Meaning trap

take on

accept responsibility

to agree to do a job, task, or responsibility

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

accept responsibility

to agree to do a job, task, or responsibility

take on (hire someone)

Another meaning of 'take on' is 'hire someone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

She decided to take on more work to help her team finish the project.work
In my last job, I had to take on several new tasks when my colleague left, which helped me develop new skills.IELTS speaking

Pattern: take on + noun (task, job, responsibility)

WrongIt's a lot, but I'll take on it.

RightIt's a lot, but I'll take it on.

With a pronoun object, split the verb: 'take it on'.

Patterntake on + noun (task, job, responsibility)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I have agreed to assume responsibility for the new project.

Natural I've agreed to take on the new project.

'Take on' is the everyday verb for accepting work or responsibility; 'assume responsibility' is formal.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Take on' is about accepting a new responsibility, not just starting an activity.

take on (hire someone) — Another meaning of 'take on' is 'hire someone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.