takes its cue from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes its cue from" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to be influenced or guided by something or someone. Example: The fashion industry often takes its cue from celebrities, with many people trying to emulate their style. In this sentence, "takes its cue from" shows that the fashion industry is influenced by celebrities and their fashion choices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

OLD SCHOOL BROOKLYN This place says it takes its cue from immigrant grandma cooking, the kind that involves plenty of tomato sauce.

The New York Times - Food

It takes its cue from some of Iago's quizzical statements and "motiveless malignity" but definitely steps outside Elizabethan conceptions and presents a distinctly 19th-century air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is, to my knowledge, the first Asian western, and as the title suggests, it takes its cue from Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns.

The Guardian - Film

Part of the local Protea chain, it has a movie-studio theme, and takes its cue from the Paramount and the Royalton in New York.

The New York Times - Travel

Whilst it's a raunchy comedy, The Five-Year Engagement takes its cue from the popular wisdom that long, drawn-out engagements are less likely to result in a walk down the aisle than shorter betrothals.

Independent

Grilled calamari ($8), a newcomer, takes its cue from Asia.

The New York Times - Food

The design takes its cue from its particular site.

The New York Times - Arts

The 60-foot bar, in blue frosted glass, takes its cue from Miami more than London.

The New York Times

THE tone of Halloween marketing typically takes its cue from the national mood.

The New York Times

The idea takes its cue from CauseWorld, which began around this time last year.

The New York Times

The décor of the restaurant and bar takes its cue from them.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes its cue from" to clearly indicate the source of inspiration or influence for a particular concept, design, or behavior.

Common error

Ensure you accurately identify the true source that something "takes its cue from". Incorrectly citing the influence undermines the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes its cue from" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is inspired by, influenced by, or derives its style or behavior from something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes its cue from" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that something is inspired or influenced by something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and common in written English. It is predominantly found in news and media contexts, with secondary usage in encyclopedias and scientific writing. The phrase serves to explain the origins or influences behind various concepts, designs, or behaviors, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing styles. Related phrases include "draws inspiration from" and "is influenced by". It's crucial to accurately attribute the source of influence and avoid misattributions to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draws inspiration from

This alternative emphasizes the inspirational aspect of the source, suggesting a creative influence.

takes inspiration from

Similar to "draws inspiration from", this emphasizes the inspirational aspect but is slightly more verbose.

is influenced by

This option is a more direct and general way of expressing that something is affected by something else.

is based on

This implies a fundamental reliance on a particular source or foundation.

is modeled after

This suggests a deliberate attempt to replicate or follow the design or pattern of the original source.

borrows from

This implies that something is taking elements from another source and using them, sometimes with the connotation of not being entirely original.

is derived from

This alternative highlights the origin of something, emphasizing its development from a particular source.

follows the lead of

This suggests that one thing is following the example or direction set by another.

mirrors

A shorter, more emphatic term indicating a direct resemblance and influence.

emulates

This suggests an attempt to match or surpass the qualities of the original source, often with admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "takes its cue from" in a sentence?

Use "takes its cue from" to indicate that something is inspired or influenced by something else. For example, "The new design "takes its cue from" nature's patterns".

What can I say instead of "takes its cue from"?

You can use alternatives like "draws inspiration from", "is influenced by", or "is modeled after" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "took its cue from" instead of "takes its cue from"?

Yes, "took its cue from" is the past tense form and is correct when referring to a past influence. "Takes its cue from" is used for present or general influences.

What is the difference between "takes its cue from" and "is based on"?

"Takes its cue from" implies inspiration or influence, while "is based on" suggests a more fundamental reliance or foundation. The former indicates that something is inspired or influenced but the latter one relies on something.