taking up

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to beginning something or occupying a space, such as in the sentence: "She was taking up a new hobby to help occupy her time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fancy taking up knitting?

Independent

You're taking up another course?

The New Yorker

"It's taking up room".

The New York Times

Taking up trail running?

The New York Times

How about taking up tennis together?

The New Yorker

Polenta pancakes taking up precious square footage?

The New York Times

So are Brits taking up the offer?

Independent

Others are also taking up that charge.

The New York Times

"The stump is just taking up space".

The New York Times

Taking up boxing made me feel safe".

Independent

McNutt, M. Taking up TOP.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to space, consider whether a more precise term like "occupying" or "filling" would be more appropriate for clarity. This is specially useful when it comes to technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid interchanging "taking up" with similar phrasal verbs like "taking on" or "picking up" without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "Taking on" generally implies assuming responsibility, while "picking up" suggests acquiring a skill or habit casually. For example, you "take up" a hobby with intention, but you might "pick up" slang from a new city.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "taking up" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or hobby (e.g., "taking up knitting"). It can also denote occupying space, either physically or metaphorically, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "taking up" is a versatile expression with two primary meanings: to begin a new activity or hobby, and to occupy space or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across a wide range of contexts. While it's crucial to choose the most appropriate alternative depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey, "taking up" remains a valuable and frequently employed phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting

This alternative simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning of initiating an activity.

beginning

Similar to 'starting', this option focuses on the commencement of an action or hobby.

commencing

Offers a more formal alternative to 'starting' or 'beginning', implying a more significant undertaking.

embarking on

This phrase suggests a journey or a significant commitment to a new venture.

engaging in

Implies active participation or involvement in an activity or cause.

occupying

Focuses on the aspect of filling space or time, rather than initiating something new.

dedicating oneself to

Highlights a strong commitment and focused effort towards a particular activity.

absorbing

Emphasizes the aspect of consuming resources like time or space.

making space for

Highlights the action of freeing up space or time, in order to do something

assuming

Suggests taking on a responsibility or role, differing from starting a hobby.

FAQs

What does "taking up" mean?

"Taking up" can mean starting a new hobby or activity, like "taking up tennis". It can also mean occupying space or time, as in "That box is taking up too much room."

What can I say instead of "taking up" when referring to a new hobby?

You can use alternatives such as "starting", "beginning", or "embarking on" depending on the context.

How can I avoid misusing "taking up"?

Be mindful of the context. If you mean assuming a responsibility, consider "taking on" instead. If you mean learning something casually, "picking up" might be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say "taking up space" in both physical and abstract contexts?

Yes, "taking up space" is correct in both contexts. You can use it to describe a physical object occupying space or an abstract concept, like an idea "taking up emotional room".