did not take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not take" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something failed to accept, receive, or utilize something in the past. Example: "She did not take the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, which she later regretted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did not take it.

The Economist

The bailout did not take.

The New York Times

Germany did not take part.

The New York Times - Books

They did not take vacations.

The New York Times - Sports

That did not take long.

The New York Times - Sports

He did not take questions.

The New York Times

They did not take place.

Cornell University

Alderson did not take questions.

The New York Times - Sports

She did not take offense.

The New York Times

They did not take fingerprints.

The Guardian

They did not take them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not take" consider the connotation. For example, "did not take kindly to" expresses disapproval, while "did not take the opportunity" expresses regret.

Common error

Avoid using "did not take" when a more precise verb could convey the meaning more effectively. For example, instead of "did not take into account", consider using "overlooked" or "disregarded" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not take" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the negation of an action. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to indicate refusal, failure to grasp an opportunity, or a negative reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not take" is a versatile phrase used to negate actions or express a lack of acceptance or participation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. It’s essential to consider the specific implication when using "did not take", and to choose the most appropriate alternative when precision is needed. The phrase enjoys high frequency and is used across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist, reinforcing its reliability in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to take

Emphasizes the failure to act or accept.

did not accept

Focuses on the lack of acceptance.

declined to take

Highlights a conscious refusal.

refused to take

Stronger emphasis on unwillingness.

did not seize

Implies a missed opportunity.

passed up

Informal way of saying an opportunity was missed.

overlooked

Suggests a failure to notice or consider.

neglected to take

Highlights a failure to care for or attend to.

omitted to take

Formal way of saying something was left out.

avoided taking

Indicates a deliberate act of evasion.

FAQs

How can I use "did not take" in a sentence?

You can use "did not take" to indicate a missed opportunity, a refused action, or a lack of acceptance. For instance, "He "did not take" the job offer" or "She "did not take" the criticism well".

What are some alternatives to "did not take"?

Alternatives include phrases like "failed to take", "declined to take", or "refused to take", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "didn't take" instead of "did not take"?

Yes, "didn't take" is a contraction of "did not take" and is perfectly acceptable in informal writing and speech. "Did not take" is more formal and can be used in professional or academic contexts.

What does it mean when someone "did not take it well"?

When someone "did not take it well", it means they reacted negatively or were upset by something, such as criticism or bad news. It implies they were not accepting or understanding of the situation.