took up the string

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took up the string" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of picking up or starting to use a string, often in a context related to crafts, music, or games. Example: "After searching for a few minutes, she finally took up the string and began to weave her masterpiece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I took up the string bass," she said.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are a number of sinister puppet masters ready to take up the strings as Quine unravels.

The New York Times - Books

Keith's first banjo playing was on the four-string tenor banjo in traditional jazz bands, but he took up the five-string after hearing late-night broadcasts of country and bluegrass music from stations in the American south.

The Guardian - Music

As a child, he took up the guitar rather than a Malian string instrument like the ngoni or kora.

The New York Times - Arts

Then the string players settled into a concise, circling pattern and Mr. Maal took up the melody.

The New York Times

The approach is less focussed on explaining differentials in life expectancy by other factors, say socio economic factors (Gallo et al.[ 3]), in the sense of an ecological study analysis, although we will take up this string in the discussion.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

February 4 2016 In a co-presentation of Bang on a Can and the Jewish Museum, the outstanding young ensemble takes up the minimalist icon's complete string quartets, including the Holocaust-themed "Different Trains" and "WTC 9/11," for string quartet and tape.

The New Yorker

If you are taking up the violin, is there a string group at your school?

WikiHow

The performance started well, with strong, thoroughly blended tone from horns and low woodwinds, followed by the entire string section taking up the story with imposing weight and drive.

The New York Times - Arts

He took up a string of causes long before they were fashionable on the left or before they became part of Labour orthodoxy.

The Guardian

At the start of Mr. Shepherd's first movement, marked "Ceremonial, lofty," the winds announce a broad fanfare theme that is taken up by the strings and passed back and forth, its harmonies opening up into something resembling Copland.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took up the string" in a musical context, ensure that the surrounding text clarifies whether you are referring to learning to play a stringed instrument or a string section taking over a melody.

Common error

Avoid using "took up the string" when you simply mean "grabbed the string" or "picked up the string". "Took up" implies starting a new activity or adopting something, not merely a physical action. In cases where you only intend to describe a physical action, use a different wording to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took up the string" functions as a verb phrase, where "took up" is a phrasal verb indicating the commencement of an activity and "the string" is the direct object. It is used to describe someone starting to use a string, often in the context of music or crafts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took up the string" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of commencing the use of a string for a specific purpose, frequently in a musical or craft-related context. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and the usage examples show that it can fit into news articles, general writing or instructional content. While not extremely common, it provides a concise way to convey the initiation of an activity involving a string. Remember to consider the context to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning, and avoid using it when a simple physical action is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picked up the string

Describes the physical action of lifting the string to start using it, similar to the original phrase.

started using the string

Focuses on the action of beginning to use the string, emphasizing the commencement of the activity.

took hold of the string

Focuses on gaining control or possession of the string before starting to use it.

began employing the string

Highlights the formal act of using the string, suggesting a deliberate and planned action.

commenced utilizing the string

Emphasizes the start of using the string for a specific purpose in a formal context.

initiated the string's usage

Highlights the beginning of the string's function or application.

adopted the string for use

Focuses on choosing and starting to use the string, implying a selection process.

embraced the string

Implies willingly accepting and starting to use the string, often with enthusiasm.

grasped the string

Describes the action of physically taking hold of the string to begin using it.

seized the string

Suggests taking immediate and decisive action to use the string.

FAQs

What does "took up the string" mean?

The phrase "took up the string" generally means to start using or engaging with a string in a specific activity. This could involve playing a stringed instrument or engaging in a craft that uses string.

What can I say instead of "took up the string"?

You can use alternatives like "started using the string", "began employing the string", or "picked up the string" depending on the context.

Is "took up the string" grammatically correct?

Yes, "took up the string" is grammatically correct. The verb "take up" is correctly conjugated, and "the string" serves as the object of the verb.

How can I use "took up the string" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After years of wanting to learn, she finally "took up the string" bass and started taking lessons."