taking initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking initiative" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase generally means to be proactive and self-motivated in a situation, especially when trying to achieve a goal. For example, "Mary showed her leadership skills by taking initiative to help her team finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They stop taking initiative.

Harvard Business Review

You're not being proactive or taking initiative.

Harvard Business Review

Candidate should be comfortable taking initiative and cold calling.

Princeton University

Presenting that to your manager "shows you're taking initiative, which makes you more valuable," he said.

The New York Times

There is a fine line, however, between taking initiative and being annoying.

The Guardian

Now, tribal heads are taking initiative to ensure that their daughters have a place to learn.

The Guardian

On the one hand, the government credits welfare cuts for spurring people into taking initiative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Taking initiative, she went to an Office Depot and designed a prototype.

The New York Times - Magazine

Do you innovate, spotting opportunities, taking initiative, and making consistent improvements?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Actively support others in taking initiative and responsible risks to innovate.

Cornell University

The first small step was to get all of my people trained on being proactive and taking initiative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking initiative" to highlight proactive behavior that leads to positive outcomes, such as "Taking initiative to improve processes can significantly increase efficiency."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "taking initiative". Ensure that the claimed benefits are realistic and supported by evidence, and don't present every independent action as a critical turning point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking initiative" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or as a gerund phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking initiative" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that emphasizes proactive, self-directed behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across many writing contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic and scientific sources, the phrase often highlights positive attributes linked to leadership, problem-solving and personal responsibility. When using this phrase, consider the impact and avoid exaggerating claims. Alternatives such as "being proactive" or "showing initiative" can provide nuanced emphasis depending on the specific context. "Taking initiative" is most suited to professional communications requiring descriptions of intentionality and self-starting behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being proactive

Focuses on acting in advance to deal with expected difficulties or changes.

showing initiative

Highlights the act of demonstrating a willingness to start new things.

taking the lead

Emphasizes the action of guiding or directing a situation.

being assertive

Focuses on confidently expressing oneself and one's ideas.

stepping up

Implies rising to a challenge or taking on additional responsibility.

seizing the opportunity

Highlights the act of quickly and decisively taking advantage of a favorable situation.

driving forward

Emphasizes making progress and advancing a project or goal.

spearheading efforts

Focuses on leading a particular activity or project.

leading the charge

Implies being at the forefront of an action or movement.

embarking on

Highlights beginning or starting a new project or venture.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking initiative" to describe someone being proactive and self-starting. For example, "She impressed her boss by "taking initiative" to solve the problem before it escalated".

What's a more formal way to say "taking initiative"?

A more formal way to express "taking initiative" could be "demonstrating proactivity" or "exercising leadership" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning in a professional setting.

What are some skills related to "taking initiative"?

Skills related to "taking initiative" include problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership. These skills often complement the ability to be proactive and self-directed.

Is it always good to be "taking initiative"?

While generally positive, "taking initiative" should be balanced with consideration for team goals and established protocols. It's important to ensure actions align with the overall strategy and do not undermine existing processes or authority.