Meaning trap
take up
use space or time
to fill or occupy a particular amount of space or time.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to fill or occupy a particular amount of space or time.
Another meaning of 'take up' is 'start an activity'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
This sofa takes up too much space in the living room.
Commuting to work takes up a significant part of my day, which is sometimes frustrating.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: This task takes up of my whole morning.
Say: This task takes up my whole morning.
'Take up' takes the space/time directly — no 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Take up' is the natural verb for occupying space/time; 'occupies a substantial portion' is technical.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
take up + space/time
- space
- the whole morning
- too much room
- your time
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- take up (start an activity) — Another meaning of 'take up' is 'start an activity'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.