take to
B2Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
To begin to do something as a regular habit or to develop a liking or aptitude for someone or something.
Can also mean to escape or flee to a place, to adopt a particular manner or attitude, or to start using something as a refuge or means of transport.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a new, sustained behavior or emotional response that becomes characteristic. When used with a person ('take to someone'), it suggests an immediate, instinctive liking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference in British English for 'take to' in the sense of 'repair to' (e.g., 'took to his bed'). The noun form 'take-to' (as in natural aptitude) is obsolete and not used in modern English.
Connotations
Equally common and understood in both varieties. The 'develop a liking' sense is very frequent in both.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties; a core phrasal verb.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + take to + [noun/pronoun][Subject] + take to + [gerund/-ing form]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take to one's heels”
- “take to the bottle”
- “take something to heart”
- “take to the cleaners”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts like 'The team took to the new software immediately.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in social science texts describing behavioral changes.
Everyday
Very common for discussing new hobbies, habits, or interpersonal reactions (e.g., 'The baby took to her grandmother straight away.').
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She's really taken to gardening since she retired.
- The refugees took to the boats in desperation.
- He didn't take to his new school at first.
American English
- He took to calling her every night.
- Protesters took to the streets after the verdict.
- The puppy took to its training right away.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dog took to my friend quickly.
- She took to her new teacher.
- He took to playing the guitar after school.
- They took to the life in the countryside very well.
- Despite initial doubts, she took to the managerial role with surprising ease.
- The population took to using bicycles as the main form of transport.
- The company took to outsourcing as a means of cutting costs.
- Disillusioned with politics, he took to writing philosophical essays.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat that you just adopted. It immediately jumps onto your lap and starts purring. It has TAKEN TO you naturally and quickly. The phrase captures that moment of beginning a new habit or forming an instant connection.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIKING IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'She took to sailing'), ADOPTING A HABIT IS MOVING TOWARDS A PLACE (e.g., 'He took to drinking').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with literal 'take' (брать). 'Take to' is an indivisible phrasal verb meaning 'пристраститься', 'привязаться', 'понравиться'.
- The Russian construction 'взять себе за правило' is a good conceptual equivalent for the 'begin a habit' sense.
- Avoid translating 'to' separately; it is part of the verb.
Common Mistakes
- Using an infinitive instead of a gerund after 'take to' (Incorrect: 'He took to swim.' Correct: 'He took to swimming.').
- Confusing 'take to' with 'take after' (resemble) or 'take up' (start a hobby).
- Using it in overly formal contexts where 'begin' or 'adopt' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'take to' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral. One can 'take to drink' (negative) or 'take to a healthy lifestyle' (positive). The context defines the connotation.
Yes, though less common. For example: 'He is really taking to his new role as manager.' It emphasizes an ongoing process of adaptation or liking.
'Take to' often implies a natural affinity or a quick, voluntary adoption. 'Get used to' focuses more on the process of acclimatization, which might be slower or less instinctive.
Yes, it follows the principal parts of the verb 'take': take (base) – took (past) – taken (past participle). So: 'He took to it' (past), 'He has taken to it' (present perfect).