take thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"take thought" is not a correct part of a sentence in standard written English.
It may be used in some dialects or older forms of English, but it is not common or widely accepted in modern written English. Instead, you could use the phrase "think carefully" or "consider" to convey a similar meaning. For example: - "Before making a decision, take the time to think carefully about all your options." - "I need to take thought before responding to her email, as I want to make sure my words are kind and clear."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I take Thought for the Day as a signal to stop listening and get up.

The Guardian

I'd taken the precautions that I knew I should take; thought they were bulletproof.

Huffington Post

Impact investing does take thought and planning, but there are now so many ways to get into it that anyone can find a path that works.

Huffington Post

Read the scripture, take no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

WikiHow

"Yes, it really is hard work, because they take thought and real ingenuity!

The Guardian - Sport

18 1 The Athenians thronged to the tents of their commanders and begged the generals to take thought, not for the ships, but for the safety of themselves.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We'll take thoughts on that, or anything NFL related, here.

The Guardian - Sport

These arguments ruled science out of the business of explaining our actions because it cannot take thoughts seriously as causes of anything.

The New York Times

That took thought and created some turbulence.

The New York Times - Sports

He writes almost without taking thought.

The New Yorker

Buying fresh, nutritious food takes thought – and careful money management.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and modern usage, replace the phrase "take thought" with more common alternatives such as "think carefully" or "consider thoughtfully".

Common error

Avoid using "take thought" in formal writing as it can sound outdated or unnatural. Opt for more contemporary expressions to ensure your writing is clear and accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take thought" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of considering or reflecting on something. While Ludwig provides examples, its usage is not considered standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

21%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take thought" is identified by Ludwig AI as grammatically questionable in standard modern English. While it appears in some contexts, including news and media, academia and wiki sources, it is not a common or preferred expression. More contemporary and clear alternatives such as "think carefully" or "consider thoughtfully" are recommended for clearer communication. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while the phrase isn't entirely incorrect, its use should be approached with caution to avoid sounding outdated or unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think carefully

Replaces the phrase with a more standard and direct instruction to consider something thoroughly.

consider thoughtfully

Combines the idea of consideration with the manner in which it should be done.

give consideration to

Offers a more formal way to suggest that something should be thoughtfully examined.

ponder deeply

Suggests a more profound and reflective consideration.

reflect upon

Implies a more introspective and contemplative approach.

deliberate over

Emphasizes a careful and unhurried consideration of something.

weigh carefully

Highlights the act of balancing different aspects before making a decision.

analyze thoroughly

Focuses on a detailed and comprehensive examination.

contemplate at length

Suggests a prolonged period of reflection.

meditate on

Implies a deep, almost spiritual, consideration.

FAQs

What does "take thought" mean?

While not commonly used in modern English, "take thought" suggests giving careful consideration or reflecting on something.

How can I use "take thought" in a sentence?

It's better to use alternatives like "think carefully", "consider", or /s/give+consideration+to to convey the same meaning in contemporary English.

What can I say instead of "take thought"?

You can use alternatives like "think carefully", "consider", or /s/reflect+upon depending on the context.

Which is correct, "take thought" or "think carefully"?

"Think carefully" is more widely accepted and grammatically sound in modern English compared to "take thought".