| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
take up [teɪk ʌp] | to begin a new activity or hobby |
Other meanings
- to occupy space or time
- to accept an offer or challenge
- to resume or restart something
- to discuss or deal with an issue
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "take up"
- I decided to take up painting during the holidays.
I started learning painting. - This sofa takes up too much space.
It occupies too much room. - She took up the manager’s proposal.
She accepted the offer. - Let’s take up where we left off.
Let’s continue from the last point. - We’ll take up this issue at the next meeting.
We’ll address this topic later.
Features of Using "take up"
- “Take up” is very commonly used when talking about new hobbies or challenges.
- Often used metaphorically with abstract subjects: take up time, take up energy, take up responsibility.
- The object (e.g. “painting”) often comes between take and up: take painting up is grammatically okay, but take up painting is much more natural.
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 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 on
to accept or undertake a task or responsibility
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.