take stock of

USAGE SUMMARY

"take stock of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to review a situation or to consider the consequences of something. Example sentence: After taking stock of the situation, I decided it was best to move forward with the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take stock of household chemicals.

The New York Times

But let's take stock of the situation.

The New York Times

This article attempts to take stock of this issue.

Journal of Business Research

But first, let's take stock of where we are.

The New York Times

"The State of Israel will now take stock of itself.

The New Yorker

All government should take stock of this judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

6.51am BST Let's take stock of the estimates hearings.

The Guardian

Take stock of the situation.

Forbes

Take stock of your goals.

Forbes

Take stock of your technology.

Forbes

So I will take stock of that.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take stock of" when you want to convey a sense of careful consideration and evaluation before making a decision or taking action.

Common error

Avoid using "take stock of" when the situation demands immediate action without time for reflection. It implies a deliberate process, which may be inappropriate in emergencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take stock of" functions as a phrasal verb, primarily used to express the act of evaluating or assessing a situation, idea, or set of circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples show it frequently appears before important decisions or reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take stock of" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of reviewing or assessing a situation before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register applicable across various contexts, from personal reflections to formal evaluations. Alternatives include "assess the situation" and "evaluate the circumstances". Remember to use it when careful consideration is needed, but avoid it when immediate action is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assess the situation

Focuses on evaluating the current state.

evaluate the circumstances

Emphasizes a careful judgment of the surrounding conditions.

review the facts

Highlights the process of examining available information.

consider the situation

Suggests thoughtful contemplation of the matter at hand.

examine the details

Implies a close inspection of specific aspects.

analyze the problem

Focuses on breaking down a challenge into its components.

survey the landscape

Offers a broader perspective, like assessing a general situation.

gauge the impact

Emphasizes measuring the effect or consequence.

appraise the value

Highlights determining the worth or significance.

get a handle on

Informal way of saying understanding and managing a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "take stock of" in a sentence?

You can use "take stock of" to indicate a moment of reflection or evaluation. For example, "Before making a decision, it's important to "take stock of" all the available information."

What are some alternatives to "take stock of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "assess the situation", "evaluate the circumstances", or "review the facts".

Is "take stock of" formal or informal?

"Take stock of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain academic or professional settings.

What does it mean to "take stock of" something?

To "take stock of" something means to carefully review or assess it, often in order to make a decision or plan for the future. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful evaluation.