took over

USAGE SUMMARY

'took over' is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when one person or thing gains control or influence over another. For example: "After the new CEO was hired, she quickly took over the failing business and began implementing changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

took over.

The New Yorker

Then UConn took over.

The New York Times

"My heart took over".

The New York Times - Sports

"The economy took over.

The New York Times - Arts

Myra took over.

The New Yorker

Josiah took over.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then Butler took over.

The New York Times - Sports

He took over.

The New York Times - Sports

Syria then took over.

The Economist

Sometimes James took over.

The New York Times - Sports

Then topography took over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took over", be specific about what was taken over and by whom or what. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "took over" without clearly defining the extent of the control or responsibility assumed. Without this detail, the statement can be vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took over" functions as a transitive phrasal verb. It requires an object to complete its meaning, indicating who or what is assuming control or responsibility. This is evident in Ludwig's examples such as "Syria then took over" or "Then Butler took over".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took over" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that describes the transfer of control, responsibility, or dominance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase suitable for various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using "took over", ensure clarity by specifying what was taken over and by whom. Alternatives like "assumed control" or "seized power" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Being mindful of the scope and providing clear context will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed control

Emphasizes the act of taking command or authority.

seized power

Highlights a forceful or abrupt acquisition of authority.

gained dominance

Focuses on establishing a superior position or influence.

inherited responsibility

Specifies that the responsibility was passed down.

stepped into leadership

Highlights the act of transitioning into a leadership role.

superseded

Indicates the replacement of something previously in place.

usurped

Implies wrongfully seizing control or power.

came to power

Describes the process of gaining a position of authority.

replaced

Focuses on the act of substituting one thing for another.

assumed the reins

Emphasizes the act of taking control and guiding something.

FAQs

How is "took over" used in a sentence?

The phrase "took over" is used to describe when someone or something gains control, responsibility, or dominance. For example, "The army "took over" the mall after the police retreated".

What are some alternatives to "took over"?

Alternatives to "took over" include "assumed control", "seized power", or "gained dominance" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "taken over" instead of "took over"?

While "took over" is the simple past tense, "taken over" is the past participle and requires an auxiliary verb (e.g., has taken over, was taken over) to be grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "took over" and "replaced"?

"Took over" implies gaining control or responsibility, whereas "replaced" simply means substituting one thing for another. "The new CEO "took over" the company", indicates control, while "The old machine was "replaced" with a new model" just indicates substitution.