BE 535: Take Part or Partake? How to Avoid Overly Formal Vocabulary

The podcast episode addresses the nuances of formal English vocabulary, specifically focusing on the differences between "take part" and "partake," as well as "undertake" and "undergo." It highlights that "take part" is a common and natural way to express participation, while "partake" is more elevated, old-fashioned, and often used in a playful or literary context. The discussion clarifies that "undertake" implies a chosen action or responsibility, contrasting with "undergo," which denotes experiencing something often difficult or beyond one's control, such as surgery. Examples and a role play illustrate these distinctions in a workplace training program scenario, emphasizing the importance of preposition usage with "partake."