Differences between take off and take up
Take off generally means to remove something from your body or a surface, or to leave the ground (as in an airplane taking off), whereas take up usually means to start a new hobby, activity, or job.
Meanings and Definitions: take off vs take up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Take off
- 1Make great progress.
The software house really TOOK OFF when they produced the latest version of their DTP package.
- 2Reduce the price of an item.
They've TAKEN ten percent OFF designer frames for glasses.
- 3When a plane departs or leaves the ground.
The flight for Dublin TOOK OFF on time.
- 4Remove.
It was hot, so I TOOK my jacket OFF.
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 off, take up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
take off
Example
The plane is scheduled to take off at 3 pm.
Example
The airplane takes off in 30 minutes.
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 off
To take something away from a surface or a person's body.
Example
She removed her shoes before entering the house.
strip off
To remove clothing or layers from one's body.
Example
After a long day at work, she stripped off her clothes and took a relaxing shower.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up
pick up
To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.
Example
She picked up Spanish by watching TV shows and practicing with native speakers.
Differences in take off vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: take off or take up?
In daily conversation, people use take off more often than take up. This is because take off can be used for more daily tasks such as removing clothes or taking something off a surface. Take up is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting something new. So, while both phrases are used, take off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take off and take up
Take off 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 off and take up
The tone of take off and take up can differ based on context. Take off often carries a practical or casual tone, especially when referring to removing objects or leaving a place. On the other hand, take up typically has a more enthusiastic or optimistic tone, especially when referring to starting a new activity or hobby.
