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 'Took Up'

"When life offered challenges, she took up the mantle of courage and transformed obstacles into stepping stones for greater achievements."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'took up' means to begin or start a new activity, hobby, or occupation, often with enthusiasm or dedication.

Examples in context

After moving to Rome, she took up learning Italian to adapt to her new life.
He took up the guitar to impress his friends and fell in love with it.
During the lockdown, many people took up baking as a new hobby.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'took up' means to begin or start a new activity, hobby, or occupation, often with enthusiasm or dedication.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between the verb and particle.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, meaning someone takes up something.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	take up	She takes up painting in her free time.
Past Simple	took up	He took up photography last year.
Present Continuous	taking up	They are taking up new hobbies during the holidays.
Present Perfect	have taken up	I have taken up yoga to stay fit.

💡 When to Use

Starting a new hobby

Use when someone begins a new hobby or pastime with enthusiasm and interest.

Example: "She took up knitting to relax."

Assuming a new role

Use when someone starts a new job or position, particularly with a sense of responsibility.

Example: "He took up the position of manager last month."

Engaging in activity

Use when someone decides to participate in a particular activity or sport.

Example: "After retirement, he took up gardening."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect sequence

❌ Wrong: She up took the challenge easily.

✅ Correct: She took up the challenge easily.

💡 Tip: Remember that 'take' comes before 'up'.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He took up quickly.

✅ Correct: He took up painting quickly.

💡 Tip: Always include the activity or object.

Confusing with 'take on'

❌ Wrong: She took up too many responsibilities.

✅ Correct: She took on too many responsibilities.

💡 Tip: Use 'take on' for responsibilities.

Practice

TOOK 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

After moving to Rome, she took up learning Italian to adapt to her new life.
Words Multiplied
2
Listen to example

He took up the guitar to impress his friends and fell in love with it.
Words Multiplied
3
Listen to example

During the lockdown, many people took up baking as a new hobby.
Words Multiplied

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

begin start

Antonyms

abandon

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After his friend suggested it, he ___ painting as a hobby."

take out

took up

took on

take in

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Took Up

What is the origin of took up?

The phrasal verb 'took up' originates from Middle English, combining the verb 'take' with the preposition 'up', reflecting the idea of engaging or occupying oneself with something elevated or absorbing.

Can took up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Took up' can be utilized in both formal and informal settings, as it is a neutral phrasal verb suitable for describing the action of starting new activities or roles.

What is the difference between took up and start?

While both 'took up' and 'start' indicate beginning, 'took up' implies engaging in a new hobby or role with commitment, whereas 'start' is more general and applies to any kind of initiation.

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

TOOK UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Took Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega