Commonly confused
Take on vs Take up
“Take on” and “Take up” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.
The key difference
Take on means accept a responsibility or challenge. Take up means accept an offered opportunity.
take on
- 1
Accept a responsibility or challenge
“I can't take on any more work right now.”
- 2
Employ new staff
“They are taking on twenty new employees.”
- 3
Compete against
“The team took on the reigning champions.”
take up
- 1
Start a new hobby or activity
“I want to take up yoga this year.”
- 2
Occupy space or time
“This sofa takes up too much room.”
- 3
Accept an offered opportunity
“She took up his offer of help.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.