taken over

USAGE SUMMARY

"taken over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which someone or something has assumed control of something else. For example, "The small business was taken over by a large corporation last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've taken over now.

Independent

Neither group has taken over".

Independent

"It's taken over my house".

The New York Times

Bandits have taken over".

The Guardian

He's taken over".

The New York Times - Sports

We've taken over".

The Guardian - Music

We've been taken over!

The Guardian

Republican politicians have taken over Twitter.

The New York Times

The Reds have taken over the youth.

The New Yorker

Conglomerates have taken over movie companies.

The New Yorker

Andrew McLean has taken over that mantle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taken over" to indicate a shift in control or responsibility from one entity to another. Ensure the context clearly identifies both the original and the new controllers.

Common error

Avoid using "taken over" when the subject performing the action is unclear or omitted, as this can lead to ambiguity and weaken the clarity of your sentence. Always specify who or what "took over".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken over" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past participle of the phrasal verb "take over". According to Ludwig AI, it describes a situation where someone or something has assumed control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taken over" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a shift in control or dominance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media to indicate that someone or something has assumed control. While the phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, its primary function is to inform about a transition from one entity to another. When using "taken over", ensure that the context clearly identifies who or what assumed control to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed control

Focuses on the act of gaining control, often in a formal or official context.

seized power

Implies a forceful or abrupt acquisition of control, often politically motivated.

gained dominance

Highlights the achievement of a superior position or influence.

superseded

Indicates that something has replaced something else, often due to advancement or obsolescence.

replaced

Emphasizes the substitution of one thing for another.

usurped

Suggests an illegitimate or unauthorized seizure of power or position.

supplanted

Similar to superseded, but may imply a more deliberate or intentional replacement.

overwhelmed

Implies being completely overcome or dominated by something.

subjugated

Indicates being brought under control or domination, often through force or oppression.

inherited

Implies receiving control or possession as a right or legacy.

FAQs

How is "taken over" used in a sentence?

The phrase "taken over" is used to indicate that someone or something has assumed control or dominance. For example, "The company was "acquired"", or "The new management has "assumed control"".

What are some alternatives to "taken over"?

Alternatives to "taken over" include "assumed control", "seized power", or "gained dominance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "taken over" and "replaced"?

"Taken over" implies a shift in control or responsibility, while "replaced" simply means that one thing has substituted another. For example, one company can be "taken over" by another, whereas a broken part is "replaced".

Is it correct to say "has been taken over"?

Yes, "has been taken over" is grammatically correct. It's the present perfect passive form, indicating that something was taken over at an unspecified time in the past and the effects are still relevant. For example, "The project has been "overhauled" by the new team".