take heed of

USAGE SUMMARY

"take heed of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be alert and cautious about something that might be dangerous or detrimental in some way. For example, "Take heed of the storm warnings before you go out to sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should take heed of it".

The Guardian

Take heed of small-sized nutrition labels, as well.

Columbia University

Issuers should take heed of the Crescent Point Energy case.

Harvard University

But will the government take heed of such demands?

The Guardian

Will the council take heed of its Futures Commission?

The Guardian

Coaches might want to take heed of this insight.

The Washington Post

I didn't and couldn't take heed of all of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The NHS needs to take heed of these figures.

The Guardian

We, the American people, must take heed of our responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it too must take heed of the new realities and realign its strategies.

The New York Times

All these banks, and others, should take heed of UBS's move.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take heed of" to add a touch of formality and seriousness to your writing, especially when addressing important advice or critical information.

Common error

While "take heed of" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or archaic. Balance its use with simpler alternatives like "pay attention to" or "be mindful of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take heed of" functions as a directive, urging the audience to pay attention to something important or potentially dangerous. It emphasizes the need for caution and awareness, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Take heed of" is a commonly used phrase that means to pay attention and be cautious, typically because there is a potential danger or something important to consider. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science, although it leans towards formal usage. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overuse and balance it with simpler alternatives to maintain a natural tone. Remember to use "take heed of" when you want to emphasize the importance of being aware of potential risks or critical considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cautious of

Directly advises being careful and wary, similar to "take heed of" but more explicit in its warning.

beware of

Emphasizes potential danger and the need for vigilance, sharing a strong sense of warning with "take heed of".

pay attention to

Emphasizes focusing one's awareness on something, differing from "take heed of" which implies potential danger or negative consequences.

be mindful of

Suggests being conscious and aware, highlighting thoughtfulness in contrast to "take heed of's" warning tone.

watch out for

Suggests active observation and alertness to avoid something, differing slightly in tone from "take heed of".

bear in mind

Focuses on remembering or considering something, unlike "take heed of" which stresses caution and potential risk.

be alert to

Highlights the need to be watchful and responsive, differing from "take heed of" by focusing on readiness.

give consideration to

Implies a more formal and deliberate assessment, differing from the immediacy of "take heed of".

consider carefully

Stresses thorough and thoughtful evaluation, which is more deliberative than the cautionary implication of "take heed of".

mind

A more concise way to express caution or attention, often used in informal contexts and shorter in format than "take heed of".

FAQs

What does "take heed of" mean?

The phrase "take heed of" means to pay attention to and be cautious about something, usually because it involves a potential danger or important consideration. It's a call to be mindful and aware.

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

You can use "take heed of" to advise someone to be aware of something important. For example, "Take heed of the warning signs" or "You should take heed of his advice".

What are some alternatives to "take heed of"?

Alternatives to "take heed of" include "pay attention to", "be mindful of", "be cautious of", and "beware of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "take heed of" formal or informal?

"Take heed of" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a serious tone. In more casual settings, phrases like "watch out for" or "pay attention to" might be more appropriate.