take pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"take pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you are pleased or delighted about something. For example, "I take pleasure in seeing you so happy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I would definitely take pleasure in it.

Independent

Take pleasure in each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They take pleasure in mutual trespass.

The Guardian

You deserve to take pleasure in it.

The Washington Post

Do, though, take pleasure in the movement.

The Guardian

"I take pleasure in fooling the professionals," he often said.

The New Yorker

See also: Freudenstalke (to take pleasure in negative findings).

The New York Times

It's unseemly to take pleasure in any creative failure.

The New York Times - Books

Many subjects, it seems, take pleasure in punishing free-riders.

The Economist

Do we take pleasure in hearing about their pain?

The New York Times

Everyone else could take pleasure in her company.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take pleasure in" to describe a sustained or habitual source of enjoyment, rather than a fleeting amusement.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "take pleasure". The correct form is "take pleasure in". For example, it's correct to say "I take pleasure in reading" but not "I take pleasure from reading".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take pleasure" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of experiencing enjoyment or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to express delight or positive feelings towards something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Lifestyle

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take pleasure" is a versatile way to express enjoyment or satisfaction in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Take pleasure" is frequently found in "News & Media", academic, and lifestyle contexts. While "enjoy" might be a simpler alternative, "take pleasure" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using "take pleasure", remember to follow it with "in" and the source of your enjoyment. Considering the multiple usages, understanding the nuances allows for a more expressive communication whether in writing or speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoy

A more general term for experiencing positive feelings from something.

find joy in

Emphasizes the feeling of joy as the source of pleasure.

be delighted by

Highlights the feeling of delight as a result of something.

be gratified by

Highlights the feeling of satisfaction and contentment.

derive satisfaction

Focuses on the act of obtaining satisfaction from something, rather than actively experiencing pleasure.

experience gratification

Focuses on the active experience of being gratified.

appreciate

Focuses on recognizing the value and positive aspects of something.

relish

Implies savoring or enjoying something intensely.

get a kick out of

A more informal way of saying you find something amusing or exciting.

savor the moment

Suggests appreciating and enjoying a particular time or experience.

FAQs

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

The phrase "take pleasure" is typically followed by "in" and then the object or activity that brings enjoyment. For example, "I "take pleasure" in hiking" or "She "takes pleasure" in helping others".

What are some alternatives to "take pleasure"?

You can use alternatives such as "find joy in", "derive satisfaction", or simply "enjoy" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "take pleasure in" rather than "enjoy"?

Yes, ""take pleasure" in" is generally considered more formal and literary compared to the more common and versatile verb "enjoy".

What's the difference between "take pleasure in" and "get pleasure from"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "take pleasure in" is often used to describe a more deliberate or conscious enjoyment, while "get pleasure from" can imply a more passive or incidental experience of enjoyment.