taking notes

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking notes" is a correct phrase usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a person writing down information they want to remember later. For example, “John was taking notes on the lecture so he would remember what he learned.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's just taking notes".

The New York Times - Magazine

I am taking notes.

The New Yorker

Then she began taking notes.

The New Yorker

"I see people taking notes.

The New York Times - Arts

I was almost taking notes".

The New York Times

Bigger competitors are taking notes.

The New York Times - Tech

"Taking notes is a skill".

The New York Times

Others are taking notes.

The New York Times

I'm Taking Notes.

The New York Times

Are you taking notes?

The New York Times

"I was taking notes," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "taking notes", focus on summarizing key ideas rather than transcribing everything verbatim to improve retention and understanding.

Common error

Avoid overly abbreviated or messy handwriting when "taking notes". Clear and organized notes are essential for later review and comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking notes" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the action of recording information. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, highlighting its role in capturing and retaining knowledge. Examples show it used in various contexts, from academic lectures to observations in journalism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking notes" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase that refers to the act of recording information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academic settings and wiki pages. The primary purpose of "taking notes" is to document and preserve information for later use, and its register is generally neutral. When "taking notes", it is advisable to summarize to improve retention. While there are many alternative phrases available, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Common errors include messy handwriting that prevents the value of this activity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the phrase's usage, related phrases, and practical writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jotting down information

This alternative emphasizes the quick and informal aspect of writing down information.

scribbling notes

This alternative suggests a more rapid and less organized form of note-taking.

writing down key points

This alternative highlights the selection of important information to record.

documenting information

This alternative implies a more formal and comprehensive recording of information.

recording observations

This alternative focuses on capturing information through observation.

making a record

This alternative is a more general way of saying that someone is creating a written account.

compiling notes

This alternative suggests gathering notes from multiple sources.

transcribing information

This alternative refers to writing down spoken information.

drafting notes

This alternative implies creating preliminary notes that may be refined later.

logging data

This alternative is used when recording data in a systematic way.

FAQs

How can I improve my skills at "taking notes"?

Effective note-taking involves active listening, summarizing key points, and organizing information in a logical manner. Experiment with different note-taking methods, such as the Cornell method or mind mapping, to find what works best for you.

What are some alternatives to "taking notes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "jotting down information", "scribbling notes", or "documenting information".

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

"Taking notes" is generally more informal and selective, focusing on key points, while "making a record" implies a more comprehensive and official documentation of information. See also: "making a record".

Is "taking notes" always necessary?

While not always mandatory, "taking notes" is beneficial in many situations, such as lectures, meetings, or when reading complex material. It aids in information retention, comprehension, and later review.