Phrasal verbs are one of the characteristic features of the English language. They represent an integral indivisible semantic unit. The verb is combined with the postposition (preposition or adverb), while its main meaning can change completely or partially. One of the most common mistakes newbies make is trying to translate every word. It should be remembered that in the English language there are many stable expressions that cannot be divided when translating into their component parts, otherwise the meaning will be distorted.
Basic meanings and forms
This verb is irregular, so the second and third form are different from the standard. The forms of the verb take are as follows:
The main translation option is "take, take." However, this word covers a wide range of meanings. In addition, when translating, one should pay attention to adjacent words and context. This table presents persistent expressions.
| to take | a seat | take a seat |
| a train | take the train |
| shelter | take shelter |
| a walk | take a walk |
| fish | to fish |
| offence | take offense |
| notice | to notice |
| wine | drink wine |
| root | take root |
| effect | take effect |
| precedence over | take precedence over |
| it easy | take it easy, take it easy |
| care | be careful |
| a look (at) | look at) |
Here not all stable phrases are presented, this is just a small list. With the accumulation of the lexical stock, you can supplement your personal dictionary with new expressions.
Phrase verb to take (in conjunction with prepositions)
The following table lists the most common uses of the word take in combination with various prepositions.
| take | after | to be like someone, to be like, to go to someone |
| against | to dislike, not to love, to be against |
| along | bring with you, bring |
| around | accompany, show (sights) |
| before | send for consideration, propose (question) for consideration |
| below | go down |
| by | take by the shoulders |
| for | take for anyone |
| from | subtract, subtract, reduce |
| in | 1) to shelter someone, give shelter;
2) take work to home;
3) receive (guest);
4) comprehend something, find out, figure it out |
| off | 1) eliminate, remove;
2) lose weight;
3) decrease, stop;
4) take off (clothes);
5) take off, take off (about the plane) |
| on | 1) take over (duties);
2) go to work;
3) become popular, successful |
| out | 1) invite, lead (to a restaurant, a cinema), bring "into the light";
2) remove, remove |
| over | replace (at work), accept affairs, duties |
| through | carry out, bring it to the end |
| to | 1) to love, to become attached;
2) addicted, get used to |
| up | 1) take (something for certain purposes);
2) take up something (some occupation, profession), begin to engage;
3) take (place), take away (time);
4) continue, pick up;
5) raise a question;
6) to start something (to fulfill duties, etc.);
7) interrupt, pull |
| up on | catch on a word |
| up with | be satisfied, satisfied with something |
Some phrases have two or more meanings. This feature must be considered when translating. However, everything is not as complicated as it might seem at first. Even if you are unfamiliar with any expression, when reading an article or book you can guess the meaning of a particular lexical unit from the context and find the correct translation. Further, you can clarify by dictionary how correctly you understood the meaning. This way of replenishing the vocabulary is much more effective than simply memorizing a set of words.
Phrase verb take (in combination with adverbs)
In addition to prepositions, phrasal verbs are also often formed using the adverb. There are many different combinations (verb to take + adverb). The following table provides a small list of similar lexical units. As mentioned in the previous section, some expressions have several translation options.
| take | aback | hit, take by surprise |
| aboard | load, board, ship |
| abroad | 1) go abroad;
2) become famous, spread |
| accross (to) | transport, transport |
| apart | 1) analyze in detail, understand;
2) criticize, defeat |
| aside | take aside, withdraw (talk) |
| away | tidy away, carry away, subtract, subtract |
| back | 1) deny, refuse, admit wrong;
2) to return (to the former place, to the memories, to the past);
3) accept back, allow return |
| down | 1) take off (clothes);
2) knock down arrogance;
3) reduce the price;
4) destroy;
5) write |
Examples of use
Attempts to memorize phrases out of context will not succeed. It is very important to learn how to use new words in practice. In order to master the phrasal verb take , you need to include it in your speech. The following are some examples of its use:
- Whom does Tom take after in his family? “Which family member does Tom look like?”
- My hobbies take up a lot of my time. “My hobbies take up most of my time.”
- I have taken up the study of Spanish. - I started studying Spanish.
- Most of the planes take off in any weather. - Most planes take off in any weather.
- People are always requested to take off their coats at the theater. - In the theater, people should always take off their outer clothing.
Answer Exercises
Another way to learn the phrasal verb take is to work out a lot of exercises. Repeated repetition and application of the learned material in practice will help you navigate this topic well.
Exercise 1
Take up is a phrasal verb that has several translation options, depending on the context. The following exercise to translate from Russian to English will help you work out different cases of using this phrase.
- My neighbor took me too much time.
- This red wardrobe takes up too much space here.
- Ann, take this book and start reading.
- I intended to become a journalist after school.
- She took up music three years ago.
- They raised this issue at the meeting.
- She wants to start working. So she starts (on duty) next week.
Exercise 2This exercise is designed to work out some other phrasal verbs.
- Your son is very similar to you.
- Take off your coat and have a cup of tea.
- Most people mistake me for my sister because she looks like me.
- I can’t get used to this city.
Answers to exercises:
Exercise 1
- My neighbor has taken up too much of my time.
- This red wardrobe takes up too much room here.
- Ann, take up this book and start reading.
- I intended to take up journalism after school.
- She took up music three years ago.
- They took up this matter on the meeting.
- She wants to start working. So she is going to take up the next week.
Exercise 2
- Your son takes after you.
- Take down your coat and have cup of tea.
- Most of people take me for my sister because she takes after me.
- I can't take to this town.
The phrasal verb take is one of the most common, therefore, a detailed study of various combinations will help to a great extent advance on the path to learning English.