What are the definitions of “take for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To consider or believe someone or something to be a certain way, often mistakenly or unfairly.
Do you take me for a complete idiot?
- 2Mistake someone or something for someone or something else.
She looks so young I took her for your sister.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take for is to consider or believe someone or something to be a certain way, often mistakenly or unfairly. It can also mean to mistake someone or something for someone or something else.
What are the different verb forms of “take for”?
| Root Verb | take for |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes for |
| Present Participle | taking for |
| Simple Past | took for |
| Past Participle | taken for |
Example
Do you take me for a complete idiot?
Example
He takes her for granted.
Example
She is taking him for a fool.
Example
I took her for your sister.
Example
He was taken for a thief, but he was innocent.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“take for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She took him for a fool.
Example
I took her for your sister.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“take for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She took him for a fool.
Example
I took her for your sister.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take for”?
Take someone for granted
To not appreciate someone or something enough, often because they are always available or helpful.
Example
He always takes her for granted and doesn't appreciate her efforts.
Take something for a spin
To test or try something, usually a vehicle, for a short period of time.
Example
I can't wait to take my new car for a spin.
Take someone for a ride
To deceive or cheat someone.
Example
He took her for a ride by promising her a promotion that never happened.
Good things to know
Does “take for” have an informal or formal tone?
Take for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “take for”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- distinguish
- differentiate
- discern
- separate
- identify
- recognize
