English Reference

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.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “take over” in context.

Verb

01. formally take over the role

“The new CEO will formally take over the role at the beginning of the next fiscal year.”

adv + verb + noun

02. gradually take over the business

“The founder's daughter will gradually take over the business as he prepares for retirement.”

adv + verb + noun

03. take over as manager

“She is ready to take over as manager after the current director leaves next month.”

verb + prep + noun

04. take over the family firm

“He decided to take over the family firm instead of pursuing a career in law.”

verb + noun

Noun

05. hostile take over bid

“The board of directors rejected the hostile take over bid from their main competitor.”

adj + noun + noun

Adverb

06. completely take over the market

“The tech giant managed to completely take over the market within just three years.”

adv + verb + noun

07. effectively take over the project

“She had to effectively take over the project when the lead designer fell ill.”

adv + verb + noun

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

Synonyms

step inassume controlacquireseize

Antonyms

hand overgive upsurrenderresign

Related words

captureovertake

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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