take offense at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take offense at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone feels hurt or insulted by something that was said or done. Example: "She tends to take offense at criticism, even when it's constructive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How could anybody take offense at that?

The New Yorker

They don't take offense at it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Albany's leaders take offense at the term "slush fund".

The New York Times

The tendency to take offense at freewheeling religious debate is widespread.

The New York Times

Lowry scholars did not take offense at the murder theory when the T.L.S. published it.

The New Yorker

He seemed to take offense at suggestions by Democrats to the contrary.

The New York Times

Some people take offense at the fact that the family fortune is built on hunting.

The New Yorker

"I take offense at the idea that we've done nothing," he told me.

The New York Times

"Jeff, please don't take offense at Russian spectators," Valentin Lapukin of Astrakhan, Russia, wrote.

The New York Times

Given Allen's penchant for brutal self-critique, I doubt he would take offense at such questions.

The New York Times - Books

Then there are critics who take offense at Hewitt's cockiness, his challenges of line calls.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take offense at", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who is feeling offended and the object specifies the cause of the offense. For example, "She might "take offense at" first, but she would, or at least should, eventually respect the fellow feeling that motivated you to say something."

Common error

Avoid using "take offense at" when a milder reaction is more appropriate. Sometimes, expressing disagreement or concern is more suitable than indicating personal offense. Using "object to" or "disagree with" can soften the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take offense at" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reaction of feeling insulted, hurt, or angered by something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take offense at" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of feeling insulted or upset by something. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the intensity of the phrase and whether a milder expression might be more appropriate. Alternatives include "be offended by" and "feel insulted by". Proper usage involves clearly identifying who is feeling offended and the cause of the offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be offended by

Direct synonym; replaces "take offense" with a passive construction.

feel insulted by

Emphasizes the feeling of insult, rather than the action of taking offense.

be affronted by

A more formal synonym for "be offended by".

resent

Focuses on the feeling of bitterness or indignation.

be indignant at

Highlights a stronger, more righteous anger.

take exception to

Emphasizes disagreement and objection more than emotional offense.

bristle at

Suggests a sudden, defensive reaction.

object to

A milder form of disagreement, without necessarily implying personal offense.

get angry about

A more general expression of anger, not necessarily due to feeling personally insulted.

be displeased with

A weaker expression, indicating dissatisfaction rather than strong offense.

FAQs

What does "take offense at" mean?

To ""take offense at"" something means to feel hurt, insulted, or angry because of something someone has said or done. It implies a personal affront or slight.

How can I use ""take offense at"" in a sentence?

You can use ""take offense at"" to describe someone's reaction to an action or statement. For example, "Some people might "take offense at" that joke".

What can I say instead of ""take offense at""?

You can use alternatives like "be offended by", "feel insulted by", or "resent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say ""take offense at""?

Yes, ""take offense at"" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. It accurately conveys the meaning of feeling insulted or upset by something.