taking note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are paying attention to something or acknowledging information. Example: "During the meeting, I will be taking note of all the important points discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Investors are taking note.

The New York Times

Advertisers are taking note.

The New York Times

The Braves are taking note.

The New York Times - Sports

So it's worth taking note.

The New York Times

Other superhumans are taking note.

The New Yorker

Some old hands are taking note.

The Economist

Western officials might consider taking note.

The New York Times

Policymakers across Asia should be taking note.

The Economist

The old guard is taking note.

The New York Times

The major players are taking note.

The New York Times

And the international players are taking note.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking note" to indicate a deliberate act of paying attention to something important, especially when you want to highlight that the information is being recorded or remembered for future use.

Common error

Avoid using "taking note" in highly formal contexts where more sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. For instance, in academic papers, consider using "observing", "analyzing", or "documenting" depending on the specific action you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "taking note" is that of a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. This phrase describes the action of paying attention and registering information. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts to signify attentiveness and awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking note" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that signifies the action of paying attention and registering information. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional settings. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider the subtle differences between "taking note" and related phrases such as "paying attention" or "making a note". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively convey the intended meaning and maintain the appropriate tone for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paying attention

Focuses on the act of observing and processing information.

acknowledging information

Emphasizes the recognition and acceptance of data or facts.

keeping in mind

Suggests remembering and considering something for future decisions.

bearing in mind

Similar to "keeping in mind", highlighting consideration.

making a mental note

Implies creating a reminder in one's memory.

noting carefully

Highlights the precision and attention to detail in observation.

registering the details

Focuses on capturing specific elements of information.

heeding

Emphasizes giving serious attention to advice or warnings.

being mindful

Highlights the consciousness and awareness of something.

observing keenly

Suggests a sharp and perceptive observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking note" to indicate that someone is paying attention to something important. For example, "The teacher was "taking note" of which students participated the most in class."

What are some alternatives to "taking note"?

Some alternatives to "taking note" include "paying attention", "acknowledging information", or "keeping in mind", depending on the specific context.

Is "taking note" formal or informal?

"Taking note" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for most contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "taking note" and "making a note"?

"Taking note" generally refers to the act of paying attention and mentally registering something, while "making a note" often implies physically writing something down for later reference. Although they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "making a note" is more concrete and action-oriented.