What are the definitions of “take up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take up is to start a new hobby, activity, or interest. It means to begin doing something new, often as a way to spend your free time or learn new skills.
What are the different verb forms of “take up”?
| Root Verb | take up |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes up |
| Present Participle | taking up |
| Simple Past | took up |
| Past Participle | taken 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.
Example
She is taking up yoga to improve her flexibility.
Example
Last year, they took up hiking and discovered many beautiful trails.
Example
He has taken up several sports but always loses interest quickly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take up”?
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 up” 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 up knitting to pass the time.
Example
He took up running to improve his health.
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 up” 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 up knitting to pass the time.
Example
He took up running to improve his health.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take up”?
Good things to know
Does “take up” have an informal or formal tone?
Take up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be appropriate in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
