takes a present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a present" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is receiving or accepting a gift or offering. Example: "During the holiday party, she takes a present from under the tree and smiles with excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Charlotte Dubenskij takes a present day Army first responder back in time, visiting a museum dedicated to probably WW1's most famous first-aider - the inventor of penicillin, Alexander Fleming.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Laura Bassett: I think "The Handmaid's Tale" is eminently watchable for the same reason a movie like "Get Out" had so much success ― because it takes a present-day situation to its logical extreme.

Huffington Post

"Mammy says I shouldn't take a present off a man".

The New Yorker

In your memory, birthday parties may have been an event to which you took a present.

The Guardian - Opinion

"My friend's mother said, 'Why don't you take a present?' and my friend said, 'If I brought a present every time they put on a room, I'd be broke.' " Correction: October 6 , 2002 Sunday Picture and illustration credits were reversed in Long Island copies last Sunday with an article about meditation spaces at office buildings, and the illustration credit was incomplete.

The New York Times

I think it takes a rare presenting talent to make the opening of 22 boxes so gripping.

The Guardian

"Mad Men" restores a faded, forgotten recent past, while "Damages" takes a kaleidoscope to the present.

The New York Times - Arts

The study takes a familiar refrain and presents it with a graphic wallop.

The New York Times

This manuscript takes a conservative approach to presenting findings.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

For a freelancer, actually taking a holiday presents a dilemma and something I struggle with.

The Guardian

Its first single is "Take a Stand," presented here as a Huffington Post exclusive download.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "receives a gift" or "accepts a present" for greater clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using the phrase "takes a present" can sound slightly awkward in very formal writing. Opt for more conventional phrasing like "receives a gift" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a present" functions as a simple verb phrase, where "takes" is the verb indicating the action of receiving, and "a present" is the direct object, representing the gift being received. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes a present" is grammatically correct but relatively uncommon compared to alternatives like "receives a gift" or "accepts a gift". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, but its infrequent usage suggests considering more common options for clarity. While understandable, its neutral register may not be ideal for strictly formal contexts. It appears across various sources, including news, science, and wikis. For more impactful communication, assessing the context and audience to ensure it is the most suitable choice is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receives a gift

Focuses on the act of getting something without necessarily implying acceptance.

accepts a gift

Emphasizes the willingness to take or approve of the offering.

is given a present

Uses passive voice to highlight the giver rather than the receiver.

gets a present

Informal way of saying someone receives a gift.

obtains a present

Highlights the effort or process of acquiring a gift.

acquires a gift

Similar to obtains, but may imply a more formal or deliberate acquisition.

is presented with a gift

Highlights the act of giving the gift ceremoniously.

comes into possession of a gift

Formal and emphasizes the change of ownership.

picks up a present

Suggests a casual or unplanned acquisition of a gift.

is the recipient of a gift

Formal way of emphasizing the receiving aspect of the gift.

FAQs

What does "takes a present" mean?

The phrase "takes a present" means to receive or accept a gift. It implies that someone is given a gift and they accept it.

What can I say instead of "takes a present"?

You can use alternatives like "receives a gift", "accepts a gift", or "is given a present" depending on the context.

Is "takes a present" grammatically correct?

Yes, "takes a present" is grammatically correct, but it is not as frequently used as other alternatives like "receives a gift" or "accepts a present".

How to use "takes a present" in a sentence?

You can use "takes a present" in a sentence like, "During the holiday party, she takes a present from under the tree and smiles with excitement."