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take with

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To not fully believe something, or to swallow medicine together with something like water or food.

Literal meaning: To carry something when going somewhere.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

grain of salt pinch of salt food water milk caution

Forms

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

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Synonyms

be skeptical of doubt consume alongside accompany with

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