it took hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took hold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has gained influence, control, or a firm position. Example: "After several months of discussion, the new policy finally took hold within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Punk began as urban music, with a subterranean roar like the New York City subway, yet it took hold and built its mass audience in the suburbs.

The New York Times

The Renaissance came late to Germany and its artists, but flourished once it took hold, replacing the predominant Gothic style.

BBC

Today, Mr. Greenspan called the risk of deflation very small but said that its damage could be severe if it took hold.

The New York Times

Scientists are not sure of its origin, but they think that once it took hold, unseasonably warm weather increased water temperatures and enabled it to thrive.

The New York Times

It took hold a few decades later.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Coles, it took hold in childhood.

Independent

Then, in spectacular fashion, it took hold.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even more chilling was how quickly it took hold.

The Economist

Now, how powerful was the cotton boom once it took hold?

Yale University

But when it took hold, that thousand-year-old practice essentially vanished in a single generation.

The New York Times - Magazine

It took hold when Jay Phipps and Thomas Hitchcock established teams on their estates in Westbury.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took hold" to describe the process by which an idea, trend, or practice becomes established or influential. Ensure that the subject is something that can logically 'take hold', such as a concept or a habit.

Common error

Avoid using "it took hold" when describing actions taken by people directly. This phrase is best suited for describing the progression or adoption of abstract concepts or trends, not for direct human actions. Instead of saying "He took hold of the situation", consider "He seized control of the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took hold" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of something becoming established, popular, or influential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of gaining influence or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it took hold" is a versatile and commonly used expression that effectively conveys the establishment, spread, or gaining of influence by a concept, trend, or practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and general writing. While alternatives like "gained traction" or "became established" exist, "it took hold" offers a distinct nuance, highlighting the process of something becoming firmly rooted or dominant. Remember to use "it took hold" when describing the progression of abstract concepts or trends, rather than direct human actions. The phrase is primarily found in News & Media and Academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gained traction

Focuses on the gradual increase in popularity or acceptance, emphasizing momentum.

it became established

Highlights the firm establishment and acceptance of something.

it gained acceptance

Emphasizes the process of being accepted or approved.

it became prevalent

Indicates widespread occurrence or commonness.

it became widespread

Stresses the extensive distribution or reach of something.

it became dominant

Highlights the superior influence or control gained.

it rooted itself

Uses a metaphorical image of planting to suggest deep establishment.

it caught on

Emphasizes the popularity and rapid spread of something, often in a social context.

it flourished

Indicates a thriving and successful development.

it prevailed

Highlights the ultimate success and dominance after a struggle.

FAQs

How can I use "it took hold" in a sentence?

You can use "it took hold" to describe how a trend, idea, or practice becomes established or influential. For example: "The new management strategy quickly "took hold" within the company".

What are some alternatives to "it took hold"?

Alternatives include "gained traction", "became established", or "caught on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "it took hold" in formal writing?

Yes, "it took hold" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a neutral and widely understood phrase. For even more formal contexts, consider "became established".

What does "it took hold" imply about the subject?

It implies that the subject has gained influence, control, or a firm position. It suggests that the subject was not initially dominant but has since become so.