take the underground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take the underground" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to taking public transportation via a subway system, such as the London Underground, but can also be used more generally to refer to any kind of subterranean transportation. For example: "I'm running late - I think I'll take the underground to get to the meeting on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

(Serota usually prefers to take the Underground).

The New Yorker

"Although if Michael has his way, we'll take the Underground".

The New York Times - Books

Thus the poet decided to take the underground.

The Guardian - Books

I would take the Underground from my lodging in North London to the British Museum.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, MM's reason for existing is to take the underground music they love to, literally, everyone.

The Guardian - Music

But I consider myself just a normal person so why not take the Underground when you can and it's much faster than driving?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The three-quarter-mile walk can be quicker than taking the Underground (about 20 minutes).

The New York Times - Travel

In London, Theroux took the Underground to Earl's Court and found a room in the Sandringham House Hotel.

The New Yorker

I could have simply taken the Underground two stops from Notting Hill to Paddington and then the train, but that surely would not have been as much fun.

The Guardian

The song, an insider's look at Beijing's sights and sounds, took the underground music scene by storm, finding its way into karaoke parlors, the Internet and even the playlist of a radio station in Beijing.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally, the paper tried to propose a new pattern of unified regulation of surface and ground water which takes the underground reservoir storage regulation as the main measure for water resources development & utilization in river basin, and the new pattern may be a beneficial trial for effective utilization and rational allocation of water resources in arid inland river basin.

Procedia Environmental Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider using "subway" or "metro" instead of "underground" for clarity, as "underground" is most commonly associated with the London Underground.

Common error

Avoid using "underground" when you mean a literal underground space or activity unrelated to transportation. For example, do not say "take the underground" when referring to a hidden basement; instead, specify "take the stairs to the basement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the underground" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of using an underground train system for transportation. Ludwig identifies it as a common expression in contexts related to urban travel.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take the underground" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for utilizing an underground train system, particularly in British English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard way to describe this mode of transportation. While "subway" is a more common equivalent in American English, understanding both terms allows for clearer communication across different contexts. Whether you're reading news, planning a trip, or simply chatting, knowing when and how to use "take the underground" can enhance your clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use the subway

Replaces "underground" with the American English equivalent, "subway".

ride the metro

Uses "metro", a more generic term for an urban subway system.

travel by tube

Employs "tube", a common British nickname for the London Underground.

catch the subway

Uses "catch" instead of "take", implying spontaneity or urgency.

go by subway

Substitutes "take" with "go by", focusing on the mode of transport.

utilise the metro system

Uses more formal language, replacing "take" with "utilise" and "underground" with "metro system".

opt for the underground

Replaces "take" with "opt for", suggesting a deliberate choice.

choose the metro

Uses "choose" instead of "take", highlighting the decision to use the subway.

board the underground

Replaces "take" with "board", giving it a more formal and directional tone.

access the subway

Uses "access", emphasizing the act of getting onto the subway rather than riding it.

FAQs

How can I use "take the underground" in a sentence?

You can use "take the underground" to describe using the subway or metro system for transportation, for example: "I often "take the underground" to get to work quickly".

What's a common alternative to "take the underground"?

A common alternative is "use the subway", which is more frequently used in American English.

Is "take the underground" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to informal, suitable for everyday conversation. More formal options might be "utilize the metro system".

Is it correct to say "take the underground" in the US?

While understandable, it's more common to say "take the subway" in the United States, as "underground" typically refers specifically to the London Underground.