Episode #9 of the course “Common English phrasal verbs: Part 2” by Angela Boothroyd

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take up

1. To take up something (or take something up) is to start doing a particular, activity, job or hobby etc.

Examples of use:

a) My grandmother has taken up

b) I’ve recently taken up

c) You’re good at writing stories. Why don’t you take it up as a career?

d) He took up stamp collecting when he was a boy.

 

2. To take up something (or take something up) is to shorten a piece of clothing, such as a dress or trousers.

Examples of use:

a) My new trousers are too long – I need to take them up.

b) My wedding dress had to be taken up

c) This skirt is a bit long. Can you take it up for me?

 

This phrasal verb has additional meanings – you can find some of them here.

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eat out

To eat out is to eat away from home, at a cafe or restaurant.

Examples of use:

a) I don’t feel like cooking tonight so let’s eat out.

b) We have eaten out every night this week!

c) I don’t like eating out. I prefer to eat at home.

d) I enjoy eating out with friends and family.

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try on

To try on something (or try something on) is to put an item of clothing on to find out whether it fits you or whether you like it, especially before buying it.

Examples of use:

a) I like these shoes. I think I’ll try them on.

b) I hate trying on new clothes.

c) This shirt is too small: I should have tried it on before I bought it.

d) School starts again next week so you must try on your new school uniform.

e) She’s tried on more than thirty wedding dresses, but she can’t find one she likes.

 

Recommended book

“117 Most Common English Idioms and Phrasal Verbs” by Zhanna Hamilton

 

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