took as many

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took as many" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of taking a certain quantity of something, often in comparison to another quantity or situation. Example: "He took as many cookies as he could before they were all gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I took as many precautions as humanly possible.

The New York Times

As an adult, he took as many cruises as he could on the midcentury ships.

The New York Times

In her independent life, Joe often took as many as ten lovers in a single night.

The New Yorker

"He almost took as many shots as points he made," Donovan said.

The New York Times - Sports

He noticed that the man took as many as twenty bus trips a day.

The New Yorker

He took as many jobs as he could, generating about eighty paid hours each month.

The New Yorker

Last year, when city workers took as many as 15 unpaid days off, the mayor voluntarily took 16.

The New York Times

The rebels retreated to several seaside neighborhoods and took as many as 180 hostages, the police said.

The New York Times

At times the president took as many as eight medications a day, says the historian, Robert Dallek.

The New York Times

Twins Are Struggling The last time the Minnesota Twins took as many as three consecutive days off, they never recovered.

The New York Times - Sports

I wish I took as many risks as he did, although I don't think you'd be allowed to any more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took as many", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being taken and the basis for comparison. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "took as many" without a clear reference point for comparison. Without a specified comparison, the phrase loses its meaning and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took as many" functions as a comparative quantifier. It describes the action of acquiring a number of items or units that is equal to or similar to a previously mentioned or understood quantity. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took as many" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that primarily serves as a comparative quantifier, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English for indicating the acquisition of a quantity comparable to another. Related phrases include "acquired a similar number" and "obtained an equal amount", offering alternative ways to express similar comparisons. When using "took as many", ensure there is a clear reference point for comparison to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's widespread use and presence in reputable sources underscore its reliability in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquired a similar number

Emphasizes the act of obtaining a comparable quantity, focusing on the resulting number rather than the action of taking.

obtained an equal amount

Highlights the achievement of receiving a matching quantity, shifting the focus to the outcome of obtaining something.

secured the same quantity

Focuses on the act of ensuring the acquisition of an equivalent quantity, implying a deliberate effort to match the amount.

matched the intake

Highlights the comparison of input by two agents, focusing on how the intake values are comparable

reached a parallel level

Implies that a similar degree or extent has been achieved, putting emphasis on an abstract measurement of quantity.

grabbed a like amount

Describes the action of getting hold of something with an emphasis on the equivalent amount obtained.

laid claim to a comparable share

Focuses on asserting ownership over a portion that is similar in size or proportion, implying a competitive context.

duplicated the count

Emphasizes the exact replication of a specific number, highlighting the precision of the matching quantity.

mirrored the quantity

Suggests a precise reflection of the amount

reached a parallel number

Highlights that a similar level of the total quantity has been obtained, shifting the focus to the final number.

FAQs

How can I use "took as many" in a sentence?

You can use "took as many" to indicate that someone acquired a quantity comparable to another. For example: "He "took as many" apples as he could carry".

What are some alternatives to "took as many"?

Alternatives include phrases like "acquired a similar number", "obtained an equal amount", or "secured the same quantity". These "acquired a similar number" of items depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take as many" instead of "took as many"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Take as many" is used in the present or future tense, while ""took as many"" is used in the past tense.

What's the difference between "took as many" and "just as many"?

"Took as many" implies an action of acquiring, while "just as many" simply indicates an equal quantity. For example, "He took as many books as he needed," versus "There were just as many boys as girls".