Is ‘take over’ below used as a transitive verb phrase (‘take over the flowers’) or an intransitive one? Or can it be taken either way?
Probably the hardest part about keeping a garden beautiful involves getting rid of weeds. If the weeds are not dealt with, they will take over and kill the flowers.
Additional question: Is there a good synonym for this ‘take over?’
Koji from Japan Is ‘take over’ below used as a transitive verb phrase (‘take over the flowers’) or an intransitive one? Intransitive. In the transitive use, they will take over the garden, not the flowers.
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Koji from JapanIs ‘take over’ below used as a transitive verb phrase (‘take over the flowers’) or an intransitive one?
Intransitive. In the transitive use, they will take over the garden, not the flowers. A dictator takes over. An army takes over an enemy country.
Koji from JapanOr can it be taken either way?
No.
If the weeds are not dealt with, they will take over the garden and kill the flowers.
Additional question: Is there a good synonym for this ‘take over?
Yes.eg take control of the garden.
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Often as in this example, the context make it clear what is being taken over.