took it well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took it well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's positive reaction to bad news or a difficult situation. Example: "When I told her about the changes in the project, she took it well and offered to help with the transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

After posting its first loss following forays into corporate debt that took it well beyond its traditional role as a mortgage lender, Abbey National said it would cut more than 1,400 jobs by 2005.

The New York Times

His ruthless leadership of the Koto-kai branch of the Yamaguchi-gumi took it well beyond its traditional territory in western Japan into Tokyo.

Independent

He adored his car, but took it well when teased about its being yellow.

The New York Times

"They took it well.

Independent

She took it well.

The New York Times

Her mother took it well.

The New York Times

"We took it well.

The Guardian - Sport

He took it well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He took it well, Mr. Zelman said.

The New York Times

"Both families took it well.

The New York Times - Sports

"And he took it well.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the person's emotional state. Sometimes, 'handled it' or 'accepted it' might be more precise.

Common error

While "took it well" is perfectly acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "handled the situation with composure" or "reacted positively to the news" for a more professional tone. Try instead "handled it gracefully".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took it well" functions as a predicate describing how a subject reacted to a specific event or piece of information. It implies a positive or accepting response despite potentially negative circumstances. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is used to denote a favorable reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sport

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took it well" is a versatile phrase used to describe a positive or composed reaction to negative news or challenging situations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in news and sports contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards the informal side. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the person's emotional state, and in formal settings, explore more sophisticated alternatives. The multitude of real-world examples available demonstrate the phrase's effectiveness in conveying a message of resilience and grace.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reacted positively

Focuses on the favorable nature of the response.

handled it gracefully

Emphasizes poise and elegance in dealing with a situation.

received it favorably

Indicates a welcoming or agreeable attitude towards something.

accepted it calmly

Highlights the absence of emotional distress.

faced it stoically

Emphasizes resilience and emotional fortitude.

dealt with it maturely

Stresses the level of responsibility and understanding shown.

coped with it admirably

Stresses the praiseworthy nature of the handling.

bore it with equanimity

Suggests a balanced and composed state of mind.

navigated it successfully

Implies skillful maneuvering through a difficult situation.

managed it adeptly

Highlights skill and competence in handling the situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "took it well"?

Saying someone "took it well" means they reacted to bad news, criticism, or a difficult situation in a positive or composed manner. It implies they didn't become angry, upset, or overly emotional.

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

You can use "took it well" to describe someone's reaction to something negative. For example: "Despite the project being canceled, she "handled it gracefully" and offered constructive feedback."

What are some alternatives to saying someone "took it well"?

Alternatives to "took it well" include phrases like "reacted positively", "accepted it calmly", or "dealt with it maturely". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "took it well" formal or informal language?

"Took it well" is generally considered informal language. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives such as "responded favorably" or "exhibited composure".