Take up
/teɪk ʌp/
phrasal verbB1phrasal verb - base form
Definition
"Take up" is a phrasal verb used in different ways. It can mean to begin a new hobby, job, or interest. It can also mean to fill space or time. Another meaning is to accept an offer or to discuss a subject.
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See It in Action
To begin a new activity or hobby
- •She decided to take up yoga to stay healthy.
- •After school, he took up playing the guitar.
- •They took up painting during the summer holidays.
To use space or time
- •This sofa takes up too much room in the living room.
- •The meeting took up most of the afternoon.
- •His bags took up half the car trunk.
To accept or discuss something
- •The company took up the offer to work together.
- •Let's take up your suggestion in the next meeting.
- •She took up the challenge without hesitation.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "take up" like "start" (A1 word), but it often means starting something new that lasts for a while, like a hobby or job.
- ✓Picture someone picking up a paintbrush and beginning to paint—that is them "taking up" painting.
- ✓It's the feeling of trying something different and making it part of your life.
- ✓Sounds like "take up" → imagine taking something from the ground and lifting it up to begin using it.
- ✓Think of a chair taking up space in a room—it fills part of the room’s area.
- ✓NOT like "stop" (which means to finish), "take up" means to begin or fill.
- ✓NOT like "give up" (which means to quit), "take up" means to start or accept.
Try Other Words
- •Begin: meaning to start something (Use when focusing on the moment something starts)
- •Occupy: meaning to fill space or time (Use when talking about space or time being filled)
- •Accept: meaning to agree to something (Use when talking about accepting an offer or challenge)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "take" (to get or begin) + "up" (direction meaning upward or starting)
- •Etymology: English phrasal verb formed by combining "take" and particle "up" to show starting or filling
- •Historical development: Used since Old English times with "take"; "take up" as a phrase started to mean beginning activities or filling space around 16th century
- •Modern usage: Common in everyday English for hobbies, time usage, space, and accepting offers or challenges
Reflect & Connect
•What new activities have you taken up recently, and how did you decide to start them?
•How does the meaning of "take up" change when talking about space versus starting a hobby?
Fill in the blanks
1.She decided to take up ___ to improve her health and relax.
2.The big table takes up ___ in the small kitchen, so we need a smaller one.
3.When you take up a new hobby, it often requires ___ and patience.
4.The teacher took up ___ about the homework during class.
5.His work takes up most of his ___, so he has little free time.
6.They took up the offer ___ and started working together quickly.
7.I want to take up ___, but I am not sure if I have time for it now.