Grammar fix
take its toll
cause gradual damage (often over time)
to have a negative effect on someone or something, especially gradually and in a way that becomes serious over time
collocationC1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Years of working night shifts have really taken their toll on her health.
I believe that constant exposure to noise pollution can take its toll on people's mental well-being, especially in big cities.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The job is taking a toll to her.
Say: The job is taking its toll on her.
'Take ITS toll ON' someone — the wording is fixed.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Take its toll' is the idiomatic way to say something is gradually wearing you down.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
take its toll + on
- on her health
- on the team
- over the years
- mentally