Meaning trap
take up
start an activity
to begin doing a new activity, hobby, or sport regularly.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to begin doing a new activity, hobby, or sport regularly.
Another meaning of 'take up' is 'use space or time'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I decided to take up yoga to help me relax after work.daily life
- In my free time, I recently took up painting because I wanted a creative outlet.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: take up + noun (activity/hobby/sport)
WrongI took up to play the guitar.
RightI took up playing the guitar. / I took up the guitar.
'Take up' + noun or + -ing, not a to-infinitive.
Patterntake up + noun (activity/hobby/sport)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Take up' is the natural verb for starting a hobby; 'commence the practice of' is ceremonial.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
take up + hobbyyogarunninga new hobbythe guitar
Don't confuse it
Not to be confused with 'take on', which often means to accept a responsibility or challenge.
Related
- take up (use space or time) — Another meaning of 'take up' is 'use space or time'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.