take upon oneself
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To decide by yourself to do something that nobody told you to do.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
responsibility task duty mission burden role
Forms
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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Synonyms
assume responsibility appoint oneself volunteer take the initiative make it one's business
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