Help center

Phrasal verbs "soak up" vs "take up"

Differences between soak up and take up

Soak up means to absorb or take in something, usually a liquid or information, while take up means to start doing a new activity or hobby or to occupy space.

Meanings and Definitions: soak up vs take up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Soak up

  • 1To absorb or take in liquid or moisture.

    Use paper towels to soak up the oil.

  • 2To fully enjoy or experience something.

    Visit the market to soak up the local atmosphere.

Take up

  • 1Fill or occupy time or space.

    An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless bureaucracy nowadays.

  • 2Make clothes shorter.

    The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.

  • 3Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..

    He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.

Usage Examples: soak up, take up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

soak up

Example

The sponge can soak up a lot of water.

Example

The towel soaks up the spilled juice quickly.

take up

Example

She decided to take up painting as a way to relax.

Example

He takes up a new hobby every year to challenge himself.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Soak up

absorb

To take in or soak up a liquid or substance.

Example

The sponge was able to absorb all the water from the spill.

learn by heart

To memorize something completely.

Example

She was able to learn the poem by heart after reading it a few times.

grasp

To understand or comprehend a specific idea or concept.

Example

It took him a while to grasp the complexity of the new software program.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up

start doing

To begin a new activity or hobby.

Example

He decided to start doing yoga to improve his flexibility and reduce stress.

occupy

To fill or take up space.

Example

The new sofa occupied most of the living room space.

begin

To start doing something.

Example

She decided to begin painting as a way to express her creativity.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in soak up vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: soak up or take up?

In daily conversation, people use take up more often than soak up. This is because take up is used for more common activities like starting a new hobby or taking up a new job. Soak up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about absorbing something like knowledge or water. So, while both phrases are used, take up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of soak up and take up

Soak up and take up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of soak up and take up

The tone of soak up and take up can differ based on context. Soak up often carries a curious or interested tone when related to learning or experiencing something new, while take up typically has a practical and proactive tone, especially when referring to starting a new activity or hobby.

soak up & take up: Synonyms and Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!