1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To naturally begin to like or enjoy someone or something.
"The children took to their new teacher immediately and were noticeably happier at school."
inseparable
take to
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To naturally develop a liking for someone or something, or to begin doing something as a habit.
In plain English
To start to like someone or something, or to start doing something new regularly.
What does "take to" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To begin doing something regularly, especially as a coping mechanism or new habit.
"After retirement, he took to long walks in the countryside to pass the time."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To go to a place, especially to escape or seek refuge.
"Protesters took to the streets to demand better working conditions."
“
People took to the streets in cities across the country.
— Common news journalism phrasing, widely attested in major publications
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used with 'immediately' or 'naturally' to emphasize instinctive affinity. The 'begin a habit' sense is often negative: 'took to drinking.' Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "take to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
naturally immediately drink running like idea
How to conjugate "take to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes to
he/she/it
Past simple
took to
yesterday
Past participle
taken to
have + pp
-ing form
taking to
continuous
Hear "take to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "take to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "take to"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
adopt develop a liking for embrace take a shine to warm to
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.