take a statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a statement" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when someone wants to make a comment or give an opinion. For example, "The jury asked each witness to take a statement about what they had seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They didn't treat it seriously or even take a statement.

The Guardian

You cannot just take a statement and raise the pitch at the end.

The New York Times

If you can't take a statement, then you don't fully understand the law".

Independent

The officer remained behind alone to comfort her and take a statement.

The Guardian

After officers arrested her partner and left, he remained behind with her to take a statement.

The Guardian

Later that day, a Rio police detective came to the USA House to take a statement.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

In hospital, the police came and took a statement.

Independent

Two police officers came to the conservatory, and took a statement from Johnson.

The Guardian

Consider the technique mathematicians call a reductio ad absurdum, taking a statement to an extreme in order to refute it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yard officers are known to have travelled to Guantánamo at least once and taken a statement from Aamer.

The Guardian

And the only eyewitness Baker took a statement from on the scene was his own uncle, Chip Baker.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, ensure you document the date, time, and place when you "take a statement". This adds credibility and helps with future reference.

Common error

Avoid using "take a statement" when you simply mean someone is expressing an opinion. "Take a statement" implies a formal or official recording of facts, not just casual commentary.

Linguistic Context

To "take a statement" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of formally recording someone's account of events. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples demonstrate its use across various contexts such as legal proceedings and investigations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a statement" is a common and correct way to describe the act of formally recording someone's account of an event. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in legal and journalistic settings. Predominantly used in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig examples, it conveys a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure you're referring to a formal recording of facts, not just a casual expression of opinion. Alternatives such as "record a declaration" or "obtain an affidavit" can be used for greater specificity. Remember to document essential details like date, time, and place for added credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

record a declaration

Replaces 'statement' with 'declaration', implying a formal recording of facts.

obtain an affidavit

Specifies a legal document that confirms facts, providing a more formal tone.

collect a testimony

Emphasizes the collection of evidence or firsthand accounts in a legal context.

secure a deposition

Highlights the securing of sworn testimony in a legal procedure, adding a layer of formality.

gather an account

Replaces 'statement' with 'account', denoting the compilation of a version of events.

receive a report

Changes the action to receiving information instead of actively taking it.

document information

Focuses on the action of documenting information more generally, rather than obtaining a specific statement.

get confirmation

Shifts the focus to obtaining confirmation or verification of facts.

procure details

Emphasizes obtaining specific details about an event or incident.

elicit information

Highlights the act of drawing out information, often through questioning.

FAQs

How is "take a statement" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal scenarios, "take a statement" refers to the process where law enforcement or legal professionals formally record an individual's account of events, often as part of an investigation or legal proceeding.

What are some synonyms for "take a statement"?

Alternatives include "record a declaration", "obtain an affidavit", or "collect a testimony", depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use the phrase "take a statement"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "take a statement" in informal or casual settings where a formal recording of information isn't required. Simply asking for someone's opinion, for example, doesn't warrant the use of this phrase.

What's the difference between "take a statement" and "make a statement"?

"Take a statement" implies receiving and recording information from someone, while "make a statement" means to express one's views or provide information. The former is passive (receiving), and the latter is active (giving).