took initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

"took initiative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone taking the lead and proactively taking charge of a situation. For example, "She took initiative to organize the team's strategy for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"But the key is they both took initiative and tried to absorb what they could while they were there.

The New York Times

But Mr. Anchia is not short of praise for Mr. Villalba, who he said took initiative when he campaigned toward the middle.

The New York Times

In the days that followed, I was impressed by the way the school's principal and parent leaders communicated with parents and took initiative to organize meetings and workshops.

The New York Times

He insisted – as the US administration has done all week – that the idea of destroying chemical weapons had been discussed for some months, adding: "I'm pleased that President Putin took initiative, and Sergei took initiative, and President Obama responded, and we're here".

The Guardian

The class can also decide to get involved in the fight against human trafficking, much the way one fourth-grade class from Brookline, Mass., took initiative on an issue the pupils felt strongly about.

The New York Times

"But when we opened up floor, people took initiative," said Young.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

They took initiatives much earlier than the state institutions.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Consistent with international perspectives India took initiatives for disaster management.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Commonwealth states, such as Victoria, also took initiatives to introduce social investment policies.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

In 2013, India took initiatives to draft comprehensive guidelines to establish human milk banks (HMB).

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Take initiative, meet people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took initiative" to highlight instances where someone went beyond their expected duties or instructions to address a need or create an opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "took initiative" when someone simply followed instructions or fulfilled their basic responsibilities. Initiative implies going above and beyond what was required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took initiative" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It describes the action of proactively and independently taking steps to address a situation or opportunity. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took initiative" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe proactive and independent action. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources across News & Media, Science, and Wiki. To use this phrase effectively, remember that it signifies going above and beyond what is expected, not simply fulfilling basic duties. Alternatives like "showed initiative" or "stepped up" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showed initiative

Emphasizes demonstrating proactive behavior.

stepped up

Highlights taking responsibility and action when needed.

took the lead

Focuses on assuming a leadership role in initiating action.

acted proactively

Highlights the forward-thinking and anticipatory nature of the action.

took charge

Implies taking control of a situation to initiate action.

assumed responsibility

Focuses on accepting accountability and acting accordingly.

spearheaded efforts

Indicates leading and driving a particular endeavor or project.

pioneered solutions

Highlights innovation and being the first to develop or implement a solution.

launched efforts

Emphasizes the beginning or start of a focused endeavor.

undertook efforts

Focuses on the commitment and engagement in a particular action or endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "took initiative" to describe someone who proactively addressed a situation. For example, "She "took initiative" to resolve the customer's complaint."

What are some alternatives to "took initiative"?

Alternatives include "showed initiative", "stepped up", or "took the lead", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "took initiative" or "showed initiative"?

Both "took initiative" and "showed initiative" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Took initiative" emphasizes the action itself, while "showed initiative" highlights the demonstration of a quality.

What does it mean to "take initiative"?

To "take initiative" means to assess a situation, identify a need or opportunity, and proactively act without being explicitly instructed or required to do so.