SpeakUp

take in — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb3 meanings
  1. 1 understand or absorbto fully understand or remember new information, or to notice details around you
  2. 2 deceiveto trick or deceive someone so that they believe something that is not true
  3. 3 adopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)to accept and adopt an idea, belief, or viewpoint as your own, often after considering or being exposed to it.
Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

understand or absorb

B1take in sthMost common

to fully understand or remember new information, or to notice details around you

There was so much information in the lecture that I couldn't take it all in.

A: Did you see the new art exhibition?
B: Yes, there was so much to take in—I loved the colors and details.

During my first week at university, I had to take in a lot of new information, which was quite challenging at first.

Common mistake

✗There was too much information to take in it.

✓There was too much information to take in.

Don't add an extra 'it' — the object ('information') is already there.

Tell it apart

It was a lot to take in at first.

understand / absorb

The jacket needs taking in.

made smaller by a tailor
You can use 'take in' for both information and experiences. It's common when talking about learning or noticing things.'Take in' here is about understanding, not about physically bringing something inside.

Often paired with

take in + information
Practice saying this →
2

deceive

B2take in sb

to trick or deceive someone so that they believe something that is not true

She was completely taken in by the scam and lost a lot of money.

A: Did you believe what he said?
B: Yeah, I was totally taken in. I didn't realize he was lying.

Some people are easily taken in by advertisements that make false promises.

Common mistake

✗He took in me with his story.

✓I was taken in by his story.

Usually passive — 'be taken in BY' someone or something.

Tell it apart

I was taken in by the ad.

fooled by it

I took in the ad.

absorbed / understood it — sense
Usually used in the passive: 'I was taken in by his story.''Take in' here is about being fooled, not about understanding or learning.

Often paired with

be taken in + by
Practice saying this →
3

adopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)

C1take in sth sth

to accept and adopt an idea, belief, or viewpoint as your own, often after considering or being exposed to it.

After listening to the debate, she took in several of the opposing arguments and reconsidered her position.

A: I used to be quite sceptical about climate change.
B: So what changed your mind?
A: I took in what the scientists were saying and realised I couldn't ignore the evidence any longer.

Many students take in new perspectives during their university years, which can fundamentally alter their worldview.

Common mistake

✗It took me a while to take in with the idea.

✓It took me a while to take the idea in.

'Take in' takes the object directly — no 'with'.

Tell it apart

He took in everything she taught.

absorbed and adopted it

He was taken in by the scam.

was deceived — sense
'Take in' in this sense is used when someone not only understands an idea but also makes it part of their own beliefs or attitudes. It is common in academic, professional, and reflective contexts.Unlike the B1 sense ('understand or absorb'), this sense emphasizes internalizing and adopting an idea as your own, not just comprehending it. It is more abstract and evaluative.

Often paired with

take in + idea
Practice saying this →

Turn this into speaking practice

Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.

understand or absorbdeceiveadopt as one's own (idea, viewpoint, etc.)