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 'Take on' – Definition & Usage

📖 Definition

To 'take on' entails accepting a challenge, responsibility, or task; it also means confronting or facing someone or something directly.

Examples in context

The company decided to take on more employees to handle the increased workload.
He bravely took on the task of climbing the mountain alone.
After much thought, she chose to take on the position of manager.

📖 Definition

To 'take on' entails accepting a challenge, responsibility, or task; it also means confronting or facing someone or something directly.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'take' and 'on'.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	take on	He takes on new projects with enthusiasm.
Past Simple	took on	She took on the role of team leader last year.
Present Continuous	taking on	We are taking on more staff this month.
Present Perfect	have taken on	They have taken on too many responsibilities recently.

💡 When to Use

Accepting a task

Use 'take on' when agreeing to accept a new task or responsibility, especially one that’s challenging.

Example: "She decided to take on the project despite her busy schedule."

Facing someone

Use 'take on' to describe confronting or challenging someone, often in a competitive context.

Example: "He took on the champion with determination."

Adding weight or load

Use 'take on' when referring to assuming a physical load or acquisition.

Example: "The ship took on cargo at the port."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacing the object

❌ Wrong: She took the project on enthusiastically.

✅ Correct: She took on the project enthusiastically.

💡 Tip: Place objects before 'on' for clarity.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He decided to take on.

✅ Correct: He decided to take on the challenge.

💡 Tip: Remember to specify what is being 'taken on'.

Using with inappropriate meaning

❌ Wrong: She took on for a walk.

✅ Correct: She went for a walk.

💡 Tip: 'Take on' implies responsibility or challenge.

Practice

TAKE ON - 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

The company decided to take on more employees to handle the increased workload.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

He bravely took on the task of climbing the mountain alone.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

After much thought, she chose to take on the position of manager.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

accept face

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He was eager to ___ the new project."

take off

take on

take away

take down

"To take on challenges is to embrace growth, for each obstacle surmounted shapes a stronger path to wisdom and resilience."

In Context

In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill stood ready to take on the daunting challenge of Nazi air assaults. As Prime Minister, he mustered the courage to take on overwhelming odds, rallying the British people with his defiant speeches. He declared that Britain would take on the Luftwaffe with unyielding resolve. Despite the terror raining from above, Churchill’s leadership inspired an entire nation. Through months of relentless air battles, the Royal Air Force took on wave after wave of aircraft, defending their homeland with tenacity and skill. This pivotal period was marked by simultaneous despair and hope, as the British public learned to take on the hardships of war with growing resilience. Ultimately, the perseverance to take on their formidable enemy shifted the tides of history, proving that an indomitable spirit could defy tyranny. Churchill’s decision to boldly take on the challenge of war proved crucial, as Britain emerged not only triumphant but also as a symbol of courage and resistance against oppression.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take On

What is the origin of take on?

The phrase 'take on' comes from Middle English, incorporating 'take' from Old Norse 'taka', meaning to grasp or seize, and 'on', implying acceptance or challenge.

Can take on be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'take on' is versatile and can be used in formal settings, like accepting roles or tasks, as well as informal situations, such as friendly competitions.

What is the difference between take on and accept?

'Take on' often implies active challenge or confrontation, while 'accept' can suggest passive receipt without explicit competition or resistance.

Browse All National Parks 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

TAKE ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega