take

The word "take" is used in many different ways. It’s an irregular verb, but it can also be used as a noun.

We use "take" when bringing something, using something, having something, studying, traveling, or talking about time.

• I took a picture with my phone.
• Don’t forget to take a coat with you today.
• Have you ever taken a trip by boat?
• What does it take to get ahead in life?
• How many classes are you taking this term?
• Have you ever taken a German class?
• This won’t take long.
• It takes a lot of patience to do this job.
• It took 20 minutes to get to work by bike this morning.
• The medicine should be taken on a full stomach.
• How do you take your tea?
• A little boy took something from the store. (He stole something.)
• Someone has to take charge here. (Someone needs to be a leader and be in command.)
• The doctor wants to take a look at some X-rays.
• It’s important to take time to be with your kids.
• Is this seat taken? (Is someone sitting here? In this question, "taken" is an adjective.)

The word "take" is highly idiomatic and found in many verb phrases:

• Our company is taking on new employees next month. (take on = hire)
• The medical procedure didn’t take. (It didn’t work.)
• Jeremy says he wants to take up yoga. (He wants to begin doing it.)
• Sheila took up acting in college and eventually became an actress.
• Many European countries say that they can’t take in any more refugees. (take in = accept)
• Joe says he can take on anyone. (take on = fight and win)
• Do you take me for a fool? I don’t trust you. (take someone for = believe to be something or someone)
• The boat is taking on water. (take on water = There’s a leak.)
• That dog really takes to water. (She likes water.)
• I’ll have to take this matter up with my supervisor. (take something up with = discuss with a person in authority)
• Most people were taken aback by the election results. (They were surprised.)

Sometimes the word "take" is used as a noun:

• What’s your take on this situation? (take = opinion)
• The director wants to do another take. (take = a shot with a camera)
• The senator was found guilty of being on the take. (He was corrupt and receiving money illegally.)

There are more examples of how the word "take" can be used in the Purple Level.

Date of publication: November 24, 2016