taking a constitutional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a constitutional" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to going for a walk, especially for health or leisure purposes. Example: "After a long day at work, I enjoy taking a constitutional around the park to clear my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, Antonio Rivera, 82, who was taking a constitutional through the bus station with a friend, said he respected all presidents because "it's not so easy to be president of this country".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But to do so would take a constitutional amendment, and amending the Constitution requires the approval of three-fourths of the states.

The New York Times

"When [Casey Davis] was elected, he took a constitutional oath to uphold the United States Constitution," he wrote in his statement Thursday.

Vice

Making it so, however, will take a constitutional change.

The New York Times

Some people think it would take a constitutional convention to start fresh.

The Economist

And it wouldn't even take a constitutional amendment, as he suggests.

The Economist

It shouldn't take a constitutional crisis or an attack on the nation to create honest dialogue in the Senate.

The New York Times

She vowed to get "unaccountable money" out of politics "once and for all, even if that takes a constitutional amendment".

The Economist

Revoking the government's power to levy income tax would take a constitutional amendment, and that is unlikely.

The Economist

Direct election of the president would take a constitutional amendment, but adding fairness only requires state action.

The New York Times

I had thought about law school, but during my senior year, I took a constitutional law course from Paul Freund.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking a constitutional" to add a touch of old-fashioned charm to your writing when describing a leisurely walk, particularly one taken for health or relaxation. It's best suited for contexts where you want to evoke a sense of tradition or gentle activity.

Common error

Avoid using "taking a constitutional" in overly modern or technical contexts. The phrase can sound out of place if the setting doesn't align with its historical and somewhat formal tone. Opt for simpler alternatives like "going for a walk" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a constitutional" functions as a noun phrase acting as a verbal noun, describing the action of going for a walk. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking a constitutional" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression meaning to go for a leisurely walk, often for health or relaxation. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is somewhat rare and leans towards a slightly formal tone. Modern alternatives like "going for a walk" or "taking a stroll" may be more appropriate in contemporary contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going for a stroll

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more straightforward description of a leisurely walk.

taking a walk

Simplifies the phrase to a basic description of walking for exercise or pleasure.

going for a leisurely walk

Adds emphasis on the relaxed nature of the walk.

stepping out for some air

Focuses on the act of going outside for fresh air, implying a brief walk.

stretching one's legs

Highlights the physical benefit of walking, implying a need to move after being sedentary.

going for a breath of fresh air

Similar to stepping out for some air, but emphasizes the importance of fresh air.

taking some exercise

Broadens the scope to any form of physical activity, including walking.

ambling along

Implies a slow and relaxed pace of walking.

sauntering around

Similar to ambling, suggesting a carefree and unhurried walk.

promenading

Suggests a formal or deliberate act of walking for display or leisure.

FAQs

What does the phrase "taking a constitutional" mean?

The phrase "taking a constitutional" is an idiomatic expression that means "going for a walk", typically for health or leisure. It implies a gentle, unhurried stroll.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "taking a constitutional"?

It is appropriate to use "taking a constitutional" in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of tradition or a leisurely pace. It's less suitable for modern or technical settings.

Are there any modern alternatives to "taking a constitutional"?

Yes, modern alternatives include "going for a walk", "taking a stroll", or "stepping out for some air". These options are generally more versatile and fitting for contemporary contexts.

Is "taking a constitutional" formal or informal?

"Taking a constitutional" leans towards being slightly formal and old-fashioned. Simpler alternatives like "going for a walk" are more neutral and widely applicable.