took it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took it up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone starting to engage with or take on a task, responsibility, or interest. Example: "After much consideration, she finally took it up and began practicing the piano every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"He took it up a notch".

The New York Times - Sports

He took it up a little.

The New Yorker

She took it up with her bosses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now Kelly took it up a notch.

The New Yorker

She certainly took it up with relish".

The Guardian - Film

Taiwanese manufacturers took it up; Toshiba, Sony and others followed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Would he take it up?

The Economist

Morrison is going to take it up".

The New Yorker

Take it up a level.

Harvard Business Review

"Take it up with God".

The New York Times

It's taking it up a peg.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took it up" to clearly indicate that someone has started a new activity, hobby, or responsibility. Ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "took it up" without a clear antecedent for "it". Make sure the noun or activity you're referring to is explicitly stated in the preceding context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took it up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the commencement of an activity or the assumption of a responsibility. Examples from Ludwig show it being used in contexts ranging from starting a hobby to escalating a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took it up" is a versatile phrasal verb frequently used to describe starting a new activity or escalating a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, notably in news, wiki, and academic domains. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to ensure clarity in usage by explicitly referencing what "it" refers to. Alternatives like "started it" or "began it" can be used, but "took it up" remains a common and effective choice for conveying initiation or escalation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started it

Focuses on the initiation of an activity without necessarily implying continuation or intensity.

began it

Simple and direct, highlighting the act of starting something.

embraced it

Implies enthusiasm and willingness in starting something.

commenced it

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate start.

embarked on it

Implies a significant undertaking or journey.

assumed it

Suggests taking on a role or responsibility.

undertook it

Highlights a formal commitment to a task.

escalated it

Indicates an increase in intensity or seriousness.

advanced it

Suggests moving something forward to a higher level.

heightened it

Implies increasing the degree or intensity of something.

FAQs

What does "took it up" mean?

"Took it up" generally means to start something new, like a hobby, a responsibility, or to escalate a situation.

How can I use "took it up" in a sentence?

You can say, "After retiring, he "started playing golf" and really "took it up" quickly", meaning he began playing and improved rapidly.

What are some alternatives to "took it up"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "started it", "began it", or "escalated it".

Is "took it up" formal or informal?

"Took it up" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing.