take the field

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take the field' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean to go forth and take a position or enter a competition, especially in the context of sports. For example, you could say, "The team took the field for the first time this season on Saturday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He excites me when we take the field," Manuel said.

The New York Times - Sports

I cannot make a team take the field of play.

Independent

He has yet to take the field for a snap.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, he said, he is eager to take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

And that meant the offense had to take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Players take the field shortly before 5 for batting practice.

The New York Times - Sports

We expect to win every time we take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes the offense does not even take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

A great stirring, inspiring anthem to take the field to!

The Guardian - Sport

You take the Cubs; I'll take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

"The first are teams that are beaten before they even take the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context; while generally acceptable, "take the field" might sound out of place in extremely formal or academic writing if not related to sports.

Common error

Avoid using "take the field" to describe situations where the entrance or preparation for activity lacks a competitive or structured element. The phrase is less suitable for describing simply starting a job or hobby.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the field" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of a team or individual entering a sports playing area to begin a game or practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples show its common usage in sports reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take the field" is a verb phrase primarily used to describe entering a sports arena to begin a game or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is a common phrase found frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, and typically carries a neutral register. When writing, it’s best used in sports-related contexts or metaphorically for entering competitive situations. Remember to avoid using it in non-competitive contexts, and to consider related alternatives when more formal language is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step onto the pitch

A more specific phrase often used in soccer or rugby contexts, indicating entry onto the playing surface.

start the game

Highlights the commencement of the sporting event, often used from the perspective of someone initiating the play.

enter the arena

Emphasizes a formal entrance into a competitive environment, going beyond just a sports context.

get into position

Focuses on the act of preparing for action, rather than the act of entering the playing area.

go into action

Broader than sports, this refers to starting any kind of activity or operation.

begin the campaign

Shifts the focus to a broader effort or endeavor, implying a series of actions over time.

join the fray

Suggests entering an already ongoing and possibly chaotic situation.

prepare for battle

Emphasizes the readiness and anticipation before engaging in a challenging situation, not necessarily physical.

commence hostilities

A very formal phrase indicating the start of a conflict or competition.

move to the forefront

Implies taking a leading or visible role in some activity.

FAQs

How is "take the field" typically used in a sentence?

It's generally used to describe a team or individual going onto a playing field to begin a game or competition. For example, "The team will "take the field" at 7 PM."

What are some alternatives to "take the field"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "enter the arena", "step onto the pitch", or simply "begin the game".

Is it correct to use "take the field" in a non-sports context?

While primarily used in sports, it can be used metaphorically to describe entering a new endeavor or competition, but consider your audience. Formal options would be preferred, such as "begin the campaign".

What does it mean when a team "takes the field"?

It means the team is going onto the playing surface to start a game or practice. It signifies readiness and the commencement of the sporting activity. It could also mean the team is ready to "get into position".