5 English Phrasal Verbs with Take to Increase Your Vocabulary
Adding new words to your English vocabulary regularly will not only increase your vocabulary but will also help you express yourself more easily in English!
This week you’re going to add 5 new phrasal verbs to your real-life English vocabulary.
These are phrasal verbs you won’t find in a grammar book, but English speakers use them every day.
Here’s exactly what you’re going to learn:
- the super simple truth about increasing your vocabulary
- 5 phrasal verbs English speakers use daily
- the real meaning of these phrasal verbs
- how to understand and use these phrasal verbs with real-life context
Plus, you have an opportunity to practice at the end of the lesson.
Watch the video to get started!
5 English phrasal verbs using the word take.
Lesson by Annemarie
Phrasal Verbs with Take in English – Real Life Examples
to take on
take on (something) or take (something) on
: to begin to perform or deal with (something, such as a job or responsibility); to engage with or to accept a challenge.
Example 1:
I just got the job of my dreams. I’m moving to a new country. I’ve lost 10 pounds on my diet. And tomorrow I’m traveling to Norway for a 2-week vacation. I feel AMAZING. I’m ready to take on the world!
Example 2:
Last week Stefan had a meeting with his boss. The company asked him to take on some new responsibilities so they can grow his position. Unfortunately, this means he’ll be working more hours but he hopes this is a sign that they are planning to promote him to a program director position in the next year.
to take after
take after (someone)
: to be like someone, such as a parent; to resemble someone
Example:
Everyone tells me I take after my mom. I definitely have her features but I think my personality is more similar to my dad’s.
to be taken aback
: to surprise or shock (someone) — usually used as (be) taken aback
Did you see Sarah’s face??? She was completely taken aback! I was nervous that someone might have told her about the surprise party or maybe she had found some of the decorations but nope – she was definitely surprised! And I’m so glad. She’s been with this company for 25 years! Plus she’s the nicest person in the office. We had to celebrate her.
to take over
take over or take over (something) or take (something) over
: to start doing (something that someone has stopped doing); to become the person who has control of (something)
Example 1:
Next week my colleague is going on her maternity leave for 3 months. While she’s gone I’m going to take over some of her tasks.
Example 2:
(Imagine: Two people driving on a long road trip across Europe.)
OMG! We still have 8 more hours until we reach Budapest! I don’t think I can stay awake much longer. Could you take over driving for awhile so I can get some sleep?
to take through
take (someone) through (something)
: to tell (someone) how (something) happens or is done by explaining the details of each step
Example:
(Imagine: Someone presenting at a business meeting.)
Hi, everyone. Thanks for coming today. I know we’re all very busy so I’ll keep this meeting brief. I’d just like to take you through the agenda for the annual company meeting next week so we can all be ready to discuss our marketing and sales strategies for the next 3-5 years.
Now I’d love to hear from you. It’s time for you to practice.
Here is my step-by-step path to increase your vocabulary with these common English phrasal verbs.
- Choose one new phrasal verb from this list
- Review the meaning and the examples so you can understand its real meaning
- Think about your day today. Is there anything you can share about your day, your week, or your plans using that phrasal verb? Can you create an example using your real life?
- Share your example below in the comments section (I promise to read and provide feedback!)
- Do this again tomorrow with another phrasal verb. And the next day. Do one each day for 5 days. Then come back to review.
I’m excited to learn about you and your life with your examples using these phrasal verbs! Have fun and I’ll see you in the comments!
~ Annemarie
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to take through
In my last positions, I take users trough the process to how set the configurations and used correctly the systems, that the company sale to them.
Thanks Ane
Take on.
I recently got a new job. I feel am ready to take on new challenges
Congrats on the new job and well done using ‘take on!!’
Hello Annemarie
Take on
My wife has migrated to Canada Since 1986 and she still has difficulty to explain her self when she has a job interview. So I Always tell her that she has to take on the English language.
Take after
If you have not met my mum, let me say you have no need for that anymore once you have met me because I take after her both in features as well as personality. People say I am hospitable.
It is a difficult task having to double role as a mother and a teacher simultaneously. I have to take my daughters through their activities during online classes this lockdown.
EXERCISE:
take over
I recently joined the podcast production team and I got to take over some tasks which involve graphic designs and transcribing the talk.
take on
I hope I can walk out in the fullness, prepared to take on the next step!
Sally has always been an intern but this year she’s finally taking on an official position!
Hi Annemarie
i want to talk about take through.
Our manager likes during sales meetings to take us through the most important parts of the sales agenda on each point seperately.
Greetings,
In a recent team meeting, Supervisor challenged day-shift personnel to come up with an alternative method to store data. Since day-shift peers were procrastinating; I took on the task, suggested “One Note” an excellent tool. Listed below displays a few added features.
– organization
– share pages and password protect
– set read, write privileges, etc
Hi teacher, thank you so much.
———————————————–
Professor, I would like to take you through the proposed mechanism of this reaction. I hope, it is more obvious after the big picture of this subject.
Great example sentence, Ehsan.
Hi Annemarie, Your lesson is very helpful for my work everyday. All of my friends say Im not take after my mom a feature but I’m very similar like her voice and character. A speaking of my mom, I have a plan for a trip to Korea to see my mom and all my family so I definitely take on my world ! I’m so so excited! So I’m gonna take through all my travel plan before I leave. Ps; I wish if you are able to post for me that if customers just speak random story but if I… Read more »
Hi Vivian, I’m glad this lesson was helpful! 🙂 And good work with ‘take after.’
As for your question, this lesson on what to say when you don’t understand someone might help: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/professional-english-what-to-say-when-you-dont-understand/
My greetings to you, Annemarie.
Every day I watch your videos and get a great pleasure from watching them. Unfortunately to my misfortune I did not know about existence of these phrases. Your lessons are rather important for me. So I’m ready to take on English with your help.
As for word combination take after I used look like. For example: I look like my mommy. I was taught in such way.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Bohdan,
I’m so glad my lessons are helpful for you! That’s great and you’ve done a nice job with the phrasal verb ‘take on.’ And ‘look like’ is a perfect alternative for ‘to take after’ someone. Thanks for sharing that. 🙂
Hi Annemarie, Here are my examples. 1- l graduated from university this year and it is time for looking for a good job and now I am ready to take it on. 2- Apart from my hubby’s verdict who thinks I am take after my mom in terms of my behaviour, I think his idea is completely wrong and I am not. 3- My hubby took me my favourite sunglasses last night which I was in love with. He is taken me aback by that. 4- My colleague was headache last day and she was not able to stay in… Read more »
Hi Samira,
I love that you’re trying all these new phrasal verbs!! That’s great. And you’ve done an excellent job.
There’s just one example I’m not sure I understand 100%. In number 3, can you tell me what you mean by “He is taken me aback..?” When we use this phrasal verb, one person cannot take aback another person. He can be taken aback. I can be taken aback. We can be taken aback. And so on.
Hi Annamarie,
My example:
I’m studying English language since many years with little results. Fortunately, I have found a fantastic and useful Web site of English and I’m ready to take on it!
Great job with ‘take it on,’ Valentina!
One suggestion. Let’s adjust this sentence “I ______ been studying ____ English language _____ many years with little results.” –> Any idea what the missing words might be?
I think so.
My answer is: I have been studying the English language for many years with little results.
Excellent. Good work, Valentina.
I make a meeting with my supervisore in order to take through the prospection of this week.
Last week, my colleague and I took through the agenda of the next meeting to our general manager.
thank you teacher for this wonderful lesson. my example with “take on” is: Sofia took on the responsibility of caring for her brother when her parents went work.
Hello Sara,
Perfect example! Well done. And thank you for sharing in the comments.
Best, Annemarie
I’m very thankful for your great reply.
Example 2: (Imagine a teacher is talking with one of her student’s father)”Do not get too taken aback when this thing happens. Your son takes after you. You need to be informed about how smoking around youth normalizes the dangerous habit”
Many thanks for this useful lesson.
I love your way of speaking, so clear.
If all englishspeakers speaks like you the life will be more and more easy.
Hello Zahra,
I’m thrilled this was useful to you and my video lessons are clear. Thank you for sharing and I wish you continued success in your English efforts. Best, Annemarie
I used to take gluta for just a few weeks,then my friends taken aback when they saw me because of my glowing skin..
My husband told me he can’t come with me in the city for our business transactions,that’s why I take over it for him.
My friend tell me that she has a new business..And she take me through about it..and I was take aback about the business!!The marketing plan was makes me impress to do it so..
Hello Salve, Thank you for sharing your examples! Great work. I’m curious, what is gluta? I’ve never heard of it before. It must be wonderful if you’re friends were taken aback by your glowing skin. Great example with the phrasal verb. For sentence number 2, are you talking about the past or the future? We should change the phrasal verb “take over” to the tense to match the sentence. In sentence 3, again, let’s look at the time. Is this a past event? If yes, how can you change the verbs to show the past? I look forward to seeing… Read more »
Hello ma’am !
I read your mails regularly. These are very helpful but don’t know why I’m afraid of contacting you. I think if I start to answer all of your questions and pay some attention to lessons then no barrier can stop me to be a good english speaker. I need lot of help and courage.
Hello Tahir,
Thank you for your comment! I’m thrilled to hear you read the emails and find these lessons helpful to you!
It would be great practice for you to answer the questions or do the practice activities at the end of the lessons. I always read the comments and provide feedback.
I wish you success in your English! ~ Annemarie
After taking a lot more years without visiting us my aunt was take a back how our city was transformed.
I hope my son is ready to take on his final year exams.
Since the speaker is late i may take over for the moment .
My twin daughters take after each other.
The witness take through the story to the judge , as the case proceeds at the court.
Hello Getruede, Wonderful! Thank you for sharing your answers! Great examples with take on, take over, and take after! For sentence number 1, we need to make a small change. You are on the right path. We often use the passive form with take aback. You’ve started this sentence correctly, but can you change “take” into the third form of the verb? And in sentence 5, is this something from the past or happening now? The phrasal verb take through is a little challenging. We often use this like: to take (someone) through (something). So can you move the words… Read more »
1. This morning I had a meeting with my boss, and she told me that I should take on some changes of the report. 2. My older sister has a visit last night, when her visitors saw me, they were surprised that I took after my sister. 3. I saw my colleague was taken aback when they enter the room and saw some changes of office arrangement. 4. I usually took over your tasks every time you’re on vacation. 5. I will send you a copy of the minutes of the meeting and I’d like to take you through the… Read more »
Hello Arlene – Wonderful examples! Thank you for your comment and practicing the phrasal verbs. Are any of them new for you? I can see that you’ve definitely understood the meaning of each phrasal verb! Let’s fix a couple of grammar mistakes: Number 2: My older sister has a visit last night… In this sentence, your focus is last night. Can you simplify the verb and make it past tense? Number 3: …when they enter the room and saw some changes… In this sentence, you used saw (the past tense of see). Can you also change enter into the past… Read more »
when they entered the room they saw changes
Hi Salve,
Yes, entered is correct. Great job.
Hi Annamarie!
I’m very thankful for your great reply and really want to fix my grammar error not only in writing but in the way I speak as well, as this is my ultimate goal to be more fluent in English.
Number 2. My older sister visited by a friend last night….
Number 3. when they entered the room and saw some changes….
Number 4. I usually take over your tasks…
Thank you very much and God bless…
Hello Arlene,
You’re very welcome! I hope you’ll join the next Fluency Challenge to practice your speaking skills!
Great changes for number 3 and 4. Let’s look at number 2 a little more.
In this example, who is doing the action? Is your sister visiting or is the friend visiting?
When you know the answer, I’ll help you with the next step. Best, Annemarie
Hi Annamarie!
Number 2. My older sister had a visitor last night. When they saw my face, they were surprised that I took after my sister.
Great Arlene!! Well done. 🙂
Hi Annemarie!
Awesome lesson it is! Thank you!
“There are only two variants – either mom, or dad. No other choices given!” –
this is what I always say when someone wonders who I take after… 😛
Have a wonderful day everyday!
Hi Maria!
Thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful/awesome. 🙂
And perfect response to people asking who you take after! Well done. ~ Annemarie
I want you to teach me how to express my face to face interview
Hello Isatu,
Thank you for your message. I do offer one-on-one classes. If you’d like to schedule a course with me, you can do so easily by visiting One-on-One Classes. I offer 3 difference packages. You can decide which package is right for you. Best wishes, Annemarie
(imagine: I’m explaining about field-works in the market for a Veterinarian to my juniors)
I would like to take you through the field-works in the market for a Veterinarian and thus you can prepare how to work and educate to the retail meat and fish sellers as well as public for your turn to do field-work in the market.
Hello Tin,
Wonderful! Thank you for your example. And yes, your use of take you through is absolutely correct. Well done.
Can I ask what you mean by field-works? Could you mean field-workers (the people or workers)?
Is this something you do for your job?
Thanks again! ~ Annemarie
Today I took on asking to host a new clients in my living place.
I take after my friend how she is feeling by giving a call to her.
I took aback to dream my father, because before sleep I told that I wanted to dream him.
I take over caring a sister’s baby with pleasure when she need to go somewhere.
I take though my all unread letters in my e-mail to see the most important of all.
Hello Justina, Wonderful! Thank you for practicing and giving your examples. Let’s look at a few of them more closely. Number 1: Could you tell me: Did you take on new clients in your apartment or house? Or did you someone ask you about hosting new clients? Number 2: It seems in this example, you want to use look after which can mean to care for, to protect, or to keep safe. So if your friend is sick, you might look after her to see how she is feeling. To take after is used to mean resemble or to have… Read more »
Number 1: Somebody asked me to host new clients.
Number 2: I get it now. Yes I take after my mother on height,
Number 3: I was surprised that my dream come true after 2-3 hours.
Number 5: I take though all parts of the project application what was done during 3 weeks.
I took aback how many choices have English language in choosing appropriate phase.
I appreciate your help, competence, work.
Hi Justina. Great! I loved your comment, “I took aback how many choices …” 🙂 Very clever and your meaning is correct. Let’s make one more change for the grammar. We usually use this phrasal verb in the passive form, which means we need the verb to be and the third form of the verb take. So how would you complete this: I _________ taken aback by how many choices the English language has … For number 1. Okay, somebody asked you to host new clients, so you could say, “I _______ _____ new clients today.” (Note: use the past… Read more »
I have been taken aback by how many choices the English language has.
I have been asked to host a new clients today.
I didn’t use it in my speaking or writing before, maybe just because I not used to use it.:)
Great Justina. Good sentences!!
And it’s okay. This is the process of learning and you’re doing it! 🙂 Well done.
For the sentence, “I have been asked to host new clients today.” You could also use the phrasal verb and say, “I took on new clients today.” This means you accepted the responsibilities or challenge of that task.
Good work, Justina.