taking on the role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking on the role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to assuming a position, responsibility, or character in a specific context, such as in a job, project, or performance. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to take on the role of team leader for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is one of the many lessons that Grey has learned since taking on the role of fundraiser.

The Guardian

Wherever she went Vivian found herself taking on the role of teacher.

Princeton University

Why were you interested in taking on the role of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources?

University of California, Berkeley

How long did he have to think before taking on the role?

The Guardian - Sport

Since taking on the role some real progress has been made.

The Guardian - Opinion

How much Shakespeare had you done before taking on the role?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is a daunting task to take on the role of Keynes.

Yale University

Sjöwall took on the role of editor.

The Guardian - Books

He took on the role himself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He took on the role of "Mr.

The Washington Post

The Argentinian then took on the role of provider.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking on the role" when referring to a actor embodying a character during a performance.

Common error

Avoid using "taking on the role" interchangeably with phrases that imply creating a role, such as "crafting a new role" or "defining the role". The former implies assuming existing responsibilities, while the latter suggests creating them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking on the role" functions as a verbal phrase that signifies the act of assuming responsibilities, duties, or a particular position. It often implies a transition or acceptance of new tasks, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where individuals are "taking on the role" of fundraiser, teacher, or even Donatella Versace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking on the role" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of assuming a new position, responsibility, or function. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Academia and Science. It maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the action of assuming existing responsibilities rather than creating new ones. Consider alternatives like "assuming the position" or "accepting the responsibility" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming the position

Focuses on formally accepting a specific job or title.

accepting the responsibility

Highlights the act of agreeing to be accountable for specific duties.

embracing the function

Implies enthusiastically adopting a new role or duty.

stepping into the shoes

Suggests replacing someone else and continuing their work.

undertaking the duties

Emphasizes the commencement of assigned tasks or responsibilities.

assuming the mantle

Implies inheriting a position of leadership or authority.

entering upon the office

A formal way of saying someone is beginning their tenure in a formal position.

commencing the job

Focuses on the start of a new employment or task.

shouldering the task

Highlights the willingness to bear the burden of a task.

embarking on the mission

Emphasizes the commencement of a purposeful endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "taking on the role" in a sentence?

You can use "taking on the role" to describe someone assuming a position, responsibility, or character. For example: "After much consideration, she decided on "taking on the role" of team leader for the upcoming project."

What can I say instead of "taking on the role"?

Alternatives include "assuming the position", "accepting the responsibility", or "stepping into the shoes", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "take on the role" and "create a role"?

"Taking on the role" refers to assuming an existing set of responsibilities, while "create a role" implies defining new responsibilities or a new position altogether.

Is it correct to say "took on the role" instead of "taking on the role"?

Yes, "took on the role" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct when describing an action that has already occurred. For example: "He "took on the role" last year."