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take over

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

To become the one in charge, or to replace someone who was doing a job.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To assume control or management of an organization, country, or situation.

"The new CEO will take over the company in January."

Grammar: separable
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?"

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

company government shift control duties world

Forms

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

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Synonyms

assume control seize power replace succeed inherit commandeer

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