take pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take pace" is not correct in standard written English.
You may be trying to convey the idea of adjusting speed or rhythm, but the correct expression is "keep pace" or "set the pace." Example: "In order to succeed in this fast-paced environment, we must keep pace with the latest trends and technologies."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Where others hit hard, he'll take pace off.

The New York Times

Federer is trying to take pace away from del Potro, by changing speeds and angles.

The New York Times

He understood the geometry of the court, knew when to hit hard, when to take pace off, knew where to be.

The Guardian - Sport

Rebalancing should take pace gradually, through nominal exchange rate adjustments and complementary structural adjustments on both sides, and we have ample reason to believe that this is achievable, and little reason to threaten trade war over slow initial progress.Finally, America has a whopping big alternative to both negotiations and trade war available to it one which happens to be win-win.

The Economist

We wanted to take pace off the ball and make it hard for them to hit boundaries on a slow wicket with big boundaries".

BBC

What happens next: The eight ties will take pace across the weekend of 7-9 Februand and, in the event of draws, replays will take place soon after.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Your story takes pace in Tucson, which forms an interesting background to the events that unfold.

The New Yorker

_ Your story takes pace in Tucson, which forms an interesting background to the events that unfold.

The New Yorker

Pironkova played cannily at first, taking pace off the ball and waiting for opportunities to unleash her majestic forehand.

The Guardian - Sport

Carney asked the Bank for International Settlements, which represents the world's central banks, to review the events which took pace in the early hours of trading in Asia on Friday.

The Guardian - Business

Central to the inquest, taking pace at Flax Bourton, near Bristol, is the care he received on ward 32, the children's cardiac ward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "take pace". Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "keep pace", "gather momentum", or "gain traction" to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "take pace" when they intend to convey the meaning of "keep pace" or "gather momentum". Using "take pace" can confuse readers and diminish the credibility of your writing. Always double-check your phrase choices and consider using a grammar tool to avoid this error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take pace" functions incorrectly as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI identifies this as non-standard usage. Standard English uses "keep pace" or "gather momentum" to convey similar meanings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take pace" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig AI marks this phrase as incorrect. Although some instances can be found across various sources, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts, it's advisable to use more established and grammatically sound alternatives. Instead, consider using "keep pace", "gather momentum", or "gain traction" to ensure clarity and precision in your writing. Always prioritize accuracy in phrase choice to maintain credibility and avoid confusing your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep pace

Emphasizes maintaining a certain speed or progress.

gather momentum

Focuses on increasing speed or force.

gain traction

Highlights the progress or acceptance of an idea or plan.

pick up speed

Stresses the act of accelerating or increasing velocity.

accelerate progress

Emphasizes the quickening of advancements.

maintain speed

Highlights the action of keeping the velocity stable.

gain ground

Focuses on making advancement or progress.

move forward

Emphasizes the general act of advancing or proceeding.

move along

Suggests continuing on a path or journey.

step up the tempo

Highlights the increased rate or rhythm.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "take pace"?

The phrase "take pace" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's often confused with phrases like "keep pace" or "gather momentum", which have different meanings and proper usage.

What can I say instead of "take pace"?

Depending on the intended meaning, you can use alternatives like "keep pace" (to maintain a certain speed or level), "gather momentum" (to increase in speed or force), or "gain traction" (to make progress). The specific alternative depends on the context.

How do I use "keep pace" correctly?

Use "keep pace" when you want to express the idea of maintaining the same speed, level, or progress as someone or something else. For example, "We need to keep pace with the latest technological advancements".

Is "take pace" ever correct?

While the phrase "take pace" appears in some instances, it's rare and often considered an error. It is safer to use established alternatives to avoid miscommunication. Ludwig AI considers it an incorrect usage.