took cues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took cues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is following or adopting ideas, behaviors, or styles from another person or source. Example: "The director took cues from classic films to create a unique visual style for his latest project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They took cues from the overall rebranding campaign by McGarryBowen.

The New York Times

The common folk still took cues from their "betters," but they expected to participate in politics.

The New York Times - Books

In his art, he took cues from Aubrey Beardsley and Gustave Moreau.

The New York Times - Arts

He worked with what he saw around him and took cues from his own responses.

The New Yorker

The mayor took cues from London, Stockholm and other foreign cities now trying this solution.

The New York Times

Mr. Varone took cues from the tux and threw in masculine gestures.

The New York Times - Arts

So the kids took cues from their other great love, surfing.

The Guardian

But, young, restless and a closet romantic, he took cues from everywhere.

The New York Times - Arts

He took cues from physicist Raymond Goldstein's lab at the University of Arizona.

The Washington Post

They took cues from the architecture there and included details like moss growing on structures.

The New York Times

Fashion also took cues from rock'n'roll – there were full skirts with petticoats for jiving, instead of ballroom dancing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artistic or design choices, "took cues" can effectively convey the origins of the inspiration and the deliberate incorporation of elements from another source.

Common error

Avoid using "took cues" when the influence is minimal or coincidental. This phrase indicates a more deliberate and significant level of inspiration than simply being aware of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took cues" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has been influenced by or has imitated another source. Ludwig AI confirms its usage. Examples from Ludwig show its application in design, behavior, and strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took cues" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating influence or inspiration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse domains. Analysis reveals that it functions as a verb phrase, effectively highlighting deliberate adoption or imitation of elements from another source. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, its usage spans across news, academia, and the arts, maintaining a primarily neutral register. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptability in formal and informal contexts alike. Therefore, writers can confidently use this phrase to convey a clear and concise message about the origins of an idea or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drew inspiration

Focuses on the act of gaining creative ideas and motivation, emphasizing the inspirational aspect.

took inspiration from

Similar to 'drew inspiration', but places the act of taking first.

followed the example

Highlights the act of imitating or adhering to a specific model or precedent.

emulated

Implies an effort to match or surpass the qualities of someone or something.

modeled after

Suggests that something was designed or created to resemble something else.

patterned after

Similar to 'modeled after', but emphasizes a structured or systematic influence.

followed suit

Indicates acting in the same way as someone else has done before.

was influenced by

Broadly indicates that something was affected or shaped by another source.

was inspired by

Emphasizes that the source was motivated and influenced in a positive manner.

adopted ideas from

Highlights the act of taking and using concepts or notions from a particular source.

FAQs

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

You can use "took cues" to show that someone was influenced by something else, for example: "The architect "took cues" from Frank Lloyd Wright's designs."

What are some alternatives to "took cues"?

Alternatives to "took cues" include "drew inspiration", "followed the example", or "was influenced by". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "take cues from" or "took cues from"?

"Took cues from" is the past tense form. Use "take cues from" for present or future actions. For example, "Designers often "take cues" from nature", or "The new building "took cues" from Art Deco architecture".

What's the difference between "took cues" and "was inspired by"?

"Took cues" implies a more direct and deliberate influence, suggesting that someone actively studied and incorporated elements from a source. "Was inspired by" is broader and can suggest a less conscious or more general influence.