1 B1 neutral
To assume control or management of an organization, country, or situation.
"The new CEO will take over the company in January."
separable
take over
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To assume control of something, replace someone in a role, or gradually dominate something.
In plain English
To become the one in charge, or to replace someone who was doing a job.
What does "take over" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To replace someone in a task, shift, or duty.
"I've been driving for four hours — can you take over for a while?"
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To begin to dominate or fill a space, gradually crowding out other things.
"Invasive weeds have completely taken over the garden since we left."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very common in business (corporate takeover), politics (military takeover), and everyday contexts. Can be transitive ('take over the company') or intransitive ('she'll take over next month'). Also used when one thing gradually dominates another.
Words that pair with "take over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
company government shift control duties world
How to conjugate "take over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes over
he/she/it
Past simple
took over
yesterday
Past participle
taken over
have + pp
-ing form
taking over
continuous
Hear "take over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "take over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "take over"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
assume control commandeer inherit replace seize power succeed
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