take a cup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a cup" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of picking up or using a cup, often in the context of drinking or serving beverages. Example: "Would you like to take a cup of coffee before the meeting starts?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

The New Yorker

"Take a cup of water; you can't imagine how many nanoparticles are inside".

The New York Times

I take a cup of tea outside and sit on the bench under the privet.

The New York Times

Some of them won't even take a cup of tea if agency staff come in.

The Guardian

Sometimes, I'd take a cup of coffee while Milo sniffed the trees, the teak chairs, the pots of failing flowers.

The New York Times

Why would someone take a cup from a good-hearted stranger and just toss it on the ground?

The New Yorker

Piece a cherry cake?" "Thank you, Ma'am, I'll take a cup a coffee but I can't eat no cake just now".

The New Yorker

CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Till a dog breeder has taken a cup he's.

The New Yorker

I took a cup of water and doused it".

The New York Times

He begged off taking a cup of tea, claiming that he had an appointment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a cup of kindness" in a toast or a gesture of goodwill, especially during celebrations or gatherings, as inspired by the traditional song Auld Lang Syne.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what is being taken. If it's not immediately obvious, specify the contents (e.g., "take a cup of coffee" instead of just "take a cup").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a cup" functions primarily as an imperative or instructional phrase. It commonly introduces an action involving a cup, either to obtain it, fill it, or use it as a measure. This aligns with Ludwig AI examples that show the phrase used in recipes, routines, or as a step in a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

31%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a cup" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase, widely used in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to instructional guides. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's most commonly employed to give instructions, specify actions involving a cup, or as part of a recipe, it's essential to ensure contextual clarity. Remember to avoid ambiguity by specifying what is being taken or measured in the cup. While perfectly acceptable in many source types, is a less common usage in Academia, Scientific or Encyclopedia. Overall, "take a cup" is a standard and functional phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a cup

Emphasizes the act of quickly obtaining a cup.

have a cup

Focuses on the experience of drinking from a cup.

get a cup

A general way of expressing the action of acquiring a cup.

fetch a cup

Implies going to retrieve a cup.

pour a cup

Highlights the action of filling a cup with a beverage.

drink a cup

Specifically refers to the act of drinking from a cup.

sip a cup

Suggests drinking from a cup in small amounts.

down a cup

Implies quickly finishing the contents of a cup.

empty a cup

Highlights the action of completely consuming the contents of a cup.

hold a cup

Focuses on the physical act of grasping a cup.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a cup" in various contexts, such as "Take a cup of tea and relax" or "First, take a cup of flour for the recipe".

What are some alternatives to "take a cup"?

Alternatives include "grab a cup", "have a cup", or "get a cup", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take a cup of" something?

Yes, it's correct to say "take a cup of" something when referring to a specific quantity or portion, for example, "take a cup of sugar".

What does it mean to "take a cup of kindness"?

To "take a cup of kindness" is a reference to the song Auld Lang Syne, meaning to share a moment of friendship and goodwill, especially during New Year's Eve.