What Does “Take against sth” Mean?
“Take against sth” means to begin to dislike or feel hostile towards something or someone. It usually describes a sudden or growing negative feeling.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “take against sth” is often used when someone starts to dislike or have a grudge against a person, idea, or thing. Understanding the “take against sth meaning” helps English learners express feelings of disapproval or dislike clearly. It is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe a change in attitude or feelings. This phrase is important because it communicates emotions that are often subtle but impactful in relationships and social interactions.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: take against something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to begin to dislike or feel hostile to someone or something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Take against sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate the verb and the particle with an object.
Pattern: take + against + object
Correct: She took against him quickly.
Incorrect: She took him against quickly.
How to Use Take against sth?
Use “take against sth” to express when someone starts to dislike or have negative feelings toward a person, idea, or thing. It often implies a gradual or sudden change in attitude. It is usually followed by a noun or pronoun.
Examples of objects include people, habits, ideas, or situations.
Examples
When my friend started ignoring me, I took against him without any real reason. It happens sometimes when feelings change unexpectedly.
- She took against the new rules immediately.
- He took against the manager after the unfair decision.
- They took against the idea of moving to a new city.
- My parents took against my choice of career.
- It’s common to take against someone after a disagreement.
These examples show how to use “take against sth in a sentence” naturally.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. For example, saying “take on against” or separating the verb and particle incorrectly.
- Incorrect: She took him against because of his attitude.
- Correct: She took against him because of his attitude.
- Incorrect: They took against quickly the new policy.
- Correct: They took against the new policy quickly.
Differences / Synonyms
“Take against sth” is similar to “dislike” or “become hostile to,” but it often implies a personal or emotional reason behind the feeling.
- Take against sth – start to dislike or feel hostile (usually personal)
- Dislike – general feeling of not liking
- Grow apart – distance emotionally over time (usually about relationships)
- Turn against – actively oppose or become hostile
For example, “He took against her after the argument” is more personal and emotional than just “He disliked her.”
Common Collocations
People often use “take against” with specific objects. This helps express clear feelings of dislike or hostility.
- Take against a person: to dislike someone personally
- Take against a rule/law: to oppose or dislike a regulation
- Take against an idea: to reject a thought or plan
- Take against a habit: to dislike a behavior or routine
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of take against sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Imagine two friends talking about a new teacher at school.
Anna: I think Mr. Smith is really strict.
Ben: Yeah, I took against him after the first class.
Anna: Me too. His rules are hard to follow.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of the phrasal verb.
- She _____ against the new dress code immediately.
- They _____ against their neighbor after the loud party.
- He _____ against the idea of working late every day.
Answers: took, took, took
FAQ
- Q: Can “take against sth” be used in the past tense?
A: Yes, the past tense is “took against.” - Q: Is “take against sth” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can it be used with things as well as people?
A: Yes, you can take against people, ideas, rules, and habits. - Q: Is “take against” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable. The object always follows “against.” - Q: What is the difference between “take against” and “turn against”?
A: “Take against” means to start disliking, while “turn against” implies a stronger, active opposition.
