took on work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took on work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of accepting or assuming responsibilities or tasks, often in a professional context. Example: "After the team lost a member, I took on work to help meet our project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In the years since Maria Callas took on work like "Lucia di Lammermoor" and "Anna Bolena," Donizetti's 70 operas became the subject of such keen interest that nowadays there remain no undiscovered gems waiting for their first glimpse of daylight in modern times.

The New York Times - Arts

To sustain the company during the later years of the Depression, the Galvin brothers, who opposed unions, took on work from other companies, such as the Philco Corporation in 1938, whose workers were on strike.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Mr. Izgiayev, who recently took on work as an electrician, is eager to ensure their stability and remains grateful for all in his life that has remained intact.

The New York Times

Time and again – and decades after the feminist movement took on work and parenting issues – we fail every possible test of what it takes to create healthy pregnant women and supported mothers.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also took on work at Gun, a video games consultancy firm, and there he made contact with Mark Seremet, CEO of Zoo Publishing.

Wikipedia

As he tries to MacGyver his way out of his devastating situation without exhausting his air supply or having a meltdown, we learn that he is a regular husband and father who took on work driving trucks in Iraq for the US Army.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I've never taken on work I didn't want to take on, even if that meant making compromises financially.

The Guardian

Perhaps that's why so few ballet companies have taken on work by Ms. Brown, while they have rushed toward other modern dance creators like Twyla Tharp or Mark Morris.

The New York Times - Arts

It asserts that hatred itself is criminal and deserving of punishment, that it is something that can be eradicated as society takes on work once left for religion.

The New York Times - Arts

However, as more employers take on work experience students, there will undoubtedly be concerns about people using it as an opportunity to access cheap labour.

The Guardian

Men and women taking on work, whether as domestic workers, construction laborers, or turning toward 'informal' markets, are making decisions with their direct personal interests in mind.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took on work", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific tasks or responsibilities being assumed. Providing detail enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "took on work" without specifying what kind of work was assumed. Lack of context can leave the reader guessing and diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took on work" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of accepting or assuming responsibilities or tasks. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often used to describe new duties or projects undertaken by an individual or organization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took on work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of accepting or assuming responsibilities or tasks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. The phrase's frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability in written English. While versatile, ensuring sufficient context is crucial for clarity. Consider alternative phrases like ""assumed responsibility"" or "undertook tasks" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepted employment

Focuses on the act of formally agreeing to a job or position.

assumed responsibility

Emphasizes the act of taking on a duty or obligation.

undertook tasks

Highlights the commencement of specific actions or projects.

embarked on projects

Suggests a more significant or adventurous undertaking.

shouldered duties

Implies bearing the weight or burden of responsibilities.

engaged in assignments

Focuses on active involvement in specific tasks.

handled assignments

Highlights managing tasks or duties.

tackled responsibilities

Suggests a proactive approach to dealing with obligations.

secured a position

Implies obtaining a formal role or job.

agreed to perform

Highlights a formal agreement to carry out specific duties.

FAQs

What does "took on work" mean?

The phrase "took on work" means to accept or assume responsibilities, tasks, or duties, typically in a professional or work-related context.

How can I use "took on work" in a sentence?

You can use "took on work" to describe someone accepting new responsibilities. For example: "After a promotion, she "assumed responsibility" for managing the team's projects."

What are some alternatives to "took on work"?

Alternatives to "took on work" include "accepted employment", "undertook tasks", or ""assumed responsibility"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "took on work" formal or informal?

"Took on work" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "undertook tasks" might be preferred in certain professional settings.