1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To accept a statement or claim with skepticism, as in the fixed expression 'take with a grain/pinch of salt.'
"His stories about his travels are entertaining, but I'd take them with a grain of salt."
inseparable
take with
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To accept something with some skepticism ('take with a grain of salt') or to consume a medicine alongside food or liquid.
In plain English
To not fully believe something, or to swallow medicine together with something like water or food.
What does "take with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To consume a medicine or supplement alongside a specific food or drink.
"The pharmacist advised me to take the tablets with a full glass of water."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To carry something when going somewhere.
Actually means
To not fully believe something, or to swallow medicine together with something like water or food.
Usage tip
The most common idiomatic use is 'take with a grain/pinch of salt,' meaning to be skeptical. The medical use ('take with food/water') is highly practical and appears on packaging and prescriptions worldwide. The literal sense of bringing something along is transparent and not considered a distinct phrasal verb entry.
Words that pair with "take with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
grain of salt pinch of salt food water milk caution
How to conjugate "take with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes with
he/she/it
Past simple
took with
yesterday
Past participle
taken with
have + pp
-ing form
taking with
continuous
Hear "take with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "take with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "take with"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
accompany with be skeptical of consume alongside doubt
Keep exploring
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