Phrasal verbs "take on" vs "take to"

Differences between take on and take to

Take on means to accept or undertake a task, responsibility, or challenge, while take to means to develop a liking or habit for someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: take on vs take to

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 to

  • 1Make a habit of something.

    He's TAKEN TO wearing a baseball cap since his hair started thinning more noticeably.

Usage Examples: take on, take to 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 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 on

To take on a task or responsibility.

Example

She decided to undertake the project despite its challenges.

To take on a role or responsibility.

Example

He was asked to assume the position of team leader.

To take on a burden or responsibility.

Example

She was willing to shoulder the responsibility of caring for her sick mother.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take to

To start to enjoy or appreciate someone or something.

Example

She developed a liking for classical music after attending a concert.

warm up to

To become friendlier or more receptive to someone or something.

Example

It took a while for the dog to warm up to its new owner.

To start to feel affection or attachment towards someone or something.

Example

He grew fond of his new hometown after living there for a few months.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: take on or take to?

In daily conversation, people use take on more often than take to. This is because take on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as accepting a job or responsibility. Take to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about developing a liking for someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, take on is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Take on 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 on and take to

The tone of take on and take to can differ based on context. Take on often carries a sense of responsibility or challenge, while take to typically has a positive and affectionate tone, especially when referring to developing a liking for someone or something.

take on & take to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Take to

Synonyms

Antonyms

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