taking a stroll

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a stroll" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to walking somewhere leisurely. For example, "On a warm summer's day, I decided to take a stroll around the park to enjoy the fresh air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Walked him back like he was taking a stroll.

The New York Times - Sports

The writer was taking a stroll through a distant district and stopped in a tavern.

The New Yorker

He says that taking a stroll in the park "could do wonders" for reducing worries.

The Guardian

The film ends with Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit taking a stroll in the park.

The New York Times

Anyone taking a stroll can step on the eggs and not even know it.

The New York Times

The whole experience of it is oddly, delightfully, like taking a stroll through the city's treetops.

The New York Times - Magazine

Either way, with Christmas gluttony fast approaching, it's time to embrace the joys and benefits of taking a stroll.

Independent

"Abdollah was taking a stroll in the bazaar with his friends when Balal shoved him," he said.

Independent

The couple was taking a stroll before dinner when Mr. McGreevey stepped off a four-foot berm in the sand.

The New York Times

Dressed and powdered to the nines, they are shown taking a stroll arm in arm on a country path.

The New York Times - Arts

Entering Mr. West's small factory is like taking a stroll in a vanilla forest, only with cow-themed pottery items.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using it when you want to paint a picture of someone enjoying their surroundings while walking.

Common error

While "taking a stroll" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "walking" or "taking a walk" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a stroll" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of walking in a relaxed and unhurried manner, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Forbes

1%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking a stroll" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a leisurely walk. According to Ludwig, it functions as a gerund phrase and serves to depict a relaxed and enjoyable activity. While generally neutral to informal, it's most frequently found in news and media sources and less common in formal academic or scientific writing. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of calm and enjoyment, but consider more neutral terms in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going for a walk

Focuses on the action of walking for leisure or exercise, slightly more general.

taking a walk

Similar to "going for a walk", but emphasizes the act of taking the opportunity to walk.

going for a wander

Implies a less structured walk, often without a specific destination.

wandering around

Emphasizes aimless and relaxed walking, often in a new or interesting place.

taking a jaunt

Suggests a short and cheerful walk, often for pleasure.

ambling along

Conveys a slow, relaxed, and unhurried pace of walking.

going for a ramble

Emphasizes exploring and wandering through nature.

taking a constitutional

Implies a walk taken for health benefits, often a regular habit.

going for a perambulation

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for walking around.

taking a turn around

Indicates a short walk, often within a limited area.

FAQs

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

"Taking a stroll" is used to describe a leisurely walk. For example, "We were "taking a stroll" through the park when we saw a beautiful sunset."

What are some alternatives to "taking a stroll"?

Alternatives include "going for a walk", "taking a walk", or "wandering around", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "taking a stroll" formal or informal?

"Taking a stroll" leans towards the informal side, suggesting a relaxed and enjoyable walk. For more formal contexts, consider using "walking" or "proceeding on foot".

What is the difference between "taking a stroll" and "going for a hike"?

"Taking a stroll" implies a leisurely and relaxed walk, usually on a well-maintained path. "Going for a hike", on the other hand, suggests a more strenuous walk in a natural environment, often involving uneven terrain.