take in
SeparableThe object can go before or after the particle — but a pronoun MUST go in the middle: “clean it up”, never “clean up it”.
How to say it
Stress the particle, not the verb: take IN. Saying “TAKE in” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.
Link across the gap. The final /k/ of “take” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “take in” is said “ta-kin”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.
4 meanings
- 1
To provide shelter for a person or animal.
- “The shelter takes in stray animals until they can be adopted.”
- “They took in two refugees for the winter.”
Similar: shelter, house
- 2
To absorb and understand information.
- “There was too much to take in at once.”
Similar: absorb, process
- 3
To make a garment smaller.
- “The jacket needs taking in at the waist.”
- 4
To deceive someone.
- “Don't be taken in by the discount — it isn't one.”
Similar: fool, deceive