What are the definitions of “take it upon yourself”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take responsibility, often without consulting other people.
I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF to make sure he got up on time.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take it upon yourself”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take it upon yourself is to voluntarily assume responsibility for something, often without asking for permission or consulting others. It means that you decide to do something on your own initiative.
What are the different verb forms of “take it upon yourself”?
| Root Verb | take it upon oneself |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes it upon oneself |
| Present Participle | taking it upon oneself |
| Simple Past | took it upon oneself |
| Past Participle | taken it upon oneself |
Example
She took it upon herself to organize the surprise party.
Example
He takes it upon himself to help the new students feel welcome.
Example
She is taking it upon herself to learn a new language.
Example
He took it upon himself to fix the broken computer.
Example
They had taken it upon themselves to clean the entire house.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take it upon yourself”?
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 it upon yourself” 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
She took it upon herself to organize the event.
Example
He took it upon himself to help the new students.
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 it upon yourself” 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 it upon herself to organize the event.
Example
He took it upon himself to help the new students.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take it upon yourself”?
To be the first to take action or make a move in a particular situation.
Example
He took the initiative and started a conversation with the new employee.
To accept the consequences of one's actions and be accountable for them.
Example
She took responsibility for her mistake and apologized to the team.
Good things to know
Does “take it upon yourself” have an informal or formal tone?
Take it upon yourself 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, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
