Takeover vs. Take Over
“Takeover” is a one-word noun, especially for a transfer of control such as a company takeover. “Take over” is the two-word phrasal verb used when someone or something assumes control, responsibility, or another person’s role.
Use “takeover” as a noun for an act or situation of taking control. Use “take over” as the verb phrase for assuming control, responsibility, or a role.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Role | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun naming an act/situation of taking control | takeover | a company takeover |
| Verb phrase meaning assume control/responsibility | take over | They will take over the account. |
Quick tests
Verb test
Can the expression take tense or inflection, such as “took over” or “taking over”?
If yes: Use the two-word verb “take over.”
If no: If it names the event or transfer of control, use the noun “takeover.”
Caveat: The distinction is grammatical role and word boundary, not a difference in the basic control concept.
Examples
The takeover was completed in June.
“Takeover” is a noun naming the event.
A new team will take over the project.
“Take over” is the phrasal verb.
The company plans to takeover the service.
Better: The company plans to take over the service.
The intended form is the verb phrase.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the documented noun or modifier form when naming a thing, result, person, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced verb form is usually the relevant choice.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge records “takeover” as a noun and “take over” as the phrasal verb for assuming control or responsibility.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- TAKEOVER — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Takeover noun form, especially control of a company or organization
- TAKE (SOMETHING) OVER — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Take over phrasal-verb form for assuming control or responsibility