Take Pains – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever seen someone double-check every detail of a document, rehearse a speech dozens of times, or go out of their way to make guests feel welcome? In English, we say they take pains to do something. This formal but elegant phrase means to make a careful, deliberate effort to ensure something is done well or correctly.
What Does “Take Pains” Mean?
“Take pains” means to put in extra care, attention, or effort to do something properly. Think of it like polishing a piece of silver until it shines—going beyond the basics to get it just right. The phrase isn’t about physical pain; it’s about the mental or emotional effort someone invests to achieve quality or avoid mistakes.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in neutral or formal conversations when praising precision, thoughtfulness, or diligence. It’s common in professional feedback (“She took pains to verify every source”), writing, or respectful descriptions of someone’s effort. While “take pains” is grammatically simple, it sounds more formal than everyday phrases like “try hard” or “be careful,” so it’s less common in casual chats.
Example Sentences
- He took pains to ensure the event ran smoothly.
- She takes pains to pronounce every word correctly when she speaks English.
- The chef took pains to source the freshest ingredients.
- They took pains to explain the process clearly to avoid confusion.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Your presentation was flawless!”
Jamie: “Thanks! I took pains to rehearse it at least ten times.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “take pains” to describe routine effort or basic responsibility. It implies exceptional care—not just doing what’s expected.
❌ Don’t say: “I took pains to brush my teeth.” (That’s normal hygiene!)
✅ Do say: “I took pains to proofread the contract before signing.”
Practice Tip
Next time you notice someone going the extra mile—like a teacher giving detailed feedback—say: “They really took pains to help.” It’s a refined way to acknowledge care and precision in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “take pains” to recognize and describe thoughtful effort with sophistication! It’s a subtle but powerful phrase that honors diligence and attention to detail. Keep using it—and remember, the best results often come to those who take pains.