Differences between take after and take over

Take after means to resemble or have similar traits to someone in your family, while take over means to assume control or responsibility for something that was previously managed by someone else.

Meanings and Definitions: take after vs take over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Take after

1Look like, resemble.
He TAKES AFTER his mother.

Take over

1Assume control of a company or organisation.
The bank was TAKEN OVER by a Hong Kong bank that needed to buy a bank to get into the British market.
2Start a job or position that someone had occupied before you.
She TOOK OVER responsibility for the project last month.

Usage Examples: take after, take over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

take after

Example

She takes after her father in her love for sports.

Example

He takes after his mother in appearance.

take over

Example

The new CEO will take over the company next month.

Example

She takes over the project management role from her predecessor.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take after

resemble

To have a similar appearance or character to someone else, usually a family member.

Example

She resembles her mother so much that people often mistake them for sisters.

inherit traits

To receive certain qualities or characteristics from one's parents or ancestors.

Example

He inherited his father's artistic talents and became a successful painter.

have a family resemblance

To share physical features or traits with other members of one's family.

Example

All the siblings have a family resemblance with their father's prominent nose.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take over

assume control

To take charge or become responsible for managing a company, organization, or project.

Example

After the CEO resigned, John was asked to assume control of the company and lead it through the transition period.

take charge

To become the leader or decision-maker in a situation or group.

Example

She decided to take charge of the project and delegate tasks to team members.

take command

To assume authority or control over a situation or group of people.

Example

The new captain had to take command of the ship during a storm and make quick decisions to ensure everyone's safety.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “take”

Phrasal Verbs with “after”

Phrasal Verbs with “over”

Differences in take after vs take over: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: take after or take over?

In daily conversation, people use take over more often than take after. This is because take over is used in a variety of contexts such as business, politics, and sports. Take after is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about physical or personality traits. So, while both phrases are used, take over is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take after and take over

Take after and take over 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 take after and take over

The tone of take after and take over can differ based on context. Take after often carries a positive or neutral tone when referring to physical or personality traits, while take over can have a neutral or negative tone, especially when referring to taking control of a company or organization.

take after & take over: Synonyms and Antonyms

Take after

Synonyms

resemble
mirror
look like
inherit traits from
be similar to
follow in the footsteps of

Antonyms

differ from
contrast with
deviate from
be unlike
be dissimilar to

Take over

Synonyms

Antonyms