Phrasal Verbs for Sports: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners
Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs that create unique meanings. In sports, they are frequently used to describe actions, strategies, and outcomes. Mastering these will help you understand and discuss sports more fluently. Below is a detailed list of common phrasal verbs in sports, along with meanings, examples, exercises, and answer keys.
1. Warm Up
Meaning: To prepare the body for physical activity by doing light exercises.
- The team warmed up for 20 minutes before the match.
- She always warms up with some stretching before running.
- The coach told us to warm up properly to avoid injuries.
2. Work Out
Meaning: To exercise to improve physical fitness.
- He works out at the gym every morning.
- They worked out together to prepare for the marathon.
- She works out three times a week to stay in shape.
3. Knock Out
Meaning: To defeat an opponent in a competition, especially in boxing.
- The boxer knocked out his opponent in the third round.
- She was knocked out of the tournament in the semifinals.
- They hope to knock out the defending champions.
4. Pass On
Meaning: To transfer the ball or responsibility to another player.
- He passed on the ball to his teammate for an easy goal.
- The captain passed on the leadership role to a younger player.
- She passed on the chance to score and set up her teammate instead.
5. Run Out
Meaning: To be dismissed in cricket by having the wicket broken while outside the crease.
- The batsman was run out by a quick throw from the fielder.
- They ran out three players in the last over.
- He almost got run out but managed to dive back in time.
6. Give Up
Meaning: To stop trying or surrender in a competition.
- Despite the injury, she refused to give up and finished the race.
- The team gave up after falling behind by 10 points.
- He never gives up, no matter how tough the match is.
7. Take On
Meaning: To compete against someone or accept a challenge.
- They will take on the league champions next week.
- She took on the world champion and nearly won.
- He’s ready to take on any opponent in the ring.
8. Fall Behind
Meaning: To lag in score or performance.
- The team fell behind early but made a strong comeback.
- She fell behind in the race after a slow start.
- They can’t afford to fall behind in the first half.
9. Catch Up
Meaning: To reach the same level as others after lagging.
- He sprinted to catch up with the leading runners.
- The team caught up in the second half and tied the game.
- She worked hard to catch up after missing training.
10. Pull Off
Meaning: To succeed in doing something difficult.
- They pulled off a stunning victory against the favorites.
- He pulled off an incredible save in the final minute.
- She pulled off a perfect dive in the competition.
Exercises
Test your understanding with these exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list above.
- Before the game, the players ________ for 15 minutes.
- The boxer ________ his rival in the fifth round.
- She refused to ________ even when she was exhausted.
- The team ________ a surprise win against the top seed.
- He had to ________ after missing two weeks of practice.
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Warm up | A. To stop trying |
| 2. Give up | B. To prepare for exercise |
| 3. Pull off | C. To succeed in something difficult |
| 4. Take on | D. To compete against someone |
Answer Key
Exercise 1 Answers:
- warmed up
- knocked out
- give up
- pulled off
- catch up
Exercise 2 Answers:
| 1. Warm up | B |
| 2. Give up | A |
| 3. Pull off | C |
| 4. Take on | D |