she took up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she took up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone starting or engaging in an activity, hobby, or responsibility. Example: "After years of working in finance, she took up painting as a way to express her creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She took up her pen.

The New York Times

She took up golf.

The New York Times

She took up a lot of stage.

The New York Times - Arts

At his suggestion, she took up meditation.

The New Yorker

She took up his offer.

The New Yorker

She took up figure skating.

The New York Times - Sports

She took up French jive.

The Guardian

She took up her rod.

The New York Times - Sports

She took up marathoning in 2004.

The New York Times

She took up jogging, in Stanley Park.

The New Yorker

Among other things, she took up... tennis.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she took up" to clearly indicate the commencement of an activity, hobby, or responsibility. For example, "She took up coding to enhance her career prospects."

Common error

Avoid using "she took up" when meaning a temporary engagement. Instead, use it to describe starting something with the intention of continuing, not for a one-time event. For example, don't say "She took up knitting for the evening" if she doesn't plan to knit again.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she took up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or adoption of a new activity, hobby, responsibility, or position. Ludwig examples show the diversity of contexts in which this phrase appears.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she took up" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a woman began a new activity or assumed a role. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources like news media and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, the surrounding context can influence its formality. Alternatives include "she started doing" or "she began", each with slightly different nuances. When writing, use "she took up" to indicate a deliberate commencement, avoiding its use for temporary actions. Ludwig's analysis highlights that this phrase effectively communicates the start of something new across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she started doing

This alternative uses more common and basic vocabulary, simplifying the original phrase.

she began to engage in

This option introduces a more formal tone compared to the original.

she embraced

This suggests a more enthusiastic and wholehearted adoption of something.

she assumed

This alternative emphasizes taking on a responsibility or role.

she initiated

This highlights the act of beginning or setting something in motion.

she embarked on

This phrase suggests starting a journey or undertaking.

she ventured into

Implies a sense of exploration or risk-taking in starting something new.

she devoted herself to

Highlights dedicating oneself to a particular activity or cause.

she dedicated her time to

Focuses on the commitment of time and effort to a new pursuit.

she committed to

This shows a firm decision to begin and continue with something.

FAQs

What does "she took up" mean?

The phrase "she took up" generally means that a female person has started a new hobby, activity, job, or responsibility. It implies a deliberate choice to begin something new.

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

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

Is "she took up" formal or informal?

The phrase "she took up" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the formality of the surrounding language can influence the overall tone.

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

You can use "she took up" followed by the activity or responsibility she started. For example, "After retiring, "she took up gardening" to fill her time".