take minutes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take minutes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of recording the minutes of a meeting or event, referring to the act of documenting what was discussed or decided. Example: "During the meeting, Sarah was assigned to take minutes to ensure that all important points were recorded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The drugs take minutes".

The Guardian

The hearings take minutes.

The New York Times

It can take minutes or hours.

The New Yorker

Ending such restrictions would take minutes.

The Economist

You're just here to take minutes.

The Guardian

This can take minutes or hours.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They took minutes.

The Washington Post

Who's taking minutes?

The Guardian

The final cooking takes minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Now it takes minutes".

Forbes

I have commented, and it took minutes.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "take minutes", ensure you capture key decisions, action items, and attendee names accurately for future reference. Organize your notes logically and use a consistent format.

Common error

Avoid alternating between excessive detail and broad generalizations when "take minutes". Maintain a consistent level of detail to ensure clarity and usefulness of the record.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take minutes" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of recording and documenting the proceedings of a meeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take minutes" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of documenting meeting proceedings. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When you "take minutes", focus on accurately capturing key decisions and action items while maintaining a consistent level of detail. Alternatives like "record the minutes" or "document the meeting" can be used for variety. Ensuring accuracy and clarity in your minutes is essential for effective communication and future reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

record the minutes

Focuses on the act of recording rather than the action of taking.

document the meeting

Emphasizes the documentation aspect of the meeting's proceedings.

keep a record of the meeting

Highlights the maintenance of a record for future reference.

write up the minutes

Suggests a more formal and comprehensive transcription process.

transcribe the meeting's proceedings

Implies a detailed and verbatim account of what transpired.

chronicle the discussions

Focuses on creating a chronological account of the dialogues.

capture the key points of the meeting

Highlights the selection and recording of essential information.

report on the meeting's outcomes

Emphasizes the reporting of the meeting's decisions and results.

summarize the meeting

Implies condensing the information into a brief overview.

make a note of the meeting's details

Suggests a simple recording of the important elements.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "take minutes" effectively?

Focus on active listening, note-taking shorthand, and summarizing key points. Review past minutes to understand organizational preferences. Practice transcribing recordings to improve speed and accuracy.

What are some alternatives to saying "take minutes"?

You can use alternatives like "record the minutes", "document the meeting", or "keep a record of the meeting", depending on the context.

What should I do if I miss a crucial point while trying to "take minutes"?

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification immediately during the meeting. If that's not possible, follow up with the speaker or other attendees afterward to ensure accuracy.

Is it acceptable to paraphrase when I "take minutes", or should I aim for verbatim transcription?

Paraphrasing is generally acceptable, especially for lengthy discussions. However, direct quotes are essential for critical decisions, motions, or when capturing the precise wording is important. Ensure paraphrases accurately reflect the speaker's intent.