taking the car

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the car" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of using a car for transportation or travel. Example: "I will be taking the car to the meeting since it's too far to walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then I'm taking the car".

The New York Times

Use the buses, the trains, instead of taking the car.

The New York Times - Sports

"Be right back," I call out, taking the car keys from my mother's purse.

The New Yorker

"It's like taking the car out for a spin before you buy it," Mr. Roseman said.

The New York Times

For most drivers, there's no way to find out without taking the car to a mechanic.

The New York Times

Mr. Hoback can be seen briefly in the film, taking the car from her.

The New York Times - Travel

Taking the car for short journeys uses almost twice the CO2 per mile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For short- or mid-range travel, most Americans have no alternative to taking the car and paying for gas.

The New York Times

Ms. Bolanos said he had abandoned her for another woman, taking the car and leaving her with the bills.

The New York Times

Some states require that repo men get the consent of the car owner before taking the car away, which requires tact, negotiating skills — and sometimes lawyers.

The New York Times

It's the first time he's gone without his own father along;he and Steffie came in from New Haven, taking the car ferry part of the way.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to be more specific about the purpose of using a car, consider adding context. Instead of simply saying "taking the car", specify "taking the car for a road trip" or "taking the car to work".

Common error

Be careful not to use "taking the car" when you mean stealing it. Ensure the context makes it clear that you have permission or ownership. Use "stealing the car" when it is a theft.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the car" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of using a car for transportation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking the car" is a common and grammatically sound expression, predominantly used to describe the act of using a car for transportation. With a neutral tone, it's appropriate for a wide array of contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples from authoritative sources. While alternatives such as "driving the vehicle" or "using the automobile" exist for more formal situations, "taking the car" remains a versatile and widely understood choice. It's important to consider potential ambiguities and ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning, especially when ownership or permission might be unclear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving the vehicle

Replaces "taking" with a more direct verb, focusing on the action of driving.

using the automobile

Formal alternative, replacing "car" with a more technical term.

going by car

Focuses on the mode of transportation.

opting for the car

Emphasizes the choice of using a car over other options.

choosing the car

Similar to "opting for the car", highlighting the selection process.

acquiring the car

Focuses on obtaining possession of the car, not necessarily for driving.

getting the car

A more general term, could refer to obtaining or using the car.

borrowing the car

Specifies that the car is being used temporarily.

piloting the car

Informal alternative, often used in a humorous or exaggerated way.

commandeering the car

Suggests taking the car without permission or in an emergency.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "taking the car" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "using the vehicle" or "utilizing the automobile", depending on the specific context.

What are some common situations where you might use the phrase "taking the car"?

This phrase is often used when discussing transportation choices, such as "taking the car instead of walking", planning a trip, or referring to someone's mode of transport.

What's the difference between "driving the car" and "taking the car"?

"Driving the car" specifically refers to the act of operating the vehicle. "Taking the car" is a broader term that can imply using the car for transportation, regardless of who is driving.

Is "taking the car" appropriate for all types of writing?

Yes, "taking the car" is generally appropriate for most types of writing. However, in very formal or technical contexts, you might prefer more precise language like "operating the vehicle" or "utilizing the automobile".