Phrasal verbs with “TAKE” are incredibly common and tricky. Unlike verbs with one predictable meaning, ‘TAKE’ combines with various particles (prepositions/adverbs) to create completely new, often non-literal, meanings.
We will breaks down the 10 most critical ‘TAKE’ phrasal verbs. You will get clear definitions, contextual examples, and, most importantly, the bank recruitment exam-focused insights you need to use them accurately and fluently. Stop guessing the meaning – start using them with confidence!
Top 10 Phrasal Verbs with ‘TAKE’ and Their Exam-Relevant Meanings
The following list focuses on the most frequently tested and used meanings.
1. TAKE OFF
- Meaning A: To remove clothing/accessories. (Separable)
Example: “Please take off your muddy shoes before coming inside.”
- Meaning B: When an aircraft leaves the ground. (Inseparable)
Example: “The flight was delayed and finally took off three hours late.”
- Meaning C: To become suddenly successful or popular. (Inseparable)
Example: “Sales of the new device really took off after the viral marketing campaign.”
2. TAKE ON
- Meaning A: To accept a job, challenge, or responsibility. (Separable)
Example: “I’ve decided to take on the role of team leader for this complex project.”
- Meaning B: To employ or hire someone. (Separable)
Example: “The company plans to take on 20 new staff members by the end of the year.”
3. TAKE UP
- Meaning A: To start a new hobby, sport, or activity. (Separable)
Example: “He took up yoga to help manage his stress levels.”
- Meaning B: To occupy space or time. (Separable)
Example: “That enormous sofa takes up too much room in this small apartment.”
4. TAKE OVER
- Meaning: To gain control of something (a company, a role, a task). (Inseparable)
Example: “She will take over the department when the current manager retires.”
5. TAKE IN
- Meaning A: To fully understand or absorb information. (Separable)
Example: “The lecture was so dense that it took me a while to take in all the data.”
- Meaning B: To provide shelter/accommodate someone or something. (Separable)
Example: “The family decided to take in the stray dog until they found its owner.”
6. TAKE OUT
- Meaning A: To remove something from a place (e.g., trash, teeth). (Separable)
Example: “Can you remember to take out the rubbish before you leave?”
- Meaning B: To obtain a formal document or service (e.g., a loan, insurance). (Separable)
Example: “They had to take out a second loan to finance the home renovations.”
- Meaning C: To invite someone on a date or social outing. (Separable)
Example: “He took her out for dinner to celebrate her promotion.”
7. TAKE AFTER
- Meaning: To resemble a family member in appearance or character. (Inseparable)
Example: “She is very musical; she definitely takes after her grandfather.”
8. TAKE BACK
- Meaning A: To return something to the place it was bought. (Separable)
Example: “The dress was too small, so I had to take it back to the shop.”
- Meaning B: To retract a statement or admit something said was wrong. (Separable)
Example: “I apologise – I take back the comment I made earlier.”
9. TAKE DOWN
- Meaning A: To write down information or notes. (Separable)
Example: “The journalist quickly took down the politician’s statement.”
- Meaning B: To dismantle a structure or remove something from a high place. (Separable)
Example: “We need to take down the old curtains before painting the room.”
10. TAKE TO
- Meaning: To start liking something or someone; to develop a habit. (Inseparable)
Example: “She took to her new team members immediately and felt very comfortable.”
Exam Tips:
Collocation & Confusion Alert
- TAKE UP vs. TAKE ON: Don’t mix these! You take up a hobby (start it), but you take on a challenge (accept responsibility for it).
- Separable vs. Inseparable: Remember that with many phrasal verbs, if the object is a **pronoun** (it, them), it **MUST** go between the verb and the particle.
*Incorrect: Take off it. / Correct: **Take it off.**
📝 Exam Practice: Fill-in-the-Blanks & Transformation
Exercise 1: Multiple-Choice Fill-in-the-Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb with ‘take’ to complete each sentence.
- Despite her initial nervousness, the student quickly ______ public speaking.
- took after
- took to
- took down
- Due to the rapid expansion, the firm decided to ______ several new designers.
- take up
- take off
- take on
- The conference had so much dense information; it was impossible to ______ it all ______ in one day.
- take / off
- take / in
- take / out
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation (Use a phrasal verb with ‘take’)
Rewrite these sentences so that it has the same meaning, using a form of the verb ‘take’ in place of the words in bold.
- After the CEO’s resignation, the Head of Finance gained control of the entire company.
- The new furniture occupies too much area in the small reception room.
- He is excellent at drawing; he resembles his artistic uncle.
Answers:
Exercise 1:
a. ii, b. iii, c. ii
Exercise 2:
1. The Head of Finance took over the entire company.
2. The new furniture takes up too much area in the small reception room.
3. He is excellent at drawing; he takes after his artistic uncle.