take up knitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take up knitting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of starting to learn or engage in knitting as a hobby or activity. Example: "After years of wanting to try something new, I finally decided to take up knitting during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Take up knitting or vajazzling maybe?

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Goodman implies in the article that she plans to take up knitting.

The New York Times - Style

The best way to quit smoking is to take up knitting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people take up knitting when they get restless; Luis Aleman of Brooklyn started sewing straw.

The New York Times

If you didn't take up knitting back in 2004 when newspapers were falling over themselves to declare it The New Thing To Do, now could be the time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the first episode, Jack nails her on sight as "a New York third-wave feminist, college-educated, single-and-pretending-to-be-happy-about-it, over-scheduled, undersexed, you buy any magazine that says 'healthy body image' on the cover and every two years you take up knitting for … a week".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

First, I took up knitting again.

The New York Times

In my 60s I took up knitting and crocheting and am now learning Spanish.

The New York Times - Health

I first found Ravelry when I took up knitting after discovering I had a chronic ankle injury.

The Guardian

I recently took up knitting, for example, and initially stored my knitting needles and wool in a cabinet, tucked out of sight.

University of California, Berkeley

Ms. Gu had even taken up knitting on her doctor's advice to try to regain control of her hand muscles, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting "take up knitting" as a way to relax or manage stress, consider adding a specific example of what can be created (e.g. a scarf, a blanket) to make the suggestion more appealing.

Common error

Be mindful of context; suggesting someone "take up knitting" as a solution to serious problems can come across as dismissive or condescending. Tailor your suggestions appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take up knitting" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an activity, specifically the craft of knitting. It describes the act of starting to engage in knitting as a hobby or pastime, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

25%

Lifestyle

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take up knitting" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of beginning to knit as a hobby. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is most frequently used in news, media and lifestyle contexts, and is generally considered to have a neutral to informal register. While it is a common phrase, care should be taken to ensure it is used appropriately and not in a dismissive manner. Suggested alternatives include "start knitting" and "begin knitting". Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and provides numerous real-world examples of its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start knitting

Direct synonym, replacing "take up" with "start" to convey the beginning of the activity.

begin knitting

Similar to "start knitting", using "begin" instead of "take up" emphasizes the commencement of knitting.

learn to knit

Focuses on acquiring the skill of knitting, rather than just starting the activity.

try knitting

Implies an experimental approach to knitting, suggesting a trial period.

get into knitting

Suggests a deeper involvement and enthusiasm for knitting.

develop a knitting habit

Emphasizes the formation of a regular knitting routine.

become a knitter

Focuses on the identity shift towards someone who actively knits.

explore knitting

Suggests a more exploratory and curious approach to knitting.

dabble in knitting

Implies a casual and infrequent engagement with knitting.

undertake knitting

Formal way to say that you started the activity.

FAQs

What are some of the benefits of "take up knitting"?

Taking up knitting can reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a creative outlet. It's also a portable hobby, easy to continue during travel or while waiting.

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

You can use alternatives like "start knitting", "begin knitting", or "learn to knit", depending on the context.

Is "take up knitting" suitable for formal writing?

While "take up knitting" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, using "begin knitting" or "commence knitting" might be more appropriate.

How can "take up knitting" improve mental well-being?

The repetitive motions of knitting can have a meditative effect, calming the mind and reducing anxiety. Finishing a project can also provide a sense of accomplishment.