i took up vs i took up a

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I took up' is used when referring to starting a new activity or hobby without specifying what it is. 'I took up a' is used when specifying the activity or hobby that was started.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 630 views

i took up

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to starting a new activity or hobby without specifying what it is.

This phrase is used when someone wants to express that they have started a new activity or hobby. It is often followed by the name of the activity or hobby.

Examples:

I took up painting last year.
She took up yoga to improve her flexibility.
He took up running as a way to stay fit.

Show examples from the web [+]

Simultaneously I took up the responsibility of the performance audit on the effectiveness of EU development aid for food security in sub-Saharan Africa.
Madam President, since I took up this post I have also participated with the Presidency of the Council and Commissioner Patten in various meetings of the troika.
I took up the case when these cigars were impounded.
I did not realize until I took up this brief just how complex motor vehicles can be.
Ladies and gentlemen, since I took up my post, I have always tried to speak frankly, clearly and respectfully to the Members of this Parliament.
I took up my duties as Ombudsman on 1 April 2003, following the retirement of the first Ombudsman, Mr Jacob Söderman.
Probably there were things that could have been done better in the past, but since I took up office, I have really tried to deal with this in a very transparent and thorough way.
I have said since the time that I took up this position that it was my intention to make decisions on a science basis, examining the best scientific evidence available to me and making my decision on that basis.
Mr President, I have been a Romania-watcher for five years now, ever since I took up the case of a London constituent of mine, Prince Carol Mircea.
I have said since I took up office that I want to see the emergence of a modern, effective and streamlined service, working as an integral part of the external relations structures of the Commission, and at the service of all the institutions of the Union.
There was no warning when I took up smoking.
That's why I took up the motorcycle.
That's why I took up medicine.
I took up the shift for Ellen.
I took up with your mother for a reason.
It all started when I took up badminton.
At this time I took up walking again.
So I took up the respectable life of a sleazy barkeep.
That's exactly why I took up photography.
I took up over 50 dead bodies.

Alternatives:

I started
I began
I picked up

i took up a

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when specifying the activity or hobby that was started.

This phrase is used when someone wants to express that they have started a specific new activity or hobby. It is followed by the name of the activity or hobby.