taking hold

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking hold" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where something or someone gains control or influence over a situation or person. It can also refer to physically grasping or securing something. Example: The new policy began taking hold in the company, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Panic was taking hold.

The New York Times

Disillusion is taking hold.

The Economist

Is the culture taking hold?

The New York Times

The need was taking hold.

The New York Times - Sports

Hunger is taking hold.

The New York Times

Wenhua re — "culture fever" — was taking hold.

The New Yorker

The habit was taking hold.

The New York Times

One indication it might be taking hold?

Cornell University

It seems to be taking hold.

The New York Times

Some kind of peace is taking hold.

The Guardian

Elsewhere, other aquaponics startups are taking hold.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking hold" to describe the gradual establishment or acceptance of an idea, trend, or phenomenon. It's particularly effective when illustrating a process of change or increasing influence.

Common error

Avoid using "taking hold" when describing static objects or situations that don't involve a process of establishment. For example, it's less appropriate to say "The building is taking hold" than "The restoration project is taking hold".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking hold" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing process of something becoming established or gaining influence, as seen in Ludwig's examples like, "The habit was taking hold".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking hold" is a verb phrase signifying the gradual process of something becoming established or gaining influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone, making it adaptable for both professional and general audiences. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a process of development rather than a static state. For alternatives, consider phrases like "gaining traction" or "becoming established" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking root

Suggests a deeper, more fundamental establishment, similar to a plant growing roots.

getting a foothold

Focuses on securing an initial, often precarious, position.

gaining traction

Focuses on the momentum and progress aspect, emphasizing the increasing popularity or acceptance.

gaining ground

Emphasizes progress against opposition or competition.

catching on

Implies growing popularity or understanding among people.

establishing itself

Highlights the self-sufficiency and stability achieved through establishment.

becoming established

Highlights the process of settling in and becoming a permanent fixture.

finding acceptance

Implies a process of being welcomed or approved.

becoming prevalent

Indicates an increase in commonness or widespread occurrence.

becoming dominant

Indicates a shift towards greater power or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking hold" to describe something that is gradually gaining influence or becoming established. For example: "The new technology is "gaining traction" in the market" or "A sense of hope was "beginning to emerge" after the crisis".

What is a synonym for "taking hold"?

Synonyms for "taking hold" include "gaining traction", "becoming established", or "gaining ground". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "taking hold" or "take hold"?

"Taking hold" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "is taking hold"). "Take hold" is the base form, used in imperatives or with modal verbs (e.g., "must take hold"). The correct form depends on the grammatical context.

What's the difference between "taking hold" and "taking control"?

"Taking hold" implies a gradual process of gaining influence or establishment. "Taking control", on the other hand, suggests a more immediate and decisive act of assuming power or authority. "Taking control" indicates "immediate authority", while "taking hold" signifies a "gradual establishment".