Take vs. Take Account Of

Attribute	Take	Take Account Of
Definition	to get possession or control of something	to consider or include something in a decision or plan
Usage	used in a general sense of acquiring something	used when considering factors or details in a decision-making process
Focus	on the action of acquiring or obtaining	on the process of considering or taking into account
Implication	may involve physical action	involves mental consideration or thought

Definition

When looking at the attributes of "take" and "take account of," it is important to first understand the definitions of each term. "Take" is a verb that means to lay hold of or grasp with the hands. It can also mean to accept or receive something. On the other hand, "take account of" is a phrasal verb that means to consider or take into account when making a decision or judgment. While both terms involve some form of action, they are used in different contexts.

Usage

The usage of "take" is quite broad and can be used in a variety of situations. For example, you can say "I will take the book from the shelf" or "I will take a break from work." It is a versatile verb that can be used in both literal and figurative senses. On the other hand, "take account of" is more specific in its usage. It is typically used when considering various factors or perspectives before making a decision. For instance, you might say "We need to take account of the budget constraints before proceeding with the project."

Context

When considering the context in which "take" and "take account of" are used, it becomes clear that they serve different purposes. "Take" is often used in everyday conversations and can refer to physical actions, emotions, or decisions. It is a common verb that is used in a wide range of contexts. On the other hand, "take account of" is more formal and is typically used in professional or academic settings. It implies a level of consideration and thoughtfulness that may not be present in casual conversations.

Implications

The implications of using "take" versus "take account of" can have different effects on the meaning of a sentence. For example, saying "I will take your advice" implies a simple acceptance of advice without much consideration. However, saying "I will take account of your advice" suggests that the advice will be carefully considered before any action is taken. The addition of "account of" adds a layer of depth and thoughtfulness to the statement.

Complexity

When it comes to complexity, "take account of" is generally considered to be more complex than simply using "take." This is because "take account of" implies a deeper level of consideration and analysis. It requires the speaker to think about various factors and perspectives before making a decision. On the other hand, "take" is a more straightforward verb that can be used in a variety of contexts without the need for additional explanation or analysis.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "take" and "take account of":

• "I will take the dog for a walk." (simple action)
• "I will take your feelings into consideration." (empathy)
• "We need to take account of the risks before proceeding." (analysis)
• "She will take the lead on this project." (responsibility)

These examples demonstrate how "take" and "take account of" can be used in different contexts to convey various meanings and implications.