ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take up too much room

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. to fill a large amount of space so that there is not enough left for other things.

fixed phr.. to occupy an excessive amount of physical space, often resulting in inconvenience or a lack of utility for other objects.


SIMPLE

That old sofa takes up too much room in the lounge.

CONTEXTUAL

We decided to sell the piano because it was taking up too much room in our small apartment.

COMPLEX

The bulky server racks take up too much room in the basement, preventing the installation of the new ventilation system.

Usage

The word 'room' is used here as an uncountable noun meaning 'available space'.

Teaching tip

help students distinguish between 'room' as a countable noun (a walled area) and 'room' as an uncountable noun (space); 'take up' is the active component meaning to occupy.

Pitfall

The table takes up too many rooms.The table takes up too much room.use 'much room' for physical space; 'many rooms' would mean several separate areas in a building.

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