take the metro

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take the metro" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to using the subway or underground train system for transportation in a city. Example: "To avoid traffic, I decided to take the metro to work this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But most people take the Metro de Santiago subway (www.metrosantiago.cl), which is efficient and clean and stops near most landmarks.

The New York Times - Travel

"Can't we take the Metro?" asked Max.

Independent

"Let's take the metro!" he says.

The New York Times

Take the Metro to Porte Dauphine (1898-1901).

The Guardian - Travel

I take the metro every day: when it's hot, everyone is sweaty and smells.

The Guardian

Least likely to: Take the metro – it's limos only for these boys.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Or take the Metro-North Hudson line to the Riverdale station and walk.

The New York Times - Style

The next treat was when I was running from the A train 207th Street stop up the stairs to take the BX-12 bus to Fordham, where I take the Metro-North to my job in Scarsdale.

The New York Times

Getting There: Take the Metro-North New Haven line from Grand Central Station to New Canaan (about 75 minutes from Grand Central).

Huffington Post

Getting There: Take the Metro-North Hudson line from Grand Central Station to Cold Spring (about 75 minutes from Grand Central).

Huffington Post

Getting There: Take the Metro-North Hudson line from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown (about 35 minutes) and a 10-minute cab ride to the farm.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, specify the metro line and station to make your instructions clear and actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "metro" generically for all urban transit systems. "Metro" specifically refers to underground rapid transit, not buses or trams. Be precise to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the metro" functions as a verb phrase, where "take" is the main verb and "the metro" is the direct object. It describes the action of using the metro system for transportation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take the metro" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe utilizing the metro system for transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide audience. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the metro line and station. Alternatives like "ride the subway" or "use the underground" can be used depending on the regional context. Avoid generic use of "metro" for all transit systems to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ride the subway

Uses "subway" instead of "metro", common in American English.

use the underground

Employs "underground", a term often used in British English for the metro.

travel by metro

Replaces "take" with "travel by", emphasizing the mode of transport.

go by subway

Replaces "take" with "go by", a more casual way to refer to using the subway.

commute via metro

Uses "commute" to indicate regular travel and "via" to specify the mode.

utilize the metro system

More formal, using "utilize" and specifying "system".

opt for the metro

Suggests choosing the metro as a transportation option.

choose the subway

Similar to "opt for the metro", but uses "subway" and "choose".

catch the metro

Uses "catch", implying a need to be on time for the transport.

hop on the metro

A more informal way of saying "take the metro".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "take the metro"?

You can use alternatives like "ride the subway", "use the underground", or "travel by metro" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take the subway" instead of "take the metro"?

"Take the subway" is commonly used in American English, while "take the metro" is more common internationally. Both are correct and understandable, though regional preferences may vary.

How do I use "take the metro" in a sentence?

You can use "take the metro" to describe the action of using the metro system for transportation. For example, "I often take the metro to work to avoid traffic".

What's the difference between "take the metro" and "take the train"?

"Take the train" is a more general term that refers to using any type of train, while "take the metro" specifically refers to using the urban underground railway system.