Approach vs Take their left flank

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Approach

Top 1,000 (very common) B2 noun

Take their left flank

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Most common: Approach

	Approach	Take their left flank
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //əˈprəʊtʃ// 🇺🇸 //əˈproʊtʃ//	🇬🇧 //teɪk ðeə lɛft flæŋk// 🇺🇸 //teɪk ðɛr lɛft flæŋk//
Meaning	A way of doing something or getting closer to someone.	To attack or approach from the side on the left.
Example	The scientist took a new approach to the experiment.	We will take their left flank during the surprise attack.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR level	B2	-
Part of speech	noun
Collocations	adopt an approach, approach a problem, different approach, approach to learning, approach someone	take action, take a position, take control
Antonyms	departure, withdrawal	-
Common mistakes	Confused with 'approach' as a verb vs noun., Using 'approached' incorrectly when referring to the method., Overusing in informal situations.	Confused with 'take the left flank' which implies a different grammatical structure., Overusing in non-military contexts where informal language is preferred.
Usage notes	Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe methods or physical closeness. Avoid in overly casual conversations.	Primarily used in military contexts. Generally appropriate in discussions of tactics or strategy but less common in casual conversation.

See it in real clips

Approaching module port, 500 meters.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

The next time you approach a woman in a dark alley,

approach the counter right now.

Approaching module port, 500 meters.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

The next time you approach a woman in a dark alley,

Approach

Get ready to move on their left flank! Take their left flank!

Take their left flank

Frequently asked questions: Approach vs Take their left flank

What's the difference between Approach and Take their left flank?

Approach: A way of doing something or getting closer to someone. Take their left flank: To attack or approach from the side on the left.

Which is more common: Approach and Take their left flank?

Approach is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Approach: The scientist took a new approach to the experiment. Take their left flank: We will take their left flank during the surprise attack.

Can I use Approach and Take their left flank interchangeably?

Not always. Approach and Take their left flank are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.