it takes off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that begins to rise, become successful, or gain momentum, often in the context of a project, idea, or vehicle. Example: "Once the marketing campaign launched, the product really takes off and sales skyrocketed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But when it takes off into the blue skies of poetic abstraction, its wings sag.

The New York Times

It takes off just fine.

The New York Times

When people see that, it takes off.

The New York Times

Then [unclear] it takes off.

The Guardian

It takes off a lot of anxiety".

The Guardian - Books

"I really fucking hope it takes off.

The Guardian - Music

Usually you poke a crab and it takes off running.

The New York Times - Science

If it takes off, it will be distributed everywhere.

The New York Times

When it takes off, it still has speed from sitting on the ground.

Cornell University

Other times the publishing world greets a manuscript with a collective shrug — and it takes off.

The New York Times

In effect, it takes off and lands like a helicopter, but flies like a plane.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes off" to describe the moment when something transitions from a state of inaction to one of rapid progress or success. It is effective for illustrating a pivotal change.

Common error

While "it takes off" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that directly specifies the type of progress or success achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes off" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the beginning of rapid progress, success, or upward movement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it takes off" is a versatile idiomatic phrase used to describe the moment something begins to rise, whether literally or metaphorically, gaining momentum and becoming successful. Ludwig AI data indicates it is grammatically sound and very commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal academic contexts, opting for more precise alternatives. Remember that "it takes off" conveys a sense of sudden and rapid progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gets going

Focuses on the commencement of activity, similar to a start, but with an emphasis on the continuation that follows.

it gains momentum

Highlights the increase in speed or force after the initial start, suggesting a growing enthusiasm or success.

it becomes successful

Emphasizes the positive outcome of the endeavor, shifting focus from the initiation to the achievement.

it starts to fly

Specifically implies upward movement or rapid progress, similar to the literal meaning of "take off" for an aircraft.

it gets traction

Suggests the idea is gaining support and becoming more widely accepted or adopted.

it escalates rapidly

Focuses on the speed and intensity of the increase or development.

it flourishes

Implies a thriving development and growth, often used in a more positive and organic context.

it skyrockets

Highlights a dramatic and rapid increase, often in sales, popularity or value.

it gains prominence

Indicates the increased visibility and recognition of something.

it ignites

Suggests the start of something with great energy and potential, similar to lighting a fire.

FAQs

How can I use "it takes off" in a sentence?

You can use "it takes off" to describe when something suddenly becomes successful or begins to make rapid progress. For example, "Once the marketing campaign launched, the product really "it takes off"."

What's a more formal alternative to "it takes off"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "it gains momentum", "it achieves success", or "it demonstrates rapid growth" instead of ""it takes off"".

Is "it takes off" appropriate for describing physical movement only?

No, while "it takes off" can refer to the literal act of an aircraft ascending, it's commonly used metaphorically to describe the rapid advancement or success of ideas, projects, or trends.

How does "it takes off" differ from "it gets going"?

"It takes off" implies a sudden and rapid rise or success, while "it gets going" simply means something is starting or beginning to function or progress, without necessarily implying a rapid pace.