Meaning
to begin or engage in an activity, hobby, sport, or occupation; to occupy or use a particular amount of time, space, or resource.
Primary Function
Starting a new activity or hobby
Communicative Purpose
Indicating the beginning of engaging in something regularly
Pattern
take up
Core Structure
take up
Função primária
Starting a new activity or hobby
Propósito comunicativo
Indicating the beginning of engaging in something regularly
Situações de gatilho
When someone begins a new hobby, sport, or responsibility
Contextos
Casual conversations, personal development discussions, career transitions
Padrão
take up
Estrutura central
take up
Slots de substituição
Activity, hobby, sport, responsibility
Colocados típicos
- painting
- gardening
- sports
- a new habit
Substituições comuns
- take on (more formal
- often for responsibilities)
- start (less idiomatic)
Erros comuns
Using 'take up' with people (e.g., 'I took up my friend') — incorrect; should be used with activities
Similar / contraste
take on, start, pick up
Interferências
Learners may confuse 'take up' with 'take on' or use it transitively with people instead of activities
Família do chunk
- take on
- pick up
- start
Nuance
Informal but widely accepted in spoken and written English; implies commitment over time
Efeito pragmático
Conveys personal initiative and sustained engagement
Dica de memória
Start a hobby
Nota
This phrasal verb is commonly used to describe starting a new activity or hobby, but it can also refer to occupying space or accepting an offer. It is important to note that 'take up' is separable when used with an object, meaning the object can come between 'take' and 'up'.
Upgrade path
embrace
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