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take on — 3 meanings

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

phrasal verb3 meanings
take on
1accept responsibility2hire someone3adopt a quality

Meaning 1 · most common

accept responsibility

  • take on sth sth

to agree to do a job, task, or responsibility

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She decided to take on more work to help her team finish the project.

A: Are you sure you want to take on another class this semester?
B: Yeah, I think I can handle it.

Common mistake

Not: It's a lot, but I'll take on it.

Say: It's a lot, but I'll take it on.

With a pronoun object, split the verb: 'take it on'.

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

Another example

In my last job, I had to take on several new tasks when my colleague left, which helped me develop new skills.

Tell it apart

She took on the project.

  • accepted the responsibility

She took up painting.

  • started a hobby

Goes with

  • take on + workload
Practice saying this
Next meaning: hire someone

Meaning 2

hire someone

  • take on sth sth

to employ someone to work for you or your company

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The company plans to take on five new employees next month.

A: Is your café busy enough to take on more staff?
B: Yes, we’re looking for someone to help at weekends.

Common mistake

Not: They needed help, so they took on them.

Say: They needed help, so they took them on.

With a pronoun object, split the verb: 'took them on'.

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

Another example

Many businesses are not able to take on new workers during an economic downturn.

Tell it apart

They took on ten workers.

  • hired them

They laid off ten workers.

  • let them go

Goes with

  • take on + staff
Practice saying this
Next meaning: adopt a quality

Meaning 3

adopt a quality

  • take on sth sth

to begin to have a particular quality, appearance, or form, often in a way that changes how something is perceived or experienced.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

As the debate continued, the conversation took on a more confrontational tone.

A: Did you notice how the atmosphere took on a strange tension after he arrived?
B: Yeah, it suddenly felt really awkward in there.

Common mistake

Not: Her voice took a serious tone.

Say: Her voice took on a serious tone.

Don't drop the particle — a thing 'takes on' a quality, not just 'takes' it.

More on “adopt a quality”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When discussing environmental issues, the argument often takes on a sense of urgency as the consequences become clearer.

Tell it apart

The word took on a new meaning.

  • acquired a quality

She took on a new job.

  • accepted it — sense

Goes with

  • take on + quality
Practice saying this
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accept responsibilityhire someoneadopt a quality