take a behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a behavior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to actively choose a particular behavior that is beneficial to them or to a situation. For example, "If you want to improve your relationships, take a behavior that is proactive and kind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Critics worry that the method focuses on modifying the symptoms rather than addressing the underlying disabilities, and many say they fear that A.B.A.-trained children often do not "generalize," that is, take a behavior learned in one setting and apply it in another.

The New York Times - Magazine

We can take a behavior as simple as a delay in unlocking the passenger door to a car as insensitive, or we can feel hurt by something as natural as our partner choosing to spend an evening out with friends.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Students with 12 or more detentions must take a behavior-improvement course for $140.

The New York Times

Bacon, a cream-colored retriever mix, took a behavior test recently at an animal shelter here.

The New York Times - Science

However, the idea that performance problems can just as easily spring from taking a given behavior to an extreme has received far less attention.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's the Web fairy tale that all start-ups dream of," said Melissa Parrish, an analyst with Forrester Research, who added: "They took a simple behavior — sharing pictures with friends — and made it a utility that people want".

The New York Times

After all, the launch of a native tweetstorm feature wouldn't be the first time Twitter has taken a common behavior seen among its user base and turned it into an official product.

TechCrunch

"Patterns of behavior take a while to change," he said.

The New York Times

"It's frustrating that a few people take a rap for widespread behavior," she said.

The New York Times

"It will take a large amount of behavior change," Ms. Dooley said.

The New York Times - Science

When you see the behavior, take a step back and be a spectator to what's going on.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to adopt a positive trait, use "take a behavior" to suggest conscious choice and implementation. For example, "To improve team dynamics, take a behavior of active listening and empathy."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "take a behavior" might sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Instead, consider alternatives like "adopt a practice" or "implement a strategy" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a behavior" functions as a directive, often suggesting the adoption or conscious selection of a specific action or manner of conduct. It's an idiomatic expression used to advise or encourage a particular course of action. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a behavior" is a grammatically sound, though relatively uncommon, expression used to suggest or encourage the adoption of a specific action or manner of conduct. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to promote positive habits or strategies. While the phrase is understandable across various contexts, it's important to consider the audience and the desired level of formality when choosing between "take a behavior" and its alternatives, such as "adopt a behavior" or "choose a behavior". Its usage is more frequent in news and media, followed by academia and science, with limited presence in formal or encyclopedic content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a behavior

Replaces "take" with "adopt", emphasizing the conscious decision to embrace a behavior.

choose a behavior

Emphasizes the act of selecting a particular behavior.

undertake a behavior

Suggests a more formal or deliberate adoption of a behavior.

assume a behavior

Suggests taking on a behavior, often implying it may not be genuine.

exhibit a behavior

Focuses on displaying a particular behavior rather than choosing it.

display a behavior

Similar to "exhibit a behavior", highlighting the observable aspect of the behavior.

demonstrate a behavior

Similar to exhibiting, but can also mean showing how to do something

show a behavior

A more direct way of saying "display a behavior".

engage in a behavior

Focuses on actively participating in a particular behavior.

practice a behavior

Implies a repeated or habitual action.

FAQs

How can I use "take a behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "take a behavior" to encourage the adoption of a specific action. For example, "If you want to improve your health, "take a behavior" of regular exercise."

What is a good alternative to "take a behavior"?

Alternatives to "take a behavior" include "adopt a behavior", "assume a behavior" (though this can imply insincerity), or "choose a behavior".

Is it better to say "take on a behavior" or "take a behavior"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "take on a behavior" often implies facing a challenge or responsibility along with the behavior, while ""take a behavior"" simply means adopting it.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take a behavior"?

It's appropriate to use ""take a behavior"" when suggesting or encouraging someone to consciously adopt a particular way of acting or responding.