take initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take initiative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to act independently and proactively, often in a work or educational context. Example: "We encourage all team members to take initiative and propose new ideas during our brainstorming sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Take initiative.

Harvard Business Review

Take initiative, meet people".

The New York Times

Empower them to take initiative.

MIT Technology Review

Network, take initiative and be proactive.

The Guardian

They're open and willing to take initiative.

Harvard Business Review

"We're saying: invest in families when they take initiative.

The New York Times

Knew I should take initiative and pick up.

The New Yorker

You "just need to take initiative," he says.

Harvard Business Review

They said they would take more risks, take initiative, negotiate.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Policy makers take initiatives to stimulate knowledge ecosystems in technology hotspots.

Research Policy

Private and non-profit organisations also take initiatives.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take initiative" to encourage proactive problem-solving and independent action in a team or individual setting.

Common error

Avoid using "take initiative" when the suggested action is beyond the individual's authority or expertise. Instead, consider suggesting collaboration or seeking guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take initiative" functions primarily as a call to action or encouragement, urging individuals to act independently and proactively. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in fostering proactive behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

21%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take initiative" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that encourages proactive behavior and independent action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts like news, academia, and general writing. It is advisable to use this phrase when you want to motivate people to take action and be self-directed. When using the phrase, the best practice is to specify the area of action to avoid ambiguity. In conclusion, "take initiative" is a valuable phrase for promoting a proactive and self-reliant mindset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show initiative

Focuses on demonstrating proactive qualities.

be proactive

Highlights acting in advance to deal with expected changes.

take the lead

Emphasizes guiding or directing others.

step up

Implies rising to a challenge or responsibility.

seize the opportunity

Highlights capitalizing on available chances.

be assertive

Focuses on expressing oneself confidently and forcefully.

exhibit leadership

Emphasizes demonstrating qualities of a leader.

make the first move

Highlights being the first to act or propose something.

be resourceful

Implies using available resources effectively and imaginatively.

demonstrate enterprise

Focuses on showing initiative and willingness to undertake new ventures.

FAQs

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

You can use "take initiative" to describe someone who is proactive and takes action without being told. For example, "It's important to "show initiative" in your career to advance quickly".

What's a good synonym for "take initiative"?

Alternatives to "take initiative" include "be proactive", "take the lead", or "step up", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of proactive behavior.

Is it better to "take initiative" or "show initiative"?

Both "take initiative" and "show initiative" are correct and usable. "Take initiative" focuses on the action itself, while "show initiative" emphasizes demonstrating the quality of being proactive.

When is it not appropriate to "take initiative"?

It might not be appropriate to "take initiative" when the situation requires following strict protocols, or when actions could significantly impact others without prior consultation. In such cases, collaboration or seeking guidance might be more suitable.