took the place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took the place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that has replaced another in a specific position or role. Example: "After the previous manager left, Sarah took the place of team leader and began implementing new strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead, it was Justin Timberlake who took the place.

The New York Times

Short scenes took the place of longer acts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here the evidence took the place of theory.

Harvard Business Review

Emoji took the place of the usual political slogans.

The Washington Post

Huge propaganda posters took the place of billboards.

The New Yorker

Sony took the place over by the early 1990s.

The New York Times - Arts

They took the place of the hand.' Extraordinary.

The Guardian

A weary smile took the place of his aggressive posture.

The New Yorker

A smaller wheel took the place of the hind legs.

The New York Times - Tech

Disheartened, they took the place off the market in June.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The French took the place over in 1896.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took the place", ensure the context clearly indicates what was replaced and by what. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "took the place" when "replaced" or "substituted" would be more concise and clear. Choose the wording that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took the place" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating substitution or replacement. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing a person assuming a role or an object replacing another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took the place" is a grammatically sound and common way to express substitution or replacement. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a broad applicability across different writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being replaced and what is doing the replacing to maintain clarity. Remember that, while versatile, alternative phrasings like "replaced" or "substituted" may sometimes offer greater concision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substituted for

Uses a different verb to indicate replacement.

replaced by

Emphasizes the act of being replaced.

filled the position of

Focuses on occupying a specific role or job.

assumed the role of

Highlights the acceptance of a new duty or function.

stepped in for

Suggests a temporary or emergency replacement.

took over from

Emphasizes the act of assuming control from someone else.

stood in for

Highlights acting as a substitute, often temporarily.

usurped the position of

Implies taking over a position, often forcefully or without right.

supplanted

A more formal term for replacing something else, often gradually.

moved into the space of

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical space that is now occupied.

FAQs

How can I use "took the place" in a sentence?

You can use "took the place" to indicate that someone or something has replaced another. For example, "After the renovation, a modern sculpture "took the place" of the old fountain."

What are some alternatives to "took the place"?

Alternatives include phrases like "replaced", "substituted", or "filled the role", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "took the place of" or "replaced by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "took the place of" implies a more active replacement, while "replaced by" is more passive. Choose the one that best fits the sentence's focus.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "took the place"?

It may be inappropriate if a more precise or concise term exists. For example, if you simply mean something was substituted, using "substituted" directly may be clearer than ""took the place"".