take up fishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take up fishing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of starting to engage in fishing as a hobby or activity. Example: "After years of working long hours, I decided to take up fishing to relax and enjoy nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

& adults to take up fishing.

The New Yorker

In truth, he had plenty of reasons to take up fishing, one of his hobbies, after leaving Hewlett-Packard.

The New York Times

There's also a scheme in Durham that helps young people "avoid the temptations of crime by encouraging them to take up fishing".

The Guardian - Business

Boys, however, will be boys, and no longer under their father's watchful eye, or the threat of the whip in his hand, they take up fishing in the local river: something they know is strictly forbidden.

Independent

Standing in nets is a lonely job with plenty of time for thinking, so Cech is the best equipped of Guus Hiddink's team to formulate reasons not to jack in the whole thing and take up fishing instead.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Hector takes up fishing, and scores an eel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So, over the years, more and more men have taken up fishing.

The Economist

Like Hemingway, I took up fishing because of the limitlessness the sea seemed to offer.

The New York Times - Books

The Italian brigatista and a colleague also accused of murder were till recently turning out admirable pasta at a Managua eatery; they have now taken up fishing.

The Economist

His wife and kids have taken up fishing, the three of them go at least twice a week, but haven't caught anything yet.

The New Yorker

What are the first things a beginner should do to take up fly fishing?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to start fishing, use "take up fishing" to suggest adopting it as a regular hobby.

Common error

Avoid using "take up fishing" in contexts where you mean simply trying fishing once; instead, use it to describe starting a new hobby or regular activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take up fishing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or adoption of fishing as a new hobby or regular activity. It is used to describe the action of starting to engage in fishing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take up fishing" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to indicate the start of fishing as a hobby or regular activity. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is relatively uncommon. It's most often found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that "take up fishing" suggests a committed, ongoing hobby rather than a single fishing trip. Consider alternatives like "start fishing" or "begin fishing" for simpler phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start fishing

Replaces "take up" with "start", offering a simpler and more direct phrasing.

begin fishing

Uses "begin" instead of "take up", suggesting a formal initiation of the activity.

get into fishing

Emphasizes the process of becoming involved in fishing as a hobby.

become a fisherman

Focuses on the transformation into someone who engages in fishing.

try fishing

Suggests an experimental or tentative approach to fishing.

learn to fish

Highlights the learning process involved in acquiring fishing skills.

go fishing

Indicates the action of participating in a fishing activity.

develop a passion for fishing

Emphasizes the cultivation of a strong interest in fishing.

embrace fishing as a hobby

Suggests a willing adoption of fishing as a leisure pursuit.

turn to fishing

Indicates that fishing is being used as a solution or pastime.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take up fishing"?

To "take up fishing" means to start fishing regularly as a hobby or pastime. It implies a commitment to learning and engaging in the activity.

What can I say instead of "take up fishing"?

You can use alternatives like "start fishing", "begin fishing", or "get into fishing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "taking up fishing"?

Yes, "taking up fishing" is the present participle form, which is correct when used in continuous tenses (e.g., "He is taking up fishing") or as a gerund (e.g., "Taking up fishing is a relaxing hobby").

How does "take up fishing" compare to "go fishing"?

"Take up fishing" implies starting fishing as a new hobby or regular activity, whereas "go fishing" simply means to participate in a fishing trip or outing. The former suggests a longer-term commitment.