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Phrasal Verbs with ‘Take’: Boost Your English Fluency

June 17, 2024

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of mastering English, adding depth and nuance to your language skills. Among the most versatile is ‘take.’ In this blog, we’ll dive into the various meanings and uses of ‘take’ with real-world examples to help you grasp its versatility and apply it confidently in your everyday conversations and writing. Whether you’re a student looking to improve your English or a language enthusiast keen on expanding your vocabulary, this exploration of ‘take’ promises to be enlightening and engaging. Let’s ‘take’ a closer look!

In the vast universe of English grammar, phrasal verbs hold a significant place because of their extensive use and idiosyncratic meanings. Time to pull back the curtain on one such intriguing phrasal verb, ‘Take’. The ‘Take’ phrasal verb, etymologically rooted in Old English, has its foundation in a word that means to grasp or seize. However, its use transcends beyond its literal meaning, encompassing abstract connotations like ‘acceptance’ and ‘consideration’.

Introduction to phrasal verbs with “take”

A phrasal verb is a type of verb that is made up of a base verb and one or more particles. The particle can be a preposition, an adverb, or both. Phrasal verbs with “take” are very common in English.

Common phrasal verbs with “take”

There are many common phrasal verbs with “take.” Some of the most common are “take off,” “take out,” “take in,” “take over,” and “take back.”

Dissecting and Explaining Sentences with Take Phrasal Verb

Deeper comprehension of the “take” phrasal verb is facilitated by dissecting sentences with this phrasal verb. For instance, in the sentence “She took to the job like a fish to water”, the “take” phrasal verb implies an effortless adaptation. On the other hand, “You need to take off your shoes” implies removal. By delving into the innards of each sentence, the phrasal verb “take” unravels its different shades of meaning.

Examples of how to use “take” phrasal verbs

Here are some examples of how to use “take” phrasal verbs in sentences:

  • “Take off” can mean to remove something, or to leave in a hurry. We need to take off now if we’re going to make our flight.
  • “Take out” can mean to remove something, or to go on a date.  I’m taking my girlfriend out to dinner tonight.
  • “Take in” can mean to absorb information, or to make something smaller: I need to take in all of this information for my test tomorrow. Could you take in my dress for me? It’s a bit too big.
  • “Take over” can mean to assume control, or to begin occupying something: The new CEO will be taking over the company next week. The invaders took over the city in just a few hours.
  • “Take back” can mean to return something, or to rescind something: Can I take my purchase back to the store? I don’t want it. I’m taking back what I said about your new haircut. It actually looks pretty good.
  • “Take up” can mean to fill up space or time, to learn something, to continue something someone else has not finished, or to make something shorter.  He took up the story where she left off. I’ll take you up on your offer.
  • “Take away” can mean buying food at a restaurant, cafe, etc and eating it somewhere else(takeaway), to make a feeling disappear, or in math, it can mean subtract.
  • “Take apart” can mean to dismantle or pull apart an object. He took the car apart to determine what the problem was.
  • “Take down” can mean to remove something from its position as we see in the feature image of this blog article.

Tips for using “take” phrasal verbs

Here are four tips for using “take” phrasal verbs:

1. Be careful of the particle you use. The meaning of a “take” phrasal verb can change depending on which particle is used.

2. Pay attention to the context. The meaning of a “take” phrasal verb can also change depending on the context in which it is used. Pay attention to the surrounding words and situations.

3. Practice Regularly: The best way to learn how to use “take” phrasal verbs is to practice them in conversation. Incorporate these phrasal verbs into your daily conversations and writing. Practice makes perfect!

4. Make Flashcards: Create flashcards with different “take” phrasal verbs on one side and their meanings on the other. Review them frequently.

5. Watch and Listen: Engage with English media, such as movies, TV shows, and podcasts. This will help you see and hear how these phrasal verbs are used in real-life contexts.

6. Write Sentences: Create your own sentences using these phrasal verbs. This will reinforce your understanding and help you remember them better.

7. Use a dictionary: If you’re not sure of the meaning of a “take” phrasal verb, look it up in a dictionary.

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take phrasal verbs practice exercises

Welcome to your take phrasal verbs exercises

Can you please take your shoes ________?

She took ____ painting.

The plane is going to take _____ in 1 hour.

The crib can be taken _____ easily for traveling. 

Can you please _____ your trash _____ ?

Is he ______ you _____ tonight?

Have you _______ _____ any new hobbies lately?

He _____ _______ as manager last week.

Can I ______ it ______ if I don't like it?

Let's order _________ from the sushi restaurant tonight.

The airplane _______________ at 2pm this afternoon.

I _________ the lights before I go to work.

What time do you _______________?

I __________ at 6 o'clock.

I like to _________ after I eat breakfast.

We will ___ the project next month.

I'm sorry. I ___________ your car.

She always ___ her little brother.

Did you say I __________ after the bank?

Can you __________ the garage okay?

Can you ___ the report by tomorrow?

I need to ___ the meeting to next week.

Welcome to your phrasal verbs with come exercises

What time will you ___________ my house

She really ______ ________ for the team.

Don't worry the stain will _____ ___.

I did not see a taxi for 15 minutes but then five _______ _______ all at once.

It _______ ________ at the seam.

If the truth _______ _____, she will lose her job.

You want to _______ _______. It will be fun.

I hope he ______ ________ the surgery with no complications.

We ______ ________ the most beautiful painting.

When will they _____________?

Poor guy! He _____ _____ with COVID.

She ______ _____ with an amazing idea!

I was planning a surprise party but I don't know if it will _______ _____ as I would like.

Something ______ ______ and we had to change our plans at the last minute.

I've got to _______ ________ ________ a decision real soon.

Conclusion

“Take” is a very common verb in English, and there are many different ways to use it. Be careful of the particle you use, and pay attention to the context in which the verb is used.

By mastering the various phrasal verbs with “take,” you’ll enhance your English fluency and be able to express yourself more precisely and naturally. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll take your language skills to new heights!

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ESL Reading Practice…Don’t know how to pronounce the English words? Listen to the audio at the beginning of the article as you read the lesson. Feel free to pause the audio to practice your pronunciation.

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