took occupancy

USAGE SUMMARY

"took occupancy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and it means that someone has officially moved into a new space or property.
It can be used when discussing someone's living situation, a business moving into a new office, or even a temporary stay in a hotel. Example: After searching for months, we finally found the perfect house and took occupancy last week. Example: The company took occupancy of their new headquarters in the city center last month. Example: I'll be taking occupancy of the beach house next week for a much-needed vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In February, Coral Sea Pools took occupancy of its new building at 518.

The New York Times

Our new data center was not fully operational, having just took occupancy of the space in June.

The New York Times

They secured a no-bid lease for a government building in their neighborhood, but never took occupancy.

The New York Times

When he was elected lieutenant-governor, people regularly cleared the elevator at the statehouse when he got in; his Democratic colleagues nailed the door to his office shut before he took occupancy.

The New Yorker

From this ruse some belated Bush jokes were made when it turns out that Edna has been advising Michelle Obama and the First Lady confided in Edna what state she found the White House in when they took occupancy.

Independent

If, for example, the legal rent was $2,000 or more a month before the reader took occupancy, and the previous tenant's annual income was more than $175,000, the landlord could have had the apartment destabilized.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

(While awaiting approval, buyers can take occupancy, Mr. Unwin explained).

The New York Times

On January 20th, an African-American family will take occupancy of the White House.

The New Yorker

All units can be adapted for the handicapped and Benjamin expects tenants to take occupancy in April.

The New York Times

The day after taking occupancy, the wife of the coupl called the landlady for advice in getting settled.

The New Yorker

The lease term would be from five to 10 years, with an unspecified government agency taking occupancy by April 15.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In news articles, "took occupancy" can succinctly convey when a company or organization started using a new facility, providing a specific timeline.

Common error

While correct, "took occupancy" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "moved in" or "started living there" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took occupancy" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of assuming possession and use of a property or space. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples where it describes companies moving into new facilities or individuals starting to reside in a new home.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took occupancy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the action of someone starting to use a property or space. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is prevalent in news, wiki, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider the audience and context to determine if a more casual alternative like "moved in" is more appropriate. Remember, as pointed out in the writing guidance, while precise, "took occupancy" may sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Ensure accuracy and adherence to legal or professional standards. If you need to be more formal or more legally accurate, use "assumed possession" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed possession

Replaces "occupancy" with "possession", focusing on the legal right rather than the act of inhabiting.

moved into

A more common and informal way of saying someone started living in a place.

began residence

Formal alternative emphasizing the establishment of a dwelling.

started inhabiting

Highlights the act of living in a place, suitable when emphasizing the living aspect.

entered into possession

Legalistic phrasing, suitable in formal or legal contexts.

established themselves

Suggests settling in and becoming familiar with the property.

secured tenancy

Focuses on the legal agreement that allows occupancy.

came into residence

Emphasizes the arrival and establishment of a home.

initiated habitation

A somewhat archaic but formal alternative.

gained access

Focuses on the act of obtaining entry and control over the space.

FAQs

What does "took occupancy" mean?

The phrase "took occupancy" means that someone has officially moved into and started using a property, building, or space.

What can I say instead of "took occupancy"?

You can use alternatives like "moved into", "began residence", or "started inhabiting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take occupancy" instead of "took occupancy"?

The phrase "take occupancy" is used to refer to a future event, while "took occupancy" refers to a past event. For example, "The company will take occupancy next month", versus, "The company took occupancy last month".

What is the difference between "took occupancy" and "took possession"?

"Took occupancy" implies physical habitation or usage of a space, while "took possession" refers more broadly to gaining legal control or ownership, regardless of whether it's inhabited. The phrase "assumed possession" can be a good synonym for "took occupancy".