Differences between take up and take up with
Take up means to start a new hobby, activity, or job, while take up with means to associate or become friends with someone, often with negative connotations.
Meanings and Definitions: take up vs take up with
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Take up with
- 1To become involved with or start a relationship with someone.
He hoped Luis would take up with other girls, maybe get into some boy activities.
- 2To discuss or address a problem or issue with someone.
There were issues he found he wanted to take up with the eminent scientist -- he felt sure they could learn from discussion with each other.
Usage Examples: take up, take up with in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
take up with
Example
She decided to take up with a new group of friends.
Example
He takes up with new colleagues quickly.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up
pick up
To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.
Example
He was able to pick up Spanish quickly by practicing every day and watching Spanish movies.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up with
To become friends with someone, often through shared interests or experiences.
Example
She was able to befriend her neighbor by bonding over their love of gardening and cooking.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Phrasal Verbs with “up with”
Differences in take up vs take up with: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: take up or take up with?
In daily conversation, people use take up more often than take up with. 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 up with is not used as much, and when it is, it's usually in negative contexts such as warning someone not to associate with a particular person. So, while both phrases are used, take up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take up and take up with
Take up and take up with 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 up and take up with
The tone of take up and take up with can differ based on context. Take up often carries an enthusiastic or motivated tone when related to starting something new, while take up with typically has a cautionary or negative tone, especially when referring to associating with someone who may have a bad influence.
take up & take up with: Synonyms and Antonyms
Take up
Take up with
Synonyms
Antonyms
