take in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a verb, meaning to absorb or comprehend something, or in the literal sense, to receive or admit something. For example: I'm trying to take in the enormity of the situation. He took in the stray cat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do you take in your coffee?

The New Yorker

Care to take in a flick?

The New York Times - Science

How much did Sweesy take in?

Forbes

There is a lot to take in.

Independent

Can you take in a movie?

The New York Times

They take in about $10 a day.

The New Yorker

"We take in enough from hardworking Floridians.

The New York Times

It was too much to take in.

The New Yorker

We take in anybody that comes".

The New Yorker

Take in the memories.

The Guardian - Music

This we take in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take in" to mean 'comprehend', ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to mental absorption. For example, "It took me a while to take in all the details of the contract."

Common error

Avoid using "take in" when you mean to "bring in". "Take in" implies absorbing or receiving, while "bring in" implies introducing or causing to enter. For example, use "bring in" when you mean "The company decided to bring in a new consultant."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "take in" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It indicates the action of receiving, absorbing, or comprehending something. As illustrated by Ludwig, this can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "take in" is a versatile expression with several meanings, ranging from absorbing information to physically receiving something or even deceiving someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and frequently used. Pay attention to the context to understand the intended meaning. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on the specific situation and surrounding vocabulary. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like "bring in", which have different meanings. Remember that "take in" can refer to broadening in scope in any situation or narrowing the focus on a specific detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorb

A more concise synonym focusing on the process of assimilating information or a substance.

comprehend

Emphasizes understanding something complex or abstract.

understand

A general term for grasping the meaning of something.

receive

Focuses on the act of getting something, such as information or goods.

accommodate

Implies providing space or shelter.

deceive

Focuses on misleading or tricking someone.

ingest

Specifically refers to consuming food or drink.

shorten

Refers specifically to altering the length of something, like clothing.

subscribe to

Implies arranging for regular delivery of a publication.

attend

Focuses on being present at an event or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "take in" in a sentence?

You can use "take in" in many ways. For example, "I need to "take in" more information before I make a decision" or "The tailor will "take in" the dress to fit me better".

What does "take in" mean when referring to clothing?

When referring to clothing, "take in" means to alter a garment to make it smaller or tighter. For instance, "The seamstress will "take in" the waist of the skirt".

What are some alternative phrases for "take in"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "absorb", "comprehend", "understand", or "receive" instead of "take in".

Is it correct to say "I am taking in the sights"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "taking in the sights" means enjoying and appreciating the views and scenery of a place. For example, "We spent the afternoon "taking in the sights" of Paris".