take a pole

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'take a pole' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to people taking a long pole-shaped object with them, such as when going fishing or setting up a tent. Example: The campers took a pole as they set up their tent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Now, wags say, East Germans should get 200 marks if they promise to return home and 300 if they take a Pole with them.

The New York Times

The Brazilian remains the last non-Mercedes works driver to take a pole position, in Austria last year, and has been on the podium four times for Williams.

The Guardian - Sport

"This isn't about just dipping one toe across the line of what's acceptable, the whole point is to take a pole vault and launch yourself across the line," says Ruge, who on a more serious level hopes the game will encourage more frank discussion about issues in the aid industry.

The Guardian

Since f has infinitely many poles, we can take a pole (z_{0}) of f of multiplicity (taugeq1).

Advances in Difference Equations

Thus, we can take a pole (z_{0}) of f of multiplicity (taugeq1) satisfying (|z_{0}|>R).

Advances in Difference Equations

"We have to execute now so that we can take a pole position when the market takes off again".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Were you inspired to take a pole-dancing class?

Huffington Post

7. who shot to fame during a performance of "The Tale of Tsar Saltan"? 8. who took a pole position ahead of British opposition? 9. who silently portrayed Marguerite Gautier? 10. who agreed to receive £400 annually?

The New York Times

It is the first time Mercedes have taken a pole position as a constructor since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, which was also an all-Mercedes front row with Juan Manuel Fangio ahead of Stirling Moss and Karl Kling.

BBC

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have each taken a pole position in the last two races and Hamilton is third in the world championship, behind Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen but ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

BBC

For my friend, it was taking a pole dancing class to try it out.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to Formula 1 racing, use "take pole position" to indicate the driver who qualifies in first place for a race.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "take a pole". It can refer to physically taking an object, as in fishing, or metaphorically achieving a leading position, as in racing. Ensure your intended meaning is clear to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a pole" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As indicated by Ludwig, it often signifies physically acquiring a pole-shaped object. However, it can also be used metaphorically, especially in the context of motorsports, to denote achieving pole position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a pole" is grammatically correct and versatile, as confirmed by Ludwig. It primarily functions as a verb phrase, signifying either physically acquiring a pole-shaped object or, metaphorically, securing a leading position, particularly in motorsports. The phrase's register is generally neutral, suitable for various contexts from news media to general conversation. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure clarity, as it can refer to a literal object or a competitive achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a pole

Focuses on the action of physically obtaining a pole, emphasizing the act of grasping.

get a pole

Indicates acquiring a pole, either by obtaining or receiving it.

procure a pole

Implies a more formal or deliberate process of acquiring a pole.

seize a pole

Suggests quickly or forcefully taking possession of a pole.

snatch a pole

Conveys taking a pole suddenly or opportunistically.

carry a pole

Highlights the act of transporting a pole, emphasizing movement.

bring a pole

Focuses on the act of transporting a pole to a specific location.

use a pole

Emphasizes the employment of a pole for a particular purpose or task.

employ a pole

Suggests a deliberate and purposeful utilization of a pole.

wield a pole

Implies skillfully handling a pole, often with a sense of control or expertise.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a pole" in Formula 1?

In Formula 1, to "take a pole" means to achieve the fastest qualifying time, securing the first starting position for the race. This is often referred to as "take pole position".

Can "take a pole" refer to an actual physical object?

Yes, "take a pole" can refer to physically taking an object, such as a fishing pole or a tent pole. The meaning depends on the context of the sentence. An alternative could be "grab a pole" in a physical sense.

What is a more formal way to say "take a pole" when referring to achieving a leading position?

A more formal way to say "take a pole", referring to achieving a leading position, would be to say "secure first place" or "achieve the top spot".

Which is correct: "take a pole" or "take the pole"?

Both phrases can be correct depending on the context. "Take a pole" usually refers to taking possession of one item among many, like "grab a rod" for fishing. "Take the pole" might refer to taking a specific pole, perhaps one that was previously designated.