Phrasal verb
take up
Meanings
To start doing a new activity, hobby, or habit.
To accept an offer or invitation, or agree to do something.
To use or fill an amount of space or time.
Definition
To start a new activity, hobby, or habit and spend time doing it regularly.
To take up something means to begin doing it, often as a hobby or regular activity. It can also mean to accept an offer or start a role or responsibility. In everyday English, it’s very common for sports, skills, and interests.
Examples
- I decided to take up swimming after work.
- She took up the manager’s offer and joined the project.
- They took up most of the living room with their new sofa.
- He’s taking up the guitar again after years away from it.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "take up" (start/accept/use space) with "pick up" (lift or learn casually) and use the wrong verb in context.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.