to take charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to take charge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone assuming responsibility for something. For example: "The new CEO pledged to take charge of the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needs to take charge.

The New York Times

Now he has to take charge.

The New York Times

First, the boss needs to take charge.

The Economist

I want him to take charge.

The New Yorker

I want to take charge".

The New York Times - Sports

Send contributions to: Take Charge!

The New York Times

Who tends to take charge?

The New York Times - Arts

Chelsea looked to take charge.

The Guardian - Sport

Reid knew how to take charge.

The New York Times - Sports

Kadyrov scrambled home to take charge.

The Guardian

It failed to take charge of itself".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to take charge", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is assuming control of. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to take charge" without defining the limits of the responsibility. Unclear scope can lead to overstepping or neglecting essential duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to take charge" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. It signifies the act of assuming control or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to take charge" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the act of assuming control or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and general contexts. When employing the phrase, clarity is key; ensure the scope of control is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "to assume control" or "to take command" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired level of formality or authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to assume control

Replaces "take" with "assume", highlighting the act of taking on control.

to take command

Substitutes "charge" with "command", emphasizing authority and leadership.

to seize control

Uses "seize" instead of "take", suggesting a more forceful or immediate assumption of control.

to take the reins

Employs a metaphor, indicating the act of guiding or directing something.

to step up

Offers a more informal way to say taking the initiative and responsibility.

to take responsibility

Focuses on accepting accountability and ownership.

to be in charge

Shifts the focus to the state of being in control rather than the act of assuming it.

to take the lead

Indicates the act of guiding or directing a group or activity.

to manage affairs

Offers a more formal way of taking control and handling a situation.

to be at the helm

Uses a nautical metaphor, referring to being in a position of leadership and control.

FAQs

How can I use "to take charge" in a sentence?

You can use "to take charge" to indicate assuming responsibility or control. For example: "The manager decided "to take charge" of the project after the previous leader resigned."

What's a formal alternative to "to take charge"?

A more formal alternative is "to assume control". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "to take charge"?

It's appropriate to use "to take charge" when someone is stepping up to manage or lead a situation, project, or group. It implies a proactive approach to control and responsibility.

Is there a difference between "to take charge" and "to take command"?

While similar, "to take command" often implies a higher degree of authority or a more formal structure, such as in a military or hierarchical setting. "To take charge" is more general and can apply in various contexts.