take charge of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take charge of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of assuming responsibility or control over a particular task or situation. Example: "She decided to take charge of the project to ensure it was completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Being the leader shows colleges that you can take charge of something and make it do great things.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When patriarch George goes to prison Michael must take charge of the family business, which turns out to be something of a poisoned chalice.

Independent

'KNOW' that someone or something else is trying to take charge of your body and trying to dampen your own spirit!

WikiHow

He has sound marketing know-how and will take charge of the whole presentation and promotion of programming to viewers, something that has faltered in recent years.

The Guardian

They have something that they own and can take charge of.

Huffington Post

But Roberto Abbado, making his Philharmonic debut, brought to the event a sense of accompanying something, rather than stepping in himself to take charge of the narrative.

The New York Times - Arts

However, this one would make sense as something businesses might like to utilize as it helps them better take charge of their customer conversations.

TechCrunch

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take charge of something", clearly define what 'something' is to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "take charge of something", specify "take charge of the project".

Common error

While "take charge of something" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. More relaxed alternatives might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take charge of something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of assuming control or responsibility for a particular task, situation, or entity. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in diverse contexts, from leading activities to managing projects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

25%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

The New York Times

7%

Forbes

5%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take charge of something" is a common and grammatically correct way to express assuming control or responsibility. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's widely used across various domains, especially in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While perfectly acceptable, be mindful of the specific situation and avoid overuse, considering alternative phrases like "assume control of something" or "manage something" for a more nuanced expression. The phrase demonstrates a neutral register, making it suitable for professional environments while remaining accessible in general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume control of something

Focuses more on the act of gaining control.

take responsibility for something

Highlights the accountability aspect more than direct control.

manage something

Implies overseeing and directing something, often with a focus on efficiency.

handle something

Suggests dealing with something effectively, often a problem or task.

be in charge of something

Emphasizes the position of authority and oversight.

take the reins of something

A more figurative way of saying to take control, suggesting guidance.

spearhead something

Highlights leading an initiative or project.

supervise something

Focuses on overseeing and directing a process or activity.

govern something

Implies ruling or controlling with authority.

dominate something

Suggests a very strong degree of control, possibly even overpowering.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take charge of something"?

To "take charge of something" means to assume control, responsibility, or leadership over a particular task, situation, or project.

How can I "take charge of something" effectively?

Effective ways to "take charge of something" include clearly defining your goals, delegating tasks appropriately, and maintaining open communication with your team.

What are some alternatives to "take charge of something"?

You can use alternatives like "assume control of", "take responsibility for", or "manage" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take charge of something"?

It's appropriate to use "take charge of something" when you want to emphasize your role in leading or managing a particular situation or task, especially when others might be hesitant or unable to do so.