“Take over” is a phrasal verb meaning to assume responsibility or control from someone else. In this guide, IDP will walk you through the meaning, structure, and usage of this useful expression, along with exercises to help you master it for IELTS and daily English communication.
1. What Does "Take Over" Mean?
“Take over” is a phrasal verb formed by combining the verb “take” with the preposition “over.” It means to assume control, responsibility, or a role from another person or group.
Definition: To begin to do something that someone else was doing; to gain control or responsibility for something.
Examples:
Our team leader is leaving, so I’ll take over the project next month.
That company was taken over by a larger corporation last year.
In some contexts, it can also describe something becoming dominant or replacing something else:
Digital platforms are gradually taking over from traditional television.
2. Structures and Usage of "Take Over" in English
"Take over" is commonly used in work, business, and leadership contexts to talk about responsibility transitions. Below are the key grammatical patterns and usage examples.
Structure 1: Take over something / Take something over
Both forms are interchangeable.
Structure: S + take over + something or S + take + something + over
Examples:
Liam will take over the family restaurant when his father retires.
A larger company has recently taken the startup over.
Structure 2: Take over from someone/something
Used when referring to replacing or succeeding someone or something.
Structure: S + take over from + someone/something
Examples:
Emma took over from Jack as the head of the marketing department.
Online shopping has taken over from traditional retail stores.
Structure 3: Take over as + [Role/Position]
Used when mentioning a specific title, job, or position being assumed.
Structure: S + take over as + Noun/Noun Phrase
Examples:
Oliver will take over as team leader next month.
She took over as CEO after the company faced a financial crisis.
3. Difference Between "Take Over" and "Take On"
Though both phrases deal with responsibility, they are not interchangeable:
Criteria | Take Over | Take On |
|---|---|---|
Meaning | Assume duties from someone else | Voluntarily accept new tasks or responsibilities |
Usage Context | When replacing or succeeding someone | When accepting challenges or hiring new staff |
Example | Jane will take over the project after Mark leaves. | He took on too much work and felt exhausted. |
4. Notes When Using "Take Over"
Can stand alone when the context is clear: I’ll take over next week.
Not used to describe voluntarily taking on new roles without a predecessor — in that case, use “take on.”
You can place the object before or after “over”: take over the business = take the business over
5. Synonyms and Alternative Phrases for "Take Over"
Use these synonymous phrases to enhance your vocabulary:
Phrase | Meaning | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Replace | Substitute someone in a role | Replace sb as sth | I will replace Sarah as team leader. |
Assume | Take on a role officially | Assume sth | She will assume office on May 1st. |
Take charge (of) | Become responsible for something | Take charge of sth | Jessica will take charge of the annual event. |
Gain/Keep/Take control (of) | Gain or maintain authority | Gain control of sth | The CEO took control of the financial crisis. |
Assume the leadership of | Begin leading an organization | Assume the leadership of sth/sb | He assumed leadership of the club. |
Take the helm (of) | Lead or manage a company or project | Take the helm of sth | She took the helm of the startup and led it to success. |
Take up the reins (of) | Take control, especially after someone else | Take up the reins of sth | He took up the reins of the city council after the mayor resigned. |
Succeed (sb as) | Follow someone in a specific role | Succeed sb as sth | John succeeded his father as company owner. |
6. Practice Exercises on "Take Over" (With Answers)
Exercise: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence.
1. The company has decided _________ the smaller competitor to expand its market share.
A. take over
B. to take over
C. taking over
2. Julia has been promoted and will __________ the management of the new branch.
A. take over
B. took over
C. taking over
3. We are waiting to hear who will __________ the project after Sarah leaves.
A. take over
B. take it over
C. took over
4. Last year, they __________ the leadership of the tech startup and transformed it into a global leader.
A. took over as
B. took over from
C. took over
5. After his father’s retirement, James __________ the family business.
A. took over
B. takes over
C. had taken over
Answers:
B. to take over
A. take over
A. take over
A. took over as
A. took over
Master "Take Over" and Boost Your IELTS Performance with IDP
Understanding and applying phrasal verbs like “take over” will make your English more natural, especially in IELTS Speaking and Writing. It is often used when describing transitions, leadership roles, business scenarios, or responsibility shifts.
If you are planning to take the IELTS exam, make sure to explore the IELTS band score system to set realistic goals. Once you are ready, choose a convenient IELTS test date and location with IDP to maximize your preparation.
IDP offers internationally recognized test centers across Vietnam with flexible schedules and excellent facilities, helping you take the test in a stress-free environment.
Book your IELTS test with IDP today and move one step closer to your target band score!