take joy in

USAGE SUMMARY

"take joy in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is finding pleasure or contentment from doing something. For example, "I take joy in helping others whenever I can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We almost take joy in it".

The Guardian

In Peru, they take joy in relationships, God and family.

The New York Times - Sports

No one, however, should take joy in Brand's decision.

The New York Times - Sports

They take joy in the simple, and see through pretence in a second.

Independent

Mr. Bourdos, conversely, seems to take joy in Mr. Ribes's contributions.

The New York Times

This summer, I want to take joy in simply "putting in the work".

The New York Times

It is wasteful and dishonourable to not take joy in them.

The Guardian - Books

And while some of her hardest-working classmates take joy in their studies, many do not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only his enemies take joy in videos where he flies with birds or does some other photo-op stuff".

The New York Times

She could also take joy in the news that chemotherapy and radiation treatments had put her mother's cancer in remission.

The New York Times

"As for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, I don't take joy in the fact the Patriots lost — period.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take joy in" to express sincere pleasure and contentment, especially when describing activities or experiences that bring you happiness.

Common error

While "take joy in" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "revel in" or "delight in" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take joy in" functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of finding pleasure or contentment in something. It describes a subject's conscious experience of enjoyment, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Huffington Post

20%

The New York Times

16%

Less common in

Wikipedia

4%

Science

4%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take joy in" is a versatile and widely used expression that conveys a sense of pleasure and contentment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across various sources, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "revel in" or "delight in" can add nuance, understanding the appropriate register ensures effective communication. Remember to use "take joy in" to express genuine appreciation and find happiness in the everyday.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find pleasure in

A more general expression of deriving enjoyment.

get enjoyment from

A straightforward way of saying that something brings happiness.

delight in

Suggests a refined and sophisticated pleasure.

derive satisfaction from

Focuses on the contentment gained from an activity or outcome.

revel in

Implies a more exuberant and celebratory enjoyment.

be pleased with

Expresses contentment or satisfaction with something.

savor

Implies a slow and deliberate enjoyment, drawing out the pleasure.

be gratified by

Highlights the feeling of being pleased or satisfied.

appreciate

Emphasizes recognizing and valuing something that brings joy.

get a kick out of

An informal way of expressing amusement or enjoyment.

FAQs

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

You can use "take joy in" to describe finding pleasure or satisfaction in something. For example, "I take joy in helping others" or "She takes joy in painting landscapes".

What are some alternatives to "take joy in"?

Alternatives include "find pleasure in", "delight in", or "revel in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "taking joy in" instead of "take joy in"?

Yes, "taking joy in" is grammatically correct and can be used as a gerund or participial phrase. For example, "Taking joy in small things can improve your overall happiness".

What's the difference between "take joy in" and "find happiness in"?

While similar, "take joy in" often implies a more active or conscious choice to appreciate something, whereas "find happiness in" can suggest a more passive discovery of happiness.