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take in — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
take in
1understand or absorb2deceive3adopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)

Meaning 1 · most common

understand or absorb

  • take in sth

to fully understand or remember new information, or to notice details around you

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

There was so much information in the lecture that I couldn't take it all in.

A: Did you see the new art exhibition?
B: Yes, there was so much to take in—I loved the colors and details.

Common mistake

Not: There was too much information to take in it.

Say: There was too much information to take in.

Don't add an extra 'it' — the object ('information') is already there.

More on “understand or absorb”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my first week at university, I had to take in a lot of new information, which was quite challenging at first.

Tell it apart

It was a lot to take in at first.

  • understand / absorb

The jacket needs taking in.

  • made smaller by a tailor

Goes with

  • take in + information
Practice saying this
Next meaning: deceive

Meaning 2

deceive

  • take in sb

to trick or deceive someone so that they believe something that is not true

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She was completely taken in by the scam and lost a lot of money.

A: Did you believe what he said?
B: Yeah, I was totally taken in. I didn't realize he was lying.

Common mistake

Not: He took in me with his story.

Say: I was taken in by his story.

Usually passive — 'be taken in BY' someone or something.

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

Another example

Some people are easily taken in by advertisements that make false promises.

Tell it apart

I was taken in by the ad.

  • fooled by it

I took in the ad.

  • absorbed / understood it — sense

Goes with

  • be taken in + by
Practice saying this
Next meaning: adopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)

Meaning 3

adopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)

  • take in sth sth

to accept and adopt an idea, belief, or viewpoint as your own, often after considering or being exposed to it.

How oftenRare
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After listening to the debate, she took in several of the opposing arguments and reconsidered her position.

A: I used to be quite sceptical about climate change.
B: So what changed your mind?
A: I took in what the scientists were saying and realised I couldn't ignore the evidence any longer.

Common mistake

Not: It took me a while to take in with the idea.

Say: It took me a while to take the idea in.

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

More on “adopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many students take in new perspectives during their university years, which can fundamentally alter their worldview.

Tell it apart

He took in everything she taught.

  • absorbed and adopted it

He was taken in by the scam.

  • was deceived — sense

Goes with

  • take in + idea
Practice saying this
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understand or absorbdeceiveadopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)