Understanding ‘Take Away’: Definition and Usage
The phrasal verb ‘take away’ is a versatile expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It has several meanings depending on the context:
- To remove or subtract: “The waiter took away our plates after we finished eating.”
- To learn or gain from an experience: “What did you take away from the lecture?”
- To diminish or reduce: “The constant noise takes away from the beauty of this place.”
Synonyms for ‘take away’ include remove, subtract, learn, diminish, or reduce, depending on the context.
Contextual Usage of ‘Take Away’
‘Take away’ can be used in various situations, from casual conversations to formal writing:
- Informal: “Can you take away this trash?”
- Formal: “The new policy takes away some of the benefits employees previously enjoyed.”
- Writing: “The author’s vivid descriptions take the reader away to another world.”
- Speaking: “The main point I took away from the meeting was the need for better communication.”
Contextual usage of 'take away' phrasal verb
Grammar Analysis
‘Take away’ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object between ‘take’ and ‘away’ or after ‘away’:
- “The teacher took away my phone.” (correct)
- “The teacher took my phone away.” (also correct)
When using pronouns, they must come between ‘take’ and ‘away’:
- “The teacher took it away.” (correct)
- “The teacher took away it.” (incorrect)
Application in IELTS
Speaking Section
In the IELTS Speaking test, using ‘take away’ can demonstrate your command of English phrasal verbs:
Question: “What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life?”
Sample Answer: “The most important lesson I’ve taken away from my life experiences is the value of perseverance. No matter how challenging a situation might be, I’ve learned that persistence often leads to success.”
Writing Section
In IELTS Writing, ‘take away’ can add sophistication to your essays:
Task 2 Example: “While technology has undoubtedly improved our lives in many ways, it has also taken away some aspects of human interaction that were once commonplace.”
Remember to use this phrasal verb judiciously in formal writing, as it may be considered too casual in some contexts.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Take off /teɪk ɒf/: To remove (clothing); to become successful quickly
Example: “He took off his coat as he entered the warm room.”Take on /teɪk ɒn/: To accept a challenge or responsibility
Example: “She decided to take on the difficult project despite her busy schedule.”Take up /teɪk ʌp/: To start a new hobby or activity; to occupy space
Example: “I’ve recently taken up yoga to improve my flexibility.”Take in /teɪk ɪn/: To absorb or understand information; to make clothing smaller
Example: “It took me a while to take in all the information from the lecture.”Take over /teɪk ˈəʊvə(r)/: To assume control or responsibility
Example: “The new manager will take over the department next month.”Take out /teɪk aʊt/: To remove; to go on a date; to obtain (e.g., a loan)
Example: “I need to take out the trash before it starts to smell.”Take back /teɪk bæk/: To retract a statement; to return something
Example: “I take back what I said earlier; I was mistaken.”Take down /teɪk daʊn/: To write down; to dismantle
Example: “Could you please take down these important points from the meeting?”
Phrasal verbs related to 'take away'
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- The government has decided to ___ the old tax laws.
- Can you ___ the main points from today’s lecture?
- The constant noise ___ from my ability to concentrate.
- She ___ her coat as she entered the warm building.
- The company plans to ___ 100 new employees this year.
- I need to ___ jogging to improve my fitness.
- It took her a while to ___ all the new information.
- The new CEO will ___ next month.
- Don’t forget to ___ the garbage when you leave.
- I’d like to ___ what I said earlier; I was wrong.
Sentence Transformation
Original: The waiter removed our plates after we finished eating.
Rewrite: The waiter ___ our plates after we finished eating.Original: What did you learn from the experience?
Rewrite: What did you ___ from the experience?Original: The constant interruptions reduced my productivity.
Rewrite: The constant interruptions ___ my productivity.Original: She started learning Spanish last month.
Rewrite: She ___ Spanish last month.Original: The noise is diminishing the beauty of this place.
Rewrite: The noise is ___ the beauty of this place.Original: The company will assume control of the smaller firm next week.
Rewrite: The company will ___ the smaller firm next week.Original: I need to remove this old wallpaper before painting.
Rewrite: I need to ___ this old wallpaper before painting.Original: Can you write down these instructions for me?
Rewrite: Can you ___ these instructions for me?Original: He retracted his earlier statement after new evidence emerged.
Rewrite: He ___ his earlier statement after new evidence emerged.Original: The bank agreed to provide a loan for my new business.
Rewrite: The bank agreed to ___ a loan for my new business.
Answers and Explanations
Fill in the Blanks:
- take away
- take away
- takes away
- took off
- take on
- take up
- take in
- take over
- take out
- take back
Sentence Transformation:
- took away
- take away
- took away from
- took up
- taking away from
- take over
- take off
- take down
- took back
- take out
Explanations:
- ‘Take away’ means to remove.
- ‘Take away’ in this context means to learn or gain from an experience.
- ‘Take away from’ means to diminish or reduce.
- ‘Take up’ means to start a new activity or hobby.
- ‘Take away from’ is used to describe something that diminishes or reduces a quality.
- ‘Take over’ means to assume control.
- ‘Take off’ in this context means to remove.
- ‘Take down’ means to write down or record.
- ‘Take back’ means to retract a statement.
- ‘Take out’ in this context means to obtain or get (a loan).
Memorization Tips
To remember ‘take away’ and its various meanings, try these techniques:
Visualization: Imagine physically taking an object away from a table. This can help you remember the literal meaning of removal.
Mnemonic device: “TAKE AWAY knowledge from every situation” – This can help you remember the meaning of learning or gaining from an experience.
Context association: Think of a takeaway meal. Just as you’re taking food away from a restaurant, you can take away knowledge or experiences from situations.
Practice regularly: Use ‘take away’ in your daily conversations or writing to reinforce its usage and meanings.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect word order with pronouns:
Incorrect: “He took away it.”
Correct: “He took it away.”Confusing ‘take away’ with ‘take off’:
Remember, ‘take away’ means to remove or learn, while ‘take off’ is used for removing clothing or when something becomes successful quickly.Using ‘take away’ in overly formal contexts:
In very formal writing, consider using synonyms like ‘remove,’ ‘subtract,’ or ‘diminish’ instead of ‘take away.’Forgetting the multiple meanings:
Always consider the context to determine which meaning of ‘take away’ is being used.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrasal verb ‘take away’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Its versatility allows you to express ideas of removal, learning, and diminishment effectively. Remember to practice using it in various contexts and be mindful of its different meanings. By incorporating ‘take away’ and other phrasal verbs into your English vocabulary, you’ll demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency in your IELTS exam. Keep practicing, and don’t forget to take away valuable lessons from each learning experience!