What are the definitions of “take up with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To become involved with or start a relationship with someone.
He hoped Luis would take up with other girls, maybe get into some boy activities.
- 2To discuss or address a problem or issue with someone.
There were issues he found he wanted to take up with the eminent scientist -- he felt sure they could learn from discussion with each other.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take up with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take up with is to become involved with someone or start a relationship with them. It can refer to friendships, romantic relationships, or professional connections.
What are the different verb forms of “take up with”?
| Root Verb | take up with |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes up with |
| Present Participle | taking up with |
| Simple Past | took up with |
| Past Participle | taken up with |
Example
She decided to take up with a new group of friends.
Example
He takes up with new colleagues quickly.
Example
She is taking up with a new mentor at work.
Example
He took up with a new girlfriend last month.
Example
She had taken up with a new hobby recently.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take up with”?
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 with” 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 with a new group of friends.
Example
He took up with a new mentor at work.
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 with” 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 with a new group of friends.
Example
He took up with a new mentor at work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take up with”?
Good things to know
Does “take up with” have an informal or formal tone?
Take up with 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, depending on the specific context.
