took a box

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a box" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of someone picking up or receiving a box, often in a past context. Example: "Yesterday, she took a box from the delivery man and brought it inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

When it became successful, he took a box at Fenway.

The New York Times - Magazine

Among other things, she took a box of papers, including Tremski's unpublished manuscripts.

The New Yorker

He took a box of Red Rose tea from a cabinet.

The New Yorker

Hemingway hung up, and from his bathrobe pocket took a box of pills.

The New Yorker

Before the police finished their work for the night, one officer took a box out of the house.

The New York Times

Dunham asked him to look at Simmons's photographs, and he took a box of them to show Winer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But Lewton was the one who helped save R.K.O. after the studio savagely truncated (and took a box-office beating on) Welles's "The Magnificent Ambersons".

The New Yorker

A kindly editor would have taken a box of blue pencils to it.

The Economist

(That's why he takes a box of Benjamins to the local priest).

The New Yorker

And so it begins, Mickey, birthday cake (party), special Night, whoops, and take a box.

The New Yorker

Mr. Pasternack says, "I'll take a box," and begins a fishing story.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took a box", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and contents of the box for better clarity. For example, specify "took a box of chocolates" or "took a box from the shelf".

Common error

Avoid using "took a box" when a more specific container is intended. Instead of "took a box of documents", consider "took a file folder" or "took a briefcase" for better precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a box" functions as a verb phrase, where "took" is the main verb indicating past tense action and "a box" is the direct object. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took a box" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of obtaining or receiving a box. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying the contents or source of the box. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "acquired a box". The analysis shows that it is most common to find this pattern in "News & Media", but it can also appear in "Science" or "Wiki"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a package

Focuses on receiving a package rather than specifically taking a box.

grabbed a box

Emphasizes the speed or abruptness of the action.

picked up a carton

Replaces "box" with "carton", suggesting a sturdier container.

accepted a box

Highlights the act of willingly receiving the box.

obtained a container

Uses a more general term "container" instead of "box".

retrieved a box

Implies recovering a box from storage or a less accessible place.

removed a box

Suggests taking a box from a specific location or set of items.

carried a box

Focuses on the action of transporting the box.

acquired a box

A more formal way of saying "got a box", suggesting ownership or possession.

selected a box

Indicates choosing a particular box from a selection.

FAQs

How can I use "took a box" in a sentence?

You can use "took a box" to describe the action of someone receiving or obtaining a box. For example, "She "took a box" of old photos from the attic".

What can I say instead of "took a box"?

You can use alternatives like "received a package", "picked up a carton", or "obtained a container" depending on the context.

Is "took a box" formal or informal?

"Took a box" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "acquired a box".

What's the difference between "took a box" and "carried a box"?

"Took a box" implies obtaining or receiving the box, while "carried a box" focuses on the action of transporting it. The first highlights the acquisition; the second, the movement.