What does the phrasal verb “take to” mean?

What are the definitions of “take to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Make a habit of something.

  He's TAKEN TO wearing a baseball cap since his hair started thinning more noticeably.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take to is to develop a habit or start liking something. It means that someone begins to enjoy or become accustomed to a new activity, behavior, or item. For example, a person might take to a new hobby or start wearing a particular type of clothing.

What are the different verb forms of “take to”?

Root Verb	take to
Third Person Singular Present	takes to
Present Participle	taking to
Simple Past	took to
Past Participle	taken to

Example

She takes to yoga quickly and enjoys it.

Example

He takes to playing the guitar in his free time.

Example

They are taking to their new exercise routine.

Example

She took to painting during the lockdown.

Example

He had taken to wearing a hat every day.

What kind of phrasal verb is “take to”?

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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 to” 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 to swimming after her first lesson.

Example

He took to wearing sunglasses all the time.

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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 to” 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 to swimming after her first lesson.

Example

He took to wearing sunglasses all the time.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take to”?

Take to heart

To take something seriously or be deeply affected by it.

Example

She took to heart the criticism from her boss and worked hard to improve.

Take to the streets

To go out in public, usually to protest or demonstrate.

Example

The protesters took to the streets to demand change.

Take to one's heels

To run away or flee quickly.

Example

When they saw the police, they took to their heels and escaped.

Good things to know

Does “take to” have an informal or formal tone?

Take to 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 to”?

Synonyms

• adopt
• develop
• acquire
• embrace
• grow fond of
• become accustomed to

Antonyms

• reject
• dislike
• abandon
• discontinue
• give up
• resist