taking action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of doing something to achieve a goal or address a situation. Example: "In order to improve our community, we must start taking action on environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kiribati is taking action.

The Economist

"We are taking action.

The New York Times

I was taking action.

The New Yorker

So we're taking action".

The New Yorker

They are taking action.

The Guardian

This was taking action.

The New Yorker

Moreover, taking action won't cost much.

The New York Times

Give yourself a deadline for taking action.

Independent

Mr. Lewendal, admirers said, is taking action.

The New York Times

What is stopping us from taking action?

Independent

Austria is also considering taking action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "taking action", be specific about the actions being taken. Providing concrete details strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "taking action" without specifying what actions are being taken. This can leave your writing ambiguous and less effective. Always provide context and specific details about the actions involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking action" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often used as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. It describes the process or state of doing something to achieve a particular result. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking action" is a versatile and frequently used verbal phrase that describes the process of actively addressing a situation or pursuing a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. The phrase is prevalent in news, business, and scientific writing and is essential for conveying a sense of agency and purposefulness. For clarity, always specify what actions are being taken. Consider alternatives like "implementing measures" or "undertaking initiatives" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implementing measures

Focuses on the specific implementation of plans or strategies.

undertaking initiatives

Emphasizes the start or engagement in specific projects or plans.

making strides

Implies progress and advancement through specific actions.

moving forward

Suggests advancement and progression, often with a sense of purpose.

getting things done

Highlights the completion of tasks and achievement of results.

being proactive

Emphasizes forward-thinking and preventative actions.

executing plans

Highlights the practical implementation and realization of plans.

putting into practice

Focuses on the practical application of ideas or methods.

stepping up

Suggests increased involvement and responsibility in addressing a situation.

addressing the issue

Specifically refers to dealing with and resolving a particular problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking action" to describe the process of doing something to achieve a goal or address a problem. For example, "The government is "taking action" to reduce pollution".

What are some alternatives to "taking action"?

Alternatives to "taking action" include "implementing measures", "undertaking initiatives", or "making strides". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "take action" or "taking action"?

The choice between "take action" and "taking action" depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. "Take action" is an imperative, while "taking action" is a gerund or present participle. For example, "We must take action" versus "Taking action is crucial".

What's the difference between "taking action" and "being proactive"?

"Taking action" refers to the actual steps taken to address a situation. "Being proactive", on the other hand, implies anticipating future problems and taking steps to prevent them. Being proactive often leads to taking action.