taking an active role

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking an active role" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is actively involved in the process of doing something. For example: "Matt is taking an active role in helping organize the neighborhood's trash collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, much will depend on Washington's taking an active role.

The New York Times

The Promoter of Justice's move showed the Vatican was taking an active role in the affair.

The Guardian

Few insist that parents share responsibility by taking an active role.

The New York Times

He encouraged her to speak about women taking an active role in Islam.

The New York Times

Amid the economic turmoil, the EU was still taking an active role on the world stage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Television altered the way stories were delivered - instead of people taking an active role in storytelling, they became passive consumers.

The Guardian

Bloggers engage in discussions about investing in particular stocks, as well as taking an active role in shaping the show.

The New York Times - Tech

Aides to Mr. Hevesi and Mr. Ferrer said their candidates were not taking an active role in the election.

The New York Times

It would promote boards taking an active role in ensuring they are both compliant and well run.

The Guardian

Some liken her to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for taking an active role in her husband's administration, albeit usually backstage.

The New York Times

The panel are taking an active role to improve diversity of all kinds across building services engineering.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking an active role" when you want to emphasize someone's deliberate and participatory involvement in a process or situation.

Common error

Don't just mention someone is "taking an active role"; specify how they are contributing. Vague statements lack impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking an active role" functions as a verbal phrase often used as a noun phrase (gerund) within a sentence. It describes the action of participating energetically and deliberately in a particular activity or situation. Ludwig examples show it describing active participation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking an active role" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's deliberate and participatory involvement in a process or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of agency and contribution. While versatile, consider specifying how someone is contributing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "playing a proactive part" or "being actively involved" can add nuanced meaning. Used widely in news media, science, and business contexts, "taking an active role" maintains a generally neutral to professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing a proactive part

Replaces "taking" with "playing" and "active role" with "proactive part", emphasizing initiative.

being actively involved

Shifts focus to the state of involvement rather than the act of taking on a role.

engaging proactively

Simplifies the phrase, highlighting the proactive engagement.

participating energetically

Emphasizes the energy and enthusiasm in participation.

contributing significantly

Focuses on the impact of the contribution.

assuming responsibility

Highlights the aspect of taking on duties and accountability.

exerting influence

Focuses on the power and control aspect.

getting hands-on

More informal, suggesting direct and practical involvement.

becoming a key player

Highlights the importance and influence of the role.

stepping up to the plate

Idiomatic expression indicating readiness to take on a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "taking an active role" in a sentence?

You can use "taking an active role" to describe someone's deliberate involvement in a process. For example, "She is "taking an active role" in the community cleanup."

What are some alternatives to "taking an active role"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "playing a proactive part", "being actively involved", or "engaging proactively".

Is there a difference between ""taking an active role"" and "being involved"?

"Taking an active role" implies a deliberate and participatory approach, while "being involved" can be more passive.

When is it appropriate to use "taking an active role" in formal writing?

It's suitable in professional or academic contexts when you want to highlight someone's proactive participation and contribution to a specific endeavor.