taking the throne

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the throne" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone assuming a position of power or leadership, particularly in a royal context. Example: "After the sudden passing of the king, she was next in line, and the entire kingdom awaited her taking the throne."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A rival king taking the throne?

Independent

After taking the throne, her acquisitions are astounding.

The New York Times - Arts

Bayezid, supported by a strong faction of court officials at Constantinople, succeeded in taking the throne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Within hours of taking the throne, in August AD117, the emperor Hadrian made one major strategic decision.

The Guardian - Books

In 1400 the prince of Yan revolted against his nephew, the Jianwen emperor, taking the throne in 1402 as the Yongle emperor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment," Salman said in his first address after taking the throne.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

After Richard takes the throne, the tension wanes.

The New York Times

With a strong military backing, Sheshonk eventually took the throne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And every ruler is a good one until they take the throne.

University of California, Berkeley

Upon his father's death in 1137, Owain took the throne of North Wales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cyrus revolted, however, shortly after his brother Artaxerxes took the throne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking the throne" when the context explicitly involves a monarchy or similar system of succession. For more general situations of gaining power, consider alternatives like "assuming power".

Common error

Avoid using "taking the throne" in contexts that don't involve a monarchy or similar hierarchical structure. Using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the throne" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of assuming royal power or authority. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking the throne" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the act of assuming royal power, as verified by Ludwig. It appears commonly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, suggesting a broad applicability across diverse sources. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the context and ensure its use is appropriate for discussions involving monarchies or similar power structures. Alternatives like "ascending to the throne" or "assuming power" may be suitable in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascending to the throne

Formal alternative, emphasizes the act of rising to a higher position.

acceding to the throne

Very formal and less common variant of ascending.

succeeding to the throne

Emphasizes the sequence of power transfer.

claiming the throne

Implies a more assertive or contested acquisition of power.

seizing the throne

Suggests a forceful or illegitimate takeover.

assuming power

More general term, not specific to monarchies.

assuming the kingship

More formal and direct, emphasizing the role of king.

inheriting the crown

Focuses on the hereditary aspect of succession.

becoming the ruler

A broader term, applicable to any form of leadership.

taking power

Short and general, lacking the specific context of a monarchy.

FAQs

What does "taking the throne" mean?

The phrase "taking the throne" refers to the act of assuming a position of royal power, usually as a king, queen, or emperor, often after the previous ruler has died or abdicated.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "taking the throne"?

Use "taking the throne" when discussing a monarch or someone assuming royal power. For other situations involving leadership transitions, consider using "assuming power" or "becoming the leader".

What are some alternatives to "taking the throne"?

Alternatives include "ascending to the throne", "succeeding to the throne", "assuming the kingship" or "claiming the throne", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "taking the throne" and "seizing the throne"?

Yes, while both refer to gaining royal power, "taking the throne" is a more neutral term, implying a legitimate or expected succession. "Seizing the throne", on the other hand, suggests a forceful or illegitimate acquisition of power.