Take Up A Seat

Question

"He took a seat by the window.""He took up a seat by the window."How are they different?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

'Up' suggests that he did not have a right to the seat.

SheltieBites · Answer

So, does the meaning of "take up" in:

"Snipers took up positions on the roof."

apply to this:

"He took up a seat by the window."

?

Mister Micawber · Answer

No.  'Up' has many uses.  In 'took up', it carries a tone of completion.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

SheltieBitesSo, does the meaning of "take up" in:"Snipers took up positions on the roof."apply to this:"He took up a seat by the window."?

SheltieBites,
You can't mix up patterns and contexts at will.

SheltieBites"Snipers took up positions on the roof."

With the above context, Took up -means situated at a position on the rook that will give them the best view.

My RV can take up to 6 people. Take up means to accommodate here. So the meaning of the phrasal verb can shift with contexts.

If somebody tells you this in a small kitchen: your presence is not helping but taking up space. That will mean, your being around is not contributing to the cause but being in everybody's way.

Take Up A Seat

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions