take a dim view

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a dim view" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to disapprove or have a negative opinion about something. You can use it in a variety of situations, such as when expressing disapproval of someone's actions, beliefs, or behavior. For example: - "The school board takes a dim view of students skipping class." - "My parents always take a dim view of my career choices." - "The judge took a dim view of the defendant's repeated offenses." - "The company's CEO takes a dim view of employees being late to work." Overall, "take a dim view" is a useful phrase for expressing negative opinions and it can be used in both formal and informal writing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not surprisingly, Houstonians take a dim view of it all.

The Economist

And judges take a dim view of direct disobedience.

The Guardian - Business

Vernon officials take a dim view of the Lenapes' involvement.

The New York Times

Whatever the reasons, Chileans would take a dim view of a generous strike-averting wage settlement.

The Economist

Most parents take a dim view of their children spending hours locked away playing computer games.

Independent

In contrast, most European countries, says Mr Bland, take a dim view of amateur detectorists.

The Economist

It is also not placating the protesters, who take a dim view of politicians.

The Economist

They also take a dim view of opaque conglomerates.Here, RIL has not helped itself.

The Economist

But even taking earnings into account, investors take a dim view of Russian equities.

The New York Times

Regulators also take a dim view of sharing analysts' changing views with select customers.

The New York Times

Most mainstream scientists, including Dr. Varmus, take a dim view of homeopathy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate, as this phrase is suitable for both professional and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "take a dim view" when a stronger expression of condemnation is required. While it conveys disapproval, it might not be sufficient for serious ethical or legal violations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a dim view" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey disapproval or a negative opinion about something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a dim view" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that effectively communicates disapproval or a negative opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to business communications. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey – whether it's a mild frown or a strong objection. While versatile, remember that "take a dim view" might not suffice when a stronger expression of condemnation is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a poor view of

A more literal and less colorful way of expressing a negative opinion.

disapprove of

A more direct and less idiomatic way of expressing disapproval.

frown upon

Suggests a milder form of disapproval, often based on social norms.

have a negative opinion of

A straightforward and neutral way of expressing a negative viewpoint.

look askance at

Implies suspicion or skepticism in addition to disapproval.

not be in favor of

A more polite and indirect way of expressing disapproval.

object to

Indicates a specific and often formal opposition to something.

regard with disfavor

A more formal and detached way of expressing disapproval.

be critical of

Focuses on expressing specific criticisms rather than general disapproval.

be against

A simpler and more direct expression of opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "take a dim view" in a sentence?

You can use "take a dim view" to express disapproval of something. For example, "The company "takes a dim view" of employees using social media during work hours".

What are some alternatives to "take a dim view"?

Alternatives include "disapprove of", "frown upon", or "look askance at". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take a dim view" or "disapprove"?

"Take a dim view" is more idiomatic and can add color to your writing. "Disapprove", on the other hand, is more direct and neutral. Choose based on the desired tone.

What does it mean to "take a poor view of" something?

"Take a poor view of" is similar to "take a dim view", indicating a negative opinion. However, "take a dim view" is a more established idiom and often carries a stronger sense of disapproval.