takes on

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean to undertake or accept a responsibility, duty, challenge, or task. For example, "John takes on the responsibility of organizing the company picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The commuter takes on compulsive attributes.

The New Yorker

Her voice takes on an edge.

The New York Times

So "unilateralism" takes on a different meaning.

The Economist

Both are new takes on old ballets.

The New Yorker

A teenage "wakeboarder" takes on a flood.

The New York Times

Sometimes this takes on sinister dimensions.

The New York Times

She regularly takes on extra duties.

The New York Times

Then he takes on neuroscience.

The Guardian

The Guardian: Jay Rayner takes on slow eaters.

The New York Times

"He takes on more responsibility.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rebellion takes on many forms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in appearance or quality, consider using "takes on" to illustrate the transformation. For example, "The project takes on a new dimension with the addition of AI."

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "takes on" to avoid ambiguity. Ensure it's clear whether you mean assuming responsibility, adopting a characteristic, or competing against someone. Rewrite the sentence in case of potential misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of assuming a responsibility, adopting a characteristic, or engaging in a task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "takes on" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to express assuming responsibilities, adopting new characteristics, or engaging in confrontations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific domains. When writing, ensure clarity by considering the context to prevent misinterpretations, and feel free to use alternatives such as "undertakes" or "assumes" to enhance your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "takes on" into your vocabulary and communicate with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes responsibility for

Explicitly states the acceptance of accountability.

undertakes

More formal synonym for accepting a task or duty.

assumes

Single word substitution, implying acceptance of responsibility or a role.

steps up to

Highlights proactively accepting a challenge or responsibility.

accepts

General term for receiving or agreeing to something, including responsibilities.

tackles

Implies addressing or dealing with a problem or challenge.

embraces

Suggests a willing and enthusiastic acceptance.

adopts

Focuses on assuming a characteristic or behavior.

grapples with

Emphasizes struggling or contending with a difficult issue.

shoulders

Metaphorical term indicating bearing a burden or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes on" to indicate assuming a responsibility, like "She "takes on" the role of project manager". It can also mean adopting a characteristic, such as "The city "takes on" a festive atmosphere during the holidays".

What are some alternatives to "takes on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assumes", "undertakes", or "accepts" instead of "takes on".

Is it correct to say "take on" instead of "takes on"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "take on" with plural subjects (e.g., "They take on new challenges"), and "takes on" with singular subjects (e.g., "He takes on the responsibility").

What's the difference between "takes on" and "deals with"?

"Takes on" implies accepting a new responsibility or characteristic, while "deals with" suggests managing or handling an existing situation. For example, one "takes on" a new client, but deals with a client's issues.