taking pride in

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking pride in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a feeling of satisfaction or pleasure in one's achievements, actions, or possessions. Example: He always takes pride in his work, constantly striving for perfection in everything he does. Example: As a mother, she takes great pride in her children's accomplishments and celebrates their successes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He spoke frequently of players taking pride in their jobs.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everybody is taking pride in our defense," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

ReprintsBut taking pride in one's country and wittering on about its greatness are different things.

The Economist

This is their taking pride in what their generation is able to do".

The New York Times

I started taking pride in being normal — and in beating able-bodied people.

The New York Times - Sports

All this "taking pride in mowing people's lawns" and "earning an honest quid".

The Guardian

And movie realism, in Harvey's mischievous view, couldn't help taking pride in its own integrity.

The New York Times - Books

As democratic citizens, we enjoy taking pride in democracy's achievements: suffrage, immigration, civil rights.

The New Yorker

She really is an advocate for taking pride in one's heritage".

The New York Times

"It's not about being a dandy, I just think it's about taking pride in your appearance".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We had to do the basics," he said, taking pride in pragmatism.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking pride in" to express a positive emotional connection to accomplishments, qualities, or affiliations. It indicates a sense of ownership and satisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "taking pride in" to describe actions or qualities that are harmful or unethical. This phrase implies a positive endorsement, so misuse can create confusion or imply unintended approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking pride in" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used to express a sense of satisfaction, pleasure, or accomplishment derived from something. For example, "He spoke frequently of players taking pride in their jobs."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking pride in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment, or value associated with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to indicate a positive emotional connection. Its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, underscores its versatility and broad appeal. While generally neutral, the phrase should be used judiciously, avoiding application to unethical or harmful contexts. Alternatives like "reveling in" or "delighting in" can provide subtle variations in meaning. When you want to express a sentiment of satisfaction and ownership, "taking pride in" is a solid choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding satisfaction in

Highlights the contentment and fulfillment experienced from an activity or possession.

delighting in

Focuses on the pleasure and enjoyment derived from something, highlighting the positive emotional response.

deriving pleasure from

Emphasizes the source of happiness and enjoyment, indicating a clear link between the activity and positive feelings.

regarding with satisfaction

Focuses on the positive assessment and contentment associated with something.

reveling in

Emphasizes a joyful and celebratory enjoyment, suggesting a more intense feeling than simply taking pride.

feeling a sense of accomplishment in

Specifically highlights the feeling of achievement and success associated with the activity.

glorying in

Implies a boastful or triumphant enjoyment, often associated with a significant achievement or victory.

esteeming

Conveys a formal and respectful appreciation, suggesting a high regard for something.

appreciating

Highlights a positive recognition of the qualities or value of something, often in a grateful way.

valuing

Highlights the worth or importance someone places on something. It lacks the emotional intensity of "taking pride in".

FAQs

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

Use "taking pride in" to describe a feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment associated with something. For example, "She is "taking pride in" her academic achievements".

What are some alternatives to "taking pride in"?

You can use alternatives like "reveling in", "delighting in", or "finding satisfaction in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "taking pride of" instead of "taking pride in"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "taking pride" is "in". "Taking pride of" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between ""taking pride in"" and "feeling proud of"?

While similar, ""taking pride in"" often implies a more active role or ongoing engagement, whereas "feeling proud of" can be a more general emotion associated with someone else's or your own accomplishments.