The verb TAKE forms essential phrasal verbs for action and control. From taking over responsibilities to taking off on new adventures, this family covers removing, control, understanding, time, care, and decisions. Master these phrasal verbs and you'll express action and initiative with confidence.
Meaning: To remove something, order food to go
"Please take away these dirty dishes."
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"Let's take away some pizza for dinner."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean physically removing something or ordering food to eat elsewhere.
Meaning: To remove, invite someone somewhere, get food to go
"Take out your books and open to page 50."
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"He took her out to a fancy restaurant."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Multiple meanings: removing objects, dating, or ordering food.
Meaning: To remove clothing, depart (plane), leave quickly, become successful
"Take off your shoes before entering."
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"The plane will take off in 10 minutes."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
One of the most versatile phrasal verbs with multiple distinct meanings.
Meaning: To write down, remove from a high place, defeat
"Let me take down your phone number."
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"They took down the old building last month."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Often used for recording information or removing/demolishing things.
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Meaning: To disassemble, separate into pieces
"He took apart the engine to fix it."
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"The kids took apart their toy to see how it works."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Usually implies careful dismantling rather than destruction.
Meaning: To assume control, replace someone in a position
"She will take over as CEO next month."
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"Technology is taking over our lives."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can be used for business, technology, or any situation involving control.
Meaning: To accept a challenge, hire someone, compete against
"I'm ready to take on this new project."
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"The company is taking on new employees."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean accepting responsibilities, hiring, or facing challenges.
Meaning: To start a hobby, occupy space/time, shorten clothes
"I want to take up photography as a hobby."
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"This table takes up too much space."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Most commonly used for starting new activities or hobbies.
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Meaning: To assume responsibility for, take control of
"Someone needs to take charge of this situation."
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"She took charge of the marketing department."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Implies leadership and active responsibility for something.
Meaning: To understand, absorb information, deceive, make clothes smaller
"It's hard to take in all this information at once."
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"Don't let him take you in with his lies."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean understanding, being deceived, or tailoring clothes.
Meaning: To resemble, have similar characteristics to (family)
"She takes after her mother in personality."
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"He takes after his father - they're both tall."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Usually used for family resemblances in appearance or character.
Meaning: To mistake someone for someone else
"I took him for his brother - they look identical."
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"People often take me for being older than I am."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Used when you confuse someone's identity or characteristics.
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Meaning: To consider, include in decision-making
"We need to take into account the weather conditions."
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"The judge took into account his clean record."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Formal expression often used in business and legal contexts.
Meaning: To happen, occur at a specific time or location
"The meeting will take place at 3 PM."
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"The ceremony took place in the main hall."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
More formal than "happen" - often used for scheduled events.
Meaning: To require a certain duration, to pause and do something carefully
"Learning a language takes time and practice."
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"Take time to think about this decision."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean requiring duration or deliberately going slowly.
Meaning: To alternate, do something one after another
"Let's take turns reading the story aloud."
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"The children take turns using the computer."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Essential for describing fair sharing and rotation systems.
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Meaning: To look after, handle a responsibility
"I need someone to take care of my plants while I'm away."
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"Don't worry, I'll take care of the arrangements."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean caring for people/things or handling tasks/problems.
Meaning: To pay attention to, observe carefully
"Take notice of how she handles difficult customers."
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"The boss finally took notice of my hard work."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
More formal than "notice" - implies deliberate attention.
Meaning: To participate in, join an activity
"Are you going to take part in the marathon?"
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"All students must take part in the school play."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
More formal than "join in" - common in academic and official contexts.
Meaning: To return something, withdraw a statement, regain control
"I want to take back what I said - I was wrong."
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"Can I take back this shirt? It doesn't fit."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean retracting words, returning items, or reclaiming something.
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Meaning: To use an opportunity, exploit someone unfairly
"You should take advantage of this discount offer."
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"Don't let people take advantage of your kindness."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can be positive (using opportunities) or negative (exploiting).
Meaning: To assume something will always be available, not appreciate
"Don't take your health for granted."
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"She felt like he was taking her for granted."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Often used to encourage gratitude and appreciation.