take a different tack

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a different tack" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to recommend or suggest using a different approach or strategy in order to achieve a desired result. For example, "If we want to increase sales, perhaps we should take a different tack and focus on marketing and customer service instead of product development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others take a different tack.

The New York Times - Science

Some take a different tack.

The New York Times

Neutralizing Robinson will take a different tack.

The New York Times

But these attacks take a different tack.

The New York Times

I want to take a different tack.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their wives take a different tack.

The New York Times

Now let's take a different tack.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brands need to take a different tack.

Harvard Business Review

Fazel-Zarandi and his colleagues take a different tack.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Others take a different tack to distinguish themselves.

The New York Times

Will the trio take a different tack in the future?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if "take a different tack" accurately conveys a strategic shift, or if a more specific alternative like "adopt a different approach" is more fitting.

Common error

While versatile, "take a different tack" might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "try something else" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a different tack" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a shift in strategy or method, suggesting that the current approach is not yielding the desired results. Examples across diverse sources confirm its function in introducing alternative solutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a different tack" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a shift in strategy or approach. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its neutral-to-professional register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. Remember to use it when you need to convey the idea of changing course for better results, and consider more specific alternatives if a nuanced meaning is needed. Keep in mind the usage guidelines to sound more natural and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a different approach

This alternative emphasizes a more deliberate and planned shift in method.

try a different strategy

This phrase focuses on experimenting with a new plan to achieve a goal.

change course

Implies altering the overall direction or plan, often in response to unforeseen circumstances.

shift gears

Suggests a change in the intensity or style of the current activity.

use a different method

Highlights the change in the specific procedure or technique being used.

alter the plan

Focuses on modifying an existing plan, rather than completely starting anew.

rethink the strategy

Implies a need to reassess the current strategy and come up with a new one.

modify the approach

Suggests making slight adjustments to an existing approach.

reverse direction

Implies a complete turnaround in strategy or approach, moving in the opposite way.

take a new direction

Indicates that you are starting to head towards an entirely different objective.

FAQs

What does "take a different tack" mean?

It means to use a different approach or strategy to solve a problem or achieve a goal. It implies that the current method is not working, and a change is needed.

When should I use "take a different tack" in my writing?

Use it when you want to suggest or describe a change in strategy because the current one is ineffective. It's suitable for formal writing and professional communication.

Are there more formal alternatives to "take a different tack"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "adopt a different approach" or "implement a new strategy" for a more formal tone.

What's a simpler way to say "take a different tack" in casual conversation?

In informal settings, consider using phrases like "try something else" or "do it differently".