Are you ready for more responsibility at work?
If so, you need ways to say this in English!
Listen in today to learn about the phrasal verb ‘take on’.
We’ll show you how to use it in different situations in the business world.
Ready to take on new responsibilities?
Michelle asks Lindsay if she has taken on any new responsibilities recently.
Lindsay mentioned that she has started hosting the All Ears English Open Conversation Club once a week.
Students in any All Ears English course are able to attend these speaking practice sessions every week.
In today’s episode, a listener asked a question about using the phrasal verb ‘take on.’
Today’s question
Hi, I’m Sophia! I really love your podcast. Every time I listen, I just can’t stop—it’s such a fun way to learn English. I’ve been wondering about the phrase “take on.” I know it can mean taking on responsibility, facing challenges, or even hiring someone, but I’d love to know more about how it’s used in different contexts. Could you explain it in a casual, everyday way?
@舒雅-r4z
A useful phrasal verb
The phrasal verb ‘take on’ is very versatile.
There are a lot of ways to use it.
Lindsay and Michelle wanted to discuss this on the Business English podcast because we use it a lot at work.
It’s common in personal conversations and also in the business world.
Using ‘take on’
There are a few different ways to use the phrasal verb ‘take on’ in the business setting.
They will go through some of the uses already mentioned by Sophia and add more.
You’ll hear many examples and a roleplay so you can understand each usage.
#1: Take on responsibility
You can use this to mention that you are accepting a task or started to do something.
Example:
I’m taking on a ton of new duties at work. It’s been a huge learning curve since Patricia left.Charlie, if you can take on the new account, that would be great.
You can also use it to share information about your workload.
Example:
I honestly took on too much this past year. I think I need to take a vacation.
#2: Facing challenges
This is very similar to the first use mentioned above.
In general, take on is about accepting things that are a bit challenging.
It can also refer to simple tasks or projects but there is a hint of commitment and a heavier responsibility.
Example:
She’s taking on so much now with her new job and her volunteer work. I don’t know how she does it.
#3: Hiring
This is often used to refer to hiring.
‘Take on’ a new employee means to hire them.
Examples:
The company doesn’t want to take on any new employees until they see their earnings for Q1.If he would just take on one more accountant, our lives would be so much easier!
#4: Compete against/challenge
The phrasal verb ‘take on’ can refer to a challenge against another person.
It shows competition.
Example:
Let’s take on the sales team with a little friendly competition. Make it interesting.
Situations for ‘take on’
Michelle asks Lindsay which of the ways mentioned feels most natural for her.
Lindsay responds that using ‘take on’ is most commonly used to refer to accepting more responsibility or hiring people.
The essence of the phrasal verb ‘take on’ is about trying something new or adding more to your plate.
This can be used in business meetings and when assigning tasks.
You can also use this to share your schedule or what’s on your plate.
It can be used to ask what someone is doing in order to connect with colleagues at work.
Here are some questions you can ask:
- Have you ever taken on too many tasks?
- How do you handle it when that happens?
- When does a company know it’s time to take on a new employee?
Roleplay
Michelle and Lindsay use the phrases and tips discussed in this episode in a roleplay.
This will help you better understand how to apply today’s phrases in a conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are coworkers at a meeting.
Michelle: So the boss wants us to take on our competition by really boosting our marketing budget.
Lindsay: That makes sense. Is she thinking of taking on a new hire, or is that just all work for us?
Michelle: Ooh I don’t know. It would be a lot for us to take on, but I think we could do it!
Don’t miss this related episode!
You can explore more episodes like this to improve your communication skills in the workplace.
Our episodes help you strengthen not only English fluency, but also your connection with colleagues.
Check out episode BE 341: Do Phrasal Verbs Jump Out At You?
In this episode, you will learn more phrasal verbs to use in the Business setting to connect with your colleagues.
Takeaway
‘Take on’ is a crucial phrasal verb for the workplace.
It can be confusing because we use it in so many ways!
Learning how to use this effectively can help you communicate more clearly and confidently when discussing responsibilities, challenges, or hiring needs.
Whether you’re talking about accepting new tasks, taking on more work, or discussing company growth, this versatile expression is essential for navigating conversations at work.
Understanding the different ways to use this phrasal verb can help you express yourself with precision and sound natural in any professional situation.
Remember, there is always an opportunity to connect at work even if it’s just talking about projects and challenges you’re taking on.
Use this phrase to take your business English skills to the next level while building good work relations.
What is another phrasal verb you know that’s commonly used at work?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
