take the elevator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take the elevator' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: If you're in a hurry, take the elevator instead of the stairs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

General Instructions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can take the elevator".

The New York Times

Take the elevator to the 14th floor.

The New York Times

For mass transit, take the elevator.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't take the elevator — nothing stops me.

The New York Times

I end up having to take the elevator one flight.

The New York Times

"Take the elevator, not the stairs," she said.

The New York Times

We take the elevator past the top floor To the imaginary roof garden.

The New Yorker

My panicked heart clenches like a fist as I take the elevator to the fifth floor.

The New Yorker

"I just have to take the elevator down to the basement to do it," she said.

The New York Times

This is one building in which no one should take the elevator unless he has to.

The New Yorker

Take the elevator up and, floor by floor, the windows let in more light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take the elevator" when you want to suggest or instruct someone to use the elevator as a means of transportation within a building.

Common error

Instead of saying "Utilize the vertical transportation mechanism", simply say "Take the elevator". Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the elevator" primarily functions as an imperative when giving directions or suggestions. It can also function as a statement of intent when describing an action. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in directing people within buildings or narrating experiences involving elevator use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

13%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take the elevator" is a common and grammatically sound way to instruct someone to use an elevator, or to describe using one. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts, from news articles to travel guides. While alternatives like "use the elevator" or "ride the lift" exist, "take the elevator" remains a clear and effective choice for most situations. Ensure clarity in your directions by specifying the destination floor or any necessary turns upon exiting the elevator.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use the elevator

Replaces the verb "take" with "use", maintaining the same meaning.

ride the lift

Substitutes "elevator" with "lift", which is more common in British English, and replaces "take" with "ride".

ascend by elevator

Replaces "take" with "ascend by", focusing on the upward movement.

go up in the elevator

Rephrases to emphasize the action of going upwards using the elevator.

opt for the elevator

Highlights the choice of using the elevator instead of other options like stairs.

catch the elevator

Uses "catch" instead of "take", implying a quick or opportune use of the elevator.

make use of the elevator

A more formal way of saying "use the elevator".

travel by elevator

Focuses on the elevator as a means of travel.

choose the elevator

Similar to "opt for", emphasizing the selection of the elevator.

get on the elevator

Focuses on the action of entering the elevator.

FAQs

How can I phrase instructions using "take the elevator"?

When providing directions, you can say, "Take the elevator to the 10th floor" or "To reach the rooftop garden, "take the elevator" near the lobby."

What is a British English alternative to "take the elevator"?

In British English, a common alternative is to say "take the lift". Both phrases are perfectly acceptable depending on the region.

Is it more formal to say "use the elevator" or "take the elevator"?

"Use the elevator" and ""take the elevator"" are generally interchangeable in most contexts. "Use the elevator" might sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

When should I use stairs instead of saying "take the elevator"?

If you are suggesting physical exercise or if the destination is only one floor away, you might recommend "take the stairs" instead. Otherwise, ""take the elevator"" is suitable for most situations.