Phrasal verb
take up
To start a new activity, hobby, or habit and spend time doing it regularly.
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 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.