took a present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a present" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of receiving or accepting a gift. Example: "On her birthday, she took a present from her friend with a big smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In your memory, birthday parties may have been an event to which you took a present.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Mammy says I shouldn't take a present off a man".

The New Yorker

"My friend's mother said, 'Why don't you take a present?' and my friend said, 'If I brought a present every time they put on a room, I'd be broke.' " Correction: October 6 , 2002 Sunday Picture and illustration credits were reversed in Long Island copies last Sunday with an article about meditation spaces at office buildings, and the illustration credit was incomplete.

The New York Times

Charlotte Dubenskij takes a present day Army first responder back in time, visiting a museum dedicated to probably WW1's most famous first-aider - the inventor of penicillin, Alexander Fleming.

BBC

Laura Bassett: I think "The Handmaid's Tale" is eminently watchable for the same reason a movie like "Get Out" had so much success ― because it takes a present-day situation to its logical extreme.

Huffington Post

Rewriting took a year, to present all the science more personally and less technically, through anecdotes and clear explanations.

Science Magazine

Recently, he took a chance and presented a bottle of Barolo to a business client.

The New York Times

The sole performance over the past two years took place on May 9 this year when the center took a chance and presented several Graham dances at City Center before the suit was settled.

The New York Times - Arts

When the workers took a break, they presented their visitors with a late breakfast, a pailful of sea urchins fresh out of the ocean.

The New York Times - Food

Someone present took a photo of one of the agents apparently pointing his rifle directly at the face of a screaming Elian.

Huffington Post

At the end students were assessed through a simulated patient encounter where they took a history of the presenting complaint.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took a present", ensure the context clearly indicates the acceptance of the gift. If emphasis is needed on the giving action, rephrase to focus on the giver rather than the receiver.

Common error

Avoid using "took a present" when the context suggests refusal or reluctance. The phrase implies acceptance, so choose alternative phrasing like "was offered a present" or "declined a gift" if that's the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a present" functions as a simple verb phrase indicating the action of receiving a gift. This typically involves both the physical act of taking something and the implied acceptance of that item as a gift. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a present" is grammatically correct and understandable, denoting the action of receiving and accepting a gift. Ludwig confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register. While not incorrect, remember that alternatives like "received a gift" or "accepted a present" might be more suitable for formal contexts. Be mindful of the implication of acceptance; if the gift was refused, different phrasing is required. Remember to use the phrase "took a present" in contexts where receiving something is voluntary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a gift

Focuses on the act of receiving, replacing "took" with "received" and "present" with "gift".

accepted a present

Emphasizes the acceptance of the gift, rather than just the physical action of taking it.

obtained a gift

Highlights the acquisition of the gift, suggesting a more deliberate action.

was given a present

Shifts the focus to the giver, emphasizing that the subject was the recipient.

acquired a gift

Implies gaining possession of the gift, often through effort or circumstance.

got a gift

A more informal way of saying received a gift, suitable for casual contexts.

picked up a gift

Suggests a casual or spontaneous acquisition of a gift.

snagged a gift

Informal, suggests obtaining a gift quickly or opportunistically.

claimed a gift

Emphasizes asserting ownership or right to the gift.

walked away with a present

Highlights the act of departing with the gift in hand.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "took a present" that emphasizes reception?

You can use alternatives such as "received a gift" or "accepted a present" to better emphasize the act of receiving.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "took a present"?

It is appropriate when you want to indicate that someone received and accepted a gift. The phrase implies a voluntary action of taking possession of something offered.

How does "took a present" differ from "was given a present"?

"Took a present" focuses on the action of the receiver, while "was given a present" emphasizes the act of giving. The latter highlights the giver, while the former highlights the receiver.

Can I use "took a present" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "took a present" is more neutral in tone. For formal writing, consider using "received a gift" or "accepted a present" as they may sound more polished.