take
take — verb
1. to take something away from a person or place, often without asking for permissi
to take something away from a person or place, often without asking for permission first
Chidi took the keys from the kitchen counter before leaving the house.
Vikram's wallet was taken from his backpack on the crowded train.
passive: be taken from [place]
The dentist had to take out two of Noor's back teeth last week.
phrasal: take out [teeth/bodily items]
Someone took the last piece of cake from the plate while nobody was watching.
Rachel took the books off her desk to make space for her computer.
pattern: take [object] off/from [surface]
- take from
- take off
- take away
- take out
Usage Note
The object is usually a physical item. When the removal is secret or without permission, the meaning shifts towards taking without right.
Common Mistakes
2. to work out what remains when one number is subtracted from another
to work out what remains when one number is subtracted from another
If you take five from twelve, you get seven.
grammar pattern: take [number] from [number]
Indra took the cost of the materials from the total to find her profit.
The teacher showed the class how to take twenty from fifty on the board.
Taking the old balance from the new one should match your spending.
Christopher took the discount from the original price before paying.
- take from
- take away (arithmetic)
- add
the opposite mathematical operation of combining numbers
Grammar Patterns
take + number + from + number
Usage Note
Used primarily in arithmetic contexts. More common in everyday British English than American English, where 'subtract' is the preferred formal term.
3. to carry a person or thing to a different position or location
to carry a person or thing to a different position or location
Can you take this bag to your grandmother's house?
imperative: take [thing] to [person/place]
Charlotte takes her daughter to school every morning before work.
pattern: take [person] to [place] (regular action)
The nurse took the patient to the X-ray room on the first floor.
Asher took a bottle of water with him when he went for a walk.
pattern: take [thing] with [person]
Vinícius took the letter to the post office on his way home.
- take to
- take with
- take somewhere
- leave
to not bring something or someone along
Usage Note
Can take two objects ('Take your sister a glass of water') or be used with 'to' ('take the book to her'). The direction is away from the speaker — to express movement towards the speaker, use 'bring' instead.
Common Mistakes
4. to accept something that is offered, given, or made available to you
to accept something that is offered, given, or made available to you
Sofie took the job offer even though the pay was lower than expected.
collocation: take a job/an offer
The new stadium takes sixty thousand fans during big matches.
capacity meaning: take [quantity]
Do you take credit cards, or do I need to pay with cash?
interrogative: do you take [payment type]?
Noor took the doctor's advice and started exercising three times a week.
The hotel takes bookings online and over the phone.
- take a job
- take advice
- take payment
- take a seat
- take bookings
Usage Note
The subject can be a person ('take a gift') or an inanimate thing ('the stadium takes 60,000'). For the capacity meaning (how many or how much something can hold), no active choice is implied.
Common Mistakes
5. to mention a particular person or thing in order to help explain or prove what y
to mention a particular person or thing in order to help explain or prove what you are saying
Take the Watanabe family — they have lived in the same house for four generations.
discourse marker: Take [noun] — [explanation]
Many animals can see well in the dark; take owls, for instance.
pattern: take [noun], for instance
Take Reuben's cooking as an example of how simple ingredients can create amazing food.
pattern: take [noun] as an example of [concept]
Jobs in technology are growing fast — take software development as one case.
Not all birds can fly; take penguins — they swim instead of flying.
- take as an example
- take for instance
- take for example
- consider
more formal; used when asking someone to think about a hypothetical case
Grammar Patterns
take + noun + as an example
take + noun + for example
Usage Note
Always used to introduce an example of a broader point. The structure is 'take [someone/something]' followed by an explanatory clause. Common in both speech and writing as a discourse marker.
Common Mistakes
6. to believe that something is true or correct, often without having definite proo
to believe that something is true or correct, often without having definite proof that it is
Mateo took his silence to mean that he agreed with the plan.
pattern: take [noun] + to [verb]
I took it for granted that my mother would always be there to help me.
fixed expression: take it for granted (that-clause)
The police took the witness to be reliable because she had no reason to lie.
Christopher took the noise from the kitchen as a sign that dinner was almost ready.
pattern: take [noun] as [noun]
Eri took the exam to be harder than it was and studied for weeks.
- take for granted
- take to be
- take as a sign
- take it that
- doubt
to question whether something is true or correct
Grammar Patterns
take + noun + to be + noun/adjective
take + noun + for + noun
take + that-clause
Usage Note
Frequently appears in fixed expressions: 'take it for granted,' 'take someone/something to be someone/something,' and 'take it that...' The assumption may be mistaken — this sense often implies a guess or belief without full confirmation.
Common Mistakes
7. to keep facing or experiencing something painful, difficult, or annoying without
to keep facing or experiencing something painful, difficult, or annoying without stopping — most often used with 'can't' or 'cannot' to show that something is too much to handle
After three hours at the airport, Ziad felt he could not take any more delay.
can't take + noun phrase for reaching limit
The noise from the building work next door is more than Amihan can take.
more than [someone] can take
Naoko cannot take the cold winter weather, so she plans to move somewhere warmer.
I know the training is hard, but you have to learn to take the pressure.
take the pressure — collocation
The constant complaints from customers were too much for the new manager to take.
- take the pressure
- take the heat
- take the pain
- take the stress
- take the noise
- take the waiting
- take the criticism
Grammar Patterns
take + unpleasant situation as object
can't take + noun phrase
Usage Note
Most common in negative statements or questions ('I can't take it any more', 'How much more can you take?') and with 'more than [someone] can take'. The object is always an unpleasant situation, never a person.
Common Mistakes
8. said to tell someone that they must accept an offer exactly as it is or refuse i
said to tell someone that they must accept an offer exactly as it is or refuse it completely — no changes or negotiation are possible
The landlord said the rent was two thousand dollars, take it or leave it.
fixed phrase: take it or leave it
The shop assistant said the price was final, take it or leave it.
When a company offers a standard contract, you have to take it or leave it.
take it or leave it for contracts/offers
Selim had to decide quickly — it was a take-it-or-leave-it offer from the seller.
- take-it-or-leave-it offer
- take-it-or-leave-it price
- take-it-or-leave-it deal
- final offer
similar meaning but more formal; 'This is my final offer'
- no negotiation
describes the situation rather than the phrase
Grammar Patterns
take it or leave it
Usage Note
Used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'take it or leave it', which forms a complete statement. The hyphenated adjective form 'take-it-or-leave-it' can appear before a noun ('a take-it-or-leave-it offer').
Common Mistakes
9. to move your hand towards something and then hold it, often picking it up or mov
to move your hand towards something and then hold it, often picking it up or moving it
Isabela took the baby's hand gently and led her across the street.
take + body part + adverb
Can you take this heavy bag for a moment while I unlock the door?
Jude took the book from the top shelf and handed it to his friend.
take + object + from + location
The nurse took the newborn baby carefully from the mother's arms.
Noa reached out and took the old photograph from the silver frame.
- take someone's hand
- take something from somewhere
- take something in your hand
- take hold of something
- take something off the shelf/table/wall
Grammar Patterns
take + object + from/off + location
Usage Note
Often followed by a phrase showing where the thing was taken from ('take something from the table', 'take something out of the box'). Can be used with parts of the body ('take someone's hand', 'take someone's arm').
Common Mistakes
10. to go with someone to a particular place, often because you are looking after th
to go with someone to a particular place, often because you are looking after them or paying for them
Shanti takes her little daughter to school every morning before work.
take + person + to + place
Élise took her grandmother to the hospital for a regular check-up.
Can you take the children to the park this afternoon after lunch?
take + person + to + place (request)
Justin takes his dog for a long walk in the evening after dinner.
take + pet + for + activity
The bus driver takes the students to the museum once a month.
- take someone to school
- take someone to the hospital/doctor
- take someone to the airport
- take someone to the park
- take someone for a walk/drive
- take someone home
- leave behind
to go somewhere without someone
- abandon
to leave someone in a place without help
Grammar Patterns
take + person + to + place
take + person + for + activity
Usage Note
The destination or purpose is almost always stated ('take someone to school', 'take someone for a walk'). When the purpose is paying, it is often implied by the context ('take someone out for dinner'). Distinct from sense 11 (GUIDE) — this sense does not involve showing the way.
Common Mistakes
11. to walk or travel with someone to a place they want to go, showing them the way
to walk or travel with someone to a place they want to go, showing them the way because you know it
The receptionist took the visitors to the meeting room on the third floor.
take + person + to + destination
A local guide took our class through the old part of the city.
take + person + through + place
Could you please take this visitor to the manager's office on the fifth floor?
The flight attendant took the nervous passenger to her seat near the window.
- take someone to the door/room
- take someone through the building
- take someone to their seat
- take someone to see someone
- take someone around the museum/city
Grammar Patterns
take + person + to + destination
take + person + through + place
Usage Note
Distinct from sense 10 (ACCOMPANY) — this sense focuses on showing the route to someone who does not know it. The subject must know the way. The destination is typically a specific room, building, or area within a larger complex.
Common Mistakes
12. to go with someone as their guest or partner to a party, dinner, dance, or other
to go with someone as their guest or partner to a party, dinner, dance, or other social event
Ayana took her elderly neighbour to the wedding reception as her guest.
take + person + to + event as guest
A boy from art class asked to take my sister to the school dance.
I took my cousin to the New Year party so she would not go alone.
Who are you planning to take to the company dinner this Friday evening?
question form: take + person + to + event
- take someone to a party/wedding/dance
- take someone to dinner
- take someone to the concert
- take someone to the prom
- take someone as your guest
- bring as a guest
more formal; 'Employees may bring a guest to the dinner'
- accompany
more formal; 'He accompanied her to the gala'
- escort
suggests a formal or romantic partner; 'He escorted her to the ball'
- go alone
to attend an event without anyone
- leave at home
to go to an event without bringing someone
Grammar Patterns
take + person + to + event
Usage Note
Distinct from sense 10 (ACCOMPANY) — this sense is specifically about social events where the person you take is your guest, date, or partner. The event is a party, dinner, dance, concert, wedding, or similar gathering.
Common Mistakes
13. to get from one place to another by boarding a vehicle or by going along a certa
to get from one place to another by boarding a vehicle or by going along a certain road or path
Liang took the bus to school every morning.
take + [public transport vehicle]
It is faster to take the highway when you drive to the airport.
take + [road or route]
Faisal took a taxi to the station because he was running late.
The quickest way across the city is to take the underground train.
- take the bus
- take a taxi
- take the train
- take the highway
- take a flight
Grammar Patterns
take + [form of transport or route]
Usage Note
The object is always a type of transport (bus, train, plane, taxi) or a route (shortcut, highway, path).
14. to need a specific quality or condition for an activity to succeed or be carried
to need a specific quality or condition for an activity to succeed or be carried out
It takes a lot of courage to speak in front of a large crowd.
take + abstract noun (courage, patience, skill)
Learning a new language takes patience and regular practice.
These plants take very little water to grow well in dry soil.
That kind of repair work takes a steady hand and good eyesight.
- take courage
- take patience
- take skill
- take effort
- take time
Grammar Patterns
take + [noun phrase]
take + [person] + [noun] + to-infinitive
Usage Note
Often followed by an abstract noun (courage, patience, skill) or an -ing form. Frequently used with 'it' as an empty subject: 'It takes X to Y.'
Common Mistakes
15. to fit into clothing or shoes that carry a specific size label
to fit into clothing or shoes that carry a specific size label
Christopher takes a size 43 shoe, which can be hard to find in some shops.
take + [size number]
What size do you take in jeans — your old pair looks too small now.
Nellie takes a medium in most tops, though some brands run small.
My son takes a children's large, but he is growing out of it quickly.
- take size [number]
- take a small/medium/large
- take a size [label]
- wear
more general; can describe any clothing worn, not limited to size
Grammar Patterns
take + [size label]
Usage Note
Only used for sizes of clothes and shoes. The object is always a size label (small, medium, large) or a number.
16. to need a certain length of time in order for an activity to reach completion
to need a certain length of time in order for an activity to reach completion
The train journey from London to Edinburgh takes about four and a half hours.
take + [time expression]
It took Eitan nearly a year to finish writing his first novel.
it + take + [person] + [time] + to-infinitive
Cooking a whole chicken takes roughly an hour in the oven.
How long does it take to drive from Taipei to Kaohsiung?
The repair took the mechanic two hours to complete.
- take [time]
- take [person] [time]
- take time
- take hours/days/weeks/years
- last
focuses on how long something continues, not on what is needed to reach completion
Grammar Patterns
it + take + [time] + to-infinitive
take + [person] + [time] + to-infinitive
Usage Note
The subject is usually an activity or a task, not a person. 'It takes + [time] + to + verb' is the most common pattern, though a person can appear as an indirect object: 'It took me three hours.'
Common Mistakes
17. to need only a very brief period to do something or for something to happen
to need only a very brief period to do something or for something to happen
The cat took only a few seconds to jump onto the kitchen roof.
take + [brief time expression]
Ife took a moment to think before answering the difficult question.
A good waiter takes no time at all to clear the table between courses.
Beatriz took just five minutes to get dressed and run out the door.
- take a moment
- take a few seconds
- take no time
- take just [number] minutes
Grammar Patterns
take + [brief time expression] + to-infinitive
Usage Note
Always paired with a short-period expression such as 'a moment', 'a few seconds', 'no time at all', or a small number of minutes. The focus is on speed.
18. to demand a great deal of time, hard work, or patience to achieve or complete
to demand a great deal of time, hard work, or patience to achieve or complete
Winning a gold medal takes years of daily training and sacrifice.
take + [long time / great effort expression]
Building trust between the two communities took generations of patient work.
Marco took great pains to make sure every detail of the wedding was perfect.
Mastering a musical instrument takes a lot of time and dedication.
- take years
- take generations
- take a lot of effort
- take great pains
- take time and dedication
Grammar Patterns
take + [expression of great effort or length]
Usage Note
Often paired with expressions that emphasise length or difficulty: 'years of', 'generations of', 'great pains', 'a lot of time and effort'. Unlike sense 16 (DURATION), this sense emphasises the difficulty involved, not just the clock time.
19. to use an instrument to find out a number or amount, such as temperature, speed,
to use an instrument to find out a number or amount, such as temperature, speed, weight, or time.
The nurse took my temperature before the doctor came in.
take + temperature / pulse / blood pressure — medical measurement
A technician will take readings from the equipment every two hours.
take + reading from [device] — instrument reading
Before baking, Élise took the temperature of the oven with a thermometer.
The surveyor took measurements of the land using a laser device.
take + measurements of [object]
The mechanic took a reading from the engine diagnostic computer.
- take temperature
- take a reading
- take measurements
- take someone's pulse
- take blood pressure
Usage Note
Common subjects are medical professionals, technicians, and scientists. Typical objects include temperature, pulse, blood pressure, reading, and measurement.
Common Mistakes
20. to put medication into your body by swallowing it, or by letting it pass through
to put medication into your body by swallowing it, or by letting it pass through your skin.
You should take this medicine twice a day with food.
take + medicine + frequency pattern
Mizuki forgot to take her allergy pill this morning.
The doctor said I need to take antibiotics for a full week.
take + antibiotics / medication — prescription collocations
Some people take vitamins every day to stay healthy.
Owen took a painkiller after he hurt his back lifting boxes.
take + painkiller / pill / tablet — specific medication
- take medicine
- take pills
- take tablets
- take drugs
- take vitamins
- take antibiotics
- take painkillers
- take a dose
Usage Note
This is the only sense of 'take' where the object is a drug, medicine, pill, or vitamin. 'Eat' and 'drink' are not used for medication in natural English.
Common Mistakes
21. used when asking about or stating how someone likes a drink prepared, especially
used when asking about or stating how someone likes a drink prepared, especially regarding what is added to it.
How do you take your coffee, with milk or without?
"How do you take…" question pattern for drink preference
I take my tea with a slice of lemon and no sugar.
take + [drink] + with/without [additions]
Trang takes her iced coffee with extra sweetener on hot afternoons.
Do you take sugar in your green tea?
Otis takes his whiskey neat, without any ice or water.
- take coffee
- take tea
- take with milk
- take with sugar
- take without
- take it black
- take it neat
Usage Note
Almost always appears in questions about preference or in statements describing a personal habit. The drink is named first, followed by the additions or preparation style. Distinguish from sense 20 (DRUG/MEDICINE), where the focus is on health treatment.
Common Mistakes
22. to do a specific action that is meant to handle a situation, reach a goal, or co
to do a specific action that is meant to handle a situation, reach a goal, or complete a task.
The government must take action to reduce air pollution in the city.
collocation: take action / take steps — formal action
Sophia took the test last week and is waiting for her results.
The committee decided to take a vote on the new policy.
collocation: take a vote / take a decision
Imran took careful notes during the lecture so he could study later.
collocation: take notes — learning context
The school took steps to make sure all students felt safe.
- take action
- take steps
- take measures
- take a test
- take an exam
- take notes
- take a vote
- take a decision
- avoid
to stay away from an action rather than doing it
- refrain from
formal; to choose not to do something
Usage Note
Frequently combines with nouns that describe formal or structured actions: action, steps, measures, vote, test, notes. Compare with sense 23 (DAILY TASK), where the noun represents a simple everyday action that could be replaced by a verb (take a walk = walk).
Common Mistakes
23. used with a noun describing an action to create a longer expression that carries
used with a noun describing an action to create a longer expression that carries the same meaning as the verb related to that noun — for instance, 'take a walk' means the same as 'to walk'.
Why don't you take a seat while you wait for your turn?
take a seat = sit
Let us take a walk in the park after dinner.
Noor took a deep breath before she began her speech.
take a breath = breathe
The children take a shower every night before bed.
take a shower = shower
I need to take a break after working for three hours straight.
take a break = rest
- take a look
- take a walk
- take a shower
- take a bath
- take a break
- take a breath
- take a seat
- take a rest
Usage Note
The noun in this pattern always refers to a simple action that could be expressed as a verb (walk, look, shower, breath, break, rest). This is a productive pattern — native speakers create new combinations naturally. Compare with sense 22 (ACT), where the nouns describe more formal or structured actions (take action, take steps).
Common Mistakes
24. to have or form a particular opinion about someone or something, based on how yo
to have or form a particular opinion about someone or something, based on how you think or feel about them.
I take his comments as a compliment, not as criticism.
take + noun + as + noun — interpreting meaning
You should not take her kindness for granted.
take + for granted — fixed expression
The head teacher took a dim view of students who submitted work late.
take a dim view of = form a negative opinion about
Chinara took her colleague's comment as a personal attack, even though none was intended.
take + [noun] + as + [noun] — interpret as having a certain nature
The critics took the film as a serious attempt to address climate change.
- take as
- take for granted
- take seriously
- take a dim view of
- take personally
Grammar Patterns
take + noun + as + noun
take + noun + adverb
take + for granted
Usage Note
Common patterns: take + noun + as (interpretation), take a dim view of (opinion-forming), take + for granted (not appreciating). The object is typically a comment, event, behaviour, or piece of news. Distinguish from sense 25 (UNDERSTAND), where the focus is on grasping meaning rather than forming an opinion.
Common Mistakes
25. to decode the intended meaning that lies behind what someone says or does — for
to decode the intended meaning that lies behind what someone says or does — for example, taking a joke as a hidden warning, or reading a long pause as a sign that someone is uncertain.
Ravindra took his boss's comment as a warning to be more careful.
take + object + as + [interpretation]
The way Pedro said goodbye, I took it to mean he would not be back.
take + object + to mean + clause
Am I supposed to take that remark as an insult or a joke, Hiro?
question form: take + object + as
Mayumi took the teacher's feedback seriously and rewrote the whole essay.
take + object + adverb of manner
The signs along the trail should be taken as a serious warning of danger.
passive: be taken as + [noun phrase]
- take + [noun] + seriously/personally/badly/well
- take + [noun] + as + [noun/adjective]
- take + [noun] + to mean + [clause]
- take + [noun] + for granted
- misunderstand
to grasp the wrong meaning
Grammar Patterns
take + object + as/for/to be phrase
Usage Note
Often followed by an object plus an as/for/to-be phrase that names the interpretation. The adverb of manner (seriously, personally, badly) goes after the object, not before the verb. Common in passive constructions.
Common Mistakes
26. to react to a situation or piece of news in a specific emotional or attitudinal
to react to a situation or piece of news in a specific emotional or attitudinal way — for example, taking bad news calmly or taking a joke personally.
Putri took the news of her father's illness very calmly and started making plans.
take + news + adverb calmly
The children took their grandmother's death very hard and cried for days.
take + [unwelcome event] + hard
Eli tried not to take the rejection personally, but it still hurt.
take + [noun] + personally
The audience took the play well and gave the actors a warm round of applause.
take + [performance] + well = receive positively
How did the board take the proposal when you presented it this morning?
question: how does [someone] take + [something]
- take + [noun] + well/badly/hard/seriously
- take + [noun] + personally/calmly/in stride
- take + [noun] + as a compliment/insult
Grammar Patterns
take + object + adverb/prepositional phrase
Usage Note
The object is typically news, a situation, a performance, or someone's behavior. Almost always used with an adverb or prepositional phrase that describes the manner of reaction — e.g. well, badly, hard, seriously, personally, calmly, in stride. Not used without a description of the reaction.
Common Mistakes
27. to surprise or shock someone, especially with something sudden or unexpected — f
to surprise or shock someone, especially with something sudden or unexpected — for example, a loud noise taking you aback or a beautiful view taking your breath away.
The size of the crowd at the airport took Tariq completely by surprise.
take + person + by surprise
A knock at the door took Vinícius aback while he was reading.
take + person + aback
The beauty of the old temple took my breath away the moment I walked in.
take + possessive + breath away
The news that the school would close took everyone by surprise, including the teachers.
take + everyone + by surprise
Her question about whether I knew the Beatles took me aback at first.
take + person + aback (question as subject)
- take + [person] + by surprise
- take + [person] + aback
- take + [possessive] + breath away
- take + [person] + unawares
Grammar Patterns
take + object + (by surprise / aback)
take + possessive + breath away
Usage Note
Most common in three fixed expressions: take someone by surprise, take someone aback, and take one's breath away. Not used in progressive tenses (*is taking me by surprise). The subject is usually an event, experience, or piece of news — not a person acting intentionally.
Common Mistakes
28. to earn or receive a particular amount of money by selling goods, tickets, or se
to earn or receive a particular amount of money by selling goods, tickets, or services — for example, a film taking millions at the box office or a market stall taking a few hundred dollars a day.
The small bakery on the corner takes about three hundred dollars a day.
business + takes + [amount]
The film took over fifty million dollars in its opening weekend alone.
film + takes + [amount] + at box office
The museum takes more money during the summer than any other season.
venue + takes + money + [time period]
The charity auction took nearly a quarter of a million dollars last night.
event + takes + [amount]
Her art stall at the market takes cash but also accepts credit cards.
stall + takes + [payment type]
- take + [amount] + a day/week
- take + [amount] + at the box office/door/gate
- take + [amount] + in sales/ticket sales
Grammar Patterns
take + [amount of money]
Usage Note
The subject is usually a business, venue, event, or market stall. Commonly used when talking about how much money a film, concert, or fundraiser has earned. Often followed by a specific dollar amount or a time period like 'a day' or 'in its opening weekend.'
Common Mistakes
29. to capture, seize, or gain control of a person, place, or object, especially by
to capture, seize, or gain control of a person, place, or object, especially by using force, effort, or skill — for example, an army taking a city or a chess player taking an opponent's piece.
Government forces took the rebel headquarters after two days of fighting.
military: take + [place] by force
The police took the suspect into custody without any resistance.
police: take + [person] + into custody
In chess, you must take your opponent's pieces when the chance comes.
game: take + [piece]
The army took control of the port city and secured the main bridge.
military: take + control of + [place]
Élise took the lead in the race during the final kilometer and won.
sports: take + the lead = move into first position
- take + [place/person] + prisoner
- take + [person] + into custody
- take + control/possession/command + of + [noun]
- take + the lead
Grammar Patterns
take + object
take + object + (into custody/prisoner)
Usage Note
Implies deliberate, often forceful acquisition — stronger than 'get' or 'receive.' Frequently used in military, police, game, and sports contexts. Often followed by a complement that specifies the result: into custody, prisoner, control of, possession of.
Common Mistakes
30. to write down or record information, especially so that it can be used or rememb
to write down or record information, especially so that it can be used or remembered later — for example, taking notes in a class or taking a message for someone who is not available.
Christopher took careful notes during the history lecture on ancient Rome.
take + notes + [context]
Could you take down my email address and send me the details?
phrasal: take down = write for reference
The nurse took the patient's personal information at the front desk.
take + information/details
The journalist took notes while the mayor answered questions from the crowd.
take + notes + during [event]
Iris took a message for her colleague while he was away from his desk.
take + a message
- take + notes
- take + a message
- take + [someone's] + details/information/address
- take + a statement
- take + dictation
- erase
to remove written information
Grammar Patterns
take + [noun: notes/message/information]
Usage Note
Almost always used with a written-record noun as the object: notes, a message, details, information, a statement. The phrasal verb 'take down' is common and interchangeable. Unlike 'write,' 'take' in this sense always implies recording existing information rather than creating original text.
Common Mistakes
31. In baseball, to choose not to swing one's bat when a throw from the pitcher reac
In baseball, to choose not to swing one's bat when a throw from the pitcher reaches home plate.
Daichi watched the pitcher carefully but decided to take the first pitch.
take + direct object: take the first pitch / take a pitch
With a full count, the coach signalled for Christopher to take the next ball.
Nadia took a fastball that was clearly outside the strike zone.
transitive use with specific pitch type
With two strikes against him, Yael could not afford to take another pitch.
- take a pitch
- take a strike
- take a ball
- take the next one
- take a fastball
- swing at
the opposite action — to attempt to hit the pitched ball
Grammar Patterns
take + object (the pitch)
take + no object
Usage Note
This meaning is limited to baseball contexts and is most common in North American English. The batter is the subject, and the pitch is the object.
Common Mistakes
32. To begin to function effectively or produce the intended result after being appl
To begin to function effectively or produce the intended result after being applied, planted, or administered.
The skin graft took well after Karim's surgery last month.
intransitive use with 'well': skin graft / vaccine / dye + take well
Hassan's hair colour should take better if he leaves it on longer.
The new grass seed did not take in the dry, sandy soil.
negative form: did not take + reason
Maeve waited for the anaesthetic to take before the dentist began.
- take well
- take quickly
- take effect
- not take at all
- take properly
- work
more general — applies to any function succeeding; less specific about the process requiring time
- succeed
emphasises the positive outcome; can apply to people and plans, not just treatments
- be effective
focuses on the end result rather than the process of becoming active
- fail
when a treatment or substance does not work as intended
Grammar Patterns
take + adverb (well / quickly / not at all)
take + no object
Usage Note
The subject is typically a medical treatment, a chemical substance, a dye, a plant, or a graft that needs time to produce an effect. Often used with the adverb 'well' to indicate success or 'not at all' for failure.
Common Mistakes
33. To capture an image of someone or something using a camera, as a photograph or v
To capture an image of someone or something using a camera, as a photograph or video.
Sahil took several photos of the cherry blossoms in the park.
take + photo(s) + of + [scene/place]
Henrik took a video of the street performers near the station.
The journalist took pictures of the damage after the earthquake.
subject as professional role: journalist / photographer / reporter
Brandon took a selfie with his friends at the concert last night.
Brian took a photo of the full moon rising over the mountains.
- take a photo
- take a picture
- take a video
- take a selfie
- take a shot
- take a photograph
- photograph
more formal; suggests deliberate composition rather than casual snapping
- shoot
informal; common among professional photographers for both photos and video
- film
specifically for video recording, not still images
Grammar Patterns
take + a photo/picture/video/selfie/shot + of + someone/something
Usage Note
The subject is the person using the camera, not the camera itself. Common objects include 'a photo / a picture / a video / a selfie / a shot'. This sense is neutral in register and used in both casual and formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
be taken up with
phrasal verbTo be very busy or occupied with something.
Sara is taken up with her new job at the hospital.
He was completely taken up with planning the wedding.
be taken with
phrasal verbTo be attracted or impressed by someone or something.
Maya was very taken with the cute puppy at the store.
The manager was taken with the new employee's enthusiasm.
take aback
phrasal verbTo surprise or shock someone so much that they do not know what to say.
The sudden news took everyone aback at the meeting.
I was taken aback by her rude comment.
take after
phrasal verbTo resemble a family member in appearance or character.
Diego takes after his father in his love for sports.
Does your daughter take after you or your husband?
take against
phrasal verbTo start disliking someone or something without a clear reason.
The teacher took against the new student for no reason.
Why did you take against the idea so quickly?
take apart
phrasal verbTo separate something into its individual pieces.
Aiden took apart the old computer to see how it worked.
Can you take apart this toy and fix it?
take away
phrasal verbTo remove something from a place or person.
The waiter took away the dirty plates from the table.
Please take away the trash before you leave.
take away from
phrasal verbTo make something seem less good or less important.
The loud music took away from the peaceful atmosphere.
His rude behavior took away from the celebration.
take back
phrasal verbTo return something to the place where you got it.
Maya took back the dress to the store because it was too small.
Can you take back the books to the library for me?
take down
phrasal verbTo remove something that is hanging or fixed in a high position.
The workers took down the old sign from the building.
Please take down the curtains and wash them.
take in
phrasal verbTo understand or absorb information or the details of something.
Sara took in all the instructions during the training session.
Did you take in the view from the top of the mountain?
take it out on
phrasal verbTo treat someone badly because you are angry or upset about something else.
Don't take it out on your little brother just because you lost the game.
Maya took her frustration out on her friends.
take off
phrasal verbTo remove something, especially clothing, from your body.
Diego took off his jacket when he entered the warm room.
Please take off your shoes before coming inside.
take on
phrasal verbTo accept a responsibility or task.
Sara took on the role of team leader for the project.
He decided to take on more work to earn extra money.
take out
phrasal verbTo remove something from inside a place or container.
Maya took out her phone to check the time.
Please take out the trash before it starts to smell.
take out of
phrasal verbTo remove something from a particular place or container.
He took the book out of his bag and started reading.
Can you take the cake out of the oven?
take out of himself/herself
phrasal verbTo help someone stop thinking about their own problems by getting them involved in something else.
Playing with friends took the sad child out of himself.
Volunteering at the shelter took Maya out of herself.
take over
phrasal verbTo gain control of something or replace someone in a role.
Aiden will take over the family business when his father retires.
Can you take over the meeting while I make a phone call?
take through
phrasal verbTo guide someone through a process or explanation step by step.
The trainer took the new employees through the safety procedures.
Let me take you through the steps of the experiment.
take to
phrasal verbTo start liking someone or something quickly.
The children took to their new teacher immediately.
Sara took to playing the piano like a natural.
take up
phrasal verbTo start doing a new activity or hobby regularly.
Maya decided to take up yoga to relax after work.
He took up painting in his free time.
take up on
phrasal verbTo accept an offer or invitation from someone.
I'll take you up on that offer to help me move.
She took him up on his invitation to dinner.
take up with
phrasal verbTo start spending time with someone, often a bad influence.
He took up with a group of troublemakers at school.
Why did you take up with that crowd?
Used to say that you do not strongly like or dislike something, so you are happy either way.
Maya said she can take or leave the new restaurant.
Do you like jazz? I can take it or leave it.
To have the necessary qualities or ability to succeed.
Sara has what it takes to become a great doctor.
Do you think he has got what it takes to win the race?
Used humorously to say that someone often behaves badly in public.
You spilled juice on your shirt again. I can't take you anywhere!
My little brother started crying in the store. I can't take him anywhere.
To accept a situation or a person without trying to change it or plan ahead.
Diego takes each day as it comes and doesn't worry.
You need to take your coworkers as they come.
take it (that…)
idiomTo assume or suppose something is true based on information you have.
I take it you have finished your homework.
She took it that the meeting was canceled.
Used to emphasize that what you are saying is true and the listener should believe you.
Take it from me, that movie is not worth watching.
You can take it from me that the test will be hard.
To make someone very tired, either physically or mentally.
Running a marathon really takes it out of you.
Caring for her sick mother took a lot out of Maya.
To decide to do something without asking for permission or advice.
He took it upon himself to clean the entire kitchen.
Why did you take it on yourself to invite everyone?
To require a lot of effort or time; to be very difficult to achieve.
Climbing that mountain will take a lot of doing.
Fixing this old car took some doing, but we finished.
take that!
idiomAn exclamation said when hitting someone or attacking them, often in a playful or dramatic way.
The knight shouted, "Take that!" as he struck the dragon.
She threw a pillow at her brother and yelled, "Take that!"
take — noun
1. In business or entertainment, the take is the total sum of money that customers
In business or entertainment, the take is the total sum of money that customers pay for goods, services, or admission to an event.
The film's opening weekend take reached fifty million dollars worldwide.
possessive take: [event]'s take = revenue from that event
Ada counted the day's take after closing her food stall at the market.
The museum reported a higher take from ticket sales this quarter than last year.
adjective + take: higher/lower/total take
Cole estimated the take from the bake sale at just over three hundred dollars.
The charity concert's total take was split between three local organisations.
- total take
- day's take
- box-office take
- higher take
- the take from
Usage Note
Frequently used with a possessive noun or adjective before it — e.g. the film's take, the day's take, the total take.
2. A take is a version of a scene recorded in one continuous attempt, from when the
A take is a version of a scene recorded in one continuous attempt, from when the camera starts rolling to when it stops.
The director asked for another take after an actor forgot the lines.
another take = a second filming attempt
Camille's first take was perfect, so the crew moved on to the next scene.
It took six takes before the lighting matched what the director wanted.
it took [number] takes before [result]
The final take of the car chase used twelve cameras from different angles.
During the second take, a bird flew into the frame and everyone on set laughed.
- first take
- another take
- final take
- do a take
- it took [number] takes
Usage Note
Commonly used with ordinal numbers (first take, second take) or the word another. Often appears in filmmaking and television contexts.
3. A person's particular way of understanding or judging a situation, person, or id
A person's particular way of understanding or judging a situation, person, or idea.
What is your take on the new school rules?
your take on something = your opinion about it
Hamza gave his take on the election results during dinner with friends.
Élise and her brother have very different takes on their family traditions.
The journalist asked three experts for their take on the economic situation.
ask [someone] for [possessive] take on [topic]
Lan's take on the novel surprised everyone in the book club.
- take on
- my take
- your take
- someone's take
- different takes on
- opinion
more formal and general; take is more conversational
- view
similar register; often used with about or on
- perspective
emphasises the particular angle or standpoint from which someone sees things
Usage Note
Almost always followed by on + topic. Frequently used in informal conversation and journalism.
Common Mistakes
4. A particular way of describing or presenting events, ideas, or creative works, e
A particular way of describing or presenting events, ideas, or creative works, especially one that reflects the speaker's personal feelings or point of view.
Jabari's take on the accident was very different from his wife's story.
somebody's take on something = a version from their perspective
The newspaper offered a more dramatic take on the same set of events.
a [adjective] take on [topic] = a particular version/interpretation
Each witness gave their own take on what happened at the party that night.
The film is a modern take on an old Japanese fairy tale.
Felipe's take on the company's problems focused on the lack of training.
- take on
- modern take
- new take
- different take
- own take
- interpretation
more formal; emphasises the act of explaining or understanding meaning
- reading
often used for analysis of texts, situations, or data
- version
neutral term for a particular account or form of something
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 3 (OPINION): sense 3 focuses on what someone thinks about something, while sense 4 focuses on how someone presents or retells something, often an event, story, or creative work.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/3
Take, bring, carry, transport, and deliver all involve moving something from one place to another, but they differ in direction and manner. Take means moving something away from the speaker or starting point: 'Take this letter to the post office.' Bring means moving something towards the speaker: 'Bring me that book when you come.' Carry emphasises holding or supporting something while moving, often by hand: 'Could you carry this box upstairs?' Transport is more formal and suggests moving goods or people over a distance, often by vehicle: 'The goods are transported by rail.' Deliver focuses on taking something to a specific recipient as a completed service: 'The courier delivered the package this morning.' In everyday conversation, take is the most neutral choice — you can usually replace transport with take in casual speech ("I'll take the boxes to the warehouse") but cannot replace take with transport in a sentence like 'Take your sister to school.'
Common collocations
Nouns
- take action
- take steps
- take measures
- take a look
- take a break
- take a walk
- take a seat
- take a shower
- take a breath
- take a photo
- take notes
- take a message
- take medicine
- take the bus/train/plane
- take time
- take someone's hand
- take advice
- take the lead
- take control
Adverbs
- take seriously
- take personally
- take badly
- take well
- take calmly
- take lightly
- take literally
- take for granted
Phrases
- take it or leave it
- take for granted
- take into account
- take into consideration
- take place
- take part in
- take care of
- take advantage of
- take turns
- take notice of
- take pride in
- take someone by surprise
- take one's breath away
- take something in stride
Etymology
The word take comes from Old English tacan, meaning 'to grasp or lay hold of,' which was borrowed from Old Norse taka. Both trace back to Proto-Germanic *tēkaną, also the source of Old Frisian taka, Middle Dutch taken, and Old High German zackōn ('to grasp, seize'). The sense of 'to bring along' (take someone to school) developed by the 1300s. The many idiomatic uses of take — from take a photo (1800s) to take it or leave it (1700s) — reflect how this deceptively small verb absorbed a vast range of functions in English over centuries.