take a trolley

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a trolley" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of using a trolley, typically in the context of shopping or transportation. Example: "After gathering all the groceries, I decided to take a trolley to make it easier to carry everything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Too bad one cannot take a trolley out to the match.

The New York Times - Sports

One good way to start a visit is to take a trolley tour through the colonial center of town.

The New York Times - Travel

After collecting your complete outfit, then take a trolley to the car barn and set it on fire.

The New Yorker

"They'd disembark in Newburgh, take a ferry to Beacon and then take a trolley from the Beacon train station to right here".

The New York Times

On any given day, 1,900 to 6,000 passengers disembark, strolling over to Duval Street to eat, drink, take a trolley tour, visit the nearby sites and make purchases.

The New York Times

On stage, her death is almost immediately followed by a chorus of "Meet Me in St . Louis Louis," as if she is about to take a trolley car to her eternal resting place.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

As part of our excursion, we took a trolley underground to visit this one.

The New York Times - Magazine

He took a trolley & rode it as far as Decatur Junction, took another trolley to Bloomington & from there a train to Chicago.

The New Yorker

Then in high school, my sister and I took a trolley after classes to a music conservatory for additional lessons.

The New York Times

When she was 16, she and her sisters took a trolley (fare: 5 cents) to a pool to swim.

The New York Times - Sports

"He took a trolley 45 minutes every day and walked in snow knee-high to get there," Salwen said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical contexts or tourist attractions, using "take a trolley" adds a touch of nostalgia or charm. Consider using it to evoke a sense of tradition or leisurely exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "take a trolley" when referring to modern trams or light rail systems, as the term "trolley" often implies a vintage or tourist-oriented vehicle. Use more appropriate terms like "take the tram" or "take the light rail" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a trolley" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing the action of using a trolley for transportation or a tour. Ludwig AI validates its common and correct usage. It specifies a method of travel or conveyance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a trolley" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily employed to describe the act of using a trolley for transport or recreation. While its frequency is uncommon, it often adds a touch of historical charm or local color to descriptions, especially in tourist or travel writing. It is seen frequently in News & Media and Travel. When using this phrase, consider the context and be mindful of whether "trolley" accurately reflects the type of transportation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ride a trolley

Focuses on the action of riding the trolley, rather than initiating its use.

board a trolley

Emphasizes the act of getting on the trolley.

catch a trolley

Highlights the effort of meeting the trolley at a specific time or location.

use a trolley

A more general term for employing a trolley, not specific to transportation.

hop on a trolley

Suggests a quick and informal way to start traveling by trolley.

travel by trolley

Focuses on trolley as means of travel.

get on the trolley

Highlights the action of entering a trolley

ride the trolley

Indicates regular use of the trolley service.

utilize a trolley

A more formal way of saying "use a trolley".

employ a trolley

Similar to "utilize a trolley", suggesting a deliberate choice to use it.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "take a trolley" in a sentence?

You can use "take a trolley" to describe using a trolley for transportation, as in "We decided to "take a trolley" tour of the historic district."

What's a more modern alternative to "take a trolley"?

If you are referring to a modern streetcar or tram, consider using phrases like "take a streetcar" or "take the tram" for greater accuracy.

Is "take a trolley" appropriate for describing public transportation in any city?

The term "take a trolley" is most appropriate in cities where trolleys are a prominent part of the transportation system or have historical significance. In other cities, using general terms like "take public transportation" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "take a trolley" and "ride a trolley"?

"Take a trolley" implies initiating the use of the trolley for transportation, while "ride a trolley" simply describes the act of being on the trolley as it moves.