take a toll

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a toll" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to the effects of something having a negative impact on a person or situation. For example, "The long hours of studying were starting to take a toll on my mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It would take a toll," he said.

The New York Times

This onslaught began to take a toll.

The New York Times

But they, too, can take a toll.

The New York Times

Such escapades do, however, take a toll.

The New York Times

Death — and embalming fluid — take a toll.

The New York Times

But the transition will take a toll.

The New York Times

Fatigue and darkness take a toll.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All those landings take a toll".

The New York Times

Their air miles will take a toll.

The New York Times - Sports

"It does take a toll," she said.

The New York Times

But that cheerfulness can take a toll.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a toll" to describe the cumulative negative effects of a prolonged or intense situation. For instance, "The constant stress of the job began to take a toll on her health."

Common error

While versatile, "take a toll" is generally more suited to formal or neutral writing. In casual conversations, consider using alternatives like "affect" or "impact" to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a toll" functions as a predicate, describing how something negatively affects someone or something else over time. As evidenced by Ludwig and its examples, it highlights the wearing down or damaging consequences of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a toll" is a versatile expression used to describe the negative impact of something over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, business and science. Its high frequency and clear meaning, as reflected in the expert rating, make it a reliable choice for conveying adverse effects. While suitable for neutral and formal contexts, it's wise to consider alternatives for casual conversations. Remember to use "take a toll" to highlight the cumulative negative consequences of a situation, as its impact is best understood over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact a price

Implies a cost or consequence that must be paid, often metaphorically.

leave its mark

Indicates a lasting negative effect or impact.

have repercussions

Focuses on the consequences that follow an action or event.

cause damage

Highlights the harm or injury resulting from something.

exert a strain

Emphasizes the pressure or burden caused by something.

prove detrimental

Suggests a harmful or unfavorable outcome.

have adverse effects

Focuses on the negative consequences of something.

inflict damage

Highlights the act of causing harm or damage.

create hardship

Emphasizes the difficulties or suffering caused by something.

exact consequences

Focuses on the results or outcomes of an action, often negative.

FAQs

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

Use "take a toll" to describe how something has a negative impact over time. For example, "The lack of sleep began to "take a toll" on his performance".

What are some phrases similar to "take a toll"?

You can use phrases like "exact a price", "leave its mark", or "have repercussions" instead of "take a toll" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "took a toll" or should I always use "take a toll"?

Both are correct, but "took a toll" is the past tense. Use "take a toll" for present or future scenarios, and "took a toll" for past events. For example, "The illness took a toll on her body".

What's the difference between "take a toll" and "have an impact"?

"Take a toll" implies a negative impact specifically, while "have an impact" can be either positive or negative. Therefore, "take a toll" is more specific and denotes adverse effects.