ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take up golf

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to start doing a new activity or hobby like golf.

phr. v.. to commence a new hobby, interest, or sport; specifically used for the initiation of a regular pursuit.


SIMPLE

I want to take up golf this summer.

CONTEXTUAL

After he retired, he decided to take up golf to stay active and meet new people.

COMPLEX

Many executives take up golf not merely for the physical exercise, but to facilitate networking in a relaxed outdoor environment.

Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
take + up + object
Usage

the activity or hobby follows the verb as a direct object.

Teaching tip

focus on 'take up' as the core phrasal verb meaning 'to start'; 'golf' is just one common collocation, but it works for any hobby like painting or yoga.

Pitfall

I took up to golf.I took up golf.the phrasal verb 'take up' is followed directly by the noun or gerund, not an infinitive with 'to'.

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