| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
take on [teɪk ɒn] | to accept or undertake a task or responsibility |
Other meanings
- to employ or hire someone
- to fight or compete against someone or something
- to begin to have a certain appearance or quality
- to allow more passengers or cargo
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "take on"
- She decided to take on the role of team leader.
- We’re not ready to take on new staff at the moment.
- The boxer will take on a tough opponent next month.
- The project has taken on a new urgency.
- The bus stopped to take on passengers.
Features of Using "take on"
Separability:Optionally separable
Transitivity:Transitive and Intransitive
Level:B1
Verb:take
Particle:on
“Take on” is highly versatile. With responsibilities or work it’s separable (“take on something / take something on”). When used for fighting or competing, it’s inseparable (“take on someone”). For acquiring qualities, it’s also inseparable (“take on a new meaning”). In transport it means “pick up” and is inseparable. Context decides which structure fits.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb take
take off
to leave the ground and begin to fly
take away
remove something from a place or person
take up
to begin a new activity or hobby
take out
to remove something from a place
take over
to gain control of something, especially a business or responsibility
take in
to absorb or understand something
take back
to return something
take after
to resemble a family member in appearance or character
take along
to bring someone or something with you
take down
to remove something from a higher position
take aside
to move someone away from others for a private conversation
take apart
disassemble into pieces
take through
to guide someone through a process or explain something step by step
take to
to begin to like someone or something
take over from
to assume control or responsibility from someone else
take out on
to direct your anger or frustration toward someone or something unfairly
take down a notch
to humble someone or reduce their arrogance
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb take, including its forms and usage.