the use of take place

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,

My dictionaries say "take place" means "happen, especially in a controlled or organized way".

However, I've heard the following example in TV news.

"Shark attacks are on the rise worldwide and almost half of all of them take place right here along the Florida shores...."

I don't think shark attacks can happen in a controlled or organized way.

Is it okay to say this is not a very good sentence?

Thank you!

OP

 

[Barb_D]

The first part of the definition is simply "happen." It does not REQUIRE that it be in a controlled way.

The sentence is fine.

 

[Raymott]

Dear all,

My dictionaries say "take place" means "happen, especially in a controlled or organized way".

However, I've heard the following example in TV news.

"Shark attacks are on the rise worldwide and almost half of all of them take place right here along the Florida shores...."

I don't think shark attacks can happen in a controlled or organized way.

Is it okay to say this is not a very good sentence?

Thank you!

OP

I agree with Barb. I'd forget the second half of that definition. Riots can take place.
I probably wouldn't say, "An earthquake (or a volcanic eruption) took place yesterday", but I wouldn't be surprised to read it. And it would be normal to say, "The last eruption of Vesuvius took place in 79 AD."