take a dim view of

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a dim view of" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a negative opinion or feeling about something. It usually comes after the words "have" or "hold". For example: "Many parents have a dim view of video games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

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

Use "take a dim view of" when you want to express disapproval or disagreement in a nuanced way, especially when social norms or expectations are involved. It adds a layer of subtlety compared to direct disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "take a dim view of" when a strong, explicit condemnation is necessary. The phrase implies disapproval, but it may not convey the full intensity of a strong objection or moral outrage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a dim view of" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating disapproval or a negative assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples in Ludwig show its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a dim view of" is a prevalent idiomatic phrase employed to articulate disapproval or a negative judgment. As Ludwig AI verifies, its grammatical structure is correct, and its application spans diverse contexts, predominantly within news and media. While it maintains a neutral to professional register, its usage suggests a nuanced expression of disagreement rather than a vehement condemnation. Alternatives such as "disapprove of" or "frown upon" offer varying degrees of formality and intensity. Understanding the specific nuance of "take a dim view of" ensures its apt application, thereby enriching the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disapprove of

This is a more straightforward and less idiomatic way to express disapproval.

frown upon

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

have a negative opinion of

This is a more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

look askance at

This suggests suspicion or distrust in addition to disapproval.

be critical of

Suggests a detailed analysis uncovering faults.

object to

This indicates a formal or explicit expression of disagreement.

take exception to

This suggests a personal offense taken at something.

disfavor

This is a more formal term for disapproval, less commonly used.

be against

A simple and direct way to express opposition.

deplore

This indicates strong disapproval and condemnation.

FAQs

What does "take a dim view of" mean?

It means to disapprove of something or regard it unfavorably. It suggests a negative opinion or assessment.

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

You can say, "My parents "take a dim view of" my staying out late" or "The company "takes a dim view of" employees using social media during work hours."

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

Alternatives include "disapprove of", "frown upon", or "object to", depending on the specific context.

Is it "take a dim view to" or "take a dim view of"?

The correct phrase is ""take a dim view of"". The preposition "of" is essential to the idiom's meaning.