take a fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "take a fortune" is not correct English as is, and it is not usable in written English.
If you want to make it a valid sentence, you would need to modify it (e.g. "Take your fortune"). For example, you could say: "Take your fortune and use it to the best of your ability."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It did not take a fortune at the box-office ($37m to date), but that is not a bad return for a film that cost $4m.

The Economist

While Stanley sets out to debunk Sophie and expose her as a gold-digging fraud, it doesn't take a fortune teller to realise that love will blossom between the two.

Independent

It doesn't take a fortune teller to see that taxes are likely to go up.

Forbes

But, with bonds available in increments as low as $1,000, it doesn't take a fortune to diversify.

Forbes

In today's marketplace, it doesn't take a fortune teller to proclaim that businesses that can't to keep up with changing habits and behaviors will most likely disappear.

Forbes

It didn't take a fortune teller to portend that things might not go Capone's way.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It takes a fortune and six credit cards".

The New York Times

Yet, on this basis, he was taking a fortune in payments, and firing thousands of productive people.

Independent

It escaped the attention of Professor Obama that a populist rage was rising, and that a multimillionaire taking a fortune from Goldman Sachs on the eve of her campaign might not suit the moment.

The New York Times

"As of today in the mainland there is only one privately owned jet," says Mr Liao.This may seem strange in a country where it takes a fortune of $141m to qualify for Forbes magazine's list of the 100 richest inhabitants.

The Economist

He added: "The government is taking a fortune from drivers.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey the intended meaning of accumulating significant wealth, consider using phrases like "amass a fortune" or "make a fortune" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "take a fortune" as a direct substitute for established idioms; it may cause confusion. Instead, opt for well-known alternatives to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a fortune" primarily functions as a verb phrase aiming to express the concept of acquiring a significant amount of wealth. As flagged by Ludwig AI, this usage deviates from standard idiomatic expressions. Although present in certain contexts, alternatives are advisable for greater clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "take a fortune" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered standard English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase aims to describe the act of acquiring significant wealth. For more formal or academic settings, alternatives such as "make a fortune" or "amass a fortune" are generally recommended. Although the phrase is used, relying on well-established idioms ensures clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amass a great wealth

Focuses on the accumulation of wealth, similar to acquiring a fortune but emphasizes the gradual process.

acquire substantial riches

Highlights the acquisition of significant wealth, akin to obtaining a fortune, with a formal tone.

gain considerable wealth

Implies obtaining a notable amount of wealth, comparable to acquiring a fortune, stressing the increase in riches.

inherit a large sum

Specifically refers to acquiring wealth through inheritance, which can be a means of receiving a fortune.

come into a windfall

Describes an unexpected gain of a large amount of money or wealth, similar to suddenly acquiring a fortune.

make a killing

Indicates earning a lot of money quickly and easily, suggesting a rapid accumulation of wealth or a fortune.

strike it rich

Suggests becoming wealthy suddenly, often through luck or a single successful venture, leading to a fortune.

grow one's wealth substantially

Emphasizes the growth of existing wealth to a significant degree, implying the potential for acquiring a fortune over time.

see one's fortunes improve

Indicates an improvement in one's financial situation, potentially leading to the accumulation of a fortune.

build a financial empire

Implies creating a vast and powerful financial enterprise, resulting in the accumulation of a significant fortune.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound way to express acquiring significant wealth?

Instead of "take a fortune", consider using the phrases "make a fortune" or "amass a fortune", which are more idiomatic and grammatically correct.

Is "take a fortune" considered proper English?

According to linguistic analysis, "take a fortune" is not considered standard English. More conventional phrases like "make a fortune" are generally preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "take a fortune" in writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "take a fortune" should be used with caution. It may be acceptable in informal contexts or creative writing where deviating from standard grammar is intentional, but avoid it in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "take a fortune" that convey the same meaning?

Alternatives include "acquire a fortune", "gain a fortune", or "inherit a fortune", depending on the specific context of acquiring wealth.