take measurements

USAGE SUMMARY

"take measurements" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the action of measuring something. For example, "The surveyor came to the property to take measurements for the new construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Take measurements around your shoulders, bust, waist, hips, thighs and measure them about once each week.

WikiHow

The measurers use a yardstick provided by the Weather Service, and take measurements in two places near each other.

The New York Times

Various instruments take measurements of the changing weather on the glacier.

The New Yorker

To comprehend that, you need to take measurements all the time".

The New York Times

He would lug plywood, take measurements and clean the construction site.

The New York Times - Sports

Right in the middle of the cocktail party she asked me to take measurements.

The New York Times - Magazine

He came to take measurements, and then we drove to a building-supply depot in town.

The New Yorker

Only when she returned to take measurements in the other did she realize there was no bathroom sink.

The New York Times

In the middle of the road, two policemen take measurements, while another makes notes in a little book.

The New Yorker

"Our riding boots are sold all over the country through tack shops; we teach them how to take measurements.

The New Yorker

Scientists used an instrument onboard Curiosity called the Tunable Laser Spectrometer to take measurements of the Martian atmosphere.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to measure, be specific about the units of measurement (e.g., inches, centimeters) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that measuring instruments are properly calibrated before you "take measurements". Incorrect calibration can lead to inaccurate results and compromise the validity of your data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take measurements" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of measuring something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common and correct way to describe this activity. The examples provided demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, from weight loss to scientific experiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take measurements" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the act of measuring. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is considered both correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in diverse sources such as WikiHow, news outlets, and scientific journals indicates its broad applicability. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, ensure accuracy by calibrating instruments and specifying units. Alternatives like ""perform measurements"" or ""conduct measurements"" can add a more formal tone, while "measure" or ""gauge size"" offer less formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform measurements

Replaces "take" with "perform", emphasizing the action of carrying out the measurements.

conduct measurements

Substitutes "take" with "conduct", suggesting a more formal or scientific approach to measuring.

obtain readings

Focuses on the result of measuring, the "readings", rather than the act of measuring itself.

gather data

Broader term that encompasses the collection of data, including measurements.

record dimensions

Specifically refers to measuring dimensions like length, width and height.

assess parameters

Implies a more analytical approach to measuring specific parameters or variables.

determine values

Focuses on finding out the specific values through measurement.

ascertain quantities

A more formal way of saying to find out the amount or number through measurement.

gauge size

Specifically relates to measuring the size of something.

evaluate extent

Broader term, implying to measure the scope, area, or degree of something.

FAQs

How do I use "take measurements" in a scientific context?

In scientific research, "take measurements" refers to the process of obtaining quantitative data using calibrated instruments. This data is then used for analysis and drawing conclusions. For instance, scientists might "perform measurements" of temperature, pressure, or concentration.

What is a less formal alternative to "take measurements"?

In less formal settings, you could use phrases like "measure", "get readings", or "size up". For example, instead of saying "take measurements of the room", you might say "measure the room" or "gauge size".

What's the difference between "take measurements" and "collect data"?

"Take measurements" specifically refers to the act of measuring physical quantities, while "collect data" is a broader term that includes gathering any type of information, quantitative or qualitative. You might "gather data" through surveys or interviews, but you "take measurements" with instruments.

When is it important to "take measurements" accurately?

Accurate measurements are crucial in fields like construction, engineering, and medicine, where even small errors can have significant consequences. In these fields, it's essential to use precise instruments and follow established procedures to "conduct measurements" correctly.