Are you eager to expand your English vocabulary and master the use of phrasal verbs with "take"? You're in the right place! I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about these versatile phrases, so you can confidently use them in everyday conversations and writing.
So, what exactly are phrasal verbs with "take"? Simply put, they are combinations of the verb "take" with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create new meanings. These expressions are common in both spoken and written English and can range from idiomatic to literal usages. mastering these will significantly improve your fluency and understanding.
Keep reading, and you'll discover comprehensive explanations, usage tips, common mistakes to avoid, and even practice exercises. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to recognize and use phrasal verbs with "take" like a pro!
Phrasal Verbs with "Take": Definition, Usage, and Meaning
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Definition:
Phrasal verbs are two- or three-word combinations consisting of a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together have a specific meaning different from the individual words.
Example:
- Look up (to search for information)
- Break down (to stop functioning or to become emotional)
- Take off (to remove or to begin flying)
Why Are Phrasal Verbs with "Take" Important?
These phrases are crucial because they are used frequently in natural English, especially in speaking. They enrich your vocabulary and enable you to express ideas more precisely and idiomatically.
Common Phrasal Verbs with "Take" and Their Meanings
Here's an overview of popular "take" phrasal verbs:
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Take after | Resemble a family member | She takes after her mother in looks. |
| Take apart | Disassemble, analyze | He took the toy apart to see how it works. |
| Take back | Retract a statement or return something | I take back what I said yesterday. |
| Take down | Write down, remove | Please take down this information. |
| Take in | Understand, absorb information | It took me a while to take in the news. |
| Take off | Remove clothing; ascend (flight) | She took off her coat. The plane took off smoothly. |
| Take out | Go out with someone; remove something | They took out a loan last year. |
| Take over | Assume control, dominate | The company took over its smaller competitor. |
| Take up | Start a hobby or activity | He decided to take up painting. |
| Take on | Accept responsibilities or challenges | She took on a new project at work. |
How to Use Phrasal Verbs with "Take"
Correct Positioning
Phrasal verbs with "take" function as a verb phrase and typically follow a simple word order:
- Subject + "take" + particle(s) + object (if necessary)
Example:
- I will take up yoga next month.
- She took down the notes quickly.
Proper Ordering When Using Multiple Phrasal Verbs
Sometimes, speakers or writers may use multiple phrasal verbs in a sentence. It's important to keep their natural order to avoid confusion:
Correct Order:
- She took out the trash and took off her shoes.
Incorrect Order:
- She took off the trash and took out her shoes. (incorrect because "take off" is typically about removal or flight, not about disposing of trash)
Formation and Usage
- With transitive forms (requiring an object), the object can go either after the particle or between "take" and the particle in some cases.
Examples:
-
She took up painting.
-
She took painting up.
-
Use "take" + object + particle when clarity is needed, especially with longer sentences.
Why Rich Vocabulary Matters
Using a broad range of phrasal verbs like those with "take" enriches your language, making it more expressive and natural. It helps you communicate nuances and tones that simple verbs cannot capture. Plus, it boosts your confidence in both speaking and writing.
Covering All Five Categories with "Take"
1. Personality Traits
- Take after (resembling someone in personality or appearance)
E.g., He takes after his father in kindness.
2. Physical Descriptions
- Take off (referring to air travel or removing clothing)
E.g., The plane took off at 9 a.m.
3. Role-Based Descriptors
- Take on (accepting responsibilities or roles)
E.g., She took on the role of manager happily.
4. Cultural/Background Adjectives
- Take in (absorbing cultural differences or new experiences)
E.g., Moving abroad helped him take in the local customs.
5. Emotional Attributes
- Take to (developing an affinity or liking for something)
E.g., She quickly took to her new tutor.
Grammar Instruction for Phrasal Verbs with "Take"
1. Correct Positioning
Phrasal verbs should be placed close to their objects. When the object is a pronoun, it must come before the particle.
Correct:
- She took it back.
- She took back her words.
2. Formation & Usage
- Use the correct particle for the intended meaning. For example, "take off" (aircraft), "take after" (resembling), etc.
- Some phrasal verbs can be separable or inseparable, so learners must recognize this for correct usage.
3. Proper Use in Sentences
Always match the context and meaning with the correct "take" phrasal verb to avoid confusion or unintended meanings.
Practice Exercises to Master "Take" Phrasal Verbs
1. Fill-in-the-Blank
Complete with the correct phrasal verb: take out, take over, take up, take after, take down
- She decided to __________ jogging.
- The company will __________ its rival next year.
- He always __________ his older brother.
2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistake in this sentence:
- She took her shoes off and her coat down.
Corrected:
- She took off her shoes and took down her coat.
3. Identification
What does "take in" mean in this sentence?
- It took me a while to take in all the information.
Answer: To understand or absorb information.
4. Sentence Construction
Create sentences using "take up" and "take after".
Tips for Success When Using Phrasal Verbs with "Take"
- Always learn the meaning along with the particle.
- Practice using them in sentences daily.
- Listen to native speakers and note how they use different "take" phrases.
- Use flashcards to memorize meanings and usage.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Mistake: Mixing up separable and inseparable forms.
Solution: Know which phrasal verbs are separable (can place object between "take" and particle) and which are inseparable. - Mistake: Using the wrong particle with "take."
Solution: Memorize common phrases and always check their meanings. - Mistake: Overusing literal meanings instead of idiomatic ones.
Solution: Focus on context to understand if a phrase is idiomatic or literal.
Similar Variations and Related Expressions
- Using synonyms such as "accept," "disassemble," "pay back" for some "take" phrasal verbs.
- Combining "take" with other words to create more idiomatic expressions, e.g., "take apart," "take in," "take over," "take on."
Why Rich Vocabulary Matters in Grammar
Incorporating a variety of "take" phrasal verbs makes your language more vivid and precise. It also allows you to express subtle differences and develop a more natural conversational style.
Final Thoughts
Mastering phrasal verbs with "take" enhances your fluency and comprehension in English. Practice consistently, pay attention to context, and gradually build your vocabulary. Remember, language learning is a journey—keep exploring new phrases, and you'll see your confidence grow!
Now that you understand all the ins and outs of "take" and its phrasal verbs, go ahead and try using them in your sentences today!