take it in stride

USAGE SUMMARY

Take it in stride is a common and grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It means to deal with something calmly and without overreacting. It can be used in any situation where someone needs to handle a challenge or difficulty in a composed manner. Examples: 1. "Despite the unexpected changes, he was able to take it in stride and still deliver a fantastic presentation." 2. "She didn't let the criticism get to her and instead chose to take it in stride, using it as motivation to improve." 3. "I know things have been tough lately, but try to take it in stride and remember that things will get better." 4. "When faced with setbacks, it's important to take them in stride and keep moving forward." 5. "She's always been able to take things in stride, which is why she's such a great leader in difficult situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The lobbyists take it in stride.

The New York Times

People just take it in stride".

The New York Times - Books

People seem to take it in stride".

The New York Times

Most take it in stride.

The New York Times

"You take it in stride".

The New York Times

"I take it in stride.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed to take it in stride.

The New York Times - Food

"We're going to take it in stride".

The New York Times

But most of us just take it in stride.

The New York Times

But he says people take it in stride.

The New York Times

"The kids take it in stride," Mr. Horton said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take it in stride" when you want to convey a sense of resilience and emotional stability in the face of challenges. It's particularly effective in situations where overreacting would be counterproductive.

Common error

Avoid using "take it in stride" in highly formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated or technical term might be more appropriate. While acceptable in most contexts, it can sound too casual in certain professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "take it in stride" functions as a verb phrase that modifies a subject, describing how someone responds to a situation. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it expresses a specific manner of dealing with events—calmly and without being overly affected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Style

2%

Money

2%

Food

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take it in stride" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe handling difficulties calmly and without overreacting. Ludwig's analysis, leveraging numerous real-world examples, indicates its appropriateness in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and general conversations. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings. The phrase conveys resilience and emotional stability, making it a valuable addition to one's communication toolkit. Ludwig also provides related phrases and highlights common errors to ensure precise and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain composure

Emphasizes the act of keeping one's self-control and a calm demeanor.

keep your cool

Highlights the need to remain calm and composed under pressure.

handle it with equanimity

Focuses on maintaining emotional balance when dealing with something difficult.

remain unruffled

Stresses the importance of staying composed and not getting agitated by difficulties.

manage it calmly

Emphasizes a composed and rational approach to dealing with a situation.

not let it bother you

Focuses on avoiding emotional disturbance when facing a challenge.

deal with it without fuss

Highlights the absence of unnecessary worry or excitement in handling a problem.

rise above it

Implies overcoming a challenge with a positive and resilient attitude.

navigate it smoothly

Focuses on maneuvering through a difficult situation with skill and grace.

face it head-on with grace

Emphasizes a direct and elegant confrontation of a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "take it in stride" in a sentence?

You can use "take it in stride" to describe how someone handles a difficult or unexpected situation calmly. For example: "Despite the setback, she decided to "take it in stride" and focus on finding a solution".

What does it mean to "take it in stride"?

To "take it in stride" means to deal with a problem, difficulty, or setback without getting upset or stressed. It implies a sense of composure and resilience.

What are some alternatives to saying "take it in stride"?

You can use alternatives like "handle it calmly", "maintain composure", or "not let it bother you" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "take it in stride" appropriate for formal writing?

While "take it in stride" is widely understood and grammatically correct, it might be too informal for certain types of academic or professional writing. In those contexts, consider using a more formal expression like "manage the situation with equanimity" or "address the challenge with composure".