Word of the Day: Take
The word “take” is used in many different ways. It’s an irregular verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
We use “take” when bringing something, using something, having something, studying, traveling, or talking about time.
| simple | past | past participle |
|---|---|---|
|
take
|
took
|
taken
|
- I took a picture with my phone.
- Don’t forget to take a coat with you today.
- Have you ever taken a trip by boat?
- What does it take to get ahead in life?
- How many classes are you taking this term?
- Have you ever taken a German class?
- This won’t take long.
- It takes a lot of patience to do this job.
- It took 20 minutes to get to work by bike this morning.
- The medicine should be taken on a full stomach.
- How do you take your tea?
- A little boy took something from the store. (He stole something.)
- Someone has to take charge here. (Someone needs to be a leader and be in command.)
- The doctor wants to take a look at some X-rays.
- It’s important to take time to be with your kids.
- Is this seat taken? (Is someone sitting here? In this question, “taken” is an adjective.)
The word “take” is highly idiomatic and found in many verb phrases:
- Our company is taking on new employees next month. (take on = hire)
- The medical procedure didn’t take. (It didn’t work.)
- Jeremy says he wants to take up yoga. (He wants to begin doing it.)
- Sheila took up acting in college and eventually became an actress.
- Many European countries say that they can’t take in any more refugees. (take in = accept)
- Joe says he can take on anyone. (take on = fight and win)
- Do you take me for a fool? I don’t trust you. (take someone for = believe to be something or someone)
- The boat is taking on water. (take on water = There’s a leak.)
- That dog really takes to water. (She likes water.)
- I’ll have to take this matter up with my supervisor. (take something up with = discuss with a person in authority)
- Most people were taken aback by the election results. (They were surprised.)
Sometimes the word “take” is used as a noun:
- What’s your take on this situation? (take = opinion)
- The director wants to do another take. (take = a shot with a camera)
- The senator was found guilty of being on the take. (He was corrupt and receiving money illegally.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with T page to see the list of all words starting with letter T. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
