Questions and Answers
What distinguishes phrasal verbs from other verb constructions?
Which of the following is a characteristic of intransitive phrasal verbs?
Identify the phrasal verb that means to cancel something.
What does the phrasal verb 'break down' NOT refer to?
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Which of the following phrasal verbs is inseparable?
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What common meaning can be derived from the phrasal verb 'put off'?
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Identify the phrasal verb that indicates having a friendly relationship.
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Which phrasal verb means to solve a problem or exercise?
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What does the phrasal verb 'give up' convey?
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Which phrasal verb is used to describe taking care of someone or something?
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Study Notes
Definition and Usage
- Phrasal Verbs: Combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs that create new meanings.
- Structure: Typically consists of a verb followed by one or more particles (preposition/adverb).
- Meaning: The meaning of the phrasal verb often differs from the individual meanings of the verb and particle.
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Types:
- Transitive: Requires a direct object (e.g., "turn off the light").
- Intransitive: Does not require a direct object (e.g., "wake up").
- Separable: The object can come between the verb and particle (e.g., "turn the light off" or "turn off the light").
- Inseparable: The object must follow the particle (e.g., "run into someone").
Common Phrasal Verbs
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Break down:
- To stop functioning (e.g., a machine).
- To become very emotional.
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Bring up:
- To introduce a topic in conversation.
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Call off:
- To cancel something (e.g., an event).
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Carry on:
- To continue doing something.
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Come across:
- To find or meet unexpectedly.
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Get along:
- To have a friendly relationship.
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Give up:
- To stop trying; to surrender.
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Look after:
- To take care of someone or something.
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Put off:
- To postpone or delay.
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Take off:
- To remove (clothing) or to ascend (an aircraft).
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Turn down:
- To reject or refuse something.
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Work out:
- To solve a problem or to exercise.
- Note: Phrasal verbs are commonly used in spoken and informal written English, adding nuance and variation to language.
Definition and Usage
- Phrasal verbs consist of a verb combined with one or more prepositions or adverbs, resulting in a distinct meaning.
- The structure typically comprises a verb followed by a particle, which can be a preposition or an adverb.
- The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the meanings of the individual components.
- Phrasal verbs can be categorized into two main types:
- Transitive: These require a direct object (e.g., "turn off the light").
- Intransitive: These do not require a direct object (e.g., "wake up").
- Phrasal verbs are further classified by their separability:
- Separable: The object can be placed between the verb and particle (e.g., "turn the light off" or "turn off the light").
- Inseparable: The object must come after the particle (e.g., "run into someone").
Common Phrasal Verbs
- Break down: Refers to a machine no longer functioning or an individual becoming very emotional.
- Bring up: Means to introduce a topic during a conversation.
- Call off: Indicates the cancellation of an event or activity.
- Carry on: Signifies the action of continuing with a task or activity.
- Come across: Describes unexpectedly finding or meeting someone or something.
- Get along: Illustrates having a friendly relationship with someone.
- Give up: Means to stop attempting or to surrender.
- Look after: Implies taking care of another person or an object.
- Put off: Refers to postponing or delaying an action or event.
- Take off: Can mean to remove an article of clothing or for an aircraft to ascend.
- Turn down: Indicates the act of rejecting or refusing an offer.
- Work out: Refers to solving a problem or engaging in exercise.
- Phrasal verbs are frequently used in spoken and informal written English, enriching language with variety and depth.
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Description
Test your knowledge of phrasal verbs with this quiz. Explore the meanings, structures, and types of phrasal verbs used in everyday English. Perfect for learners aiming to enhance their understanding of the language.
