taking pleasure in

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking pleasure in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe taking delight, satisfaction, or enjoyment in something. For example: "I am taking pleasure in watching the sunset from my balcony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

People should be taking pleasure in that".

Independent

Of taking pleasure in the divineness of another?

The New Yorker

Characters taking pleasure in the political status quo generally don't.

The New York Times - Books

Now she is taking pleasure in Mr. Dunlap's problems.

The New York Times

Mr. Rukeyser is taking pleasure in the coming competition.

The New York Times

Taking pleasure in the sheer thrill of being alive.

The Guardian - Music

Then, instantly, her mood changed and she accused Tate of taking pleasure in Baszler's disappointment.

The New Yorker

She wasn't at all a narcissist, if narcissism means taking pleasure in one's own beauty.

The New Yorker

What comes through is sinewy, virtuosic finesse: taking pleasure in construction, not destruction.

The New York Times - Arts

He created a special bond with performers, actors and singers, taking pleasure in their skill.

The Guardian

"I have five or six brothers and sisters," Lonergan told me, taking pleasure in the imprecision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the level of formality matches. While versatile, "taking pleasure in" might feel slightly more formal than simply "enjoying".

Common error

Avoid using "taking pleasure in" too frequently in very formal or academic writing where simpler alternatives like "enjoying" or "appreciating" might be more appropriate. Variety in phrasing enhances readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking pleasure in" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund, where "taking" is a gerund and "pleasure" is its direct object, followed by the preposition "in." Ludwig AI validates its usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking pleasure in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey enjoyment or satisfaction, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase that adds emphasis to the active experience of finding something pleasurable. While versatile, it leans towards a slightly more formal tone, making it suitable for news articles, general writing, and professional communications. While simpler alternatives like "enjoying" exist, "taking pleasure in" offers a distinct nuance, highlighting intentionality and active appreciation. While highly frequent in News & Media, it is also present in Science and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoying

A simpler and more general term for experiencing pleasure.

deriving joy from

Focuses specifically on the emotion of joy as a result.

delighting in

Suggests a more refined and sophisticated form of enjoyment.

finding satisfaction in

Highlights the fulfillment derived from something.

reveling in

Implies a more exuberant and unrestrained enjoyment.

savoring

Implies a slow and deliberate enjoyment.

appreciating

Emphasizes a sense of gratitude and recognition of value.

basking in

Suggests a sense of contentment and warmth derived from something.

getting a kick out of

An informal expression indicating amusement or excitement.

indulging in

Implies allowing oneself to enjoy something luxurious or pleasurable, sometimes to excess.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking pleasure in" to describe finding enjoyment or satisfaction in something, like "She is "taking pleasure in" the simple things in life".

What are some alternatives to "taking pleasure in"?

Alternatives include "enjoying", "delighting in", or "appreciating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "taking pleasure in" more formal than "enjoying"?

Yes, "taking pleasure in" often carries a slightly more formal tone than simply "enjoying". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When should I avoid using "taking pleasure in"?

While generally acceptable, overuse of "taking pleasure in" in very formal or academic writing can make the text sound repetitive. Consider using simpler alternatives for variety.