she took offense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she took offense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone feels hurt or insulted by something that was said or done. Example: "When he made that joke about her work, she took offense and decided to leave the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Instead, she took offense.

The Washington Post

And, in case she took offense, added, "Dog killer".

The New Yorker

She took offense and headed toward the door.

The New York Times

"I'll see what I can do," Clatter said, pressing heavily against her thigh, but tensed to step away if she took offense.

The New Yorker

Guggenheim reported that she "took offense" at the original manuscript, which Vail rewrote; but this only suggests how much worse the book must once have been.

The New Yorker

Like other patients, Laura, who has a 17-year-old son, said she took offense at the state's implicit suggestion that she had not fully considered her choice.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Or would she take offense if he did?

The New Yorker

(I've often wondered if she takes offense to this comparison. I have also wondered whether carp bait and marmite are the same substance).

The New York Times - Sports

Unless you're one of the rare ones who just speak their minds regardless, it's simple emotional math: She takes offense frequently, so you learn to be vigilant in guarding what you say, so your close relationship gets replaced by superficiality.

The Washington Post

If you send your co-worker a big, cute, lolling wombat card, would she take offense?

Los Angeles Times

Fudge told HuffPost on Thursday morning during a sit-down interview that she takes offense that Pelosi has not endorsed Clyburn to be whip and that Pelosi takes Congressional Black Caucus support for granted in general.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she took offense" when you want to convey that someone felt personally slighted or insulted by a specific action or statement. It's more direct than saying they simply 'disagreed' or 'disliked' something.

Common error

Avoid using "she took offense" when a milder reaction is more appropriate. If someone simply disagreed or was mildly annoyed, using "she took offense" can exaggerate the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she took offense" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the subject's (she) reaction to a particular event or statement. It indicates that the subject experienced a feeling of insult or displeasure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase accurately conveys this sentiment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

HuffPost

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she took offense" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone felt insulted or aggrieved by something. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and widespread use. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, where objective reporting of reactions and sentiments is essential. While there are many alternatives, such as "she was offended" or "she felt insulted", it's crucial to consider the intensity of the reaction to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the situation. Avoid exaggerating the situation by using this phrase when a milder reaction is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was offended

Directly expresses that she felt insulted or hurt.

she felt insulted

Similar to 'offended', but emphasizes the feeling of being disrespected.

she was displeased

Indicates dissatisfaction, a milder form of taking offense.

she resented it

Implies a stronger, more prolonged feeling of indignation.

she was indignant

Highlights a righteous anger or annoyance.

she bristled at it

Suggests a sudden, defensive reaction.

she expressed her disapproval

More formal way of indicating she didn't agree with it.

she was aggrieved

Indicates that she was injured or wronged, either physically or emotionally.

she demurred

Suggests polite disagreement or objection.

she objected to it

Directly states her opposition.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "takes offense"?

To "take offense" means to feel insulted, hurt, or annoyed by something that someone else has said or done. It implies a personal slight or feeling of disrespect.

What can I say instead of "she took offense"?

You can use alternatives like "she was offended", "she felt insulted", or "she was displeased" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "she took offense"?

Yes, "she took offense" is grammatically correct and a common way to express that someone felt insulted or aggrieved by something.

What is the difference between "she took offense" and "she was offended"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "she took offense" often implies a more active and immediate reaction to something, whereas "she was offended" can suggest a more general state of feeling insulted.