taking your lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking your lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are following someone's example or guidance in a particular situation. Example: "I appreciate your insights on this project, and I will be taking your lead as we move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

No guarantees, but I'd start by logging off the computer and taking your lead from another Deborah (Harry — and her pals Blondie): "Call me!" Your brother-in-law may feel he wasn't consulted about the moratorium on gifts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Take your lead from them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

C Take your lead from Boris Johnson, and mysteriously say it's no big deal and you don't plan to take any action.

Independent

Just don't, whatever you do, take your lead from Matt Wolf in the New York Times, who wears his learning about as lightly as a suit of armour.

The Guardian

Take your lead from foodie trends that aim to localise parts of the food chain, wrestling them back from food corporations and their impactful supply chains.

The Guardian

I think Wenger's comments tell his players he has got it sorted, and that is important because you take your lead from the manager.

The Guardian - Sport

But when it comes to sharing your operations with casual work pals and passing acquaintances, take your lead from the singer/soap opera star of yore, Rick Springfield: "Don't talk to strangers, baby, don't you talk".

The New York Times

D Take your lead from Gordon Brown and say it's an outrage, even though you've known about it for four years and had Rebekah Brooks over for a pyjama party.

Independent

Take your lead instead from our outstanding byelection candidate Mike Thornton, and from the steadiness, energy and commitment of our team of mostly young Lib Dem activists who, as I write this in the last hours before the polls close, are getting on with the job of fighting the byelection of their lives (and of mine) down in Eastleigh.

The Guardian - Opinion

Take your lead from the pros: buy a couple of bottles of vodka and a case of Red Bull and host your own party in your hotel room.

TechCrunch

I love you and I'm sorry, let's just have fun tonight," your spouse will take your lead and follow, and you'll end up making up at that moment.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking your lead" when you want to acknowledge someone's expertise or experience and indicate that you will be following their direction. It is often used in professional or collaborative settings to show respect and willingness to learn.

Common error

Avoid using "taking your lead" if it implies complete and unquestioning obedience. Ensure the context suggests informed guidance and not a relinquishing of your own judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking your lead" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to indicate that someone is following the guidance or example of another person. Ludwig indicates that it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking your lead" is a correct and usable English phrase that signifies following someone's guidance or example. Ludwig indicates it is appropriate for expressing deference and a willingness to cooperate, commonly in professional or collaborative settings. While the phrase is relatively rare in occurrence, as seen from Ludwig's examples, alternatives like "following your guidance" or "following your example" can be used depending on the context. When using "taking your lead", ensure it conveys informed guidance rather than blind obedience to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following your guidance

Replaces "taking" with "following" and "lead" with "guidance", emphasizing the act of heeding advice.

following your example

A more straightforward synonym, focusing on replicating someone's behavior.

emulating your example

Uses "emulating" to highlight the act of imitating a positive role model.

heeding your advice

Focuses on the act of listening and acting upon someone's recommendations.

taking a cue from you

Implies using someone's actions or words as a signal for how to proceed.

adhering to your direction

Emphasizes strict compliance with someone's instructions.

modeling my actions after yours

A more formal way of saying you are basing your behavior on someone else's.

getting pointers from you

Getting information for guidance.

drawing inspiration from your work

Inspiration from their work.

observing your leadership

The observation of a leader.

FAQs

How can I use "taking your lead" in a sentence?

You can use "taking your lead" to indicate that you are following someone's guidance or example in a particular situation. For example, "I appreciate your experience, and I will be "taking your lead" on this project."

What are some alternatives to "taking your lead"?

Alternatives to "taking your lead" include "following your guidance", "emulating your example", or "following your example". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "taking your lead" in formal writing?

Yes, "taking your lead" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or professional contexts where you want to acknowledge someone's expertise and indicate your willingness to follow their direction. However, consider using alternatives like "following your guidance" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "taking your lead" and "taking the lead"?

"Taking your lead" means following someone else's guidance, while "taking the lead" means assuming a leadership position and guiding others. They have opposite meanings, so it's important to use the correct phrase based on the intended message.