phrasal verbs for instructions

Phrasal Verbs for Instructions: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. They are widely used in everyday English, especially in instructions. This guide will help you understand common phrasal verbs used in instructions, their meanings, and examples.

1. Turn on / Turn off

Meaning: To activate or deactivate a device or machine.

Example 1: Please turn on the lights when you enter the room.
Example 2: Don’t forget to turn off the TV before going to bed.
Example 3: Can you turn on the fan? It’s too hot in here.

2. Put on / Take off

Meaning: To wear or remove clothing or accessories.

Example 1: Put on your jacket; it’s cold outside.
Example 2: You should take off your shoes before entering the house.
Example 3: She put on her glasses to read the small print.

3. Pick up / Put down

Meaning: To lift something or place it back.

Example 1: Can you pick up the pen I dropped?
Example 2: Please put down the heavy box carefully.
Example 3: He picked up the phone and answered the call.

4. Fill out / Hand in

Meaning: To complete a form or submit something.

Example 1: You need to fill out this application form.
Example 2: Students must hand in their assignments by Friday.
Example 3: She filled out the survey and gave it to the receptionist.

5. Look up / Write down

Meaning: To search for information or record something.

Example 1: If you don’t know the word, look it up in the dictionary.
Example 2: Please write down the address so you don’t forget it.
Example 3: He looked up the recipe online before cooking.

6. Plug in / Unplug

Meaning: To connect or disconnect an electrical device.

Example 1: Plug in the charger to charge your phone.
Example 2: Always unplug the iron after using it.
Example 3: She plugged in the laptop and started working.

7. Throw away / Put away

Meaning: To discard something or store it properly.

Example 1: Don’t throw away the receipt; you might need it later.
Example 2: Please put away your toys after playing.
Example 3: He threw away the old newspapers.

8. Turn up / Turn down

Meaning: To increase or decrease volume, heat, etc.

Example 1: Can you turn up the music? I can’t hear it.
Example 2: Please turn down the heater; it’s too hot.
Example 3: She turned up the brightness on her phone.

9. Hang up / Put through

Meaning: To end a phone call or connect someone.

Example 1: Don’t hang up; I need to ask you something.
Example 2: The receptionist will put you through to the manager.
Example 3: He hung up the phone angrily.

10. Set up / Take apart

Meaning: To assemble or disassemble something.

Example 1: We need to set up the new computer system.
Example 2: He took apart the old clock to fix it.
Example 3: They set up the tent in just 10 minutes.

Exercises

Test your understanding of these phrasal verbs with the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list to complete the sentences.

1. Please _____ the form and submit it to the office. (fill out / throw away)
2. Don’t forget to _____ the lights when you leave. (turn off / turn up)
3. Can you _____ the volume? The movie is too quiet. (turn down / turn up)
4. She _____ her coat because it was cold outside. (put on / take off)
5. _____ the charger before using the laptop. (plug in / unplug)

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
1. Put away	A. To discard
2. Throw away	B. To store properly
3. Hang up	C. To end a phone call
4. Look up	D. To search for information
5. Set up	E. To assemble

Answer Key

Exercise 1 Answers

1. fill out
2. turn off
3. turn up
4. put on
5. plug in

Exercise 2 Answers

1. B
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. E