train takes off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "train takes off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of a train leaving a station or starting its journey. Example: As the passengers settled into their seats, the train took off with a loud whistle and a burst of steam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Day One: Train takes off.

Vice

"When you start to litigate, the train takes off and it's hard to stop it once it gets going," Mr. Bujaryn said.

The New York Times

For while Saroo is sleeping, the train takes off and does not open its doors until perhaps 18 hours later in the vast metropolis of Kolkata, some 1,000 miles to the east.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I stared with dumb amazement as the train took off with my school bag, books, homework and my lunch.

The New York Times

As the train took off, I had one foot planted in the carriage, but the other was still on the platform, which was moving away at gathering speed.

The Guardian

Immediately after arriving at Leonard Wood, which had the bleak, austere look of all Army camps, the train took off on its return trip and Frimbo was able to settle into a dormitory car, in which he slept straight through to St . Louis

The New Yorker

Although visitors contribute cash and capital to a destination, travel seems largely concerned with taking: taking a picture, taking a trip, taking a train, taking off in a plane, taking a hike, and hopefully taking notice.

Huffington Post

As soon as the doors closed and the train took off, the woman who was sitting directly in front of me said, "Did you see the color of her hair?" I did; it was blue.

Huffington Post

Patti Smith is set to perform, along with Eleanor Friedberger, White Mystery, and Station to Station mainstays, No Age, who have sweated and screamed at every event since the train took off from New York City last week.

Vice

But as the training took off, the BTP quickly ran into a major obstacle.

Independent

When the dog training took off in a way his career as a jazz musician did not, Mr. Bedzow returned to South Florida, completing a master's in marketing at the University of Miami.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "train takes off" to vividly describe the moment a train begins its journey, especially when emphasizing the start of an adventure or a significant event.

Common error

Avoid using "train takes off" when describing airplanes. Airplanes take off, while trains depart or leave the station. Using "train takes off" for an airplane is incorrect and can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "train takes off" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of a train beginning its journey. It vividly conveys the moment of departure. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "train takes off" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the commencement of a train's journey. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it is not the most formal option, it effectively communicates the action of a train leaving a station. It’s mostly found in news and media sources. Related phrases include "train departs" or "train leaves the station". Be mindful not to confuse it with airplanes, which "take off", while trains "depart".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

train departs

Replaces "takes off" with a more formal synonym.

train is departing

Continuous tense emphasizing the act of departure.

train leaves the station

More explicit about the location of departure.

train starts its journey

Focuses on the beginning of the trip.

train sets off

Uses a phrasal verb with a similar meaning.

train pulls away

Describes the physical action of moving.

train gets underway

A more idiomatic way of saying it starts.

train commences travel

More formal and emphasizes the start of the travel.

train embarks

A more literary way to say the journey begins.

train is in motion

Focuses on the state of movement.

FAQs

How can I describe a train leaving a station?

Besides "train takes off", you can use phrases like "train departs", "train leaves the station", or "train pulls away".

Is it correct to say "the train takes off"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "train takes off" is used to describe the action of a train leaving a station or starting its journey. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate for use.

What's a more formal way to say "train takes off"?

A more formal alternative is "train departs", which is often used in announcements or formal writing.

Can "train takes off" be used metaphorically?

Yes, similar to phrases like “the idea took off” the phrase "train takes off" can metaphorically be used to describe the beginning of a new venture or idea gaining momentum. However, this is not as common as its literal use.