took pride in

USAGE SUMMARY

"took pride in" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that someone did with enthusiasm or a sense of accomplishment. Example sentence: She took pride in her work, ensuring that each task was completed with the utmost care and attention.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We kind of took pride in it".

The New York Times

Smothers took pride in his discipline.

The New Yorker

But he took pride in his craft.

The New York Times - Sports

"I always took pride in my results.

The Guardian - Sport

These people took pride in assimilating.

The New Yorker

I kind of took pride in it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I took pride in my academics," Morris said.

The New York Times - Sports

He also took pride in a peach and apple orchard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They served in the shadows and took pride in it.

The New York Times

Fraser took pride in providing for his family.

The New Yorker

"It's not something that I took pride in doing".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took pride in" to emphasize a past feeling of accomplishment or satisfaction. For example, "She took pride in her work as a teacher."

Common error

Avoid using "taking pride in" when describing a past, completed action. Instead, use the simple past tense "took pride in" to accurately reflect the timing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took pride in" functions as a verb phrase indicating a feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment regarding a past action or quality. It suggests that someone derived pleasure or a sense of worth from something they did or possessed, as showcased by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Huffington Post

13%

The New Yorker

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took pride in" is a common and grammatically correct way to express past satisfaction or accomplishment. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It appears frequently in reputable sources, particularly news and media, and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts. When using "took pride in", remember to maintain the correct tense to accurately convey the timing of the action or feeling. Related phrases, such as "were proud of" or "found satisfaction in", can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were proud of

A more straightforward and common way of expressing pride.

prided themselves on

Focuses on the reflexive aspect of pride, highlighting what someone values in themselves.

found satisfaction in

Highlights the contentment or fulfillment gained from the activity or accomplishment.

took satisfaction from

Similar to the above, but emphasizes the source from which the satisfaction is derived.

delighted in

Implies a great pleasure or joy derived from something.

valued highly

Highlights the importance and esteem attached to something.

reveled in

This suggests a more intense enjoyment or satisfaction, going beyond simple pride.

exulted in

Indicates a triumphant joy or elation.

gloried in

This phrase suggests an ostentatious or boastful pride.

cherished

Implies a deep affection and appreciation for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "took pride in" to describe something that someone felt a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction about in the past. For instance, "He "took pride in" completing the marathon".

What are some alternatives to saying "took pride in"?

Alternatives include "were proud of", "found satisfaction in", or "delighted in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take pride in" instead of "took pride in"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "take pride in" for present or habitual actions, and "took pride in" for actions completed in the past.

What's the difference between "took pride in" and "boasted about"?

"Took pride in" suggests a quiet sense of accomplishment, while "boasted about" implies a more overt and possibly arrogant expression of pride.