take along

bring someone or something with you when you go somewhere

B1

What does "take sb/sth along" mean?

To take someone or something along means to bring them with you when you travel or go somewhere. You might take a person along as a companion, or take an object along because you expect to need it. This phrasal verb is very common in everyday conversation, especially when talking about trips, outings, and events — for example, deciding what to pack or who to invite. It works equally well for people and things, so you can take a friend along to a concert or take a map along on a hike. It has a casual, practical feel and is often used when giving advice or making plans.

Examples

How to use it

take + object + along

The most common pattern, used when the object is a short noun phrase such as a person or item.

He decided to take his younger brother along to the football match.

take + pronoun + along

When the object is a pronoun, it must always go between 'take' and 'along' — never after 'along'.

My mum said I could take her along to the school trip if there was a spare seat.

take along + long noun phrase

When the object is a long noun phrase, it is more natural to place it after 'along' rather than between the two parts.

Don't forget to take along everything you'll need for a week in the mountains.

should / could / might want to + take + object + along

Modal verbs are very common with this phrasal verb, especially when giving advice or suggestions.

You should take a spare jacket along — the weather can change quickly up there.

imperative: take + object + along

The imperative form is frequently used for practical reminders and advice.

Take some snacks along — it's a long drive and there are no stops on the way.

Common Collocations

take a friend alongtake the kids alongtake your camera alongtake a jacket alongtake some cash alongtake a snack along

Common Mistakes

Pronoun after the particle

Pronoun objects like him, her, them, and it must always go between 'take' and 'along'. Placing a pronoun after 'along' is ungrammatical.

✗ I'll take along her to the party.
✓ I'll take her along to the party.
Confusing 'take along' with 'bring along'

'Take along' suggests movement away from your current location, while 'bring along' suggests movement toward the listener or a destination. In casual speech they are often interchangeable, but it is worth knowing the difference for more careful usage.

✗ Can you take some extra chairs along to us when you come over?
✓ Can you bring some extra chairs along when you come over?
Using the passive

'Take along' is almost never used in the passive. It focuses on the person doing the taking, so it is much more natural to keep the sentence active.

✗ A camera was taken along by everyone on the tour.
✓ Everyone on the tour took a camera along.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral and works in both spoken and written everyday English. It is common in travel, planning, and advice contexts. 'Take along' and 'bring along' are often interchangeable in informal speech, but 'take' suggests moving away from the current location while 'bring' suggests moving toward the listener.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'take along' be used for both people and objects?

Yes — 'take along' works equally well for people and things. You can take a friend along to an event or take an umbrella along on a walk. The verb simply means you are bringing someone or something with you when you go somewhere.

Is 'take along' more common in American or British English?

It is used in both, but American English speakers tend to favour 'take along' slightly more. British English speakers sometimes prefer 'take with you' or 'bring along' in similar situations. All three are widely understood, so you can use whichever feels natural to you.

Can I use 'take along' in the present continuous, like 'I am taking my dog along'?

It is possible but can sound a little awkward unless you are describing something happening right at that moment. It is more natural to use the present simple for habits ('I always take my dog along') or 'going to' for future plans ('I'm going to take my dog along').

Does 'take along' always refer to a trip or journey?

Not necessarily — it just means bringing someone or something with you when you go somewhere. That could be a long trip, but also something as simple as going to a meeting, a party, or the shops. The key idea is that someone or something is accompanying you.

Is 'take along' okay to use in emails or is it too informal?

It is fine for everyday and casual emails, such as messages about a group outing or travel plans. It is neutral rather than slang, so it does not sound too informal in most contexts. For very formal professional writing, 'take with you' might feel slightly more appropriate.

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