take a dessert

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a dessert" is an acceptable sentence in written English.
You could use it in a variety of situations, such as when inviting someone to a dinner you're hosting: "Come on over for dinner tonight - I'm making spaghetti and you can take a dessert."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The waitress came over to take a dessert order.

The New Yorker

This is perhaps the best part – trying to put your finger on the exact element that will take a dessert from good to great.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I craned my neck in vain looking for someone to suggest a bottle of wine before the main courses landed, or to take a dessert order, or to bring the check.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Take a favorite dessert of nearby Napa Valley - vanilla ice cream, olive oil and sea salt.

Huffington Post

Eat something somewhat substantive and take a few desserts, but don't stuff your face.

WikiHow

9 30 p.m. 3) PYRAMIDS AND PIE For dessert, take a quick cab (5 soles) to La Bodega de la Trattoria (General Borgoño 784; 51-1-241-6899), the casual wing of La Trattoria, run by the South American television dessert diva Sandra Plevisani.

The New York Times - Travel

Add in a bag of potato chips and a beer or cocktail from the "swine bar" for good measure, and make sure to take a bacon praline for dessert.

The Guardian - Travel

Enjoy their viennoiseries (morning pastries), and make sure to take a luxuriously soft Nebula dessert ($5.50) for an afternoon snack, with its chocolate mousse and chocolate spongecake draped in silky swirled glaze.

The New York Times - Travel

For some strange reason, desserts take a long time to get to the table.

The New York Times - Food

Go ahead, crush it into the dessert and take a bite.

The New York Times

Friends who live in Brooklyn don't have to schlep to Manhattan to meet me for brunch anymore; I am eager to meet them in Boerum Hill and then suggest we take a drive to Brighton Beach for dessert.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific instance of selecting dessert from a menu, use "order dessert". If referring to the general act of eating dessert, "have dessert" or "eat dessert" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While acceptable, "take a dessert" can sound less refined than "have dessert" or "enjoy dessert" in formal writing. Opt for the more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a dessert" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action related to consuming dessert. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability in written English. The examples illustrate its use in ordering, choosing, or simply having dessert.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a dessert" is a grammatically acceptable phrase commonly used to describe the action of having or consuming dessert. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and examples show its use in various contexts, primarily in news and media and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, choosing alternative phrases like "have dessert" or "enjoy dessert" might be preferable in more formal situations. The phrase serves the communicative purpose of expressing the intention to consume dessert, making it a versatile part of everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have some dessert

Focuses on the act of consuming dessert, rather than obtaining it.

order dessert

Specifically refers to requesting dessert at a restaurant.

choose a dessert

Emphasizes the selection process before consuming dessert.

eat dessert

Directly indicates the action of eating dessert.

try a dessert

Implies sampling or testing a dessert.

get dessert

A more general way to refer to acquiring dessert.

sample the dessert

Suggests trying a small portion of dessert.

indulge in dessert

Implies enjoying dessert as a treat or luxury.

partake of dessert

A more formal way to say eat or have dessert.

snack on dessert

Refers to eating a dessert as a snack.

FAQs

What does "take a dessert" mean?

The phrase "take a dessert" generally means to have or consume dessert, either by ordering it at a restaurant or by selecting it from available options.

What can I say instead of "take a dessert"?

You can use alternatives like "have some dessert", "order dessert", or "choose a dessert" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "take a dessert"?

Yes, it is grammatically acceptable to say "take a dessert". It's a common expression in various contexts.

How formal is the phrase "take a dessert"?

The phrase "take a dessert" is generally considered neutral in formality. While not overly formal, it is suitable for most everyday conversations and writings. For a more formal tone, "partake of dessert" could be an option.