What are the definitions of “take against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To develop a dislike or hostility towards someone.
Martin took against her almost straight away.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take against is to develop a dislike or hostility towards someone. It is often used when someone starts disliking another person without a clear reason.
What are the different verb forms of “take against”?
| Root Verb | take against |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes against |
| Present Participle | taking against |
| Simple Past | took against |
| Past Participle | taken against |
Example
I don't know why, but I just took against him from the start.
Example
She takes against people who talk too much.
Example
He is taking against his new coworker for no apparent reason.
Example
They took against each other after a small disagreement.
Example
She had taken against him since their first meeting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take against”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“take against” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He took against her for no reason.
Example
She took against him after their first conversation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“take against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He took against her for no reason.
Example
She took against him after their first conversation.
Good things to know
Does “take against” have an informal or formal tone?
Take against is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “take against”?
Synonyms
- dislike
- develop hostility
- become hostile
- feel aversion
- bear a grudge
- hold a grudge
Antonyms
- like
- appreciate
- get along
- be friendly
- develop a rapport
- feel affinity
