took it in stride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take it in stride" is correctly used in written English.
It is usually used to express that someone is able to handle a situation or problem in a positive, accepting way. Example sentence: She was faced with a major setback, but she took it in stride and found a creative solution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He took it in stride".

The New York Times - Arts

Christina took it in stride.

The New York Times

Both took it in stride.

The New York Times

I took it in stride, though.

The New York Times

Mr. Rotblat took it in stride.

The New York Times

And World Peace took it in stride.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. James took it in stride.

The New York Times

Berra took it in stride.

The New York Times - Sports

Conger took it in stride.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think I took it in stride.

The New York Times - Sports

The explorers took it in stride, however.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took it in stride" to illustrate a resilient and positive response to setbacks or unexpected events. This shows adaptability and emotional intelligence.

Common error

Avoid using "took it in stride" when the situation requires a more serious or proactive response. This phrase is best suited for minor inconveniences or challenges, not major crises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took it in stride" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the manner in which someone handled a situation, indicating a calm and accepting approach. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

15%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

Los Angeles Times

3%

Vice

3%

The New Yorker

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic expression "took it in stride" signifies a composed and resilient reaction to challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and its presence in numerous reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media. This phrase is best used to describe a calm, adaptable response to minor setbacks, and should be avoided in scenarios demanding a more critical or proactive approach. Semantically related alternatives include "handled it with equanimity" and "coped with it calmly". When writing, remember that while commonly used, it can be too informal for certain academic or business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handled it with equanimity

Emphasizes a composed and balanced approach to dealing with a difficult situation.

coped with it calmly

Highlights the calmness and composure maintained while managing the situation.

managed it without fuss

Stresses the absence of unnecessary worry or drama in handling the matter.

faced it with composure

Focuses on maintaining a steady and controlled demeanor when confronted with a challenge.

dealt with it gracefully

Implies a refined and elegant manner of addressing the issue.

bore it with fortitude

Highlights the strength and resilience displayed in enduring the hardship.

accepted it stoically

Emphasizes the acceptance of the situation without showing emotion or complaint.

navigated it smoothly

Focuses on the ease and efficiency with which the situation was handled.

weathered it well

Suggests successfully overcoming a difficult period or challenge.

remained unperturbed by it

Highlights the lack of disturbance or anxiety caused by the event.

FAQs

How can I use "took it in stride" in a sentence?

You can use "took it in stride" to describe someone's reaction to an unexpected or challenging situation. For example, "Despite the setback, she "took it in stride" and focused on finding a solution."

What are some alternatives to "took it in stride"?

Some alternatives include "handled it calmly", "coped with it easily", or "managed it well", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "took it in stride" in formal writing?

While "took it in stride" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "responded with equanimity" or "handled the situation with composure" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean to say someone "took it in stride"?

When someone "took it in stride", it means they faced a difficult or unexpected situation with calmness and resilience, without getting overly upset or stressed.