took a fan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a fan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has picked up or acquired a fan, either literally or figuratively, such as becoming a fan of something or someone. Example: "After watching the concert, I took a fan of the band and started following them on social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After the service, Ms. Casey took a fan, Ed Mazar, who firmly believes in 2G, up to see her place.

The New York Times

It took a fan petition (and presumably the realisation that Phoo Action was lousy) for Being Human to be granted a reprieve.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was introduced to it by a fan in Australia, which shows how great fanzine and magazine culture can be – it's actually printed in Manchester but took a fan in Melbourne to send me four or five issues.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And Salvini has not only endorsed Trump, he took a fan-boy selfie with him in April, which he promptly showed off on Twitter.

Huffington Post

While the biggest services are located in China, it takes a fan, often in the United States, to upload the actual stream for distribution to the wider Internet.

The New York Times

In "Up All Night," at 8 30, Reagan Christina Applegatee) secretly hangs out with her former sister-in-law (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), while Ava (Maya Rudolph) takes a fan and her family on a Hollywood tour.

The New York Times - Arts

Horton is not the first celebrity to take a fan's advice in seeking medical attention.

Huffington Post

So, how do you take a fan of arts and culture and turn her into a college football fan?

Huffington Post

If you miss out on seeing them at Super Bowl XLIX next month, Princess Cruises has another idea: Take a fan cruise to Alaska in June that lets you sail with the players.

Los Angeles Times

Open all of the windows and take a fan, then out the fan up to the window.

WikiHow

Take a fan brush and use it to lightly feather out the lines, to blend them in and make them appear more natural.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took a fan" in the literal sense (e.g., picking up a cooling device), ensure the context clearly indicates the physical object. In a figurative sense, consider alternative phrasings like "became a fan" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "took a fan" when a more precise phrase like "became a supporter" or "developed an interest in" would better convey the intended meaning of acquiring an appreciation for something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a fan" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "took" is the past tense verb indicating the action of taking, and "a fan" is the object of the verb. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase can be used in contexts where someone has picked up or acquired a fan, either literally or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a fan" is grammatically sound and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. It indicates either the physical action of picking up a fan or the act of becoming an admirer or supporter, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not highly frequent, it appears in various sources, particularly news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by considering alternative phrasings like "became a supporter" if the figurative meaning is intended. The examples of Ludwig cover both literal and figurative usages, showing the versatility of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became a supporter

Focuses on the act of becoming a supporter or admirer.

acquired a follower

Highlights the gaining of a follower, often in a social context.

received a fan

Emphasizes the act of getting a fan from someone or somewhere.

obtained a devotee

Stresses the gaining of a devotee, suggesting strong admiration.

developed an interest in fans

Emphasizes the progression of developing an interest in fans

started to admire

Focuses on beginning to admire someone or something.

began to follow

Highlights the commencement of following someone's work or career.

accepted a fan

Stresses the welcoming of someone as a fan or supporter.

embraced fandom

Emphasizes the act of joining a fandom or community of fans.

cultivated a fanbase

Highlights the intentional act of building and growing a fanbase.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "took a fan"?

The phrase "took a fan" can mean someone literally picked up a fan (an object used for cooling) or, figuratively, that they became a fan of something or someone. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "took a fan" when referring to someone becoming an admirer?

You can use alternatives like "became a supporter", "developed an interest in", or "started to admire" depending on the context.

Is "took a fan" grammatically correct?

Yes, "took a fan" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure, with "took" being the past tense of "take" and "fan" being a noun. The correctness depends on the context and whether it makes sense within the sentence.

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

You can use "took a fan" in sentences like: "After the service, Ms. Casey took a fan, Ed Mazar, who firmly believes in 2G, up to see her place." or "Open all of the windows and took a fan, then out the fan up to the window."