take up

Use take up when you begin something new. This could be a sport, an art form, or even a study topic. You can take up a musical instrument. You can take up a new language. You can take up running or yoga. It works for hobbies like knitting or painting. It also applies to habits, like taking up meditation. You usually say what you are taking up right after the phrase. For example, “I’m going to take up guitar.” It’s very versatile. You can use it in the past, present, or future. “She took up pottery last year.” “I’m taking up gardening.” “We will take up hiking.”

Imagine you're telling a friend about your weekend plans. “I’m thinking of taking up baking sourdough bread.” Or maybe you’re updating your LinkedIn profile. “Since leaving my old job, I’ve taken up photography to explore my creative side.” On Instagram, a caption might read: “Finally decided to take up painting! Wish me luck! 🎨” Even in a casual chat, you might say, “My neighbor took up beekeeping, and now he has the sweetest honey.” These examples show how natural it sounds. It fits perfectly into everyday conversations. It’s a phrase you’ll hear and read often. It’s a simple way to express a new beginning.

Use take up when you are starting a new activity or hobby. You are actively choosing to begin something. It implies a degree of commitment. You’re not just dabbling; you’re getting involved. Think about new interests you’re pursuing. Are you learning a new skill? Are you joining a new club? Are you adopting a new routine? If yes, take up is likely the right phrase. It’s great for describing personal development. It fits when you want to fill your free time productively. It also works when you're trying something for the very first time. It’s a common and friendly expression.

Do not use take up for things you are forced to do. For example, you wouldn't say you take up a new work project if it was assigned. You might say you're *starting* or *beginning* it. Also, avoid it for things you already do regularly. If you’ve been running for years, you didn’t take up running last week. You might have *resumed* or *continued* it. Don't use it for very short, casual tries. If you taste a new coffee, you don't take up coffee. You just *tried* it. It’s not for professional duties unless you're starting them as a new skill. It’s mainly for personal interests.

Learners sometimes confuse take up with similar-sounding phrases. They might use take on incorrectly. Take on often means accepting responsibility or a challenge, like a new role. Another mistake is using pick up in the wrong context. While pick up can mean learning something informally, take up implies a more dedicated start.

It's easy to mix these up!

• Start: This is a very general word for beginning something. Take up is more specific to hobbies and activities.
• Begin: Similar to start, it’s broad. Take up adds a nuance of personal interest.
• Embark on: This sounds more formal and serious. You embark on a journey or a major project.
• Get into: This means to become interested in something. It’s often less committed than take up. “I’m getting into yoga.”
• Learn: This focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or skill. Take up is about the act of starting the activity itself.

• Take up a new hobby: Very common and clear.
• Take up a sport: Specific to athletic activities.
• Take up a craft: For artistic or manual skills.
• Take up gardening/painting/music: Specific examples are frequent.
• Take up a challenge: Means to accept a difficult task. This is slightly different but related.
• Take up residence: This means to start living in a place. It’s a fixed expression, not about hobbies!