took it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took it out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to removing something from a place or situation, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "After much consideration, she finally took it out of the box and decided to use it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He took it out".

The New York Times

"I took it out," he tells me.

Independent

And then I took it out again.

The New York Times - Books

He diagnosed it and took it out".

The New Yorker

I just took it out again.

The New York Times

I took it out on the wall.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Take it out and it topples.

The Economist

"Don't take it out on Jared.

Independent

You take it out with you.

The New Yorker

Takes it out on his classmates".

Independent

"Instead, I take it out on movies".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took it out" to describe emotional redirection (e.g., "He took it out on me"), ensure the context clearly indicates the target of the displaced emotion.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to. Without clear context, "took it out" can be confusing. For example, instead of saying "I was angry and took it out", specify "I was angry and "took my anger out" on my friend".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took it out" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of removing something, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, confirming its flexibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took it out" is a versatile verb phrase indicating the act of removing something, expressing emotions, or strategically extracting. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register allows for usage in diverse contexts, from news and media to informal conversations. When using "took it out", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternative phrases like "removed it" or "extracted it" for more formal situations. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "took it out" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

removed it

Implies a straightforward action of taking something away.

extracted it

Suggests a more careful or deliberate removal process.

withdrew it

Indicates taking something back or away from a specific place.

eliminated it

Emphasizes the complete removal or eradication of something.

deleted it

Refers to removing something digitally or from a record.

got rid of it

A more casual way of saying something was removed or discarded.

expelled it

Suggests a forceful or abrupt removal.

disposed of it

Implies the act of discarding or throwing something away.

relieved oneself of it

Suggests a sense of burden being lifted by removing something.

unloaded it

Implies removing a burden or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "took it out" to describe physically removing something, like "She "took it out" of the box". It can also mean expressing pent-up feelings, such as "He "took it out" on his colleague".

What's a more formal way to say "took it out"?

More formal alternatives include "removed it", "extracted it", or "withdrew it", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I took it out on myself"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, though less common. It implies that you directed your negative emotions or frustrations inward, harming yourself in some way.

What's the difference between "took it out" and "take it out"?

"Took it out" is the past tense form, used to describe an action that already happened. "Take it out" is the present tense or infinitive form, used for general statements or instructions.