Differences between take away and take up
Take away usually means to remove something from a place or to take food from a restaurant to eat elsewhere, whereas take up generally means to start a new hobby, activity, or challenge.
Meanings and Definitions: take away vs take up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Take away
- 1Remove.
The police TOOK the protestors AWAY.
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: take away, take up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
take away
Example
Please take away the dirty dishes from the table.
Example
She takes away the toys after the children finish playing.
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 Take away
To take something away from a place or person.
Example
Please remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up
pick up
To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.
Example
He wants to pick up a new language before traveling to Europe next year.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in take away vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: take away or take up?
In daily conversation, people use take away more often than take up. This is because take away is used for more daily tasks and routines such as ordering food or removing objects. Take up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a new activity or hobby. So, while both phrases are used, take away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take away and take up
Take away 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 take away and take up
The tone of take away and take up can differ based on context. Take away often has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to removing objects or ordering food, while take up typically has an enthusiastic and motivated tone, especially when referring to starting a new hobby or challenge.
