take delight in

USAGE SUMMARY

"take delight in" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to express pleasure or joy in something. For example, "I take delight in spending quality time with my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By all means take delight in the vintage décor.

The New York Times - Food

I often disagree, but I don't take delight in being disagreeable.

The Guardian

I can still take delight in the names of your items of clothing.

The New Yorker

Republicans take delight in Mr. Spitzer's troubles because he is a Democrat.

The New York Times

I am ashamed to take delight in these rhymes Without grief; but you need no tears.

The Guardian - Books

His captors could only take delight in the response to his abduction.

The New York Times

I coo over gadgets, take delight in each new miracle app.

The Guardian - Tech

Why, you poor nut, he'll only take delight in seeing you down and out — and helping to keep you there.

The New Yorker

He is a perfectionist who seems to take delight in challenging himself in terms of execution and concept.

The New York Times

I take delight in the fact my daughter is more interested in rubber spiders than in dolls".

The Guardian - Books

Celebrate sex means take delight in the idea of sex as a pleasure, not just as a tool for procreation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take delight in" to express genuine pleasure or satisfaction derived from something. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts but is generally perceived as slightly more elevated than simply "enjoy".

Common error

Avoid using "take delight in" sarcastically or ironically without clear contextual cues. Because the phrase inherently suggests genuine enjoyment, sarcasm might not be immediately apparent and could confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take delight in" functions as a verb phrase that expresses enjoyment or pleasure. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules. It is commonly used to indicate a sense of satisfaction or joy derived from a particular activity, object, or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take delight in" is a versatile expression used to convey pleasure and enjoyment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammatical rules and is widely accepted in English writing. Its frequency and distribution across various sources, including news media and encyclopedias, indicate its common usage. While it can be considered slightly more formal than alternatives like "enjoy", it remains suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to use "take delight in" to convey genuine enjoyment, and be mindful of unintended sarcastic interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find pleasure in

Highlights the act of discovering or experiencing pleasure.

revel in

Implies a more exuberant enjoyment, almost to the point of being unrestrained.

relish

Similar to savor, but can also imply anticipation of the enjoyment.

savor

Implies a slow, appreciative enjoyment, dwelling on the experience.

enjoy greatly

A more direct and less nuanced way of expressing strong enjoyment.

luxuriate in

Suggests indulging oneself fully in the enjoyment.

be gratified by

Implies a sense of satisfaction and contentment from the enjoyment.

appreciate

Suggests a more thoughtful and considered enjoyment.

be pleased by

A more subdued and gentle expression of enjoyment.

get a kick out of

More informal and suggests a thrill or excitement.

FAQs

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

You can use "take delight in" to express enjoyment or pleasure in something. For example, "I "take delight in" spending time outdoors" or "She "takes delight in" helping others".

What are some alternatives to "take delight in"?

Some alternatives to "take delight in" include "revel in", "enjoy greatly", and "find pleasure in". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "take delight in" or "enjoy"?

"Take delight in" is generally considered slightly more formal than "enjoy". "Enjoy" is a more common and versatile term, while "take delight in" suggests a deeper level of appreciation or satisfaction.

Can I use "take delight in" to describe finding pleasure in someone else's misfortune?

While technically grammatically correct, using "take delight in" to describe finding pleasure in someone else's misfortune can sound quite harsh. Words like "relish" or "get a kick out of" might be more commonly used to describe schadenfreude, though it's important to be mindful of the impact your words might have.