Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Takes Up'

"The heart that takes up challenges grows, while one that shuns them stagnantly remains bound by the echoes of its own silence."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'takes up' refers to the act of beginning or engaging in a new activity, task, or responsibility. It can imply acceptance of a challenge or offer, and involvement in some action or process.

Examples in context

He takes up piano lessons to express his musical creativity.
The committee takes up the issue in their next meeting.
She eagerly takes up any opportunity for personal growth.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

'Takes up' can be split if needed: 'takes the mantle up.'

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal communication.

Transitive

Yes

'Takes up' requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	takes up	She takes up a new hobby every year.
Past Simple	took up	He took up photography last summer.
Present Continuous	taking up	They are taking up the project this month.
Present Perfect	has taken up	She has taken up painting recently.

💡 When to Use

Starting a new activity

Use 'takes up' when someone initiates a new activity or hobby, indicating commitment to this new pursuit.

Example: "She takes up yoga to improve her flexibility."

Accepting a responsibility

Employ 'takes up' when a person accepts a new role or duty, particularly when there's some challenge involved.

Example: "He takes up the role of team leader with enthusiasm."

Engaging with a new subject

Use it when someone begins studying or exploring a new field or academic area.

Example: "The student takes up physics this semester."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: She take up golf last year.

✅ Correct: She took up golf last year.

💡 Tip: Ensure verb tense matches past actions.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He takes up quickly.

✅ Correct: He takes up painting quickly.

💡 Tip: Always pair with a subject or object.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: They are take up hiking.

✅ Correct: They are taking up hiking.

💡 Tip: Use the correct continuous form for present actions.

Practice

TAKES UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

He takes up piano lessons to express his musical creativity.
Words Multiplied
2
Listen to example

The committee takes up the issue in their next meeting.
Words Multiplied
3
Listen to example

She eagerly takes up any opportunity for personal growth.
Words Multiplied

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

embarks on undertakes

Antonyms

abandons

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He decided to ___ gardening as a new hobby."

take

takes up

took

taken

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Takes Up

What is the origin of takes up?

The phrasal verb 'takes up' has roots in Old English, where 'take' meant 'grasp or seize,' evolving to capture the essence of starting or engaging in activities.

Can takes up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Takes up' functions well in both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it useful for academic, professional, and casual conversations or writing.

What is the difference between takes up and embarks on?

While both mean to start something new, 'takes up' often implies hobbies or responsibilities, whereas 'embarks on' suggests a journey or project, often more formal.

Browse All Words Multiplied Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

TAKES UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Takes Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega