he took

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he took" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action where someone has taken something or made a choice in the past. Example: "He took the last piece of cake before anyone else had a chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He took everything out.

The New Yorker

He took the Coke.

The New Yorker

He took full responsibility.

The New York Times

He took it professionally.

Independent

Miraculously, he took it.

The New York Times

He took it all.

The New York Times

So he took ownership.

The New York Times

He took her hand.

The New Yorker

He took a taste.

The New York Times - Food

He took it anyway.

The New York Times

He took one off.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's action, use "he took" to clearly indicate their agency and direct involvement in the situation. For example, "He took the initiative to solve the problem."

Common error

Avoid using "he took" when a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He took a beating", consider "He was beaten" if the focus is on the action received rather than the action taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he took" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action performed by a male subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it denotes actions ranging from physical acts like "He took her hand" to abstract actions like "He took responsibility".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he took" is a versatile phrase used to describe a past action by a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its specific meaning varies depending on the context, from describing a physical action to assuming responsibility. Remember to choose appropriate alternatives like "he accepted" or "he seized" based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he accepted

Replaces "took" with a synonym emphasizing agreement or willingness.

he grabbed

Suggests a more forceful or immediate taking.

he seized

Implies taking something quickly or decisively.

he commenced

Focuses on the beginning of an action or task.

he started

Highlights the initiation of an action or process.

he assumed

Suggests taking on responsibility or a role.

he undertook

Implies taking on a task or project.

he received

Emphasizes the act of getting something.

he obtained

Highlights the process of gaining or acquiring.

he initiated

Focuses on the commencement of a process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "he took" in a sentence?

The phrase "he took" is used to describe an action someone performed in the past. For example, "He took responsibility for his actions" or "He took the opportunity to travel abroad".

What are some alternatives to "he took"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "he took" with alternatives such as "he accepted", "he grabbed", or "he seized".

Is there a difference between saying "he took" and "he has taken"?

Yes, "he took" refers to a completed action in the past, while "he has taken" implies an action completed at some point before now but with possible relevance to the present.

When is it better to use "he took" instead of "he made"?

Use "he took" when referring to physically taking something or taking an action or decision. Use "he made" when creating or producing something. For example, "He took the book" versus "He made a cake".