took offense

USAGE SUMMARY

"took offense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone becoming upset or angry due to something someone else said or did. Example: Sarah took offense when her coworker made a joke about her appearance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Becky took offense.

The New York Times

Ms. Grace took offense.

The New York Times

Some Hurricanes took offense.

The New Yorker

Wallace took offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Beckett took offense.

The New Yorker

He took offense.

The New York Times

"Obviously I took offense to it.

The New York Times - Sports

But lots of yogis took offense.

The New York Times

He took offense and quit.

The New York Times

I took offense to it.

The New York Times - Sports

Catholics took offense, and Cleveland squeaked through.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took offense", consider the intensity of the reaction you want to convey. Alternatives like "felt insulted" or "was indignant" can offer more specific nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "took offense" in situations where a milder reaction is more appropriate. For example, if someone simply expressed a different opinion, saying they "disagreed" might be more accurate than saying they "took offense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took offense" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a reaction of displeasure or indignation to something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing personal reactions to perceived slights or insults.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sports

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took offense" is a common and versatile way to describe someone's reaction to feeling insulted or slighted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in register, the choice of alternative phrases can help convey nuances in the intensity and nature of the reaction. When writing, be mindful of the specific context and the degree of emotional response you want to express. Understanding the common errors, such as overstating the severity of the reaction, can help ensure accurate and effective communication. As evidenced by the diverse sources provided, the phrase sees usage across news, sports, and general discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was offended

Direct synonym, expressing a similar feeling of being upset or insulted.

felt insulted

Focuses on the feeling of being disrespected or belittled.

was affronted

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "took offense".

felt aggrieved

Suggests a sense of injustice or unfair treatment.

was indignant

Implies a strong sense of anger and outrage at something considered unfair or unjust.

resented

Emphasizes a feeling of bitterness and anger towards someone or something.

bristled at

Suggests a sudden and defensive reaction to something.

objected to

Indicates a formal expression of disapproval or opposition.

was displeased

A more understated way of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

took exception to

Highlights a disagreement or challenge to a statement or action.

FAQs

How to use "took offense" in a sentence?

The phrase "took offense" indicates that someone became upset or insulted by something. For example, "She "took offense" at his rude remark."

What can I say instead of "took offense"?

You can use alternatives like "was offended", "felt insulted", or "was affronted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "took offense" or "took offence"?

"Took offense" is the standard spelling in American English. "Took offence" is the British English spelling. Both are correct, but use the spelling appropriate for your audience.

What's the difference between "took offense" and "was insulted"?

"Took offense" generally implies a personal reaction to something said or done. "Was insulted" is a direct synonym, expressing a similar feeling of being disrespected or belittled, but sometimes the intention of the action that causes it is more deliberate.