take lessons

USAGE SUMMARY

"take lessons" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to mean taking a series of classes or instruction in some subject or skill, such as music, a foreign language, or a sport. For example: "I want to improve my French, so I'm going to take lessons from a local tutor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We take lessons from life.

The New York Times - Science

Why not take lessons from them?

The New York Times - Arts

You should take lessons!' " she says.

The New Yorker

Would Susan take lessons with him?

The New Yorker

Can I take lessons from her?

The New York Times - Magazine

I want to take lessons from you.

The New Yorker

We take lessons at the university.

The Guardian - Travel

The overwhelming majority of recreational golfers do not take lessons.

The New York Times

"The public is not looking to take lessons".

The New Yorker

"Other African leaders especially need to take lessons from Mandela.

The New York Times

People would want to take lessons from him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting that someone "take lessons", be specific about the skill or subject you are referring to for clarity. For example, "take guitar lessons" or "take driving lessons".

Common error

Avoid using "take lessons" when referring to isolated instances of learning. This phrase generally implies a series of instructional sessions, not a single piece of advice or a one-time demonstration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take lessons" functions as a verb phrase, where "take" is the main verb and "lessons" is its direct object. It describes the action of receiving instruction, often in a structured or formal setting. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take lessons" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe engaging in instructional sessions to learn a new skill or improve an existing one. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts. This analysis highlights the importance of specifying the type of lessons for clarity, avoiding its use for isolated instances of learning, and understanding its neutral register. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "take lessons" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive instruction

Focuses more on the act of being taught, implying a formal educational setting.

attend classes

Specifically refers to attending scheduled sessions, often in a group setting.

enrol in a course

Implies a more formal and structured commitment to learning.

study under a teacher

Highlights the mentorship aspect of learning from an experienced individual.

get tutored

Suggests a more personalized and one-on-one learning experience.

learn the ropes

Indicates acquiring practical skills and knowledge within a specific field.

get trained

Refers to structured preparation for a specific job or task.

acquire knowledge

Emphasizes the outcome of learning, focusing on gaining information and understanding.

benefit from mentoring

Highlights the advantages gained from guidance and support.

draw insights

Focuses on gaining understanding and wisdom from experiences or observations.

FAQs

How is "take lessons" commonly used in a sentence?

The phrase "take lessons" is used to describe participating in a series of instructional sessions to learn a new skill or improve an existing one. For example, "I decided to "take lessons" to improve my painting skills".

What are some alternatives to saying "take lessons"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "attend classes", "receive instruction", or "enroll in a course".

Is it correct to say "take a lesson" instead of "take lessons"?

While "take a lesson" is grammatically correct, it implies a single instance of instruction. "Take lessons" suggests a series of instructional sessions over time.

What's the difference between ""take lessons"" and "study"?

"Take lessons" specifically refers to receiving formal instruction, often from a teacher or instructor. "Study" is a broader term that encompasses any effort to learn something, including self-directed learning without formal guidance.