i took up

USAGE SUMMARY

"I took up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a few different ways. One way is to use it to talk about starting a new activity or hobby. For example, "I took up painting last year and now it's become my favorite hobby." Another way is to use it to talk about lifting or picking something up. For example, "I took up the heavy box and carried it upstairs." It can also be used to talk about accepting or assuming a responsibility or task. For example, "I took up the challenge of organizing the charity event." Here is an example sentence: "After years of wanting to learn, I finally took up Spanish classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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 running, and then triathlons.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, I took up knitting again.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i took up", ensure the context clearly indicates the commencement of a new activity, hobby, or responsibility. The phrase suggests a conscious decision to start something new.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "i took up" can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider varying your sentence structure and using synonyms like "i began", "i commenced", or "i initiated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i took up" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or adoption of a new activity, hobby, or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts like starting hobbies or accepting challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i took up" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the initiation of a new activity, hobby, or responsibility. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. It is a common phrase, particularly frequent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally neutral in register, varying your vocabulary in more formal contexts might be beneficial. The provided writing guidance aims to help you use the phrase effectively, while avoiding potential pitfalls like overuse. Alternatives such as "i started", "i began", and "i initiated" can add nuance and variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i started

Focuses on the commencement of an activity, similar to "i took up" but without the implication of adopting it as a regular practice.

i began

Implies initiating an activity, akin to "i took up", but can also suggest a more gradual or tentative start.

i got into

A more informal way of saying "i started", suggesting enthusiasm and immersion in an activity.

i commenced

A more formal way of saying "i started", suggesting a deliberate or official beginning.

i adopted

Focuses on choosing and making something one's own, whether it's a new habit, idea, or approach.

i initiated

Highlights the role of starting something, often a project or process, giving a sense of leadership or proactivity.

i embraced

Emphasizes willingly accepting or adopting something new, adding a layer of enthusiasm or commitment.

i undertook

Suggests embarking on a task or project, often one that requires effort and dedication.

i assumed

Implies taking on a responsibility or role, suggesting a shift in duties or obligations.

i ventured into

Emphasizes exploring new territory or trying something unfamiliar, highlighting the element of risk or discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "i took up" in a sentence?

The phrase "i took up" is used to describe the action of starting a new hobby, activity, or responsibility. For example, you could say, "i took up painting" or "i took up the challenge".

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

You can use alternatives like "i started", "i began", or "i initiated" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "i take up" is in the present tense and implies a habitual or ongoing action, while "i took up" is in the past tense and describes a specific action that started in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the action.

What's the difference between "i took up" and "i picked up"?

While both phrases imply starting something new, "i took up" typically refers to a deliberate and sustained commitment, such as a hobby or course. "I picked up", on the other hand, often implies learning or acquiring something incidentally or casually. For example, "i picked up some Spanish" while traveling.