phrasal verbs for engineers

Phrasal Verbs for Engineers: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners

Phrasal verbs are essential in technical and engineering contexts, as they often describe actions, processes, and problem-solving techniques. This guide provides a detailed list of phrasal verbs commonly used by engineers, along with meanings, examples, and exercises to help you master them.

1. Break down

Meaning: To analyze or separate something into smaller parts for better understanding or troubleshooting.

• The mechanic broke down the engine to identify the faulty component.
• We need to break down the project into smaller tasks to meet the deadline.
• The software engineer broke down the code to find the bug.

2. Set up

Meaning: To assemble, install, or prepare equipment or systems for use.

• The team set up the new server in the data center.
• Please set up the oscilloscope before running the experiment.
• They set up a temporary network for testing purposes.

3. Turn on/off

Meaning: To activate or deactivate a device or system.

• Remember to turn off the power before inspecting the circuit.
• The technician turned on the generator to restore electricity.
• Always turn off the machine after completing the task.

4. Carry out

Meaning: To perform or execute a task, experiment, or procedure.

• The engineers carried out several tests to ensure safety.
• We will carry out maintenance checks next week.
• The team carried out a feasibility study before starting construction.

5. Run out

Meaning: To exhaust the supply of something (e.g., materials, power, time).

• The construction site ran out of cement, delaying the project.
• The battery ran out during the experiment, causing data loss.
• We cannot afford to run out of spare parts during assembly.

6. Put together

Meaning: To assemble or construct something from individual parts.

• The interns put together a prototype in just two days.
• Can you help me put together this mechanical arm?
• The engineers put together a detailed report for the client.

7. Take apart

Meaning: To disassemble or dismantle a device or structure.

• The technician took apart the faulty motor to repair it.
• For maintenance, we must take apart the entire machine.
• He carefully took apart the circuit board to replace a resistor.

8. Figure out

Meaning: To solve or understand a problem through analysis.

• It took hours to figure out why the system was crashing.
• Can you figure out how to optimize this algorithm?
• The team finally figured out the root cause of the failure.

9. Hook up

Meaning: To connect devices or systems.

• Make sure to hook up the sensors correctly before testing.
• The electrician hooked up the new wiring to the main panel.
• We need to hook up the printer to the network.

10. Back up

Meaning: To make a copy of data or provide support in case of failure.

• Always back up your files before updating the software.
• The IT team backed up the server to prevent data loss.
• We need a generator to back up the power supply.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list above.

1. Before leaving the lab, remember to _____ the equipment.
2. The engineers had to _____ the old machine to replace the damaged parts.
3. We must _____ the project timeline to avoid delays.
4. The team will _____ the experiment tomorrow morning.
5. Don’t forget to _____ the new device to the network.

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Break down	a. To connect devices
Hook up	b. To analyze into smaller parts
Run out	c. To exhaust supply
Put together	d. To assemble
Back up	e. To make a copy of data

Answer Key

Exercise 1 Answers

1. turn off
2. take apart
3. break down
4. carry out
5. hook up

Exercise 2 Answers

Phrasal Verb	Correct Letter
Break down	b
Hook up	a
Run out	c
Put together	d
Back up	e