took hold

USAGE SUMMARY

"took hold" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
A common definition of this phrase is to become firmly established. For example, you could say, "After the new policy was enacted, it quickly took hold within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The habit took hold.

The Economist

Corruption took hold.

The New York Times

The effort never took hold.

The New York Times

A dull ache took hold.

The New York Times

The benefit culture took hold.

The Guardian

Still, panther mania took hold.

The New Yorker

Then the mesmerism took hold.

The New Yorker

Emotional contagion took hold.

Harvard Business Review

The lesson took hold.

The New York Times - Arts

Race fever took hold.

The Guardian

Worklessness took hold.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took hold" to describe the establishment or entrenchment of an idea, trend, or feeling. For example, "The new management style quickly took hold, improving overall productivity."

Common error

Avoid using "took hold" when describing active physical actions. The phrase typically describes the gradual acceptance or influence of something, not a sudden physical grasp.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took hold" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of control, influence, or establishment of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The provided examples illustrate its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took hold" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe the establishment or entrenchment of an idea, trend, or feeling. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Analysis of examples reveals its frequent occurrence in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it conveys the start of control or influence, it's important to avoid using it in contexts requiring active physical actions. Consider alternatives like "became established" or "gained traction" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took root

Suggests a deep and firm establishment, similar to a plant.

became established

Focuses on the process of becoming accepted and integrated.

gained influence

Focuses on the increase in persuasive power.

gained traction

Highlights the momentum and growing acceptance of something.

caught on

Emphasizes popularity and widespread adoption.

assumed control

Implies taking command or authority.

became prevalent

Indicates widespread existence or common occurrence.

prevailed

Highlights overcoming obstacles and becoming dominant.

started to flourish

Suggests a thriving and successful establishment.

began to dominate

Emphasizes a growing power and control over something.

FAQs

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

Use "took hold" to indicate that something has become established or has gained influence. For example, "The new philosophy quickly "became established" in the company."

What are some alternatives to "took hold"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "gained traction", "became established", or "caught on" as alternatives to "took hold".

Is it correct to say "taken hold" instead of "took hold"?

"Taken hold" is the past participle form, typically used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., "has taken hold"). "Took hold" is the simple past tense, used to describe a completed action in the past (e.g., "The idea took hold quickly").

What's the difference between "took hold" and "took root"?

While both phrases imply establishment, "took hold" suggests a general gaining of influence or acceptance. "Took root" /s/took+root specifically suggests a deep and firm establishment, similar to a plant embedding itself in the ground.