Phrasal verbs with «TAKE»

Descubre este listado de phrasal verbs con ‘take’ y mejora tu inglés. En este post te explico el significado y uso de cada uno con ejemplos claros. Let’s go!

Updated on 24/12/25

Diving into the world of phrasal verbs in English can feel like stepping into a linguistic labyrinth, especially for Spanish speakers. Our language does not have a similar structure, which makes these peculiar verbs a challenge, but also an opportunity. An example of this is phrasal verbs with ‘take’, which acquires new and surprising meanings when combined with prepositions or adverbs.

But how do we face this titan of phrasal verbs? As with any challenge, the trick is to approach it step by step. So let’s delve together into the universe of phrasal verbs with ‘take’, one of the verbs that allows for the most combinations of this type.

Take sb. aback

• Definition: To surprise or disconcert someone.
• Example:

His sudden decision took us all aback.
I was completely taken aback by her honesty.
The news of his sudden death took me aback.

Take after sb./sth.

• Definition: To resemble a family member in appearance or behaviour.
• Example:

She really takes after her mother.
He takes after his father in his love for sports.
Do you think she takes after her side of the family?

Take sb. along

• Definition: To take someone or something with you.
• Example:

Can I take my friend along to the party?
Don’t forget to take your umbrella along, it might rain later.
I always take a book along when I travel.

Take sth. apart

• Definition: To dismantle something into smaller pieces.
• Example:

He took the car apart to find the problem.
The engineer took apart the machine to investigate the issue.
He took the clock apart to see how it works.

Take sth./sb. away

• Definition: To remove or take something away. It is also used to refer to food to go, always as a noun.
• Example:

Let’s order some takeaway. (noun)
The new law might take away some of our rights.
I want to take away these old books.

Take sth. back

• Definition: To return something, or to admit that one was wrong about something they said or did.
• Example:

I take back what I said earlier.
You should take the dress back if it doesn’t fit.
He had to take back his words after learning the truth.

Take sth. down

• Definition: To pull something down, write notes or remove something from a place.
• Example:

Take down this message for me, please.
They had to take the old building down to make space for the new one.
She was taking notes down during the lecture.

Take sb. for

• Definition: To regard someone or something in a certain way, often incorrectly.
• Example:

I took him for an honest man.
I took the noise for thunder, but it was a truck.
He was so quiet, I took him for being shy.

Take sth./sb. in

• Definition: To understand or assimilate information, or to take someone into your home.
• Example:

I couldn’t take in all the information at once.
They took in a stray dog that was wandering in the street.
He took the view in before continuing his hike.

Take sth. off

• Definition: To remove something one is wearing, or to refer to a plane taking off.
• Example:

She took off her coat.
The plane takes off at 8 am.
He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

Take off (for)

• Definition: To leave a place or depart for a location.
• Example:

He got his jacket and took off.
She took off for Paris yesterday.
They took off for a weekend getaway.

Take sb./sth. on

• Definition: To take on a responsibility or challenge, or to hire someone for a job.
• Example:

We are taking on new staff this month.
She’s taken on too much work this semester.
The team is ready to take on the challenge.

Take sb./sth. out

• Definition: To take something out of a place, remove something, or invite someone out.
• Example:

He took her out for dinner.
Please, take out the trash when you leave.
They had to take out a tree to build the new house.

Take sth. over

• Definition: To take control of something.
• Example:

He took over the family business.
The new manager will take over next month.
They’re planning to take over the neighbouring store to expand their business.

Take round

• Definition: To take something or someone to different places or people.
• Example:

He took the documents round to the director’s office.
She took her new puppy round to meet the neighbours.
They took round the party invitations to their friends.

Take sb. through

• Definition: To explain to someone in detail how to do something.
• Example:

Can you take me through the process again?
She took the new employee through all the necessary procedures.
He took us through the steps of the new dance routine.

Take to sth.

• Definition: To start doing something regularly, or to start liking something.
• Example:

She has taken to gardening during the lockdown.
He took to his new teacher immediately.
I have taken to drinking a cup of tea each morning.

Take sth. up

• Definition: To start a new hobby or occupation, or to accept an offer or invitation.
• Example:

He took up golf last year.
I’ve decided to take up your offer of help.
She’s taken up knitting to pass the time.

Take sth. upon

• Definition: To take responsibility for something.
• Example:

She took it upon herself to finish the project.
He took upon the task of cleaning the entire house.
The leader took upon the responsibility of guiding his team.

Take up with

• Definition: To start spending time with a person or group, often one that is not well-regarded.
• Example:

He took up with a group of musicians.
She took up with a questionable crowd during college.
Since his friends moved away, he’s taken up with some new people.

Download phrasal verbs with TAKE in PDF

Do you want to take this list of phrasal verbs with ‘take’ everywhere? No problem! I have prepared a practical PDF with all the information we have seen in this article so that you can review it whenever you need. Just click the button below to download the phrasal verbs with ‘take’ in PDF. This way you can keep learning and practising anytime, anywhere!

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