Take up
1 Start doing
Meaning
Start doing something such as a hobbie or a job.
Why up?
Up often means that something starts or that it somehow appears. If you take up tennis, you start doing it, you make it happen.
Check out more phrasal verbs with the same preposition logic in Logic > Up .
Collocations
So, what words go together with take up?
Examples
subject verb object
| She has been widely praised by the media since taking up the job. |
| She took up the post of managing director in 2018. |
| He took up the position of non-executive director. |
| He took up his role as Sheffield's mayor in May. |
| The important thing is to take up some kind of exercise. |
| He took up running as a way to get fit. |
| I persuaded him to take up a sport. |
| Encourage their kids to take up a hobby that will keep them engaged. |
| I took up guitar lessons a few months ago. |
| Never be afraid to take up an artistic pursuit at any age. |
| He's taken up drinking again. |
Grammar
separable You can separate this phrasal verb in this context. Someone takes up something or someone takes something up.
| He took up the job. |
| He took the job up. (possible but not common) |
2 Use space or time
Meaning
Use a certain amount of space or time.
Examples
| I don't want to take up any more of your time. |
| They are just taking up valuable space so they will have to go. |
| It takes up too much room so I am trying to get rid of it. |
| Most of the day was taken up by presentations. |
| I have a one year old who takes up most of my attention. |
| Running our business takes up all my energy. |
Grammar
inseparable Don't separate this phrasal verb in this context.
| It takes up too much space |
3 Accept
Meaning
Accept something you've been offered or decide to do something someone has suggested you do.
| We decided to take up his offer. |
| She took up the challenge to reduce her personal carbon footprints. |
| I think we should take up her invitation. |
Grammar
separable You can separate this phrasal verb in this context.
4 Discuss with
Examples
| I'll have to take it up with the manager. |
| If the problem persists, take it up with your supervisor. |
Grammar
inseparable Don't separate this phrasal verb in this context.