take on

USAGE SUMMARY

"take on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to assume responsibility for," "to challenge," or "to undertake." For example, "I'm taking on a new project at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some take on different blockers.

The New York Times - Sports

I could take on Italian.

Independent

"We'll take on some Democrats".

The New York Times

You mustn't take on so.

The New Yorker

I'll take on anybody".

The New York Times

They take on aides.

The New Yorker

She'll take on anybody".

The New Yorker

Don't take on debt.

The Guardian

Her take on life was often gloomy.

The New York Times

First he had to take on supplies.

The New Yorker

"Why should I take on Baer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take on" to describe a change in appearance or quality, ensure it fits the context. For example, "The old building took on a new life after the renovation."

Common error

Avoid confusing "take on" with "take in". "Take on" means to assume responsibility or challenge, while "take in" means to absorb or deceive. For instance, "She took on the role of team leader" is different from "She was taken in by his lies".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "take on" primarily functions as a dynamic verb, indicating action or a change in state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this encompasses assuming responsibilities, challenging opponents, or undertaking new ventures. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe assuming projects and responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "take on" is a versatile expression with several common uses, including assuming responsibility, challenging an opponent, or acquiring a new characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While the phrase is appropriate in various registers, from informal to professional, it's essential to differentiate its meaning from similar phrases like "take in". As demonstrated through examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes, "take on" is frequently used in news, media, and professional contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume responsibility for

Focuses specifically on accepting duties or obligations.

shoulder the burden

Implies accepting a challenging or difficult responsibility.

tackle

Suggests confronting or dealing with a problem or task head-on.

undertake

Emphasizes the initiation or commencement of a project or task.

challenge

Highlights the competitive aspect of facing an opponent or difficult situation.

contend with

Implies dealing with difficulties or opposition.

acquire

Focuses on gaining or obtaining something, such as a new characteristic or possession.

adopt

Signifies taking on a new practice, method, or belief.

embrace

Implies accepting something willingly and enthusiastically.

face up to

Emphasizes confronting a challenging or unpleasant situation directly.

FAQs

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

You can use "take on" in many ways, such as "I'll "assume responsibility for" the project", "The company will "challenge" its main competitor", or "The fabric "acquired" a new color after being dyed".

What are some alternatives to "take on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "undertake", "assume", "tackle", or "challenge".

Is it correct to say "take on" a new hobby?

Yes, it is correct. "Take on" can be used to mean starting or adopting something new. Saying "I'm going to "adopt" a new hobby" is perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "take on" and "take over"?

"Take on" generally means to assume a responsibility or challenge, while "take over" means to gain control of something. For example, "She will "assume responsibility for" the task" (take on) versus "He will "gain control of" the company" (take over).