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Phrasal verbs "take on" vs "take over"

Differences between take on and take over

Take on means to accept or undertake a task, responsibility, or challenge, while take over means to assume control or ownership of something.

Meanings and Definitions: take on vs take over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Take on

  • 1Allow passengers on a ship or plane.

    The plane stopped at Zurich to TAKE ON some passengers.

  • 2Assume a responsibility.

    She TOOK ON the task of indexing the book.

  • 3Employ.

    The council has had to TAKE ON twenty extra employees to handle their increased workload.

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 on, take over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

take on

Example

I am ready to take on this new project.

Example

She takes on extra work to help her team.

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 on

shoulder the responsibility

To take responsibility for something, especially a difficult or challenging task.

Example

As the team leader, she had to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the project's success.

undertake a task

To agree to do a specific job or assignment.

Example

He decided to undertake the task of organizing the company's annual charity event.

accept a challenge

To agree to participate in a difficult or demanding activity or situation.

Example

She was excited to accept the challenge of climbing the mountain despite the risks involved.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take over

assume control

To take charge or become responsible for managing a situation or organization.

Example

After the CEO resigned, he was asked to assume control of the company until a new CEO was appointed.

take charge

To assume responsibility for leading or managing a group or situation.

Example

She was asked to take charge of the project after the previous manager left the company.

acquire ownership

To obtain or gain ownership of something, usually through a purchase or transfer.

Example

The company decided to acquire ownership of the competitor's patents to expand its product line.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

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

Frequency in Daily Use: take on or take over?

In daily conversation, people use take on and take over with similar frequency. However, the context in which they are used differs. Take on is more commonly used when talking about tasks or responsibilities, while take over is used when discussing control or ownership of something.

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

Take on and take over are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. However, take over can also be used in more formal settings such as business or legal contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of take on and take over

The tone of take on and take over can differ based on context. Take on often carries a positive or determined tone when related to accepting a challenge or responsibility, while take over typically has a more serious or assertive tone, especially when referring to assuming control or ownership.

take on & take over: Synonyms and Antonyms

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