take turns

USAGE SUMMARY

"take turns" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe when two or more people alternate in doing something. For example, "We decided to take turns reading aloud from the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We take turns, alternating nights.

The New York Times - Books

"We could take turns driving.

The New Yorker

We would take turns weeping.

The New Yorker

Why not take turns?

The New York Times

To take turns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They're going to take turns.

Yale University

They take turns reading to each other.

The New York Times

And we take turns soliciting the public".

The New Yorker

Live actors take turns narrating the story.

The New York Times

We take turns walking her.

The New York Times

The two take turns on the controls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing collaborative efforts, use "take turns" to clearly indicate a rotating or alternating approach to task completion. For example, "During the research project, we will "take turns" leading the data analysis sessions".

Common error

Avoid using "take turns" when describing activities that are performed simultaneously. "Take turns" implies a sequential, not concurrent, execution. Instead of saying "We "take turns" contributing ideas during the brainstorm", use "We contributed ideas during the brainstorm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take turns" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shared or alternating action between two or more individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take turns" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe situations where two or more people alternate in performing an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, academic discussions, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to use "take turns" accurately, ensuring that the action is indeed sequential and not simultaneous.

Alternatives such as "alternate" or "do something in rotation" can provide more formal options, but "take turns" remains a clear and effective choice for most situations. Remember to consider the context and the nuance you want to convey when choosing among these options. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate the phrase "take turns" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take it in turns

Variant of the original phrase, almost perfectly interchangeable.

alternate

Focuses on the act of switching back and forth between two options or individuals.

do something in rotation

Highlights the cyclical nature of the activity being performed.

rotate responsibilities

Similar to 'do something in rotation' but specifically about responsibilities.

share the duties

Emphasizes the distribution of responsibilities among a group.

distribute the tasks

Similar to 'share the duties', but more focused on specific tasks.

each person gets a chance

Stresses the equal opportunity for all individuals involved.

split the activity

Focuses on the division of a larger task into smaller segments.

go in sequence

Emphasizes order and a predefined arrangement.

share and share alike

Idiomatic expression meaning to divide equally.

FAQs

How do I use "take turns" in a sentence?

Use "take turns" to describe a situation where people alternate in doing something. For example, "The children "take turns reading" aloud from the storybook".

What's the difference between "take turns" and "alternate"?

"Take turns" implies a more general sharing of an activity, whereas "alternate" specifically suggests a back-and-forth sequence between two options or people. For instance, "We alternate driving every two hours" focuses on the switching, while "We take turns driving" emphasizes the sharing of driving responsibilities.

What can I say instead of "take turns" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "do something in rotation" or "distribute the tasks", which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone. For example, "The team members will distribute the tasks of data collection".

Is it ever incorrect to use "take turns"?

Yes, using "take turns" is incorrect if the action isn't actually alternating. If everyone is doing something simultaneously, you should not use "take turns". It is more appropriate to describe everyone doing the thing.