Differences between take in and take up

Take in usually means to comprehend, understand, or process information, whereas take up generally means to start a new hobby, activity, or occupation.

Meanings and Definitions: take in vs take up

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 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 in, take up 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 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 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

He caught on to the new software program after just a few minutes of training.

make sense of

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

Example

It took her a while to make sense of the complicated instructions, but she eventually figured it out.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up

start doing

To begin a new activity or habit.

Example

She decided to start doing yoga to improve her flexibility and reduce stress.

pick up

To learn or acquire a new skill or hobby.

Example

He picked up photography as a hobby and now takes stunning pictures on his travels.

embark on

To start a new project or journey, often with enthusiasm and determination.

Example

After years of dreaming, she finally embarked on a solo backpacking trip through Europe.

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 “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: take in or take up?

In daily conversation, people use take up more often than take in. This is because take up is used for more positive and exciting situations such as starting a new sport or learning a new language. 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 up is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Take in 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 in and take up

The tone of take in and take up can differ based on context. Take in often carries a thoughtful or surprised tone when related to understanding or hosting, while take up typically has an enthusiastic and optimistic tone, especially when referring to starting a new activity or hobby.

take in & take up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Take in

Synonyms

Antonyms

Take up

Synonyms

Antonyms