ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take over

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to take control of something, like a job, a company, or a situation.

phr. v.. To assume control or management of something, often replacing a previous person or entity; frequently used in business contexts regarding acquisitions.


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.

Particles
over
Separability
optional
Pattern
take + (object) + over
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.

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