What Does “Take sb in” Mean?
“Take sb in” is a phrasal verb that means to allow someone to stay in your home or to deceive someone by making them believe something that is not true.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Take sb in” has two main meanings that are commonly used in English. First, it can mean to offer shelter or accommodation to someone, such as when you let a friend stay at your house. Second, it can mean to fool or trick someone by making them believe something false. Knowing the “Take sb in” meaning helps learners use it correctly in different situations. This phrasal verb is useful in both everyday conversations and storytelling, making it a versatile phrase to master.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: take somebody in
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to provide shelter or to deceive someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Take sb in” is a transitive phrasal verb and is inseparable. This means the object (sb) always comes after the phrasal verb without splitting it.
Correct pattern: take + somebody + in
Incorrect pattern: take in + somebody (not used)
How to Use Take sb in?
You use “take sb in” when you want to say that you allow someone to stay at your home temporarily. For example, “I will take him in for the night.” You can also use it to say someone was tricked or fooled. For example, “She was taken in by the scam.” The meaning depends on the context, so listen carefully.
Examples
Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “Take sb in” in a sentence:
- After the storm, they took the lost traveler in until the weather improved.
- The charity takes in homeless animals and cares for them.
- He was taken in by the fake advertisement and lost a lot of money.
- Can you take me in for a few days while I look for an apartment?
- Don’t be taken in by his lies; he’s not trustworthy.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the order of words or the meaning. Here are some examples of incorrect and correct usage:
- Incorrect: Take in him for a night.
- Correct: Take him in for a night.
- Incorrect: She was taking in by the story.
- Correct: She was taken in by the story.
Differences / Synonyms
“Take sb in” can be similar to “put sb up” or “give sb shelter” when it means to offer accommodation. However, “put sb up” is more informal. When it means to deceive, it is similar to “fool sb” or “trick sb,” but “take sb in” often implies a longer or more convincing deception.
Common Collocations
Here are common words that go with “take sb in” to help you remember its use:
- Take someone in for the night – to offer a place to stay temporarily.
- Take someone in as a tenant – to allow someone to live in your property for rent.
- Take someone in by a scam – to be deceived by a fraud.
- Take someone in with false promises – to trick someone using lies.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of take sb in:
- Take Sb Away From Sth
- Take Sth Out Of Sbs Hands
- Take Sb Out Of Themselves
- Take Sb Aside
- Take Sth Up With Sb
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “Take sb in”:
Anna: My car broke down, and I don’t have anywhere to go.
Ben: Don’t worry, I can take you in for a few days.
Anna: Thank you! That’s very kind of you.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “take sb in”:
- After the flood, the family ________ several neighbors until their house was repaired.
- Don’t be ________ by fake emails asking for your password.
- Can you ________ me in while I’m visiting the city?
FAQ
- Q: Can “take sb in” mean to adopt a pet?
A: Yes, it can mean to provide shelter to animals.
- Q: Is “take sb in” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; the object comes after the phrasal verb.
- Q: How do I know if “take sb in” means to deceive or to shelter?
A: Check the context; if it involves accommodation, it means shelter. If it involves trickery, it means deceive.
- Q: Is “take sb in” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Can I use “take sb in” for strangers?
A: Yes, especially when offering shelter or being deceived.
