Quick Definition
Take On — To accept responsibility or work; to employ someone; to compete against someone.
Meanings of Take On
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Accept work/responsibility | She agreed to take on three new clients. | She accepted them as clients. |
| Employ | The company took on twenty new staff. | They hired twenty people. |
| Compete against | The underdog team took on the champions. | They competed against them. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| She agreed to take on three new clients. | She accepted them as clients. |
| The company took on twenty new staff. | They hired twenty people. |
| The underdog team took on the champions. | They competed against them. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll take on it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive
Transitive and separable: take the work on or take on the work. In 'employ' sense, usually take on staff (particle after object is less common).
How to Use Take On
Neutral to formal. Common in business and sports contexts.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | She agreed to take on three new clients. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Take On
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Take On
What does "Take On" mean?
"Take On" means: To accept responsibility or work; to employ someone; to compete against someone. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B2.
Is "Take On" separable or inseparable?
"Take On" is separable. Transitive and separable: take the work on or take on the work. In 'employ' sense, usually take on staff (particle after object is less common).
How do I use "Take On" in a sentence?
She agreed to take on three new clients. -- in this example, 'Take On' means she accepted them as clients.
What is the register of "Take On"?
Neutral to formal. Common in business and sports contexts.
What CEFR level is "Take On"?
"Take On" is typically taught at CEFR B2 — Upper Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to formal contexts.
What is the difference between "Take On" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Take On" specifically means: To accept responsibility or work; to employ someone; to compete against someone. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Take On" be used formally?
Neutral to formal. Common in business and sports contexts. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Take On" take an object?
"Take On" is transitive. Transitive and separable: take the work on or take on the work. In 'employ' sense, usually take on staff (particle after object is less common).
How can I practise "Take On"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Take On' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Take On" used in British or American English?
"Take On" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to formal. Common in business and sports contexts.