taking a hike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a hike" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a colloquial expression meaning to go away or leave, often used in a dismissive context. Example: "If you think I'm going to agree to that, you can take a hike!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We wind up together for the whole afternoon -- shooting hoops, taking a hike, looking for lizards.

The New York Times - Travel

There was a disturbing blurring of the line between enforcing "workers' rights" and bullying poorer foreigners into taking a hike.

The Guardian - Opinion

Girls getting pregnant too young, and the fathers taking a hike, have a big negative impact on three lives at least.

The Economist

It's like taking a hike along the Internet's trail, picking up pretty rocks as I go along and sharing the rocks with others like me.

The New York Times - Magazine

And when I tried to savor a beautiful afternoon by taking a hike along the coast with my boyfriend, we got poison oak.

University of California, Berkeley

I don't just mean stopping to smell the roses, or taking a hike in the woods, or hiding our screens for a few hours.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

WEINER: Take a hike!

The New York Times

All opposed, take a hike.

The New York Times

Take a hike Start in the harbour.

Independent

Men can take a hike.

The Guardian - Film

But he took a hike on them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking a hike" to describe recreational walking in natural settings. Be mindful of the context, as it can also idiomatically mean 'to leave' or 'go away'.

Common error

Avoid using "taking a hike" when you literally mean walking in an urban setting; reserve it for describing walks in nature. Also, be aware that the phrase can be interpreted idiomatically as a dismissal, so ensure the context is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a hike" functions primarily as a verb phrase, acting as the present participle of the verb phrase "take a hike". According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of going for a recreational walk, often in a natural environment. Examples in Ludwig show it used in various contexts such as describing leisure activities or plans.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

33%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking a hike" is a common phrase that typically functions as a verb phrase, describing the activity of going for a recreational walk in nature. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears across diverse contexts, including news media, academic writing, and general discussions. It's also worth noting that the phrase can be used idiomatically to dismiss someone, as in "take a hike!" However, most examples in Ludwig refer to the literal act of hiking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarking on a hike

Highlights the beginning of the hiking activity.

setting out for a hike

Focuses on the initiation of the hike.

going for a walk

Emphasizes a less strenuous activity compared to a hike.

undertaking a hike

Highlights the commitment to the activity.

engaging in a hike

Formal way to express the action of hiking.

participating in a hike

Emphasizes the involvement in the activity.

going on a trek

Suggests a longer, more challenging journey.

hitting the trail

A more informal way of saying starting a hike.

going for a ramble

Implies a leisurely and undirected walk.

going for a stroll

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried walk.

FAQs

How can I use "taking a hike" in a sentence?

You can use "taking a hike" to describe someone going for a walk in nature, such as, "We are "taking a hike" in the mountains this weekend." It can also idiomatically mean "to leave" or "go away".

What can I say instead of "taking a hike" when it means going for a walk?

You can use alternatives like "going for a walk", "going on a trek", or "hitting the trail" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone tells another to "take a hike"?

When someone tells another to "take a hike", it's an impolite way of telling them to go away or leave them alone.

Which is correct, "taking a hike" or "going on a hike"?

Both ""taking a hike"" and "going on a hike" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference.