taking charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking charge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to express taking control or leading in some situation. For example, "John is taking charge of the project and has been working hard to keep it on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mary is taking charge.

The New Yorker

So writers are taking charge.

The New York Times

Just taking charge.

Harvard Business Review

Now they were taking charge again.

The Economist

More Gen-X women are taking charge.

The New York Times

When you are taking charge.

Harvard Business Review

THE hardest part was taking charge.

The New York Times

Taking charge in an unfamiliar role.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This stage marks the end of the taking-charge process.

Harvard Business Review

For taking charge of his life.

Huffington Post

For good or for bad, boards are increasingly taking charge of corporate America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about project management or leadership, "taking charge" can effectively communicate the idea of someone leading and directing the team or project.

Common error

While "taking charge" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal writing can sound informal. Consider more formal alternatives like "assuming control" or "exercising leadership" in academic papers or business reports to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking charge" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates the act of assuming control or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of taking control or leading in a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking charge" is a verb phrase that effectively describes the act of assuming control or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science settings, suggesting its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives like "assuming control" in highly formal contexts. With its proactive and decisive connotation, "taking charge" remains a valuable expression for communicating leadership and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking control

This alternative is a shorter and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

assuming control

This alternative emphasizes the act of gaining control over a situation.

taking the reins

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe assuming control or leadership.

stepping up

This alternative implies taking on responsibility and leadership in a situation.

exercising leadership

This alternative highlights the active role of leading and guiding.

asserting authority

This alternative emphasizes the exercise of power and control.

leading the way

This alternative focuses on the aspect of guiding and directing others.

assuming responsibility

This alternative emphasizes the acceptance of accountability for a situation or task.

seizing command

This alternative suggests a forceful and decisive assumption of leadership.

being in control

This emphasizes the state of possessing control rather than the action of acquiring it.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking charge" to describe someone who is assuming control or responsibility. For instance, "After the manager left, she started "taking charge" of the team".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "taking charge"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "assuming control", "taking the reins", or "stepping up".

Is "taking charge" formal or informal?

"Taking charge" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, in very formal settings, alternatives like "assuming control" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "take charge" of something?

To "take charge" means to assume control, responsibility, or leadership over something. It implies being proactive and decisive in managing or directing a situation or task.