Take Offence vs. Take Offense – Which is Correct?
Both spellings are correct, but they reflect regional conventions. “Take offense” is the standard American English spelling, while “take offence” is standard British English spelling. The phrase means to feel insulted, hurt, or displeased by something. Choose offense for American readers and offence for British audiences and publications alike today.
Take offence or take offense – Which is Correct?
Both take offence and take offense are correct. The difference is geographical rather than grammatical. Take offense is the preferred spelling in American English, whereas take offence is used in British English and in many other varieties influenced by British spelling, including Australian and Canadian English.
The expression means to feel insulted, hurt, or annoyed by someone’s words or actions. It is commonly followed by at: “She took offense at the criticism.” It can also appear without an object when the context is clear.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the spelling of the noun offense that matches your audience. American English usually prefers -ense, as in defense and license. British English often uses -ence, as in offence, defence, and licence.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| take offence | Verb phrase; British spelling | Feel insulted or displeased | He did not mean to take offence at the remark. |
| take offense | Verb phrase; American spelling | Feel insulted or displeased | She did not take offense at the question. |
How to Use take offense
Take offense is the standard American English form of the phrase. It describes a person’s emotional reaction to something perceived as rude, disrespectful, insensitive, or critical. The phrase is suitable in casual conversation, workplace communication, journalism, and formal writing.
The expression is often used with at before the cause of the reaction. The negative form, do not take offense or don’t take offense, is frequently used before criticism or an unwelcome suggestion.
Example 1: I hope you do not take offense at my suggestion.
Example 2: The customer took offense when the employee questioned his account.
Example 3: She tends to take offense easily when people challenge her decisions.
What are the different forms of take offense?
The phrase changes according to the tense and subject of the verb take. Common forms include take offense in the present tense with plural subjects or with I and you, takes offense with a singular third-person subject, took offense in the past tense, taken offense after forms of have or be, and taking offense in the continuous form.
- Present: They take offense at personal comments.
- Third-person singular: He takes offense at unnecessary criticism.
- Past: She took offense at the accusation.
- Perfect: Several readers have taken offense at the article.
- Continuous: You are taking offense where none was intended.
Etymology of the word take offense
Offense comes from the Latin verb offendere, meaning “to strike against,” “to stumble,” or “to offend.” It entered English through Old French and developed meanings connected with wrongdoing, insult, and emotional hurt. The phrase take offense later came to mean responding negatively to a perceived insult.
Related Concepts
Understanding regional spelling patterns and the phrase’s grammatical structure makes it easier to choose the right form for your audience.
- British and American spelling: British English commonly uses offence, while American English uses offense. The same pattern appears in pairs such as defence/defense and pretence/pretense.
- Phrasal verb: Take offense combines the verb take with the noun offense to express an emotional response.
- Preposition “at”: When naming the cause of the reaction, English commonly uses take offense at something or take offense at someone.
- Politeness and tone: The expression can soften criticism when used in “Please do not take offense,” although the phrase may still signal that a sensitive subject is being discussed.
Examples from Media and Literature
The spelling depends on the publication’s regional style. These examples show how the phrase can appear in different contexts:
- American journalism: An American news report might state, “The senator said she did not take offense at the question,” using offense.
- British journalism: A British newspaper might write, “Several readers took offence at the advertisement,” using offence.
- Workplace dialogue: A manager may say, “Please do not take offense; I am suggesting a revision, not rejecting your work.”
- Literary conversation: A character might respond, “I hope you will not take offense at my honesty,” to introduce a potentially critical observation.
- Film and television dialogue: A character may say, “Do not take offense, but that plan needs more work,” as a polite-sounding preface to criticism.
take offense Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Be offended | Feel insulted, disrespected, or hurt. |
| Feel insulted | Believe that someone’s words or actions were disrespectful. |
| Take umbrage | Become offended, usually in a formal or literary tone. |
| Resent | Feel anger or bitterness about an action or remark. |
| Be affronted | Feel deeply insulted or offended. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “take offence” or “take offense” correct?
Both are correct. Take offense is the American English spelling, while take offence is the British English spelling.
Question 2: Should I use “take offense” in American English?
Yes. Use take offense in American English, including for American readers, schools, businesses, and publications.
Question 3: What does “take offense” mean?
It means to feel insulted, hurt, or displeased by something someone has said or done. It is commonly followed by at, as in “take offense at a comment.”
Conclusion
Take offence and take offense have the same meaning, but offence is the British spelling and offense is the American spelling. Use take offense for American English and take offence for British English. Pro Tip: Matching your spelling to your audience improves clarity and protects your professional reputation.
