take notes

USAGE SUMMARY

"take notes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to tell someone to remember something important by recording it in writing. For example, "Be sure to take notes during the meeting so you can review the important points later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"You can't take notes.

The New York Times

I take notes.

The Economist

Do you take notes?

The New York Times - Books

"They have to take notes".

The New York Times

"I'll take notes," Tobin said.

The New York Times

5) Take notes!

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

London might take note.

The New York Times

Fergie, take note.

The New Yorker

American conservatives, take note.

The Economist

Beyoncé, take note.

Independent

Word buffs, take note.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attending meetings or lectures, actively "take notes" to improve retention and recall of key information. Use abbreviations and symbols to speed up the process, but ensure they are understandable later.

Common error

Don't just passively listen; actively "take notes" to engage with the material and solidify your understanding. Writing down information forces you to process it, making it easier to remember later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take notes" functions as an actionable verb phrase, indicating the act of recording information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, supporting its use in various writing scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

News & Media

35%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take notes" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of recording information. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and wiki sources, it is essential for active learning and information retention. When using this phrase, ensure you're actively processing information, not just passively transcribing it. Consider alternatives like "jot down points" or "record observations" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

write down information

A general alternative that highlights the act of writing down information.

jot down points

Emphasizes quick and informal recording, suitable for capturing essential ideas.

capture key information

Focuses on identifying and recording the most important information.

record observations

Focuses on documenting observations, often in a scientific or investigative setting.

document details

Suggests a thorough and systematic approach to recording information.

make a record

Emphasizes creating a formal or official record of events or details.

note key takeaways

Focuses on extracting and recording the essential points from a discussion or presentation.

keep a log

Implies maintaining a continuous record of events or activities over time.

transcribe lectures

Specifically refers to writing down spoken content, such as in a lecture.

inscribe observations

Suggests a more formal and permanent method of recording observations.

FAQs

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

Focus on capturing key concepts and main ideas, rather than trying to write down everything verbatim. Use abbreviations, symbols, and a personalized shorthand to speed up the process.

What are some alternatives to saying "take notes"?

You can use alternatives such as "jot down points", "record observations", or "write down information" depending on the context.

Is it better to "take notes" by hand or on a computer?

Research suggests that "taking notes" by hand can improve memory and understanding, as it forces you to actively process the information. However, using a computer may be more efficient for some individuals, especially when dealing with large amounts of information.

Why is it important to "take notes" during meetings or lectures?

"Taking notes" helps you stay engaged, improves your focus, and provides a valuable reference for later review. It also helps you process and retain information more effectively.