take over — replace someone in a role
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To start doing a job or duty that someone else was doing before.
Say it like a native
Textbook I will assume his duties when he departs.
Native I'll take over when he leaves.
'Take over' is the everyday verb for stepping into someone's role; 'assume his duties' is formal.
Pattern: take over (from someone)
In use
- When my colleague went on holiday, I took over from her until she returned.work
- If my parents are busy, I usually take over from them and help my younger brother with his homework.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She took over of the team.
✓ She took over the team.
'Take over' the thing; 'take over FROM' the person you replace.
Common collocations
take over + role— the team, from him, as manager, the shop
Don't confuse it
Different from 'fill in for', which is usually temporary.
Related
- take over (take control) — Another meaning of 'take over' is 'take control'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.