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Part 2 of 2 · Same verb · different particle

“take” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. “take” has 11 of them, so they come in 2 parts. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

11 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
take
outoverpart intoup

take + out · 1 of 5

take out

remove something from a place

  • take sth out of sth

To remove something from inside a place, container, or position.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please take out your books and turn to page ten.

A: Did you take out the trash this morning?
B: Yes, I put it by the door.

Common mistake

Not: I took out my phone of my pocket.

Say: I took my phone out of my pocket.

'Take ... out OF' a place; with the object it's 'take it out'.

More on “take out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to take out old clothes from your wardrobe regularly to keep things organized.

Tell it apart

Take the cake out of the oven.

  • remove it

Take her out to dinner.

  • invite and pay — sense

Goes with

  • take out + of
Practice saying this
Next: take over

take + over · 2 of 5

take over

take control

  • take over sth

To start being in charge of something, like a business, project, or situation.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After the manager left, Sarah took over the project.

A: Who's going to take over when the boss retires?
B: I heard Mark is next in line.

Common mistake

Not: She took over from the project.

Say: She took over the project. / She took over from her boss.

'Take over' + the thing; 'take over FROM' the person you replace.

More on “take over”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, when a new company takes over an old one, it can bring fresh ideas and improve efficiency.

Tell it apart

A new manager took over the team.

  • took control

He took up running to relax.

  • started a hobby

Goes with

  • take over + thing/role
Practice saying this
Next: take part in

take + part in · 3 of 5

take part in

join an activity

  • take part in sth

to join or be involved in an activity, event, or group with other people.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Many students take part in after-school clubs to meet new friends.

A: Are you going to take part in the charity run this weekend?
B: Yeah, I signed up yesterday. It should be fun!

Common mistake

Not: Many students took part of the competition.

Say: Many students took part in the competition.

'Take part IN' something. ('Take part OF' is not used; 'be part of' is different.)

More on “take part in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I often take part in group discussions at university because it helps me improve my speaking skills and learn from others.

Tell it apart

She took part in the debate.

  • joined the activity

Trust is part of any team.

  • a component of

Goes with

  • take part in + event
Practice saying this
Next: take to

take + to · 4 of 5

take to

to start liking someone or something

  • take to sth

To quickly begin to like someone or something, often unexpectedly.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

My son really took to his new teacher and looks forward to school now.

A: How's your new flatmate?
B: Surprisingly, I took to her right away. She's really easy to get along with.

Common mistake

Not: I really took to with the new teacher.

Say: I really took to the new teacher.

'Take to' takes the object directly — no 'with'.

More on “take to”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I started my new job, I immediately took to the friendly atmosphere and supportive colleagues.

Tell it apart

She took to him immediately.

  • started liking him

She took after him.

  • resembles him

Goes with

  • take to + person/thing
Practice saying this
Next: take up

take + up · 5 of 5

take up

start an activity

  • take up sth sth

to begin doing a new activity, hobby, or sport regularly.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I decided to take up yoga to help me relax after work.

A: You seem really energetic these days!
B: Thanks! I took up running last month.

Common mistake

Not: I took up to play the guitar.

Say: I took up playing the guitar. / I took up the guitar.

'Take up' + noun or + -ing, not a to-infinitive.

More on “take up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my free time, I recently took up painting because I wanted a creative outlet.

Tell it apart

She took up painting last year.

  • started a hobby

The sofa takes up half the room.

  • occupies space

Goes with

  • take up + hobby
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “take” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “take” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

All of “take”

11 phrasal verbs in 2 parts.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

take outtake overtake part intake totake up