taking a walk

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking a walk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone's physical activity, such as: "John enjoyed taking a walk around the lake to clear his head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How about taking a walk on Boardwalk?

The New York Times

This is in contrast to taking a walk or not taking a walk, neither of which normally requires any justification.

Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences

Taking a walk around Paris he became depressed.

The New Yorker

I start my day by taking a walk before sunrise.

The New York Times

"He said he was just taking a walk.

The New Yorker

Consider taking a deep breath, or taking a walk.

University of California, Berkeley

Hostile asides are an expected consequence of taking a walk.

The Guardian

Try taking a walk or go tech-free at lunchtime.

The Washington Post

"There was no possibility of taking a walk that day".

The Guardian - Books

Taking a walk midday had the same effect.

The Guardian

On an iPhone with headphones, taking a walk.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking a walk" to describe a casual, non-strenuous form of exercise or leisure. For more intense or longer walks, consider "hiking" or "trekking".

Common error

While "taking a walk" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "going for a stroll" or "walking" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a walk" functions as a gerund phrase, where the gerund "taking" acts as a noun. It is the subject or part of the subject in many sentences. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking a walk" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a leisurely form of physical activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it’s advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "going for a stroll" or "walking around" for variety. Remember, it is best used to describe physical activity as well as a tool for improved mental well-being and physical health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going for a walk

A more common and general way to express the activity.

going for a stroll

Emphasizes a leisurely and relaxed pace.

walking around

Suggests a less directed and more exploratory type of walk.

going for a wander

Highlights the aimless and carefree nature of the walk.

taking a hike

Implies a longer, more strenuous walk, often in nature.

stepping out for a walk

Emphasizes the act of leaving a place to walk.

ambling along

Suggests a slow, relaxed, and unhurried walk.

promenading

Implies a leisurely walk, often in a public place, for pleasure or display.

taking a constitutional

A more formal and old-fashioned way to describe a walk for health.

taking a turn

An older idiom that refers to going out for a brief walk.

FAQs

What are the benefits of "taking a walk"?

"Taking a walk" can improve your mood, increase energy levels, and provide a break from mental stressors. It's also a gentle form of exercise.

What can I say instead of "taking a walk"?

You can use alternatives like "going for a stroll", "walking around", or "going for a wander", depending on the context.

Is "taking a walk" formal or informal?

"Taking a walk" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. More formal options might include "taking a constitutional".

How does "taking a walk" differ from "going for a run"?

"Taking a walk" implies a slower, less strenuous activity focused on leisure or light exercise, while "going for a run" suggests a more intense cardiovascular workout.