take an exam

Meaning

This expression means to sit for or participate in an official test or examination to show your knowledge of a subject. It refers to the actual act of answering the questions during the test. It is neutral and widely used in all educational systems.

Examples

• I have to take an exam in chemistry tomorrow morning.

  I have to take an exam in chemistry tomorrow morning.

• Are you nervous about taking an exam online?

  Are you nervous about taking an exam online?

• Students must show their ID cards before they can take an exam.

  Students must show their ID cards before they can take an exam.

• He decided to take an exam in French to prove his language skills.

  He decided to take an exam in French to prove his language skills.

• How often do you have to take an exam in your history class?

  How often do you have to take an exam in your history class.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will make an exam next Monday.

  ✓ I will take an exam next Monday.

  Many languages use a verb equivalent to 'make' or 'do' for exams, but in English, we use 'take', 'sit', or 'write'.

• ✗ The teacher took us an exam.

  ✓ The teacher gave us an exam.

  Teachers 'give' or 'administer' exams, while students 'take' or 'sit' them.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I need to go to sleep early because I have to ___ tomorrow.

  💡 To sit for a test.

  Show answer

  take an exam

• You cannot use your phone while you ___.

  💡 The action of completing a test.

  Show answer

  take an exam