Phrasal verb
take over
Definition
phrasal verb. to take control of something, like a job, a company, or a situation.
phrasal verb. To assume control or management of something, often replacing a previous person or entity; frequently used in business contexts regarding acquisitions.
Examples
“She will take over the manager's job next month.”
“A large international bank is planning to take over the local family-owned business.”
“The vice president was forced to take over the daily operations after the CEO unexpectedly resigned during the merger negotiations.”
Examples
simple
“She will take over the manager's job next month.”
contextual
“A large international bank is planning to take over the local family-owned business.”
complex
“The vice president was forced to take over the daily operations after the CEO unexpectedly resigned during the merger negotiations.”
Usage
Can be used with or without a direct object depending on whether the thing being controlled is mentioned.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'overtake' (to pass someone physically or in quality); 'take over' focuses on the transfer of power or responsibility.
Pitfall
The company was take over by a rival.
The company was taken over by a rival.
As a phrasal verb, the verb 'take' must still follow standard conjugation rules for the passive voice.
Phrasal verb
Particles
over
Separability
optional
Pattern
take + (object) + over