take on

To agree to do a task or become responsible for something.

• I cannot take on more work.
• She took on responsibility for the whole event.
• Have you taken on too many projects?

How to use it: take on something (I cannot take on another project this month.); take something on (It is a big task, but I will take it on.)

Similar words: undertake, accept, shoulder

Common phrases: take on something, take on work, take on responsibility

To give someone a paid job.

• They took on three workers.
• Is the restaurant taking on new staff?
• She was taken on as a part-time assistant.

How to use it: take on someone (The shop is taking on two assistants.); take someone on as something (They took me on as a driver.)

Similar words: hire, employ, recruit

Opposites: dismiss

Common phrases: take on someone, take on staff, take on workers

To start having a particular quality, appearance, or meaning.

• The sky took on a pink color.
• His words have taken on a new meaning.
• The discussion is taking on greater importance.

How to use it: take on something (Her voice took on a serious tone.)

Similar words: acquire, assume, develop

Common phrases: take on importance, take on meaning, take on something

To fight or compete against someone, or try to deal with a difficult problem.

• Our team takes on theirs tomorrow.
• She took on a much stronger opponent.
• Who is brave enough to take on this problem?

How to use it: take on someone/something (Our team will take on the champions tomorrow.)

Similar words: challenge, face, confront

Common phrases: take on someone, take on champions, take on corruption

To bring goods, supplies, or passengers onto a ship, vehicle, or similar place.

• The ship took on fresh water.
• We stopped at the port to take on fuel.
• The bus takes on passengers at every village.

How to use it: take on something/someone (The ferry stopped to take on passengers.)

Similar words: load, take aboard

Opposites: unload

Common phrases: take on cargo, take on fuel, take on passengers

To accept advice or comments and consider using them.

• We will take on your feedback.
• She took on the criticism and changed her plan.
• Are they willing to take on our suggestions?

How to use it: take on something (The designers took on our suggestions.); take something on (Your comments are helpful, and I will take them on.)

Similar words: accept, consider, take on board

Opposites: reject

Common phrases: take on feedback, take on advice, take on suggestions