took root

USAGE SUMMARY

'took root' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept, belief, or behavior that becomes established and accepted very quickly. For example: After the protests began, the idea of racial justice quickly took root in the minds of many people throughout the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Anger and vindictiveness took root.

The New Yorker

My obsession took root.

The New York Times - Travel

My own brokenness took root.

The New York Times

But the idea took root.

The New York Times - Style

And it never took root.

The Guardian - Sport

His parents firmly took root there.

The New Yorker

Here, seeds of doubt took root.

Independent

Other key alliances took root in Arkansas.

The Washington Post

These myths took root and grew.

The New York Times - Arts

Similar influences took root in Iran.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A Pixel-Based Plant Performance Took Root in Barcelona.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took root" to describe the establishment of abstract concepts like ideas, feelings, or movements, as well as concrete things like plants. It often implies a sense of permanence or deep establishment.

Common error

Avoid using "took root" when describing a process that requires continuous effort and active maintenance. The phrase implies a natural or spontaneous establishment, not one achieved through ongoing intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took root" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement and establishment of something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show it used to describe the establishment of ideas, feelings, or physical entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took root" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the establishment or beginning of something, be it an idea, a feeling, or even a physical entity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It finds frequent application in News & Media and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Alternatives such as "became established" or "gained a foothold" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using "took root", remember that it implies a natural or spontaneous establishment, not one achieved through continuous intervention. This phrase is a valuable addition to your vocabulary, enabling you to express the genesis and growth of various concepts effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took hold

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the act of seizing or grasping something.

became established

Focuses on the state of being established rather than the action of becoming so; slightly more formal.

began to flourish

Implies a more vigorous and successful development.

started to develop

A more general phrase indicating the beginning of growth or progress.

gained a foothold

Suggests overcoming initial resistance to become established.

became ingrained

Emphasizes that something is deeply fixed or embedded.

sprang up

Implies a sudden and rapid emergence or development.

commenced to grow

More formal and emphasizes the start of growth.

originated

Focuses on the point of origin or beginning.

was founded

Specifically relates to the establishment of an organization or institution.

FAQs

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

You can use "took root" to describe something that has become firmly established or ingrained. For example, "The idea of sustainable living quickly "took root" in the community."

What is a good alternative to "took root"?

Alternatives to "took root" include "became established", "gained a foothold", or "became ingrained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has taken root" instead of "took root"?

Yes, "has taken root" is the present perfect tense of the phrase and is correct to use when referring to something that started in the past and continues to be established in the present. "Took root" refers to a specific point in the past when something became established.

What does it mean when something "never took root"?

When something "never took root", it means that it failed to become established or accepted. For instance, "Despite numerous attempts, the new policy "never took root" within the organization."