take heed

USAGE SUMMARY

Take heed is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It basically means to be careful or to pay attention to a certain thing. Example: Take heed of the warning and use safety precautions when climbing the mountain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carmakers should take heed.

The Economist

Take heed clubbers!

Independent

Will America take heed?

The New York Times

Grandparents, take heed.

The New York Times

AMERICANS, take heed.

The New York Times

Take heed, Andy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Criminals, please take heed.

The New Yorker

Prospective women take heed.

The Guardian - Music

Royal Society take heed.

The Guardian

(Public-relations practitioners, take heed).

The New York Times

Europeans especially should take heed".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take heed" when you want to emphasize the importance of paying attention to a warning or piece of advice. It's more formal than "be careful" and adds a sense of gravity.

Common error

Avoid using "take heed" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even pompous in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be careful" or "pay attention" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take heed" is as an imperative verb phrase, urging the listener or reader to pay attention and be cautious. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Take heed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that means to pay attention and be cautious. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While effective for emphasizing the importance of a warning or advice, it's essential to consider the level of formality, as it can sound out of place in casual conversations. Alternatives like "pay attention" or "be careful" may be more suitable in informal settings. Understanding these nuances will help you use "take heed" effectively in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Heed the warning

Specifically emphasizes following a warning or advice.

Pay attention

Focuses on the act of listening or observing carefully.

Be careful

Emphasizes the need for caution and safety.

Be mindful

Highlights the importance of being aware and conscious of something.

Take note

Stresses the act of recording or remembering something important.

Consider carefully

Suggests a thorough and thoughtful evaluation.

Bear in mind

Implies remembering something important when making a decision.

Watch out

Warns of immediate danger or potential problems.

Mind you

Introduces a cautionary remark or qualification.

Give thought to

Indicates that something deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

What does "take heed" mean?

"Take heed" means to pay close attention and be cautious, often in response to a warning or potential danger. It's a directive to consider something seriously.

When is it appropriate to use "take heed"?

It's appropriate to use "take heed" in situations where you want to emphasize the importance of being careful or paying attention, especially when there's a potential risk or negative consequence. It fits well in formal writing, speeches, or when giving serious advice.

What can I say instead of "take heed"?

You can use alternatives like "pay attention", "be careful", "be mindful", or "heed the warning" depending on the context.

Is "take heed" formal or informal?

"Take heed" is generally considered a more formal expression. In casual conversations, phrases like "be careful" or "watch out" are more common and suitable.