, it is best to directly state the role assumed and avoid incorrect prepositions. Alternatives such as "take office" or "begin tenure" can be used to provide variety. As evidenced by numerous examples, including those found through Ludwig, this phrase is a staple in describing political and professional transitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take office

Emphasizes the act of taking or beginning a position.

begin tenure

Focuses on the period of time one holds a position.

start term

Highlights the beginning of a defined period in office.

enter upon duties

Stresses the commencement of responsibilities.

come into power

Implies gaining authority or control.

take up the reins

Suggests assuming control or leadership.

be inaugurated

Specifically refers to a formal ceremony marking the beginning of a term.

be installed

Implies a formal placement into a position.

accede to power

Focuses on the process of attaining power.

embark on incumbency

Emphasizes the commencement of the period in office.

FAQs

How to use "assume office" in a sentence?

Use "assume office" to describe the act of taking up an official position or role. For example, "The new CEO will "assume office" on Monday".

What can I say instead of "assume office"?

You can use alternatives like "take office", "begin tenure", or "start term" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "assume office" or "assume the office"?

"Assume office" is generally preferred. "Assume the office" is grammatically correct, but less common. Using ""assume office"" sounds more natural and concise.

What's the difference between "assume office" and "come into power"?

"Assume office" refers specifically to taking up a position, often after an election or appointment. "Come into power" is broader and can refer to gaining authority through various means, not necessarily a formal office.