take a memo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a memo" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "take a memo" when you want to tell someone to record an important note or reminder for future reference. For example, "Can you take a memo so I remember to pick up milk on the way home from work?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But please take a memo: this is the house that Nixon built.

The New Yorker

Sophie's employer comes in a wild look in his eyes and tells Sophie to take a memo to himself: "Remember to resign today".

The New Yorker

By Al Graham The New Yorker, April 10 , 1937P. 57 Sophie's employer comes in a wild look in his eyes and tells Sophie to take a memo to himself: "Remember to resign today".

The New Yorker

Variety reported that she was so inexperienced that when she was asked to take a memo, she asked, "What's a memo and where do I take it?" In her 20's she worked for the casting director Miriam Brickman and was greatly influenced by her work with the director Lindsay Anderson, who she said in a letter to The Guardian in 1994 "took me on an unremitting journey of truth".

The New York Times

But it will be a couple of years before you can confidently say: "Computer, take a memo".

Forbes

When the Tool looked at voice recognition programs back in June, we weren't very impressed, but the software is getting better everyday and if Moore's law keeps packing more transistors under the hood it won't be long before you can say, "Computer, take a memo".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

You can write a quick memo, take a snapshot, scan a barcode of an item to remember, or have the app search nearby shops and restaurants to add.

TechCrunch

Use your iPhone to copy an image, take a photo, record a voice memo or jot down a note, and it appears on your computer (and vice versa).

The New York Times - Tech

Use your smartphone to take a photo, record a voice memo or jot down a note, and the next time you open Evernote on your desktop computer, your mobile notes appear (and vice versa).

The New York Times - Tech

LEO:  Oh, take a look at Mandy's memo, Mr. President, and you'll read a fascinating version of it.

Huffington Post

It is unsurprising that law professors, who are generally liberal, should differ with the conclusions reached in the memos, which take a broad view of presidential power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a memo" when you want someone to record something important, especially if it's a reminder for you or others. It implies a formal record is needed, but can be used more casually.

Common error

Avoid using "take a memo" in overly informal situations. While acceptable in many business contexts, it can sound out of place in casual conversations with friends or family. For casual notes, simpler phrases like "write that down" or "make a note of that" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a memo" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to create a written record. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples demonstrate its use in various contexts requiring documentation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a memo" is a grammatically correct phrase used to instruct someone to record information for later use. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows it is most common in neutral to professional settings, such as news and business communications. While not overly formal, its usage is best suited for situations where documentation is important. Alternative phrases like "jot down a note" or "write that down" may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

note it down

Emphasizes the act of capturing information in a brief form.

jot down a note

Focuses on quickly writing something down for later reference.

write something down

A general term for putting thoughts or information on paper.

make a record

Implies creating a more formal or permanent documentation.

record the minutes

Refers specifically to documenting the proceedings of a meeting.

capture the details

Focuses on getting all the essential information recorded.

document the information

Highlights the importance of preserving the data accurately.

log the data

Implies a systematic and organized recording of information.

register the information

Suggests an official or formal recording of the details.

inscribe the message

Emphasizes the act of permanently writing the message.

FAQs

How can I use "take a memo" in a sentence?

You can use "take a memo" to instruct someone to write down important information, as in "Can you "take a memo" about the meeting's action items?"

What's a more informal alternative to "take a memo"?

For less formal situations, you could say "jot down a note", "write that down", or "make a note of that".

When is it appropriate to use "take a memo"?

"Take a memo" is suitable in office settings, formal discussions, or any scenario where documenting information is important. It implies a need for a record to be created.

Is "take a memo" the same as "write a memo"?

While related, "take a memo" directs someone to record information, whereas "write a memo" refers to the act of composing the formal document itself. One is the instruction, the other is the action.