What Does “Take to Doing” Mean?
The phrase “take to doing something” means to start doing an activity regularly or with enthusiasm—often because you enjoy it or find it natural.
It typically implies a new habit or behavior that someone adopts easily or willingly.
Common Examples
- After retirement, he took to gardening every morning.
- She quickly took to playing the piano after her first lesson.
- They’ve taken to walking their dog twice a day.
Grammar Notes
The structure is: take + to + verb-ing.
Note that “to” here is a preposition, not part of an infinitive—so the verb that follows must be in the -ing form.
✅ Correct: She took to reading novels.
❌ Incorrect: She took to read novels.
Why This Phrase Matters
Understanding expressions like “take to doing” helps you sound more natural in English. It’s commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe how people adopt new routines or hobbies.