1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To voluntarily assume a responsibility or task without being asked.
"She took upon herself the enormous task of translating the entire archive into three languages."
inseparable
take upon oneself
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To assume a responsibility or task on one's own initiative, without being instructed.
In plain English
To decide by yourself to do something that nobody told you to do.
What does "take upon oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To presume to act on behalf of others without authorization.
"He took upon himself the authority to change the contract terms without informing the board."
inseparable
Usage tip
The formal variant of 'take it upon oneself.' More common in written and literary English. Always followed by an infinitive. Can imply either admirable initiative or presumptuous overreach depending on context.
Words that pair with "take upon oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
responsibility task duty mission burden role
How to conjugate "take upon oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take upon oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes upon oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
took upon oneself
yesterday
Past participle
taken upon oneself
have + pp
-ing form
taking upon oneself
continuous
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Other ways to say "take upon oneself"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
appoint oneself assume responsibility make it one's business take the initiative volunteer
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