take on the post

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take on the post" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing the assignment, acceptance, or appointment to a position or job. For example, "The candidate was confident she could take on the post, so she applied for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The board is said to have received proposals for a "joint directorship" from some of those who are reluctant to take on the post alone but the favoured option is believed to be a single individual.

Independent

In an interview with the Observer today, the general secretary elect of the TUC, Frances O'Grady, – the first woman ever to take on the post – says the TUC will back co-ordinated strikes if delegates support them.

The Guardian

A couple of weeks later, it was reported that Green would step down from his £1.25m-a-year HSBC job, and by August Cameron was reported to have persuaded him to take on the post of trade minister.

The Guardian - Business

His enthusiasm for regional theatre led him to take on the post of artistic director at the Crucible complex in Sheffield in 2005, although he stayed for only two terms after a disagreement with the managers – he wanted to put on plays while the theatre was closed for refurbishment, they didn't.

Independent

Sparked by his decision to take on the post of prime minister after serving for more than a decade as president, it was a decentralised movement that managed to stand its ground even as its leaders were detained after 10 days of demonstrations during which a new political generation seemed to emerge.

The Guardian

When he accepted appoint ment in January , 1969 as chief United States representative at the United Nations, it was widely understood that he had agreed to take on the post as a duty that at that moment did, not appeal to any outstanding politician.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Seattle was already geared up for a major newspaper war after the family-controlled Seattle Times, which had been the only newspaper in the United States to dominate in its market as an afternoon offering, switched nine months ago to morning publication to take on The Post-Intelligencer, owned by the Hearst Corporation.

The New York Times

When Gergen took on the post, his former colleagues at "U.S. News & World Report"….

The New Yorker

Reports said that Laura Dowling, who took on the post with some fanfare in 2009, left because her "fussy" style was not in line with that of Mr Obama.

Independent

In taking on the post, which has a five-year term, Ms. Nelson succeeds Leo Connellan, who died two months before his term ended.

The New York Times

Ms Mowlam and Mr Mandelson have spoken little since he took on the post; the smallest pleasantries seem too much for them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take on the post" when emphasizing the assumption of responsibilities and duties associated with a particular role or position. For example, 'After careful consideration, she decided to take on the post of CEO.'

Common error

While "take on the post" is generally acceptable, it may sound slightly formal in casual conversations. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "start the job" or "get the role" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take on the post" functions as a verb phrase indicating the acceptance or assumption of a job, role, or responsibility. Ludwig examples show it frequently used in news and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take on the post" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying the acceptance or assumption of a job or responsibility. As indicated by Ludwig, it's prevalent in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it may be too formal for casual settings where alternatives like "start the job" might be more appropriate. The related phrases offer various ways to express similar meanings, allowing for nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume the position

Similar in meaning, but can also refer to a physical stance or a formal handover of power.

step into the role

Emphasizes the action of entering a pre-existing role or position.

undertake the responsibility

More formal and emphasizes the burden or duty associated with the position.

accept the appointment

Focuses on the formal acceptance of a position offered by an external authority.

begin one's tenure

Highlights the start of a fixed term in a position, often implying a certain level of seniority.

embrace the duties

Suggests a willing and enthusiastic acceptance of the responsibilities associated with the role.

move into the job

Less formal, implies transitioning to a new job from a previous one.

be put in charge

Focuses on the act of being assigned or appointed to a position of leadership.

succeed to the office

Implies inheriting or following someone else in a position, typically in formal or hierarchical settings.

get on board

Informal, suggests joining a team or project rather than assuming a formal role.

FAQs

What does "take on the post" mean?

The phrase "take on the post" means to accept a job or responsibility, typically one that is significant or official.

How to use "take on the post" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "He decided to "take on the post" of team leader after the previous one resigned.".

What can I say instead of "take on the post"?

You can use alternatives like "assume the position", "step into the role", or "undertake the responsibility" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take on the post" or "accept the position"?

"Take on the post" and "accept the position" are similar. "Take on the post" emphasizes the duties and responsibilities you are assuming, while "accept the position" focuses on the formal acceptance of the role.