She decided to take on more work to help her team finish the project.
A: Are you sure you want to take on another class this semester? B: Yeah, I think I can handle it.
In my last job, I had to take on several new tasks when my colleague left, which helped me develop new skills.
Common mistake
✗It's a lot, but I'll take on it.
✓It's a lot, but I'll take it on.
With a pronoun object, split the verb: 'take it on'.
Tell it apart
She took on the project.
accepted the responsibility
She took up painting.
started a hobby
Use 'take on' when you agree to do something new, especially if it is a challenge or extra work.'Take on' is about accepting a new responsibility, not just starting an activity.
to begin to have a particular quality, appearance, or form, often in a way that changes how something is perceived or experienced.
As the debate continued, the conversation took on a more confrontational tone.
A: Did you notice how the atmosphere took on a strange tension after he arrived? B: Yeah, it suddenly felt really awkward in there.
When discussing environmental issues, the argument often takes on a sense of urgency as the consequences become clearer.
Common mistake
✗Her voice took a serious tone.
✓Her voice took on a serious tone.
Don't drop the particle — a thing 'takes on' a quality, not just 'takes' it.
Tell it apart
The word took on a new meaning.
acquired a quality
She took on a new job.
accepted it — sense
Use this sense when describing how something (such as a situation, object, or person) starts to display a new quality or characteristic, especially in more abstract or figurative contexts. It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English, especially in analysis or description.Unlike 'take on responsibility' (B1) or 'take on someone' (B2), this sense is not about accepting a task or hiring a person, but about something acquiring a new quality, appearance, or emotional tone.