Below you will find two of the uses of the phrasal verb 'take to' which you are likely to find used in the Cambridge Advanced exam.

In addition to the meaning/definition for each use, you will also find two examples of it being used with each meaning (to help you better understand its use and the context it is used in).

In order to remember these uses, make sure to make an example in your own words with the phrasal verb.

Use 1

When you like and feel comfortable with something you have just started or somebody you have just met.

"You two seem to have TAKEN TO each other really quickly. You wouldn't have known that you've only just met today."
"Yeah, we are very similar types of people and we have a lot of things in common."

I am really surprised. Normally it takes him time to start enjoying a job. But he has TAKEN TO this new job really quickly.

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb

Use 2

To say that somebody has started doing something habitually.

My brother never used to do any exercise. But over the last two months he's TAKEN TO going to gym three times a week. I hope he’ll continue doing it in the future.

Why has your brother recently TAKEN TO wearing suits when he goes out? He never used to, he always wore very casual clothes before.

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb


Return to the list of 50 commonly phrasal verbs in the CAE exam.