蜜芽传媒

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Phrasal verbs with 'take'

Phrasal verbs, or multi-word verbs, are verbs that are combined with one or two particles (a preposition or adverb), for example, 'up' or 'down', to make verbs with new meanings.

These new meanings are usually non-literal. For example, to pick means to select or choose (she picked him for her team), but to pick on someone means to criticize someone repeatedly and unfairly (Tim always picks on Jack because he thinks Jack is a lazy worker).

Phrasal verbs often have more than one meaning. Also, many verbs combine with several different prepositions. Here are some phrasal verbs that use the verb 'take', with some of their different meanings:

to be similar in character, or appearance, to an older member of your family

1. I take after my father. We both have the same sense of humour.
2. She takes after her grandmother. Can you see that they have the same eyes and nose?

a. to understand the full meaning or importance of something; to mentally absorb some information

1. The exhibition was fascinating, but there was too much information to take in. I will have to visit it again.
2. It took a long time for him to take in how terrible the earthquake was. It was only when he saw the pictures on the news that he realised that it had destroyed so much.

b. to deceive someone; to make someone believe something that is not true

1. David and Emma really took me in when they told me they were going to leave the country. I even bought them a farewell card and a leaving present! They've only just told me they were joking.

a. to hire someone for a job; to employ someone

1. The company has really grown over the last few years. This year we have taken on ten new employees.
2. When Tim took me on as a chef, he promised to trust me more.

b. to compete against someone; to fight someone

1. So you think you are good at tennis, do you? I'll take you on in a game next week, and then we'll see if you are as good as you say you are!
2. Robert was attacked in the street by three men yesterday, but he took them all on and won! If they had known he was a karate expert, perhaps they wouldn't have attacked him.

a. to begin to like something or someone

1. I hope my son takes to his new school. He was really happy in his old one.
2. I took to Jane as soon as I met her, and now we are engaged to be married!

b. to go somewhere, perhaps to escape from something

1. The villagers took to the hills when they heard that the army was coming.
2. When the government announced the massive increase in taxation, many people took to the streets in order to protest against the plan.

a. to start doing something, particularly a hobby or activity

1. After my relationship with my girlfriend ended, I felt a bit lonely so I took up sailing. I've got lots of new friends now.

b. to fill space or time

1. I sold my piano because it took up too much space in my living room. I've bought an electronic keyboard now, which is much smaller.
2. I haven't got any work done this morning because answering my emails has taken up all my time.