take over — 3 meanings

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

phrasal verb3 meanings

take over

take control replace someone in a role dominate discussion

Meaning 1 · most common

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 control”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 meaning: replace someone in a role

Meaning 2

replace someone in a role

take over from sb

To start doing a job or duty that someone else was doing before.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

When my colleague went on holiday, I took over from her until she returned.

A: Who's teaching the class now?
B: Mr. Lee took over from Mrs. Carter last week.

Common mistake

Not: She took over the old manager.

Say: She took over from the old manager.

To replace a person, use 'take over FROM' them.

More on “replace someone in a role”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If my parents are busy, I usually take over from them and help my younger brother with his homework.

Tell it apart

She took over from the old manager.

replaced them

They took on a new manager.

hired one

Goes with

take over + role

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Next meaning: dominate discussion

Meaning 3

dominate discussion

take over sth
informal

To begin to control or dominate a conversation, meeting, or situation, often preventing others from contributing.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Whenever there's a team meeting, Mark tends to take over and hardly lets anyone else speak.

A: How did the brainstorming session go?
B: It was tough—Sophie took over about ten minutes in and nobody else could get a word in.

Common mistake

Not: He took over on the conversation.

Say: He took over the conversation.

'Take over' takes the object directly — no 'on'.

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

Another example

In group discussions, it is important to ensure that no single participant takes over, as this can stifle the exchange of ideas.

Tell it apart

He took over the meeting.

dominated it

He took over the company.

assumed control of it

Goes with

take over + talk

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take control replace someone in a role dominate discussion