take sightseeing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take sightseeing" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to the activity of visiting places of interest, typically in a tourist context. Example: "During our vacation, we decided to take sightseeing tours around the city to explore its famous landmarks."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was not long before he was donning the bright uniform and making his living on street corners, encouraging tourists to take sightseeing jaunts around Manhattan.

The New York Times

As a piece of straight documentation, "On the Bowery" makes a tough, arresting film.But the thread of story that runs through it the two-day fall and rise of a young man who finds himself sidetracked on the Bowery appears just a shade too fictional to be believed by anybody, except those who take sightseeing bus tours of lower New York.

The New York Times

According to FMN, Lu said he hopes the vessel will attract tourists who will want to take sightseeing tours.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are taking sightseeing to new heights.

Huffington Post

When I decided on the Lani 1 Guest House -- a well-run, clean, tropical-style place of 1960's vintage with air-conditioned rooms (I took a big one with terrace overlooking the adjacent Wat Hai Sok temple for $35) and a friendly, helpful staff, I arranged for him to take me sightseeing the next morning.

The New York Times - Travel

Even on $50 a day, Shanghai is perfectly feasible — once you accept you will not be taking a sightseeing boat along the Bund, eat in fancy restaurants or stay in luxury (or even midrange) hotels.

The New York Times - Travel

The three young men took him sightseeing and shopping.

The New York Times - Arts

He was charming and brilliant; he took them sightseeing and taught them about painting and sculpture.

The New Yorker

He'd give them their first tastes of LA, buying them 40s and taking them sightseeing to the Playboy mansion.

The Guardian - Music

There is a lively terrace restaurant with all-day dining, popular with tourists taking a sightseeing break as well as hotel guests.

The Guardian - Travel

Local church members took them sightseeing, provided warm clothes and arranged for free dental visits at N.Y.U., the first ever for the men.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider using the more common phrase "go sightseeing" or "take a sightseeing tour" for clearer communication and better readability.

Common error

Don't limit your understanding of "take sightseeing" to only guided tours. It can also refer to independently exploring landmarks and attractions. Always specify when referring to guided tour with "take a sightseeing tour".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take sightseeing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of visiting and exploring places of interest. It is used to describe the activity of touring or visiting attractions. Although Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not commonly used, examples show its usage in describing tourist activities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take sightseeing" refers to the act of visiting and exploring attractions, usually in a tourist context. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not as common as alternatives like "go sightseeing" or "take a sightseeing tour". Ludwig's examples show its use in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For clearer and more common communication, consider opting for the alternatives in formal writing. Best practices include using "go sightseeing" to make the phrase more natural. Common errors involve misunderstanding the range of activities, so it is important to specify if referring to guided tours, using "take a sightseeing tour".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a sightseeing tour

Uses the more conventional "take a tour" structure, specifying that the sightseeing is part of a structured tour.

go sightseeing

Replaces "take" with the more common verb "go", making the phrase sound more natural.

do some sightseeing

Uses "do" to describe the activity, which is a common way to express engaging in a general activity.

enjoy the sights

Focuses on the enjoyment aspect of seeing attractions, rather than the action of "taking".

explore the attractions

Emphasizes the exploration of tourist spots, shifting the focus from passive observation.

tour the city

Uses a more direct verb to indicate the action of visiting different places in a city.

visit tourist attractions

More specific and direct, focusing on visiting popular places.

see the sights

A simpler and more common way to express experiencing the visual aspects of a place.

embark on a sightseeing tour

Adds a sense of adventure and formality to the act of sightseeing.

partake in sightseeing

Uses a more formal verb to describe participation in sightseeing activities.

FAQs

Is "take sightseeing" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "take sightseeing" is less common than alternatives like "go sightseeing" or "take a sightseeing tour". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What are some alternatives to "take sightseeing"?

You can use phrases like "go sightseeing", "do some sightseeing", or "explore the attractions" for a more natural and varied expression.

How does "take sightseeing" differ from "take a sightseeing tour"?

"Take sightseeing" refers to exploring and visiting attractions. While "take a sightseeing tour" specifically refers to an organized tour of attractions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take sightseeing"?

It's acceptable in informal contexts, but in formal writing, consider alternatives like "go sightseeing" or "visit tourist attractions" for greater clarity and precision.