Phrasal Verbs with Take: List and Sentences

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are everywhere in English—but they can be tricky because the meaning changes when you add a small word like up, off, or after. The verb take is one of the most common and useful verbs in English, and it combines with many particles to create new meanings. In this post, you will learn the most important phrasal verbs with take, see them in real sentences, and avoid the mistakes that even advanced learners make.

What Are Phrasal Verbs with Take?

A phrasal verb is a verb (like take) followed by a particle (like off, on, over). Together, they form a new meaning that is often different from the original verb. For example, take off does not mean “take” + “off” (like removing a lid); it can mean “remove clothing,” “leave the ground” (for a plane), or “become successful.” Phrasal verbs with take are especially common in everyday conversation, business English, and news reports.

Rules for Phrasal Verbs with Take

1. Some phrasal verbs are separable, some are inseparable. With separable phrasal verbs, you can put the object between the verb and the particle (e.g., take your coat off OR take off your coat). With inseparable phrasal verbs, the object must come after the particle (e.g., take after your mother, NOT take your mother after).
2. If the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and particle for separable verbs. For example: Take it off (not Take off it).
3. Some phrasal verbs have multiple meanings depending on context. For example, take up can mean “start a hobby” or “occupy space/time.”
4. Phrasal verbs are often more informal than single-word verbs. In formal writing, you might use remove instead of take off, or resemble instead of take after.
5. Always learn the phrasal verb as a chunk, not as separate words. Memorise the whole phrase with its meaning.

How to Use Phrasal Verbs with Take

Follow these steps to use them naturally:

1. Identify the particle. The particle changes the meaning completely. For example: take over (gain control) vs. take on (accept a challenge).
2. Check if the verb is separable or inseparable. Look it up in a good dictionary. For example: take off is separable (take your shoes off), but take after is inseparable (take after your father).
3. Practice with pronouns. If you use a pronoun like it, them, me, put it between the verb and the particle for separable verbs. Example: Please take it back (not take back it).
4. Use context to guess meaning. If you hear “The meeting was taken over by the manager,” you know take over means “to assume control.”
5. Write your own sentences. The best way to remember is to create examples from your own life. For instance: “I want to take up yoga next month.”

Examples in Sentences

Here are 12 common phrasal verbs with take in real sentences. Notice how the particle changes the meaning.

• She decided to take up painting as a hobby.
• The plane will take off in ten minutes.
• He really takes after his grandfather; they have the same laugh.
• Please take back what you said about my cooking.
• The company was taken over by a larger firm last year.
• I can’t take on any more projects this month.
• You should take down the notes during the lecture.
• The new manager will take over next Monday.
• She took off her jacket and sat down.
• Don’t let negative comments take over your thoughts.
• We need to take in the situation before we decide.
• He took out a loan to buy a car.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these errors that many learners make:

• ❌ Wrong: She takes after him. ✅ Correct: She takes after him. (This is correct—but note: you cannot say “She takes him after.”)
• ❌ Wrong: Please take off it. ✅ Correct: Please take it off. (Pronoun must go between verb and particle.)
• ❌ Wrong: He took over the company it. ✅ Correct: He took over the company. OR He took it over. (Don’t repeat the object.)
• ❌ Wrong: I want to take up it. ✅ Correct: I want to take it up. (Again, pronoun goes in the middle.)
• ❌ Wrong: The meeting took off at 3 PM. ✅ Correct: The meeting took place at 3 PM. OR The plane took off at 3 PM. (Do not confuse take off with take place.)

Quick Summary

• Take off = remove clothing OR leave the ground (plane) OR become successful.
• Take after = resemble a family member (inseparable).
• Take over = gain control (separable with pronoun: take it over).
• Take up = start a hobby OR occupy space/time (separable).
• Take back = return something OR retract a statement (separable).
• Take on = accept a challenge or responsibility (separable).
• Take down = write notes OR remove something from a wall (separable).
• Take in = understand OR give shelter (separable).
• Take out = remove OR invite someone socially OR get a loan (separable).
• Remember: Pronouns go between the verb and the particle for separable phrasal verbs.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb from the list: take off, take after, take over, take up, take back. Use the correct form.

1. My sister _______ our grandmother; they both love gardening.
2. Please _______ your shoes _______ before entering the house.
3. She decided to _______ yoga to reduce stress.
4. The new CEO will _______ the company next month.
5. I need to _______ this book _______ to the library before it’s due.

Answers:

1. takes after
2. take … off
3. take up
4. take over
5. take … back

Conclusion

Phrasal verbs with take are essential for sounding natural in English, whether you are chatting with friends, writing an email, or watching a movie. By learning the rules—especially about separable and inseparable verbs—you can avoid common mistakes and use them confidently. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and soon these phrasal verbs will become a natural part of your vocabulary.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between “take off” and “take over”?

Take off usually means to remove something (like clothing) or for a plane to leave the ground. For example: “Please take off your hat.” Take over means to gain control of something, like a company or a task. For example: “She will take over the project next week.” They are completely different in meaning.

2. Can I say “take up it” instead of “take it up”?

No. With separable phrasal verbs like take up, when the object is a pronoun (it, them, me, him, her), you must place the pronoun between the verb and the particle. So you must say “take it up,” not “take up it.” With a noun, both orders are possible: “take up a hobby” or “take a hobby up.”

3. Is “take after” always used for family resemblance?

Yes, almost always. Take after is used to say that someone looks or behaves like an older family member. For example: “He takes after his father—they both have blue eyes and a calm personality.” It is not used for friends or celebrities.

4. How can I remember which phrasal verbs are separable?

A good trick: if the phrasal verb has a clear physical action (like take off your coat, take down a picture), it is usually separable. If the meaning is abstract or emotional (like take after someone, take on a challenge), it is often inseparable. However, the best way is to learn each one individually with example sentences. Keep a notebook and write down the phrasal verb, its meaning, and a sentence with a pronoun.