taking root

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking root" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a process or idea that is being established or accepted. For example, "The new values the organization is promoting are slowly taking root among its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Terrorism taking root.

The Guardian

That pressure appears to be taking root.

The New York Times

"Chinese is really taking root," she said.

The New York Times

"It's been slowly taking root.

The Guardian

I survived nine years without taking root.

The New York Times - Magazine

This Lonely Planet aesthetic is taking root.

The New York Times

"Something very un-British is taking root in our politics.

The Guardian

Something wild seems to be taking root in the office.

The Guardian

Art galleries and a theater company are taking root.

The New York Times - Travel

But supermarkets and automated teller machines are quickly taking root.

The New York Times

I want them taking root in places like Pueblo.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "taking root", ensure the context clearly indicates what is establishing itself. For example, "new ideas are taking root in the community" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "taking root" when describing something that is already fully established. The phrase suggests an ongoing process, not a completed one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking root" functions as a verb phrase, often serving as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes an ongoing process of establishment or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking root" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something beginning to establish itself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence across various contexts, especially News & Media, academia, and science, underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context indicates what is in the process of establishment and is not fully completed. Be aware of good alternative options such as "becoming established" or "gaining traction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming established

Focuses more on the state of being established rather than the process.

gaining traction

Emphasizes the progress and momentum of an idea or initiative.

getting a foothold

Highlights the initial stage of establishing a presence or influence.

becoming ingrained

Suggests a deeper level of establishment, implying that something is deeply embedded.

springing up

Implies a rapid or sudden emergence.

flourishing

Highlights the successful growth and development.

developing

Focuses on the gradual process of growth or formation.

emerging

Highlights the initial appearance or rise of something.

becoming prevalent

Emphasizes the increasing commonness or widespread acceptance.

setting in

Implies a gradual establishment of something, often something unwelcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking root" to describe something that is beginning to establish itself, such as "Democracy is "taking root" in the country" or "New habits are "taking root" in my daily routine".

What is a good alternative to "taking root"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "becoming established", "gaining traction", or "getting a foothold".

Is it correct to say "taken root" instead of "taking root"?

Yes, "taken root" is the past participle form and is used in perfect tenses (e.g., "The idea has taken root"), while "taking root" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses (e.g., "The idea is taking root").

What's the difference between "taking root" and "taking hold"?

"Taking root" often implies a more gradual and fundamental establishment, whereas "taking hold" suggests a firmer, more immediate grasp or control. For example, "a new plant is taking root", versus "fear is taking hold".