took a sip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a sip" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone taking a sip from a drink, such as "He took a sip of his coffee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I took a sip.

The New Yorker

She took a sip.

The New Yorker

He took a sip.

The New York Times

Mainwaring took a sip.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mitchell took a sip.

The New Yorker

He took a sip of coffee.

The New Yorker

He took a sip of his whiskey.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hoffman takes a sip.

The New York Times

Gates takes a sip.

The New Yorker

I take a sip.

The Guardian - Travel

He takes a sip.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "took a sip" to add a subtle action that reveals character thoughts or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "took a sip" to describe continuous drinking. The phrase implies a single, brief action, not prolonged consumption. For ongoing drinking, use "sipping" or "drinking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a sip" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a specific action. According to Ludwig AI, it is correctly used to indicate the act of briefly drinking something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a sip" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the action of briefly drinking something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread application across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a single, brief action, not a continuous one. If you're looking for alternatives, consider "had a sip" or "took a taste" for similar meanings. Be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Had a sip

Emphasizes the completion of the action of sipping; focuses on the result rather than the process.

Took a swallow

Similar to 'sip', but can imply a slightly larger quantity; more general.

Took a taste

Broader than 'sip', implying sampling for flavor rather than just drinking.

Took a small drink

More descriptive and emphasizes the size of the drink taken.

Sipped slowly

Focuses on the manner of sipping, highlighting the slowness.

Took a mouthful

Implies a larger quantity was consumed compared to a sip.

Took a draught

Implies drinking, often something alcoholic, with a deliberate action.

Took a sample

Focuses on the act of trying a small amount for evaluation.

Took a gulp

Implies drinking quickly and in a larger quantity than a sip.

Quaffed some

Suggests drinking heartily or deeply.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a sip" to describe someone briefly drinking something, for example, "She "took a sip" of her coffee before answering the question."

What are some alternatives to "took a sip"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "had a sip", "took a taste", or "took a small drink".

Is it correct to say "takes a sip" instead of "took a sip"?

Yes, "takes a sip" is correct, but it's in the present tense, while "took a sip" is in the past tense. Use "takes a sip" for current actions and "took a sip" for past actions.

What is the difference between "took a sip" and "took a gulp"?

"Took a sip" implies a small, measured amount, often to taste or savor. "Took a gulp" suggests a larger amount, often consumed quickly.