they take over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they take over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one entity assumes control or responsibility from another. Example: "When the manager is absent, the assistant will take over the daily operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then they take over".

The Guardian

And they take over a neighborhood.

The New York Times

Will they take over the business?

The New York Times

As those envelopes multiply, they take over your psychological state.

The Guardian - Money

Their apartments become full, and, rather than rent a storage space, they take over a boutique.

The New Yorker

As a reward they take over everything for Tamina, including care of her body.

The New Yorker

When they take over in January, the Democrats are going to revisit these requests.

The Economist

Once inside, they take over payment-control systems and siphon huge sums from the institutions.

Independent

"They push people out of their homes, and they take over".

The New York Times

They take over leafy patches of city parks and try to spruce up concrete plazas.

The New York Times - Arts

Children arrive, they take over your life and then, one day, they walk off with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they take over", ensure the pronoun "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "They take over the project", specify "The new team will take over the project".

Common error

Avoid using "they take over" when a more direct and active construction is possible. For example, instead of "The city was taken over by them", consider "They took over the city" for a more impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they take over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action where a group or entity assumes control, responsibility, or dominance. It is commonly used to describe shifts in power or authority, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they take over" is a versatile and frequently used expression that effectively conveys the transfer of control or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "they take over", clarity is key, ensuring the subject "they" is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "they assume control" or "they seize power" to refine your message. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "they take over" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they assume control

Focuses specifically on the act of gaining control.

they seize power

Implies a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of power.

they gain dominance

Highlights the attainment of a dominant position.

they assume responsibility

Emphasizes the act of taking on duties or obligations.

they usurp authority

Indicates the illegitimate or unlawful seizure of authority.

they inherit the mantle

Suggests a transfer of leadership or responsibility, often after a predecessor.

they step into the breach

Implies taking over due to a gap or need.

they rise to power

Focuses on the process of gaining influence and control.

they secure leadership

Highlights the act of ensuring a position of leadership.

they appropriate control

Indicates taking control for a specific purpose or reason.

FAQs

How to use "they take over" in a sentence?

You can use "they take over" to indicate a transition of control or responsibility, like in the sentence: "When the old management retired, "they take over" the company".

What can I say instead of "they take over"?

You can use alternatives like "they assume control", "they seize power", or "they gain dominance" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they will take over"?

Yes, "they will take over" is grammatically correct. It indicates a future action of assuming control or responsibility.

What's the difference between "they take over" and "they took over"?

"They take over" refers to a present or habitual action, while "they took over" refers to a past action. For example, ""they take over" every year during summer" (present) vs. "they took over last week" (past).