take over

To start doing a job or duty that someone else did before.

• I will take over the accounts.
• She took over his duties when he retired.
• Who is taking over from the old manager?

How to use it: take over something (She will take over the project next month.); take over from someone (I took over from the previous team leader.)

Similar words: assume, take charge of

Common phrases: take over something, take over duties, take over management

To do someone’s work for a short time so they can leave or rest.

• I can take over while you rest.
• He took over the cooking for an hour.
• Will someone take over for me during my break?

How to use it: take over from someone (Can you take over from me while I eat?); take over for someone (She took over for the receptionist during lunch.)

Similar words: fill in, stand in, relieve

Common phrases: take over briefly, take over temporarily, take over driving

To become the person or group that controls something or is responsible for it.

• She will take over the project.
• A foreign company took over the factory.
• Who takes over when the director leaves?

How to use it: take over something (A larger company took over the business.); take something over (They took the family shop over last year.)

Similar words: take charge of, assume control, acquire

Common phrases: take over something, take over control, take over responsibility

To become the strongest or most important force in a place or situation.

• Weeds have taken over the garden.
• Online shops are taking over the market.
• Fear took over, and she could hardly speak.

How to use it: take over something (Cheap imports have taken over the market.)

Similar words: dominate, prevail

Common phrases: take over completely, take over gradually, take over markets