take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when referring to the act of grasping, receiving, or accepting something. Example: "Please take this document and review it before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I take full responsibility for not being more aggressive on this front.

The Guardian - Tech

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we will take action to protect the public if we uncover evidence that could affect the safety of other rides at the park or elsewhere".

The Guardian

Scotland's 56 SNP MPs will certainly seek to amend the legislation to ensure that young people are able to take part in the vote".

The Guardian

Take your pick.

The New York Times

That will take time.

The New York Times

"Extending Ofcom's powers to enable it to take pre-emptive action would move it from its current position as a post-transmission regulator into the role of censor".

The Guardian

It's just really important for everybody to take extra precautions".

The Guardian

It's irritating that you don't seem to take the point.

The Guardian

As I said before, we don't take anyone's vote for granted.

The Guardian

This ruling will save lives by forcing the government to finally take this issue seriously.

The Guardian

We didn't take anyone's votes for granted and we have run a very strong positive campaign".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take", be specific about what is being taken and the context in which it is being taken to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you "take" a photo, "take" responsibility, or "take" a break.

Common error

Avoid using "take" as a one-size-fits-all verb. Replace it with more descriptive alternatives like "obtain", "receive", or "capture" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in numerous contexts, ranging from physical actions like "take a pen" to more abstract concepts like "take responsibility".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "take" is a highly versatile verb with a wide range of meanings, from physical actions like acquiring objects to abstract concepts such as assuming responsibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequency of use are well-established. Its versatility is highlighted by its presence across various contexts, including news, formal business communications, and scientific publications. While the verb "take" is very useful, it's crucial to consider more specific verbs to prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity, as this could lead to improved writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain

Emphasizes the act of acquiring or getting something, often through effort or action.

receive

Focuses on the act of accepting something that is given or offered.

acquire

Suggests a gradual or cumulative process of gaining possession.

assume

Implies accepting a responsibility or role.

undertake

Highlights the commitment to begin or pursue a task or project.

grasp

Focuses on understanding or seizing an opportunity.

capture

Suggests gaining control or possession, often forcefully.

seize

Implies taking hold of something quickly and decisively.

extract

Focuses on removing or drawing something out from a source.

derive

Suggests obtaining something from a specific origin or source.

FAQs

How can I use "take" in a sentence?

The verb "take" can be used in many contexts, such as to acquire or grasp something: "Please "take this book"". It can also mean to capture: "They "took the city" after a long battle".

What can I say instead of "take"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obtain", "receive", "acquire", or "assume".

Which is correct: "take" or "took"?

"Take" is the present tense, while "took" is the past tense of the verb. Use "take" for present actions and "took" for past actions. For example: "I will "take the train" tomorrow" vs. "I "took the train" yesterday".

What's the difference between "take" and "bring"?

"Take" implies moving something away from the speaker, while "bring" implies moving something towards the speaker. For example: "Take this to him" (away from me) vs. "Bring that to me" (towards me).