Language Research

take · verb T

/teɪk/Full view

Word family

Nouns: undertaking, takings

Verbs: take, overtake, undertake

take (CARRY)

A1 to get and carry something with you when you go somewhere

Dictionary examples:

I take my mobile phone with me everywhere I go.

I'd take your umbrella if I were you.

Learner example:

The park is very close [to] my house. [...] If I have time, I can take [a] book or [a] newspaper [there]. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

take (GO WITH SOMEONE)

A1 to go somewhere with someone, often paying for them or being responsible for them

Dictionary examples:

I took the kids to the park.

I thought I'd take her to that nice Italian restaurant.

Learner example:

She takes her son to school. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Turkish)

take a picture/photo(graph)

A1 to photograph someone or something

Dictionary examples:

Did you take any pictures of the sunset?

She took some great photos of the children.

He had his photograph taken by a professional.

Learner example:

Sometimes I take photos [of] them and I feed these bird[s]. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

take (TRAVEL)

A2 to travel somewhere by using a bus, train, car, etc.

Dictionary example:

Are you taking the train to Edinburgh?

Learner example:

Then, we can take a cab. (Key English Test; A2; Malay)

take (NEEDS TIME)

A2 If something takes a particular amount of time, you need that amount of time in order to be able to do it.

Dictionary examples:

It took me three days to finish the job.

I'll just finish off this report - it won't take long.

Learner example:

It's going to take 2 hours. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

Take care!

A2 used when saying goodbye to someone

Dictionary example:

See you soon, Bob - take care!

Learner example:

Take care and see you soon. (Key English Test; A2; Hungarian)

take (DIRECTIONS)

A2 used to tell someone which road to go along in order to get somewhere

Dictionary examples:

Take the third turning on the left.

Take the main road out of town.

Learner example:

You can go to the city center. [Y]ou take St Mark's avenue and [then] you arrive. (Key English Test; A2; French)

take (HEALTH)

A2 to swallow or use medicine

Dictionary example:

Take two tablets, three times a day.

Learner example:

It is important for me because I don't have any other watch and I need to check [the] time to take my medicine. (Key English Test; A2; Hindi)

take an exam

A2 to do an exam

Dictionary example:

I have to take some exams in June.

Learner example:

It's important because I'm taking [an] exam next week. (Key English Test; A2; Japanese)

take (GET HOLD)

B1 to get hold of something and move it

Dictionary examples:

He reached across and took the glass from her.

He took my arm and led me outside.

Learner example:

So, she took me by the arm and brought me to the dance floor where everybody was waiting for that last man. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

take (WITHOUT PERMISSION)

B1 to remove something without permission

Dictionary examples:

Someone's taken my coat!

Has anything been taken?

Learner example:

He had taken our suitcases by mistake. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take (ACCEPT)

B1 to accept or have something

Dictionary examples:

Are you going to take the job?

Do they take credit cards here?

Learner example:

If you take this job, you have to be prepared not to have enough spare time for thin[g]s that you like to do, since you would be at work [all] day. (First Certificate in English; B2; Serbian)

take (PERFORM ACTION)

B1 used with some nouns to say that someone performs an action

Dictionary examples:

I need to take a shower.

Do you take any exercise?

Take a look at this.

I thought we could take a walk after lunch.

Take a deep breath.

Learner example:

I took a shower and ate my breakfast. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

take care of sb/sth

B1 to look after someone or something

Dictionary examples:

I'll take good care of her.

Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself.

Learner example:

My dad had to go to Canada for a meeting, so he asked me to take care of her. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take (WRITE)

B1 to write something

Dictionary examples:

Did you take their number/details?

I took notes during the talk.

Alice isn't here at the moment. Can I take a message?

Learner example:

He took my phone number and we went to the cinema the day after. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

take (STUDY)

B1 to study a subject in order to do an exam

Dictionary examples:

He's taking maths, chemistry and physics.

I took a course in accountancy.

Learner example:

My old English class wasn't good enough because the lessons were just [i]n the evening and also we didn't have enough conversation. So I decided to take [a] full-time course. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Croatian)

take part

B1 to be involved in an activity with other people

Dictionary example:

She doesn't usually take part in any of the class activities.

Learner example:

The practi[c]e was for a big competition at our club, in which teams from Munich and Cologne will take part. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take place

B1 to happen

Dictionary example:

The concert takes place next Thursday.

Learner example:

A dance night will take place in the club soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take a break/rest, etc.

B1 to stop working for a short period

Dictionary examples:

I think we'll take a break there.

If you're tired, you should take a rest.

Learner example:

When I took a little break to drink something, I met one of my best friends. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take advantage of sth

B1 to use something good in a situation to help you

Dictionary example:

I thought I'd take advantage of the sports facilities while I'm here.

Learner example:

If you take advantage of this opportunity, in the future you'll thank me. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take it/things easy ()

B1 to relax and not use too much energy

Dictionary example:

After his heart attack, he had to take things easy for a while.

Learner example:

Take it easy and see you soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take (CLOTHES)

B1 to wear a particular size of clothes

Dictionary examples:

What size shoe do you take?

I take a size 12 in trousers.

take milk/sugar, etc.

B2 to usually have milk/sugar, etc. in your tea or coffee

Dictionary example:

I've forgotten - do you take milk in your tea?

take (REMOVE NUMBER)

B2 to remove one number from another number

Dictionary example:

If you take 4 from 12 you get 8.

take (GRAMMAR)

B2 to need or be followed by another word or structure in order to be grammatically correct

Dictionary example:

This sense of the verb 'give' takes two objects.

can't take sth

B2 to not be able to deal with an unpleasant situation

Dictionary example:

We argue all the time and I can't take it any more.

Learner example:

In the end, when Laura couldn't take it anymore, she decided to end her suffering by taking her life. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

take sth/sb seriously

B2 to consider a person, subject or situation to be important or dangerous and worth your attention or respect

Dictionary example:

We take any threats to national security very seriously.

Learner example:

Don't take everything so seriously otherwise you'll probably end up as an old maid and I don't think you want that. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take pleasure/pride/an interest, etc.

B2 to have a particular, good feeling about something or someone

Dictionary examples:

He takes great pleasure in cooking.

I have always taken an interest in local history.

Learner example:

The amazing thing about him is that he takes pride in his appearance and the image others have of him. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take account of sth

B2 to consider something when judging a situation

Dictionary example:

A good architect takes account of the building's surroundings.

Learner example:

I hope you will take account of our request. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

take into account sth

B2 to consider something when judging a situation

Dictionary example:

I think you have to take into account the fact that he's a good deal younger than the rest of us.

Learner example:

Taking into account all these arguments, I also think, like many people, that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and unnecessary. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

take advantage of sb/sth

B2 to treat someone or something badly in order to get what you want

Dictionary example:

I think she takes advantage of his good nature.

Learner example:

There will always be the threat of those men who take advantage of animals' inferior status. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

take your breath away ()

B2 If something takes your breath away, you feel surprise and admiration because it is so beautiful or exciting.

Dictionary example:

The view from the window took my breath away.

Learner example:

The landscape just takes your breath away sometimes. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take effect

C1 to start to produce results or changes

Dictionary example:

They had to wait ten minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect.

Learner example:

Some factories tried to organize the transport for the employees, but it took effect in small towns only, where people live with[in] shorter distances. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

take charge

B2 to take control of or make yourself responsible for something

Dictionary example:

I was happy to let her take charge of the holiday arrangements.

Learner example:

I am 21 years old which means that I can take charge of school children. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take control

B2 to start to rule or govern an area

Dictionary example:

The dictator took control of the country in 1933.

Learner example:

In the first part of the story animals take control of a farm in England. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

take a deep breath

B2 to fill your lungs with air

Dictionary example:

Take a deep breath and relax.

Learner example:

But if you took a deep breath after reading the question, don't worry. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

take sb's word for it

B2 to believe what someone says without any proof

Dictionary example:

Take my word for it - this curry is very hot!

Learner example:

Naturally we had to take his word for it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

take sb/sth for granted

B2 to not show that you are grateful for someone or something, and forget that you are lucky to have them

Dictionary example:

Most of us take our freedom for granted.

Learner example:

So don't take the telephone for granted, but keep in mind that our modern way of life is mainly due to its invention. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

take it for granted

B2 to believe that something is true without checking or thinking about it

Dictionary example:

I took it for granted that we'd be invited to the wedding.

Learner example:

I have taken it for granted that you will arrive for dinner. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

take the/this opportunity to do sth

B2 to use an occasion to do or say something

Dictionary example:

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you.

Learner example:

Most of the comments [are] not right at all. I would like to take this opportunity to correct them. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

take sb's place

B2 to do something instead of someone else

Dictionary example:

If I can't make it to the theatre that night you can take my place.

Learner example:

First of all, it had been written that Danny Brook and Tina Truelove were starring, but Danny wasn't there and somebody else took his place. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take your time

C1 to do something without hurrying

Dictionary example:

Take your time choosing - there's no hurry.

Learner example:

If you're going to land at the 'Lugano-Agno' airport, as you told me in your last letter, the first thing I recommend to you is to be patient and take your time. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)

take it from me

C1 accept that what I say is true, because I know or have experienced it

Dictionary example:

You could be doing a much less interesting job, take it from me.

Learner example:

As you pro[b]ably already know, Greeks love sport so, take it from me, you won't have difficulty in finding sports facilities of any kind, wherever you decide to go. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take care of sth/doing sth

C1 to be responsible for dealing with something

Dictionary example:

I did the cooking while Guy took care of the washing up.

Learner example:

As for special requirements, one man and one woman are vegetarians and the woman is allergic to cats. I hope you are able to take care of that. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)

take sth on board

C1 to understand or accept an idea or a piece of information

Dictionary example:

Banks need to take on board the views of their customers.

Learner example:

The students feel that if the above suggestions were taken on board, the study centre could be an excellent support for them in their studies. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

take the initiative

C1 to be the first person to do something that solves a problem or improves a situation

Dictionary example:

Jackson had taken the initiative and prepared a report.

Learner example:

I took the initiative to contact Sue Wilton, who is the manager of the restaurant "El Plato". (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

take issue (with sb/sth)

C1 to disagree with what someone says or writes

Dictionary example:

I would take issue with you on that.

Learner example:

On behalf of the staff who worked for this event, I would like to take issue with the report's inaccuracies and unfair remarks. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Japanese)

take the liberty of doing sth

C1 to do something that will have an effect on someone else, without asking their permission

Dictionary example:

I took the liberty of booking theatre seats for us.

Learner example:

I have taken the liberty of listing some of my ideas and suggestions and hope they will be of interest to you. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take note (of sth)

C1 to pay careful attention to something

Dictionary examples:

Make sure you take note of what she says.

Safety standards are being tightened. Employers, take note.

Learner example:

I thank you for taking note of my view. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

take sth personally

C1 to think that someone is criticizing you or to feel that a failure or bad situation is your fault

Dictionary example:

You mustn't take everything so personally.

Learner example:

She tends to take things too personally, and sometimes she over[r]eacts. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take sb's word for it

C1 to believe what someone says without any proof

Dictionary example:

Take my word for it - this curry is very hot!

Learner example:

You can take my word for it that she is absolutely capable of carrying out this job - fond of children, patient, good-natured and competent. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

take (UNDERSTAND)

C2 to understand something in a particular way

Dictionary example:

Whatever I say she'll take it the wrong way.

take sth as it comes

C2 to deal with something as it happens, without planning for it

Dictionary example:

With an illness like this you just have to take every day as it comes.

Learner example:

We should, for once, put our [jea]lousy aside, start to appr[e]ciate what we have and take life as it comes. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

take (MEASURE)

C2 to measure something

Dictionary example:

Have you taken her temperature?

Learner example:

The importance of absolute truth in keeping the laboratory records, in taking the temperature of the test animals, was "engraved" in our young minds. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

I take it (that)

C2 used when you think that what you say is probably true

Dictionary example:

I take it you're not coming with us.

take (NEED A QUALITY)

C2 If something takes a particular quality, you need that quality in order to be able to do it.

Dictionary example:

It takes courage to challenge your manager.

Learner example:

It takes courage to give up a certain sense of security and face the unknown. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

not take kindly to sth

C2 to not like something that someone says or does

Dictionary example:

He doesn't take kindly to criticism.

Learner example:

His wife didn't take kindly to his lateness and immediately snarled at him as though [she was] a tigress snapping her claws in a cat-fight. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

take the law into your own hands

C2 to do something illegal in order to punish someone because you know that the law will not punish that person

Dictionary example:

The police did nothing about the thefts, so they took the law into their own hands.

Learner example:

Therefore, locals are scared to death, leading to their taking the law into their own hands. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

take exception to sth

C2 to be annoyed or insulted by something

Dictionary example:

He took exception to being asked to sweep the floor.

Learner example:

I hope you will not take exception to my words, but I think that this course of action is rather foolish and illogical. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

take sth to heart

C2 If you take criticism or advice to heart, you think about it seriously, often because it upsets you

Dictionary example:

Don't take it to heart - he was only joking about your hair.

Learner example:

I hope you will take my advi[c]e to heart. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

take the plunge

C2 to do something important or difficult, especially after thinking about it for a long time

Dictionary example:

We're finally going to take the plunge and buy a house.

Learner example:

Being unable to stand this m[y]stery, I decided to take the plunge and follow him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

take shape

C2 to start to develop and become more clear or certain

Dictionary example:

The project is slowly beginning to take shape.

Learner example:

It is high time that their dreams took shape! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Bulgarian)

take stock (of sth)

C2 to think carefully about a situation before making a decision

Dictionary example:

We need to pause and take stock of what still needs doing.

take its toll

C2 to have a bad effect on someone or something, especially over a long period of time

Dictionary example:

The stress was starting to take its toll on him.

Learner example:

The famine has obviously taken its toll on him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

take a turn for the better/worse

C2 to become better or worse suddenly

Dictionary example:

The weather took a turn for the better.

Learner example:

Despite all the environmental problems it is up to us to prevent things from taking a turn for the worse. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

take after sb

B2 to be similar to an older member of your family

Dictionary example:

Peter's very tall - he takes after his father.

Learner example:

They are nice kids and they take after my mother. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

take sb around/round (sth/swh)

B2 to walk through a building or visit a place with someone, showing them the most interesting or important parts

Dictionary example:

A guide took us around the museum.

Learner example:

Can you imagine how [pleased] we were with your kind offer to take us around Kyoto. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

take away sth or take sth away (FOOD)

B1 to buy food in a shop or restaurant and eat it somewhere else

Dictionary example:

Is that to eat in or take away?

take away sth or take sth away (NUMBERS)

B2 to remove one number from another number

Dictionary examples:

Four take away two is two.

If you take 4 away from 12 you get 8.

take away sth or take sth away (REMOVE)

B2 to remove something

Dictionary examples:

A waiter came to take our plates away.

Supermarkets are taking business away from small local shops.

Learner example:

The animals were taken away from their own habitat and will spend the rest of their lives in a complete[ly] different situation. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

take back sth or take sth back

B1 to return something to the place you borrowed or bought it from

Dictionary examples:

Is it too small? Take it back and get a refund.

I must take my library books back.

Learner example:

She took her scarf back and the phone was returned to [its]owner. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

take down sth or take sth down

B2 to remove something that is on a wall or something that is temporary

Dictionary examples:

I've taken the pictures down.

We were taking the tent down.

Learner example:

He was taking down a picture of Laura. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take in sth or take sth in

C2 to understand completely the meaning or importance of something

Dictionary examples:

I had to read the letter twice before I could take it all in.

It was an interesting exhibition, but there was too much to take in at once.

Learner example:

Daddy was dead. They couldn't take it in. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)

be taken in

B2 to be deceived by someone

Dictionary example:

He told her a pack of lies and she was completely taken in by him.

Learner example:

He may be surprised, but he'll never be taken in. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

take off sth or take sth off (REMOVE)

A2 to remove something, especially clothes

Dictionary example:

He took off his clothes and got into the bath.

Learner example:

When I go shopping I like to buy pullovers, because when I buy trousers it waste[s] such a long time [trying them on and] tak[ing] them off. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take off sth or take sth off (NOT WORK)

B2 to spend time away from your work

Dictionary example:

He took off two weeks in September.

Learner example:

I will try to take some time off so I can come with you, but I don't know if that is possible. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

take off (FLY)

A2 If an aircraft takes off, it leaves the ground and begins to fly.

Dictionary example:

The plane took off at 8.30 a.m.

Learner example:

The plane took off at 12. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

take off (SUCCEED)

B2 to suddenly start to be successful or popular

Dictionary example:

Her singing career had just begun to take off.

Learner example:

The waitresses are quite rude. If you hire new ones, your sales will probably take off. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

take on sb or take sb on

B2 to employ someone

Dictionary example:

She was taken on as a laboratory assistant.

Learner example:

To find a job will be no problem, because I work in a coffee shop and I am sure that they will take you on. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swiss German)

take on sth or take sth on

C1 to accept a particular job or responsibility

Dictionary example:

Make sure you don't take on too much work.

Learner example:

So I would take on the job if you changed the conditions. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take out sb or take sb out

B1 to go somewhere with someone and pay for them

Dictionary examples:

My dad's taking the whole family out to the theatre.

Our boss took us out for a meal.

Learner example:

He was going to take me out to have lunch. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take out sth or take sth out (REMOVE)

B1 to remove something from somewhere

Dictionary examples:

He reached into his bag and took out a book.

I've had a tooth taken out.

Learner example:

He took out a knife and when he was about to kill me, I woke up. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take out sth or take sth out (MONEY)

B2 to get money from a bank

Dictionary example:

I took out £50 for the weekend.

take over (sth) or take (sth) over

B2 to start doing a job or being responsible for something that another person did or had responsibility for before

Dictionary examples:

He took over from the previous headmaster in February.

She took over as manager two weeks ago.

Colin Lamb has taken over responsibility for this project.

Learner example:

The pigs take over all the managerial work, supervise the other animals and finally [make] all the decisions. (First Certificate in English; B2; Slovene)

take over

C2 to become more successful or powerful than something or someone else that is involved in the same type of activity

Dictionary example:

Italy has taken over from Spain as Europe's favourite holiday destination.

Learner example:

TV has taken over as the dominant activity for lesiure time, providing something for everyone. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Urdu)

take to sb/sth

C1 to start to like someone or something

Dictionary example:

For some reason I just didn't take to her.

Learner example:

Most children take to her almost immediately. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take up sth or take sth up (FILL)

B2 to fill an amount of space or time

Dictionary examples:

This desk takes up too much room.

The children take up most of my time.

Learner example:

It doesn't take up much space. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

take up sth or take sth up (START)

B1 to start doing a particular activity or job

Dictionary examples:

He's taken up cycling in his spare time

She's taken up the post of supervisor.

Learner example:

I played badminton a couple of years ago and I would very much like to take it up again. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

take · noun

/teɪk/

your take on sth

C2 your opinion about a situation

Dictionary example:

What's your take on the plan to close the library?

give and take

C2 when people reach agreement by letting each person have part of what they want

Dictionary example:

In every friendship there has to be some give and take.

Learner example:

This relationship must be a balance of give and take, and considered as the basis for that process of growth which should help a young person to reach a point of life in which he or she will be able to make his or her own choices, being aware of the consequences. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)