took notes

USAGE SUMMARY

'took notes' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when describing what someone did or what happened during a meeting or event. For example: "During the meeting, I took notes on the discussion points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I took notes.

The New Yorker

Others took notes.

The Economist

Some took notes.

The New Yorker

She took notes.

The Guardian

I never took notes.

The New York Times

Reporters took notes.

The New York Times

He quietly took notes".

The New York Times - Sports

Some 40 students took notes.

The New Yorker

Hugo leaned in, took notes.

The New Yorker

The reporters took notes..

The New Yorker

Shea took notes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took notes" to indicate the action of recording information during a meeting, lecture, or observation. For variety, consider synonyms like "jotted down" or "wrote down" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "take notes" when referring to a past action. "Take notes" is present tense, while "took notes" is the correct past tense form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took notes" functions as the simple past tense of the verb phrase "take notes". It describes a completed action of recording information, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, like "Reporters took notes" or "She took notes".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took notes" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of recording information in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "took notes" is the past tense, distinct from the present tense "take notes". For variety, consider alternatives such as "jotted down" or "wrote down", but ensure the tense aligns with your intended meaning. Pay attention to the source for avoiding mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrote down

A simple and direct synonym for recording information in writing.

jotted down

Implies a quicker, less detailed form of note-taking.

put in writing

A general expression for recording something formally.

made a record

Focuses on the act of creating a permanent record.

transcribed

Indicates converting spoken or audio information into written form.

documented

Suggests a more formal and thorough recording of information.

captured in writing

Highlights the act of transferring information into written form.

kept a log

Implies a continuous and detailed record of events.

registered

Emphasizes the official or formal recording of information.

scribed

An archaic term for writing something down.

FAQs

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

You can use "took notes" to describe the act of writing down information in the past. For example, "She "took notes" during the lecture", or "The detective "took notes" at the crime scene".

What's the difference between "took notes" and "take notes"?

"Took notes" is the past tense of "take notes". Use "took notes" to describe an action that already happened. For example, "I "took notes" in the meeting yesterday". Use "take notes" to describe a current action or a general habit. For example, "I always "take notes" in class".

What are some alternatives to "took notes"?

Some alternatives include "jotted down", "wrote down", or "made a record". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "taken notes"?

Yes, "taken notes" is the past participle form, used with auxiliary verbs like "have" or "had". For example, "I have "taken notes" on all the presentations" or "She had "taken notes" before the meeting started".