Phrasal verbs "take out" vs "take up"

Differences between take out and take up

Take out usually means to remove something from a place or to go somewhere with someone and enjoy a social activity, whereas take up generally means to start a new hobby or activity, or to occupy space.

Meanings and Definitions: take out vs take up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Take out

  • 1Borrow a library book.

    I TOOK OUT all the books I needed for my essay from the library.

  • 2Borrow money from a bank or other official lender.

    Jackie and Anil TOOK OUT a mortgage to buy a bigger flat.

  • 3Extract or remove.

    The dentist TOOK OUT all of my wisdom teeth before they started causing any problems.

  • 4Go out socially with someone, especially a date.

    He TOOK her OUT to a restaurant last Friday night.

  • 5Obtain insurance.

    I TOOK OUT some health insurance before I went backpacking around Latin America.

  • 6Kill, murder.

    The gang TOOK him OUT after he spoke to the police.

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 out, take up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

take out

Example

I always take out the trash after dinner.

Example

She takes out the garbage every morning.

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 out

To take something away from a place or position.

Example

She removed the old books from the shelf to make room for new ones.

To request food from a restaurant to be delivered to one's home or office.

Example

After a long day at work, she decided to order in some pizza for dinner.

To temporarily take something from someone with the intention of returning it later.

Example

He asked to borrow her pen to write down the phone number.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up

To begin engaging in a new activity or hobby.

Example

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

pick up

To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.

Example

He wanted to pick up a new language, so he started taking classes at the community center.

To fill or use a particular area or volume.

Example

The new furniture occupied space in the living room, making it look more spacious and comfortable.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: take out or take up?

In daily conversation, people use take out more often than take up. This is because take out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as eating out or borrowing something. Take up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a new hobby or activity. So, while both phrases are used, take out is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Take out 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 out and take up

The tone of take out and take up can differ based on context. Take out typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to removing objects or ordering food. On the other hand, take up often carries an enthusiastic or curious tone when related to starting a new hobby or activity, or a frustrated tone when referring to occupying space.

take out & take up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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