take a paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of picking up or obtaining a piece of paper, often in contexts like writing, printing, or studying. Example: "Before we start the meeting, please take a paper to jot down your notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then come up and take a paper out of the box.

The New Yorker

Always take a paper map and compass – and know how to use them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Consensus cool, give or take a "Paper Planes" and a Radiohead, is so rare that it feels almost accidental.

The New Yorker

"I would take a paper bag to the library and put the books in the bag and bring them home.

The New York Times - Books

Though I did rewatch the series premiere, in which her first advice to Peggy was, "Go home, take a paper bag, cut some eyeholes out of it.

The New York Times

They get replaced with younger families who don't take a paper, so a lot of the traditional sales have died out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They take a paper map and staple it to a 4-by-8 piece of plywood," said Jim Birch, business development director for microsystems and displays at the Sarnoff Corporation.

The New York Times - Tech

Here are some other students who if they'd put as much effort into studying as they did cheating would have passed with straight As: The gender swap A variation of the Parisian stunt, one Deandre Ellis, male and then 17, was arrested in Schenectady, New York in 2009 for dressing up as a female student to take a paper.

Independent

This side of the Atlantic, you could try Success by Martin Amis (1978), in which Terry Service toils in an office that is... well, you know, Amisian, by which I mean crepuscular and macho-tedious: "I take a paper clip and pry at it with my thumbnail; I break a match in half and rub the two sticks together; I get into gear".

The Guardian

If it's too watery, just take a paper towel and blot the excess.

Huffington Post

Wipe off any standing dust and debris, then take a paper or cloth towel sprayed with all-purpose cleaner or white vinegar to the surface.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "take a paper", be specific about the type of paper needed (e.g. "take a paper towel", "take a sheet of notes").

Common error

Avoid using "take a paper" when a more specific term is appropriate. Instead of "take a paper", consider saying "grab a document", "get a form", or "pick up a handout" to provide better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a paper" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It is used to describe the action of picking up, obtaining, or accepting a piece of paper. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from drawing lots to using paper towels for cleaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

41%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a paper" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of picking up or obtaining a piece of paper. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, including instructional guides, news articles, and scientific documents. For more formal settings, consider using synonyms like "grab a document" or "pick up a sheet" to add clarity. Remember to specify the type of paper to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a document

Replaces "paper" with "document", implying a more formal or official piece of paper.

pick up a sheet

"Sheet" is used instead of "paper", suggesting a single piece of paper.

get a form

Specifies the type of paper being taken, implying a form to be filled out.

obtain a leaflet

Replaces "paper" with "leaflet", referring to a printed sheet of information.

acquire a handout

"Handout" specifies that the paper is being distributed.

fetch a notepad

Specifies a collection of papers bound together.

secure a certificate

Indicates a more official document being obtained.

collect a ticket

Refers to obtaining a ticket, a specific type of paper.

snatch a note

"Note" implies a brief written message, and "snatch" adds a sense of urgency.

seize a pamphlet

"Pamphlet" specifies a small booklet and "seize" suggests a more forceful action.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "take a paper"?

You can use alternatives like "grab a document", "pick up a sheet", or "get a form" depending on the context.

Is "take a paper" grammatically correct?

Yes, "take a paper" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It generally means to pick up or obtain a piece of paper.

How to use "take a paper" in a sentence?

You can use "take a paper" in sentences like, "Please take a paper and write your name on it" or "Always take a paper map and compass when hiking."

Which is more precise, "take a paper" or "take a sheet of paper"?

"Take a sheet of paper" is more precise, but "take a paper" is widely accepted and understood. The choice depends on the level of formality and the need for specificity.