Here’s a comprehensive article on phrasal verbs for English learners, formatted with HTML tags:
Phrasal Verbs for Practice: A Comprehensive Guide
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (typically prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. Mastering phrasal verbs is essential for fluent English communication as they are widely used in both spoken and written English.
Common Phrasal Verbs with Meanings and Examples
1. Break down
Meaning: To stop working (for machines) or to lose control of emotions (for people)
- My car broke down on the highway yesterday.
- She broke down crying when she heard the bad news.
- The washing machine has broken down three times this year.
2. Call off
Meaning: To cancel something
- They had to call off the meeting due to bad weather.
- The concert was called off at the last minute.
- We should call off our picnic if it rains tomorrow.
3. Come across
Meaning: To find something or someone by chance
- I came across this old photo while cleaning my room.
- She came across as very confident during the interview.
- Have you ever come across this word before?
4. Get along
Meaning: To have a good relationship with someone
- My sisters get along very well despite their age difference.
- Do you get along with your new coworkers?
- They used to fight but now they get along fine.
5. Look forward to
Meaning: To feel excited about something that will happen
- I’m looking forward to our vacation next month.
- She’s looking forward to seeing her old friends.
- We all look forward to the weekend.
6. Put off
Meaning: To postpone or delay something
- Don’t put off your homework until the last minute.
- They’ve put off the decision until next week.
- I keep putting off going to the dentist.
7. Run out of
Meaning: To have no more of something left
- We’ve run out of milk – can you buy some?
- The car ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere.
- I never let my phone run out of battery.
8. Take after
Meaning: To resemble a family member in appearance or behavior
- He takes after his father in looks but his mother in personality.
- All the children take after their tall parents.
- Do you think you take after your mother or father more?
9. Turn down
Meaning: To refuse an offer or request
- She turned down the job because the salary was too low.
- I had to turn down their invitation due to prior commitments.
- The committee turned down our proposal.
10. Work out
Meaning: To exercise or to find a solution
- I work out at the gym three times a week.
- Don’t worry, everything will work out fine.
- We need to work out a better system for this.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with appropriate phrasal verbs
- I need to _____ smoking. It’s bad for my health. (give up / take after / call off)
- Could you _____ the radio? I can’t hear the TV. (turn down / break down / run out of)
- We _____ at a nice little café while walking through the old town. (came across / put off / took after)
- My computer _____ again. I think I need a new one. (worked out / broke down / got along)
- They’ve _____ their wedding until next year. (called off / put off / turned down)
Exercise 2: Match the phrasal verbs with their meanings
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Look forward to | a. Cancel |
| 2. Call off | b. Resemble a family member |
| 3. Take after | c. Be excited about something future |
| 4. Run out of | d. Have no more left |
| 5. Get along | e. Have a good relationship |
Answer Key
Exercise 1 Answers:
- give up
- turn down
- came across
- broke down
- put off
Exercise 2 Answers:
| Phrasal Verb | Correct Match |
|---|---|
| 1. Look forward to | c |
| 2. Call off | a |
| 3. Take after | b |
| 4. Run out of | d |
| 5. Get along | e |
Remember that phrasal verbs often have multiple meanings, and the best way to learn them is through consistent practice and exposure to authentic English materials. Try using these phrasal verbs in your daily conversations and writing to become more comfortable with them.