Differences between take in and take to

Take in usually means to understand or process information, while take to generally means to start to like someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: take in vs take to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Take in

1Absorb information.
The lecture was rather boring and I didn't TAKE IN much of what the lecturer said.
2Deceive.
She TOOK me IN with her story until someone told me the truth.
3Make clothes smaller.
The jacket was far too big around the shoulders, so I had it TAKEN IN so that I could wear it.
4Assume care or support.
The family TOOK IN the three homeless kittens.

Take to

1Make a habit of something.
He's TAKEN TO wearing a baseball cap since his hair started thinning more noticeably.

Usage Examples: take in, take to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

take in

Example

I always take in new information when I read a good book.

Example

She takes in the information from the lecture quickly.

take to

Example

She takes to yoga quickly and enjoys it.

Example

He takes to playing the guitar in his free time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take in

grasp the concept

To understand or comprehend a specific idea or concept.

Example

After reading the article a few times, she finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.

catch on

To understand or learn something quickly.

Example

It took him a while to catch on to the new software program, but once he did, he became an expert.

make sense of

To understand or interpret something that was previously unclear or confusing.

Example

After reviewing the data, she was able to make sense of the results and draw meaningful conclusions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take to

warm up to

To become friendlier or more receptive to someone or something over time.

Example

At first, she didn't like the new coworker, but after working together for a few weeks, she warmed up to him and they became good friends.

grow fond of

To develop a liking or affection for someone or something over time.

Example

She grew fond of the small town and decided to move there permanently.

take a liking to

To start to like someone or something immediately.

Example

He took a liking to the new restaurant and has been going there every week since he discovered it.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “take”

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

Differences in take in vs take to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: take in or take to?

In daily conversation, people use take to more often than take in. This is because take to is used to describe the process of developing a liking for someone or something, which is a common experience. Take in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about understanding something. So, while both phrases are used, take to is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take in and take to

Take in and take to 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 in and take to

The tone of take in and take to can differ based on context. Take in often carries a thoughtful or surprised tone when related to understanding or comprehending something, while take to typically has a positive and friendly tone, especially when referring to developing a liking for someone or something.

take in & take to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Take in

Synonyms

Antonyms

Take to

Synonyms

adopt
develop
acquire
embrace
grow fond of
become accustomed to

Antonyms