I took up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has started or begun a new activity, hobby, or responsibility. Example: "After years of working in finance, I took up painting as a way to express my creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I took up boxing.

The New York Times

I took up cycling.

The New York Times

Alone, I took up some playing cards.

The New Yorker

I took up the novel again.

The Guardian - Books

I took up mountain biking there.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, I took up the keyboard myself.

The Guardian

I took up under-age smoking instead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I took up golf at 50.

The New York Times

I took up my place on it.

The Guardian - Money

Then I took up American paperbacks.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I was not a soldier before, but I took up a gun," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the dedication in starting something new, combine "I took up" with a time-related element to stress the habit adoption like: "I took up running regularly last year."

Common error

Avoid using "I took up" interchangeably with phrases like "I picked up" when referring to skills or knowledge. "I took up" implies a deliberate beginning, whereas "I picked up" suggests learning something informally or incidentally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took up" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of an action or activity in the past. It signifies the commencement of a new hobby, study, job, or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I took up" is a commonly used verb phrase that indicates the commencement of a new activity, hobby, or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts ranging from news articles to personal narratives. While alternatives like "I started" or "I began" exist, "I took up" provides a clear and concise way to express the initiation of something new. Remember to use it when you're referring to a deliberate starting of an activity, distinguishing it from phrases like "I picked up", which imply informal learning. The phrase's neutral register and high frequency make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started

A more general and straightforward way to express beginning an activity or interest.

I began

Similar to 'I started', but can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate initiation.

I got into

A more informal way to say 'I became interested in and started doing'.

I commenced

A more formal way to say 'I started', suitable for professional or academic contexts.

I initiated

Implies a more active and deliberate starting of something, often with the sense of being a leader or instigator.

I embarked on

Suggests a more significant or challenging undertaking.

I launched into

Implies enthusiasm and energy in beginning something.

I delved into

Suggests a deep and thorough engagement with a new subject or activity.

I developed an interest in

Focuses on the growth of interest leading to the commencement of the activity.

I turned to

Suggests starting something, often as a solution or alternative to something else.

FAQs

What does the phrase "I took up" mean?

The phrase "I took up" generally means that you started a new activity, hobby, or responsibility. It indicates the commencement of something new in your life.

What can I say instead of "I took up"?

You can use alternatives like "I started", "I began", or "I got into" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

How to use "I took up" in a sentence?

You can use "I took up" followed by the activity or hobby you started. For example, "I took up painting" or "I took up a new job". The phrase indicates the beginning of something new.

Is it correct to say "I take up" instead of "I took up"?

The phrase "I take up" is in the present simple tense, suggesting a habitual or recurring action. While grammatically correct, it doesn't convey the same meaning as "I took up", which indicates a one-time action of starting something in the past. For example you can say "I take up every opportunity that comes my way".