take charge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take charge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to taking on responsibility or leadership, particularly in a professional capacity. For example, you could say "Mary has been asked to take charge of the project".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take charge of your life.

The New York Times - Sports

I take charge of the goat kabobs.

The New York Times - Magazine

It failed to take charge of itself".

The New Yorker

"Women are gonna take charge of society.

The New Yorker

Some take charge of several children.

The New York Times

Spin doctors take charge of an election.

The New York Times

5. Take charge of your photos.

Harvard Business Review

Let's take charge — of ourselves, first.

Harvard Business Review

Take charge of the supply chain.

Harvard Business Review

Then he decided to take charge of the whole meal.

The New York Times - Food

"He can't take charge of his own children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take charge of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being managed or controlled. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "take charge of" in passive constructions where the subject is unclear or hidden. Instead, focus on active voice to highlight who is taking control. For example, instead of "The situation was taken charge of", write "She took charge of the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take charge of" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of assuming control, responsibility, or leadership over something. Ludwig shows its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take charge of" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate assuming control, responsibility, or leadership. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility is evident in its widespread usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. The phrase encourages a proactive stance, emphasizing the importance of managing and directing situations rather than passively observing. While "take charge of" is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure clarity in its application, specifying what exactly is being managed. Alternatives like "assume control of" or "take responsibility for" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assume control of

Focuses on the act of gaining control, often implying a shift in power.

Take the reins of

Emphasizes guidance and direction, like a driver controlling a horse.

Take responsibility for

Highlights accountability and ownership of outcomes.

Step up to lead

Suggests a proactive movement into a leadership role.

Seize command of

Implies a forceful or decisive acquisition of authority.

Get a grip on

Highlights understanding and being able to deal with a situation.

Take command

Focuses on exercising authority, often in a formal or military context.

Become the leader of

Highlights the transition into a leadership position.

Be in charge of

States the fact of being the person responsible.

Preside over

Implies a formal role of managing or overseeing something.

FAQs

How can I use "take charge of" in a sentence?

You can use "take charge of" to indicate assuming control or responsibility for something. For instance, "She decided to "take charge of" the project after the previous manager left."

What can I say instead of "take charge of"?

Alternatives include "assume control of", "take the reins of", or "take responsibility for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take charge of" or "be in charge of"?

"Take charge of" implies an active assumption of control, while "be in charge of" simply states a position of authority. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action of taking control or the state of being in control.

What does it mean to "take charge of your life"?

To ""take charge of" your life" means to proactively manage your decisions, goals, and well-being, rather than passively letting life happen to you. It involves making conscious choices and taking responsibility for your own direction.