What are the definitions of “take in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Absorb information.
The lecture was rather boring and I didn't TAKE IN much of what the lecturer said.
- 2Deceive.
She TOOK me IN with her story until someone told me the truth.
- 3Make clothes smaller.
The jacket was far too big around the shoulders, so I had it TAKEN IN so that I could wear it.
- 4Assume care or support.
The family TOOK IN the three homeless kittens.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take in is to absorb or understand information. It is often used when talking about learning or processing new information, such as during a lecture or while reading a book.
What are the different verb forms of “take in”?
| Root Verb | take in |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes in |
| Present Participle | taking in |
| Simple Past | took in |
| Past Participle | taken in |
Example
I always take in new information when I read a good book.
Example
She takes in the information from the lecture quickly.
Example
He is taking in all the details of the painting.
Example
Yesterday, they took in a lot of information during the meeting.
Example
The information has been taken in and understood by the students.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take in”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“take in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She took in the information from the lecture.
Example
He took the details in while observing the painting.
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 in” 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
She took in the information from the lecture.
Example
He took the details in while observing the painting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take in”?
Good things to know
Does “take in” have an informal or formal tone?
Take in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as during a lecture or in a business meeting.
