took a lap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a lap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to running, exercise, or metaphorically to indicate taking a break or a moment to reflect. Example: "After a long meeting, I decided to take a lap around the office to clear my head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The torch was passed among the seven young athletes as they took a lap around the arena.

The New York Times - Sports

"I knew something must be happening," Mr. Schreiber said, "So I took a lap around our trading desk".

The New York Times

And since you asked (nobody asked), I took a lap around the stadium concourses before the game and found myself very disappointed in the offerings here.

The New York Times

They wore white compression tights beneath their T-shirts and warmups, and periodically each athlete stood up and took a lap through the aisles, shaking out his legs.

The New Yorker

Anthony Ogogo, Elena Baltacha, Louise Jukes and Harry Martin took a lap of honour at Portman Road ahead of Ipswich Town's match with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

Luz was the first to congratulate him and they took a lap of honour around the stadium together as the crowd rose to salute them both.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Anticipation for impending debauchery builds as you take a lap and weigh your options.

The New Yorker

Some like jumping rope, while others choose to take a lap around the arena.

The New York Times - Sports

If the Swans eventually lift the silverware, they should let Morgan take a lap with it at Wembley.

The New York Times

Sixteen Red Sox players capped the celebration by taking a lap around Fenway, slapping hands with the fans.

The New York Times - Sports

All the British had to do then was take a lap themselves, but this was easier said than done.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase's level of formality aligns with your writing. While generally acceptable, it may not be appropriate for highly formal or technical documents.

Common error

Avoid using "took a lap" when a more precise term is needed. For example, instead of saying "He took a lap of the race track", specify "He completed a lap of the race track" for clarity and formal writing. Additionally, don't use it to describe a situation that doesn't involve physical movement or observation; otherwise, the phrase could sound odd.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a lap" primarily functions as a verbal phrase describing an act of moving around a defined area. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its use in describing physical actions like athletes circling a stadium or someone walking around an office.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a lap" is a commonly used phrase that effectively describes the action of moving around a defined area. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, sports, and general conversation. While generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the context. Common uses include describing celebratory actions, inspections, or casual strolls. When writing, make sure the chosen alternative for the phrase is appropriate for the degree of formality and use case. Remember to avoid using "took a lap" when a more precise term is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walked around

A general term for moving around an area on foot, without specifying purpose or speed.

did a circuit

Emphasizes the completion of a full course or route, often implying a structured or repeated action.

made a round

Suggests visiting multiple points or locations, often in a professional or routine context.

completed a loop

Similar to 'did a circuit', emphasizing the return to the starting point.

strolled around

Indicates a leisurely and unhurried walk, often for pleasure or observation.

ambled around

Conveys a relaxed and casual movement, often with no specific destination in mind.

circumnavigated

Implies traveling all the way around something, suitable for large areas or objects.

did a walk-through

Suggests a more thorough inspection or familiarization of a space.

took a turn

Can imply taking a physical turn around a space, but also suggests participating in an activity or task.

passed through

Indicates a brief visit or movement through an area without stopping for long.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a lap" to describe a physical action like walking or running around a defined area, such as a stadium, field, or room. For example: "The players "took a lap" around the field after the game".

What's the difference between "took a lap" and "went for a walk"?

"Took a lap" implies a structured movement around a specific area, often with a purpose, while "went for a walk" is more general and suggests a leisurely stroll without a defined route. In most cases, you can use "walked around" if you want a more basic explanation.

Can "took a lap" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "took a lap" can be used metaphorically to mean taking a break or stepping back to observe a situation. However, be careful to use this in an appropriate context. Example: "After a long meeting, I "took a break" around the office to clear my head".

What are some alternatives to "took a lap" that sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, you could use "circumnavigated" if the path involves going completely around something, or "made a round" if the movement is part of an inspection or routine.