Words / B1

INT-ayk/ˈɪnteɪk/

Intake is what you take in: calorie intake; salt intake; alcohol intake. It is also the group accepted onto a course (this year’s intake). Take-in is not used this way. Uncountable for food and drink amounts. Do not use intake for a single mouthful — that is a sip or a bite.

Meaning

The amount of food, drink, or air you take in; also the group of people accepted onto a course.

Examples

• “The doctor told him to reduce his salt intake.”
• “The nurse asked him to reduce his sugar intake after the blood test.”
• “The September intake of apprentices starts with a week of safety training.”

Good to know

salt / calorie intake (uncountable). Also: this year’s intake (new students/staff). Not a single sip. Not “take-in”.

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