take offence

USAGE SUMMARY

"take offence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone felt indignant or insulted by something said or done. For example, "When he said she was being lazy, she took offence and stormed out of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He doesn't take offence.

The Guardian

Prickly leaders routinely take offence at outsiders.

The Economist

People take offence so quickly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Did the Algerian players take offence?

The Guardian - Sport

I can't take offence at that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people do take offence at this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Really good friends don't take offence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She doesn't take offence at this notion.

The Guardian - Film

That's what I take offence to.

The Guardian - Film

If I take offence, it's my fault".

The Guardian

Most were proud, and quick to take offence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take offence", consider the context and the audience. In some situations, a more nuanced expression might be appropriate to avoid escalating conflict.

Common error

Avoid implying that someone should be offended, as it's a subjective experience. Instead of saying "They should take offence at that", it's better to say "They might take offence at that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take offence" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of feeling insulted or aggrieved by something. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as correct and usable in written English. It's used to describe a subjective emotional reaction to an action or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take offence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of feeling insulted or aggrieved. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples showcasing its usage in predominantly news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the subtle nuances it conveys and whether alternatives like "feel insulted" or "be offended" might better suit the intended meaning. By understanding both the function and potential pitfalls associated with "take offence", writers can communicate more effectively and avoid unintended offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be offended

A more passive construction, emphasizing the state of being offended.

be affronted

Similar to "be offended" but with a stronger emphasis on feeling personally insulted or disrespected.

feel insulted

Focuses on the internal emotional experience of being insulted, rather than the reaction.

be indignant

Emphasizes a sense of righteous anger or outrage.

get angry

Highlights the anger resulting from an action or statement.

take exception to

A more formal way of expressing disagreement and annoyance.

feel aggrieved

Highlights the sense of being wronged or unfairly treated.

resent something

Focuses on the feeling of bitterness or displeasure towards a specific thing.

bristle at something

Implies a more immediate and visible reaction of annoyance.

get one's back up

An idiomatic expression suggesting a defensive and angry reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "take offence" to indicate that someone felt insulted or indignant. For example, "She "took offence" at his remark about her cooking".

What's a less formal way to say "take offence"?

Informally, you could say someone "got angry" or "got upset" instead of "take offence", depending on the context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "take offence"?

A more formal alternative would be to say someone "take exception to" something, which implies a strong disagreement and feeling of being wronged.

What is the difference between "take offence" and "give offence"?

"Take offence" means to feel insulted, while "give offence" means to cause someone to feel insulted. They describe opposite sides of the same interaction.