train took off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "train took off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of a train starting and leaving the station, typically either physically or metaphorically. For example: "The train took off, leaving a billowing cloud of smoke in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

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

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

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 took off" to describe a train's departure, whether literal or metaphorical. For instance, you can say, "The negotiations took off like a train" to imply rapid progress.

Common error

Avoid using "train took off" when referring to airplanes or other vehicles. While "took off" is universally applicable for starting a journey, using "train" limits it to rail-related contexts. Other ways to express this idea are "train left" or "train departed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "train took off" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the commencement of a train's journey. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing a physical departure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "train took off" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed expression to depict the commencement of a train's journey. Ludwig confirms that it's correct, and the examples from reliable sources show it is frequently used in news and media. While its primary use is literal, describing the physical departure of a train, it can also be used metaphorically to indicate a rapid start or progression. When used metaphorically, it's crucial to ensure the context is appropriate and avoid misapplication to non-rail-related scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

train departed

Uses a different verb to describe the action of leaving.

train set off

Synonymous with began its journey.

train left the station

Specifies the point of departure.

train pulled away

Describes the train physically moving away from a station or stop.

train commenced its journey

More formal way of saying the train began its route.

train began its departure

Similar to commenced its journey but less formal.

train started moving

Focuses on the initiation of movement.

train initiated its run

Emphasizes the start of the train's scheduled route.

train moved out

Informal way to express the train's departure.

train started its course

Focuses on the train beginning its predetermined path.

FAQs

How can I use "train took off" in a sentence?

You can use "train took off" to describe a train starting its journey, either literally or metaphorically. For example: "The train took off right on time" or "His career took off like a train after the promotion".

What does "train took off" mean?

"Train took off" typically means a train has started moving from a station or stop. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something starting or progressing rapidly.

Which is more appropriate, "train took off" or "train departed"?

Both "train took off" and "train departed" are correct. "Train took off" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while "train departed" is more formal.

Is it correct to say "the opportunity train took off"?

While unusual, it's acceptable to use "train took off" metaphorically for opportunities. More common alternatives would be "opportunity arose" or "opportunity presented itself".