takenon

Taken on, typically written as two words rather than a single term, is a phrasal verb construction in English that conveys the idea of undertaking or assuming something. It can refer to accepting a task or responsibility, adopting a new role, or recruiting or employing someone. In standard usage, the two-word form is far more common; the concatenated form takenon tends to appear mainly in brand names, file names, or as a typographical variant rather than as a dictionary entry.

Use and meanings

Taken on generally indicates that a subject has undertaken an action or responsibility. Examples include taking on a project, taking on new duties, or taking on staff. The sense can apply to accepting tasks (take on a challenge), adopting roles (take on a leadership position), or expanding a workforce (take on employees or contractors). In a competitive or confrontational context, it can also describe facing an opponent or rival.

Grammar and forms

Taken on is the past participle form of take on. The full range of forms includes take on (present), took on (simple past), and taken on (present perfect and past perfect). Typical constructions include have taken on, has taken on, or had taken on. Synonyms include undertake, assume, take up, or enlist, depending on nuance. For example: She has taken on additional responsibilities. The phrase can appear with direct objects such as a task, a project, or staff.

Hyphenation and modifiers

As an adjective before a noun, taken-on can be used to describe recently absorbed staff or responsibilities, though more common is the phrase newly taken on or taken-on staff. Hyphenation helps signal it as a compound modifier in such cases.

See also

Take on, undertake, assume, shoulder responsibilities, hire and recruitment.