taking offense

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking offense" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone feeling insulted or hurt by something said or done. Example: She was taking offense at his sarcastic remarks. Alternative expressions include "being offended" and "feeling insulted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They see taking offense as itself somehow offensive.

HuffPost

A good defense means never taking offense.

The New York Times - Science

I think we wake up taking offense.

The New York Times - Travel

Taking offense was a great seller's tool.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead of taking offense, she was taken with him.

The New York Times

Taking offense at a passive display is not enough.

The New York Times

"Rabbi Levine's synagogue?" her husband asked, taking offense.

The New Yorker

JAIPUR, INDIA — One of India's favorite spectator sports is "taking offense".

The New York Times

But fairly recently, "illegal immigrant" stopped sounding inoffensive — because so many people started taking offense.

The New York Times

It's hard to imagine her taking offense once you align your interests with hers.

The New York Times

With their name, then, the Slants have a distinctively American slant on taking offense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone "taking offense", be specific about what caused the offense. Providing context helps the reader understand the situation and the person's reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "taking offense" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "feeling insulted" or "becoming indignant" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking offense" functions as a verb phrase, often used as a gerund or present participle. It describes the action of feeling or showing resentment due to a perceived insult or slight, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking offense" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of feeling insulted or aggrieved by something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in news and media, highlighting its widespread use. While generally neutral in register, choosing alternative phrases like "feeling insulted" or "becoming indignant" can add nuance or formality depending on the context. Remember to consider your audience and purpose when using this phrase, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage in reputable sources solidify its place in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being offended

Focuses on the state of feeling offended, rather than the act of taking it.

feeling insulted

Highlights the emotional impact of the offense.

getting angry

Emphasizes the anger response to a perceived slight.

becoming indignant

Suggests a righteous anger at unfair treatment.

resenting something

Implies a lingering feeling of bitterness or displeasure.

being affronted

Indicates a sense of outrage or shock.

taking umbrage

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "taking offense".

getting bent out of shape

An informal way of saying someone is upset about something.

flying off the handle

Suggests an overreaction to something.

losing one's temper

Highlights the loss of control due to anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking offense" to describe someone who feels insulted or hurt by something, as in "She was "taking offense" at his sarcastic remarks."

What's a less direct way to say someone is "taking offense"?

Instead of saying someone is "taking offense", you could say they are "feeling insulted" or "becoming indignant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "taking offense" and "being offended"?

While similar, "taking offense" emphasizes the act of choosing to be offended, whereas "being offended" focuses more on the state of feeling offended. The difference is subtle, and they are often used interchangeably.

What can I say instead of "I'm taking offense" to sound more professional?

In a professional setting, consider using phrases like "I find that remark inappropriate" or "I'm concerned about the implications of that statement" rather than ""taking offense"". These options are more measured and less accusatory.