BRUSH UP YOUR PHRASAL VERBS.txt

7/26/2019 BRUSH UP YOUR PHRASAL VERBS.txt

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turn in, turn on, turn out, turn over, turn off

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bang s.o./s.t. up

bang up s.o./s.t.

Definition:

seriously damage someone or something

Examples:

He really banged up his knee in the hockey game.I heard that your car got banged up.

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PHRASAL VERB ListDefinition of a Phrasal VerbACT UP Phrasal VerbDefinition #1:

misbehave for people

Example:

My sons teacher phoned us. He has been acting up in class.Definition #2:

not work properly, for machines and body parts

Examples:

I couldnt print the photos. My printer was acting up and kept printing everythingcrooked.I wont go running this weekend. My knee is acting up again.Note: This phrasal verb is often used with forms that take the present participle which emphasizes activity.

ADD UP Phrasal VerbDefinition:

If something adds up, it makes sense. It is probable or correct.

Examples:

1. My co-workers home is twice the size of mine. He drives a new expensive car, and dresses in very expensive clothes. We have the same job, I know we earn the same amount of money, and we are both single. It doesnt add up.2. She says she is working a lot of overtime, but she never has any money. It doesnt add up.


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Note: In Canada, if you work more than 40 hours in a week, you receive a higherwage for the extra hours. (This is called overtime wages, or overtime.)

add up

add up s.t.

add s.t. up

Definition:

to look at the total of all the details (e.g., the information, numbers, etc.)

Examples:

1. All those chocolates I have been eating are adding up. Ive gained two pounds!

2. I think you should add up these numbers again.

3. When I add everything up, I think it would be best if I worked from home.

AGREE WITH Phrasal Verb

agree with s.o.

Definition:

If something agrees with you, it makes you feel happy or healthy.

Example:

Holidaying at the ocean obviously agrees with you. You look great!

Note: This phrasal verb is more commonly used in the negative.

Definition

If a certain food or drink doesnt agree with you, it makes you feel unwell.

Examples:

Do you mind if we go home early? Something I ate at the restaurant isnt agreeingwith me.I like garlic, but it doesnt agree with me.

ASK OUT Phrasal Verb


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ask s.o. out

Definition:

to invite someone to go on a date

Examples:

John is too shy to ask Jennifer out.He asked her out three times last week. Its very awkward because she isnt interested in him.

BACK OUT Phrasal Verb

Definition:

to not keep a promise or commitment

Examples:

They thought they had sold their house, but the purchasers backed out of the deal before the final papers were signed.I know you agreed to go out with her cousin, but she didnt tell you what he was l

ike. I think you should back out; hes really strange!

If something backs up, it means the regular flow is slowed or stopped.

example 1:

Dont pour grease down your kitchen drain or the water will back up.

example 2:

Every day the traffic on the freeway starts to back up at 4:00 p.m.

BACK UP Phrasal Verb

back up s.o./s.t.back s.o./s.t. up

Definition 2:

to drive, or move, in reverse

example 1:

Could you please back your car up a little?

Note: For this definition, it is not always necessary to include the object (e.g., the car).

example 2:

Could you back up a little? (This means back yourself up.)

Definition 3:


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to support

example 1:

They had no scientific evidence to back up their claims.

example 2:

My boss doesnt believe me. I am glad that Cris will back me up.

Definition 4:

to make a second copy of computer information and store it in a separate place,so the information is safe if there are problems with your computer

example 1:

We back up all our data every Friday.

example 2:

My computer got a virus and everything on my hard drive was destroyed. Fortunately, I had been regularly backing everything up.

BANG UP Phrasal Verb

bang s.o./s.t. up

bang up s.o./s.t.

Definition:

seriously damage someone or something

Examples:

He really banged up his knee in the hockey game.I heard that your car got banged up.

BANK ON Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to depend on

Example 1:

Were banking on a big crowd tonight to pay for the expense of producing the show.

Example 2:

My annual performance review at work is on Friday. I am banking on a raise, so Imade plans to go car shopping on the weekend.


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BLANK OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to have your mind go blank or empty; to forget what you need at the moment; to be unable to remember what you were going to say or do at that moment

example 1:

I took one look at the exam and blanked out. I couldnt remember anything that I had studied.

example 2:

She probably thinks hes a bit stupid. Hes so in love with her that every time shetalks to him, he completely blanks out. Its actually quite funny!

BLOCK OUT Phrasal Verb

block out s.o./s.t.block s.o./s.t. out

Definition:

to stop someone, or something, from affecting you

example 1:

She shut her bedroom door and turned up her music to block out the sound of themfighting.

example 2:

Im going to buy dark curtains to block the morning sun out.

example 3:

She is trying to block out that painful memory.

BLOW OVER Phrasal Verb

Definition:


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use this phrasal verb to talk about a storm, an argument or an unpleasant situation ending

Examples:

1. She is really angry with me. I apologized and Im hoping it will blow over.

2. According to the news, this storm will blow over by Monday.

BOIL OVER Phrasal Verb

Definition:

a liquid flows over the sides of the container (such as the pot) while boiling

Example:

1. While she was talking on the phone, the potatoes boiled over.

2. The rice boiled over and made a sticky mess on the stovetop.

BREAK DOWN Phrasal Verb

Definition #1:

Phrasal Verb - What is the Meaning of BREAK DOWNsomething mechanical, such as amachine or a vehicle, stops functioning

example 1:

This photocopier is a piece of junk. This is the third time this week it has broken down!

example 2:

Their car broke down on the highway last night, so they had it towed to the garage.

Definition #2:

to lose control of your emotions because you are in extreme pain, anxiety or sorrow

example 1:

I asked about her fathers health, and she broke down and started crying.

Definition #3:

to decompose

example 1:


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Dont put plastic in the recycling bin. It doesnt break down.

Definition #4:

to stop resisting someones persistent efforts

example 1:

He has a gambling problem, and he has been begging his mother for money every day to help pay his debts. Finally, yesterday, she broke down and gave him some money.

BREAK EVEN Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to reach a point in a venture (e.g., a business) where the costs and the profitsare equalexample 1:

We need to sell 200 tickets to break even.

example 2:

After three years in business they are finally breaking even. They hope to makea profit in September.

BREAK OFF Phrasal Verbbreak off s.t.

break s.t. offDefinition #1:

to separate part of something from the whole

Examples:

The wind broke off several branches.I dont think I will need a knife, thank you. I can just break a piece off.Phrasal Verb - What is the Meaning of BREAK OFF?

Definition #2:

to end formal talks, or a formal engagement to be married

Examples:

The union broke off negotiations with the company.They broke their engagement off.


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BREAK OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition #1:

the sudden start of something (often this refers to something undesirable, suchas a forest fire, war, fighting, a riot, pimples or sweat)

examples:

It is especially dry in Northern Alberta this month and a number of forest fireshave broken out.Riots broke out all over the city when the election results were announced.My mom is 40 and she still breaks out every time she eats chocolate. Thats kindof depressing. I hope its not genetic!I break out in a sweat every time that teacher asks me a question. He scares me!Definition #2:

to escape from prison

example:

Three prisoners broke out of the federal jail yesterday.

BREAK THROUGH Phrasal Verb

Definition #1:

to force a way through something that is blocking the way

example 1:

Rioters broke through the police barricade.

Definition #2:

to find a way through a problem, or a situation that is stopping you from movingforward

example 1:

They are beginning to break through some barriers that have held them back for c

enturies.

Note: You can combine these two words to create a commonly used noun. e.g., Hehas had a wonderful breakthrough in his physical therapy.


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BRING UP Phrasal Verbbring up s.t.

bring s.t. up

Definition:

to mention, or start to talk about, something

Examples:

Every time I brings up the idea, she gets quiet and wont talk.They were sorry that they brought up the topic of politics. He didnt stop talking after that.Dont bring up her boyfriend when you talk to her. They just broke up.

BRUSH OFF Phrasal Verbbrush off s.o./s.t.

brush s.o./s.t. offDefinition 1:

to ignore, or treat someone or something as though unimportant

Examples:

I dont think you should be brushing off your low grade. It could have a big impact on your overall average.Famous people have to learn to brush off some of the criticism they receive.They went on a date, but he said shes difficult to get to know. Whenever he askedher anything personal, she just brushed him off.Definition 2:

dust your body or clothing with your hand to clean it

Examples:

After we played with the dogs, we had to brush ourselves off.Holy crow,said the doorman, brushing himself off. That was just like the movie.

BUCKLE DOWN Phrasal Verb

Definition:

be serious about doing something;

take on a task or job with determination

Examples:

I have got to focus, buckle down, and get this job done.He needs to buckle down and study. His exam is on Friday and he isnt ready for it


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BUCKLE UP

BUCKLE UP and BUCKLE IN

These two phrasal verbs are similar, and can sometimes be interchanged.

If you are giving someone instructions to fasten their seatbelt, use buckle up.

Buckle in is used for child or infant car seats, because the child sits insidethespecial seat.

BUCKLE IN Phrasal Verb

Buckle up means to fasten your seat belt in a vehicle

Examples:

Everyone has to buckle up. Its the law.Josh, will you please buckle your brother up?What is the Meaning of BUCKLE IN?

buckle s.o. in / buckle in

Definition:

Buckle in means to fasten the seat belt so that one is belted into a specific seat

Examples:

You must buckle your child in to a child car seat before driving.Okay, were ready to go. Is everyone buckled in?See STORY example of buckled in: Its against the law in Canada to transport a child in a private vehicle unless the child is buckled in to a car seat.

CALL OFF Phrasal Verbcall s.t. off

call off s.t.

Definition:

cancel an event

Examples:


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1. When I heard how cold it was going to be on the weekend, I wondered if we should call the party off, but my wife thought it would be best to go ahead with the original plan.

2. Lets just call it off. No one is around that weekend. Out of the twenty peopleon our list to invite, already ten have said they cant come that weekend.

CALM DOWN Phrasal VerbDefinition:

cancel an event

Examples:

1. When I heard how cold it was going to be on the weekend, I wondered if we should call the party off, but my wife thought it would be best to go ahead with the original plan.

2. Lets just call it off. No one is around that weekend. Out of the twenty peopleon our list to invite, already ten have said they cant come that weekend.

CARRIED AWAY Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to lose self control

Example:

He is annoyed with her husband because he got carried away at her sons soccer game and yelled at the referee.

CARRY ON Phrasal VerbDefinition 1:

behave (or talk) in an excited, playful or silly, or bad-tempered way

Examples:

The children really like to carry on when they have a substitute teacher.


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When she starts carrying on about politics, I leave the room. She is very angrythat the party she voted for didnt get in.Definition 2:

continue doing what we you were doing before you were interrupted

Examples:

I didnt mean to stop your work. Carry on.She walked up but then never said anything, so we just carried on.

CATCH UP Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to gradually get closer to a moving person or vehicle in front of youdo work or tasks that should have been done earlierget to the place you should be / are expected to beExamples:

I arrived at the race late. Even though I am a faster runner than some of theothers, I knew I could not catch up.

I have Saturday off work. I am hoping to catch up on my laundry. I have almost nothing left to wear!See example of catch up: I felt as though I would never catch up with him.See STORY example of catch up: Ill work on it for awhile and catch up with you.

CHECK IN / INTO Phrasal Verbcheck in (check into a place)

check in s.o.

check s.o. inDefinition:

arrive and register at a hotel, airport, or conference

Examples:

1. Lets check in before lunch.

2. They checked all the guests in before the conference.

3. I am going to see if I can check in all the members of our team at the same time.

4. We cant check into the hotel until 4:00 pm.

CHECK ON Phrasal Verbcheck on s.o./s.t.

Definition:


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monitor or look at the condition of someone or somethingcheck to see how they are doingExamples:

I dont hear the children. I had better check on them.Can you please check on the cake? It should be ready to come out of the oven soon.You can go online and check on the status of your application.

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The definition and example2 above applies to the online course below.

CHECK OUT Phrasal Verb

Definition:

to stop at the front desk, or cash register of a hotel, library, or large storeso they can finalize your transactions

Examples:

When we checked out, we saw that the hotel had billed us $150 for phone calls!

You can check out 20 books from the library each week.Can I pay for my cosmetics here or do I need to check out at the front?Note: In stores, this is commonly used as a noun. (e.g., You will have to take your cosmetics to the front checkout.)

check s.o./s.t. out

check out s.o./s.t.Definition:get more information, or to look at someone or something, especially so that youcan form an opinion

Sometimes this phrasal verb is used in a very informal way. See examples 3 and 4

.

Examples:

The loans officer said, We will check out your credit history and if there are noproblems with it, then we can finalize your loan next week.I think you should check out the facts before you repeat that story.Check out these muscles.There are three new guys in our class. Im going to go and check them out.

CLEAN OUT Phrasal Verb

clean out s.t.

clean s.t. out

CLEAN OUT - Edmonton English SchoolDefinition:

clean the inside of something by removing the unnecessary things that are inside

Example:


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Now that the weather is warm, we want to clean out the garage this weekend. There are several things in there that we dont need any more. We want to get rid of them.I need to clean my car out. We took a road trip on the weekend and now my car isfull of junk.There is something growing in the back of our refrigerator. We need to clean itout after work tonight.clean out s.o.

clean s.o. out

Definition:

use or take all of someones money

Example:

She cleaned him out in their divorce. He will have to work until he is 80 yearsold!The stock market crash cleaned out all his savings.

CLEAN UP Phrasal Verb

clean up s.t.

clean s.t. up

Definition:

make a place completely clean or tidyExamples:

This place is a mess! You have to clean it up before you leave.He told his kids if they cleaned up their rooms, he would take them to a movie.Lets clean up the kitchen before bed so it looks nice when we get up in the morning.

COME DOWN WITHcome down with s.t.

Definition:

begin to suffer from an illness, especially a cold or the fluExamples:

Jon isnt going to go with us tonight. He thinks he is coming down with the flu.You sound like you have a sore throat. I hope you dont come down with a cold before your exam.I feel like I am coming down with something. Im going to go to bed early tonight.


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COME IN Phrasal VerbDefinition 1:

arrive in this location (such as a city or town) by some form of public transportation (e.g., boat, train, plane)

example:

My family comes in tonight. I can hardly wait!

Definition 2:

given as an invitation to enter a room, or a building (sometimes come on in isused for this same meaning)

example:

Come in, Cris. We were just getting the discussion started. There is coffee over there. You can sit at the end of the table.

Definition 3:

join or become involved in something such as an enterprise

examples:

Josh will come in at the beginning of Phase 2.My dad agreed to come in on the project.Definition 4:

have a useful role or function

example:

Our wedding money came in handy on our honeymoon.

Definition 5:

finish a race in a specified position

example:

He came in third.

COME UP Phrasal Verb

Definition 1:

come close

If an event is coming up, it is going to happen soon, at a planned time in the near future.

examples:

My vacation is coming up next week!


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That meeting came up quickly. I didnt allow enough time to prepare for it.See example of come up: Coming up, in Part 5, we give you five things you can doto start improving your English right now.Definition 2:

If a person (or animal) comes up to you, they come directly to you; they come close to you.

examples:

The other day, on the street, a stranger came up to me and asked if I was his cousin.I hate the way your dog always comes up and smells my shoes!Definition 3:

This expression can be used when you do not want to give a lot of details aboutthe difficulty because it is private.

examples:

I am sorry that we wont be able to attend the work party on Friday evening as wehad planed. Something has come up with my family.That was John on the phone. He said not to wait for him because something has come up at work and he cant get away.

See CULTURAL TIPS for more on MANNERS RESPONDING NOTO AN INVITATION

Definition 4:

This definition is mostly used to talk about plants growing. Use this phrasal verb when the new growth starts to show above ground.

(more phrasal verbs to use in the spring)

examples:

I love spring. The tulips in my flower bed are starting to come up.I planted carrots this year. I hope they come up soon.

Oh, look! The crocuses are coming up.

COUNT ON Phrasal Verb

count on s.o./s.t.

Definition:

to count on someone is to know that you can trust, or depend on that person to do what is requiredto count on something is to trust, or expect, that the thing will work the way y


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ou need it to workExamples:

1. Hes an excellent plumber. You can count on him to fix your water leak.

2. Dont count on him. He never does what he says he will. He will let you down.

3. I feel as though we can count on something going wrong every time we travel!

DAWN ON Phrasal Verbdawn on s.o.

Definition:

to become understood, or evident, or obvious

(Note: This comes from the meaning of dawn, which is the time each day before the sun rises, when dark is gradually becoming light.)

Examples:

It suddenly dawned on her that she had been there before.Around 2:00 pm my stomach grumbled, and it dawned on me that I hadnt eaten yet.

DO UP Phrasal Verbdo up s.t.

do s.t. up

Definition:

fasten together as in button or zip

Example:

1. This is depressing. I have gained so much weight I cant even do up these pantsfrom last summer.

2. Do up your jackets, kids. Its cold out today!

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one definition. The definition and example shown above are for the online course below.

DRAW OUT Phrasal Verbdraw out s.o./s.t.

draw s.o./s.t. out

Definition 1:

gently encourage someone (who may be shy or uncomfortable) to talk


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Examples:

Lets invite Marie to the dinner party. She is good at drawing people out, and making them feel comfortable.His daughter is very shy but she loves animals, so if you talk about your puppy,you might be able to draw her out.Definition 2:

make something continue longer than is usual or necessary

Note: often use in the passive voice

Examples:

I hope the negotiations wont be too drawn out.Please dont draw this discussion out longer than is necessary.If you draw out the vowel sound when you say, Really?, it sounds like you are surprised.

DRIVE UP Phrasal VerbDefinition #1:

Drive up means to drive (mostly) north to a specific destination.

Examples:

Why dont you drive up and visit us this weekend?We drove up to Alaska last summer.See the STORY example of drive up: I poured myself a mug full of hot chocolate,

and leaned back, hoping to catch a few winks on the drive up.Definition #2:

Drive up sometimes means drive forward.

Examples:

(over the intercom at a fast-food drive-through restaurant) Im sorry. I cant hearyou. Please drive up to the next window.Theres a strange sound coming from the engine. Im going to drive up to the next gas station and get them to take a look.

DROP IN Phrasal VerbDefinition:


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visit someone informally and briefly

Examples:

1. My husband grew up in a small community and often in the evenings, or on theweekends, people would drop in on friends or neighbours to visit. He thinks we should still do that, but I tell him that times have changed. I dont think most people would like that now.

2. My grandmother loves it when people drop in for a visit.

DROP OFF Phrasal Verbdrop s.o./s.t. off

drop off s.o./s.t.Definition:

to take someone in a vehicle and deliver them to a new location, on the way to afinal destination

This is the opposite of pick up.

example 1:

I am driving past the train station; I can drop you off.

example 2:

She dropped off her car at the mechanics.

See example of DROP OFF: We would go back home before the school bus dropped the children off.

DROP OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition:

stop participating in a race, competition, or activity or quit a course of studyexample 1:

The students said it wasnt a good course. Almost half the class dropped out aftertwo weeks.

example 2:He wants to drop out of soccer, but his parents wont let him.

DROP OUT is just one of many phrasal verbs that can cause confusion for ESL learners. Sign up for your FREE e-book of phrasal verbs and every week you will receive a new page of phrasal verb definitions and examples with illustrations.


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DROWN OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition

a sound cannot be heard because another sound is much louder

example 1:

Its a beautiful home with a large yard. It looks like a country home. Unfortunately, there is a busy freeway nearby and the sound of the traffic drowns out any sounds of nature.

example 2:

I always wish I could drown my roommates music out.example 3:

I turned up my music so I could drown out my neighbours barking dog.

END UP Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to be in a situation that you did not intend

example 1:

We got so lost! We were trying to go to the south side of the city, and we ende

d up on the north side.

example 2:

Youll end up sick if you dont get more sleep.

See the STORY The Sleepover example of END UP: Most of the stories I wrote endedup being more fiction than fact.

EVEN OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition:

become more equal

Examples:

1. Spain scored a goal to even out the score.


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2. My boss is trying to even the work out so that everyone is doing their share.

FALL BEHIND Phrasal Verb

gradually move behind other people because you are moving slowly or not keepingup with an expectation

1. Kevin fell behind paying his credit card and now he has a lot of debt.

2. Canada has fallen behind many countries in developing new technologies.

FALL FOR Phrasal VerbDefinition #1:

be tricked into believing something that is not true

example:

I cant believe I fell for what the salesman was telling me and bought an overpriced car.

Definition #2:

suddenly be in love with someone or something

examples:

I think Susan fell for Ron after the first date.I didnt know what I wanted to buy, but when I saw the grand piano in the store I

fell for it immediately.

FEEL FOR Phrasal Verb

feel for s.o./s.tDefinition #1:

be sympathetic towards someone because they are in a difficult situation

example 1:

I really feel for Janet. Her father passed away this week.

Definition #2:

look for something without being able to see it by using your hands

example 1:

I couldnt find the light switch so I had to feel for my keys in the dark.


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example 2:

I felt for my lipstick in my purse, but couldnt find it without looking.

FIGURE OUT Phrasal Verbfigure out s.o./s.t.

figure s.o./s.t. out

Definition:

understand someone or somethingsolvediscover the cause of a problem or difficulty

Examples:

Our daughter got lost driving home from a new friends house, but she figured it out and eventually got home.If you cant figure out how to set up the tent, I have an instruction sheet.

FIND OUT Phrasal Verbfind out s.t.

find s.t. outDefinition:

learn by observation, study, or a search

discover information

Examples:

1. I would like to find out whats going on at work. There have been a lot of meetings behind closed doors lately.

2. He just wants to find the truth out.

3. The police said they may never find out what happened.

FLIP THROUGH Phrasal Verbflip through s.t.Definition:

look or search quickly through (a book or a collection of papers)


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Examples:

1. I flipped through this book, but I dont think I would enjoy it. It is about the history of civilization. You might like it. Do you want it?

2. I flipped through my notes, but I couldnt find the paper I needed.

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one definition. The definition and example shown above are for the online course below.

FREEZE OUT Phrasal Verbfreeze s.o. out

freeze out s.o.

Definition:

to exclude (i.e., not include) someoneact in a cold and unfriendly way that clearly excludes someone from somethingprevent involvement by unfriendly behaviour, boycotting, etc.Examples:

1. Maria doesnt like Josh, so she is trying to freeze him out of our group of fri

ends. She doesnt want us to invite him when we go out, she wont answer his texts,and she ignores him when were all together.

2. The high housing prices are freezing out single-income families.

3. That construction company is trying to freeze out their new competition by spreading negative rumours.Note: The definition above is part of an online course. Registered students, click below to return to your course.

GET BY Phrasal Verb

Definition:

have just enough of something (usually money) for what you need but no extra

Example:

Carol is very under qualified for her job. She has just enough knowledge to getby.


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GIVE UP Phrasal Verb

give up s.t.give s.t. up

Definition #1

to quit doing something

If you use give up without a noun or gerund after it, it usually means to quit trying.

Examples:

1. I give up! Whats the answer?

2. He tried several times to explain it to me, but eventually he gave up.

3. Hes a little grouchy these days. Hes trying to give up smoking.

4. See STORY example of GIVE UP: Im a little stubborn, and I hate to give up so Iinsisted that I was fine.

GO OUT Phrasal Verb

Definition 1:

leave your home for entertainment, or a social eventgo on a date with another personExamples:

I dont go out very often. I prefer spending time alone.My sister goes out with her friends every weekend.I know you agreed to go out with her cousin, but she didnt tell you what he was like. I think you should back out; hes really strange!Definition 2:

stop working or existing (for fire or light)

Examples:

The fire went out when it started raining.There was a small wind and suddenly the candle went out.The power went out in all of New York last week after the storm.Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. Definition 1 is part of the online course below. Registered students, click the image to return to your course.

GO OVER Phrasal Verbgo over s.t.

Definition:

reviewexamine, considercheck the details of something


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Examples:

1. Could you please go over these numbers for me? Something seems to be missing.

2. We went over everything twice and we cant find the mistake.

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The definition and example above applies to the online course below.

GO THROUGH Phrasal Verbgo through s.t.

Definition:

experience something difficult or painful

Examples:

1. My friend went through a lot to move to this country.

2. I dont think I could go through another divorce,she said.

3. He says he doesnt want to go through another round of chemo treatments for hiscancer.


GOING ON Phrasal VerbDefinition:

happening

Examples:

1. I cant get this computer to work today. I dont know what is going on.

2. I dont know what went on here, but it sure is a mess.

3. He wanted to know what was going on in the hallway.

4. Why are you phoning so late? What is going on? Is everything okay?

Note: This phrasal verb is most commonly used as either is going on, or was going on (i.e., either Present Continuous, or Past Continuous).


GRIND UP Phrasal Verbgrind up s.t.


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grind s.t. up

Definition:

reduce something to small particles or powder by crushing it completely

Examples:

1. Its best to grind up meat for babies when they start to eat solid food.

2. At that plant, they grind up fish for plant fertilizer.

Note: This vocabulary is from the online course below.

GROW UP Phrasal Verb

Definition:

spend your childhood and teen years; become an adult

Examples:

1. When I grow up,said the little boy, with a big smile, I am going to be a firetruck!

2. She grew up in Mexico. She moved to Canada to finish her university degree.

3. When we were growing up, we spent a lot of time with my grandparents.

Note: This vocabulary is used in the Online Course below.

Registered students: click the image to return to your lesson.

HAND OVER Phrasal Verbhand s.o./s.t. overhand over s.o./s.t.Definition:

to give someone or something to someone else

Examples:

1. He put a gun in my back and said, Hand over all your cash.

2. See the STORY Confessions of a Whiner (Part 4) example of HAND OVER: And whenhe handed my frozen body over to Gord, he would say, Its too bad, I always thought your wife was a little tougher, Gord.


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HAVE ON Phrasal Verbhave s.t. onhave on s.t.

Definition:

To have on means to wear.

Examples:

1. Why dont you have socks on?

2. What kind of perfume do you have on? It smells very pretty.

3. See the STORY example of HAVE ON: I had snowboarding pants on.

HEAD BACK Phrasal VerbDefinition:

go in the direction from which you came (turn around and return to where you wer

e before)

Examples:

1. It has been a great day, but I think it is time we head back home.

2. He walked to the end of the block, and then headed back to the office.

3. We could have a bite to eat before we head back. (from the story Confessionsof a Whiner)

Note: This vocabulary is used in the online course below:

HEAD OFF Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to leave in order to go somewhere or do something

Examples:

1. We packed a picnic and headed off to the park.

2. See STORY example of HEAD OFF: I hopped on my bike and headed off down the road.

Note: This Phrasal Verb has other definitions.

HEAD OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition:


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leave a place

Examples:

1. When they started to complain about his brother, he headed out of the room.

2. The wedding isnt until Saturday, but we are going to head out on Thursday so we can help them with the decorating Friday afternoon. (Note: This suggests thatthe wedding is in another city.)

Note: This phrasal verb is used in our online courses.

Registered students, you can return to Course 401 by clicking the image below.

KEEP OUT Phrasal Verbkeep s.o./s.t. outkeep out s.o./s.t.

Definition:

to cause someone, or something, to remain outside of a certain area

Examples:

1. The sign on the fence of the construction site said, Keep out!

2. Please keep the dog out of the house.

3. You need warm clothes to keep out the cold.

4. See the STORY example of KEEP OUT: I wished I had brought ski goggles to keepthe blowing snow out of my eyes.

KEEP UP Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to go as quickly as someone, or something, else

Examples:

1. Technology is changing so quickly. Sometimes its hard to keep up.

2. It can be difficult to keep up with spoken English if you dont know phrasal verbs.

3. I started the race late and I couldnt keep up.

4. See example of KEEP UP:I was working very hard just to keep up with him.

5. See example of KEEP UP: You can keep up with others, or even move ahead and lead.


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6. See example of KEEP UP: Next year, I will keep up with him.

7. See the STORY example of KEEP UP: I would need to jog to keep up with him.

Tip: When you include the object, follow this phrasal verb using with

KNOCK BACK Phrasal Verbknock back s.t.

knock s.t. back

Definition:

consume a drink (usually alcohol) quickly and completely

Examples:

1. He knocked back six beer while we were getting ready to leave.2. He knocked his drink back and stood up.

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The definition above applies to the online courses below.

LAY OUT Phrasal Verb

lay out s.t.

lay s.t. out

Definition:

put on a surface, usually in such a way that it can be completely seen

Examples:

1. Every night she lays out the clothes she plans to wear the next day.

2. At the end of the school year, the school lays out the Lost and Found items so the parents can claim things their children have lost.

LEAVE BEHIND Phrasal Verbleave behind s.o./s.t.

leave s.o./s.t. behind

Definition:


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make progress much more quickly than someone elsego to a new place without someone, or somethingExamples:

1. He is a faster cyclist than his friend, so he quickly left him behind.

2. See example of LEAVE BEHIND: He started out very slowly, so I wouldnt get leftbehind.

3. See example of LEAVE BEHIND: We feel like we are being left behind.

4. See example of LEAVE BEHIND: We need to decide that we do not want to be left behind.

Tip: This Phrasal Verb is often used in the passive voice. Passive voice changesthe focus of a sentence from the Subject to the Verb (the action). Using passive voice makes it sound like you are not blaming the Subject for leaving the Object.

Can you hear the difference in meaning?

Active voice: He left her behind.

Passive voice: She was left behind.

LET DOWN Phrasal Verblet s.o. downDefinition:

fail to support, or help, someone as they had expected or hoped

Examples:

1. Dont count on him. He never does what he says he will. He will let you down.

2. Thank you for the opportunity to handle this project. I wont let you down!

3. People have high expectations for this fundraiser. I hope the organizer doesntlet them down.

LET IN Phrasal Verb

let s.o/s.t. in

let in s.o./s.t.

Definition:

admit, or allow, someone or something into a room, building or area

ExampleS:


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1. You will arrive at the house before us. You have a key so let yourselves in.

2. I am sorry. I cannot let you in until 9:00 a.m.

3. The security guard knows me, so he will let us in.

LIMP ALONG Phrasal Verb

Definition:

progress slowly, or with difficulty, and not at full capacity

(Tip: The meaning of limp is to walk with difficulty because of a damaged or stiff leg or foot.)

example 1:

I need to find a better job. My family has spent 4 years limping along struggling to pay the bills. We cant continue like this.

example 2:

I limped along for years trying to finish my degree because I had a family to support and I needed to work. I took a course here and there, studying part-time.Finally, I just decided I had to buckle down and finish. I took out a loan and went back to university full-time.

LINE UP Phrasal Verbline up s.o./s.t.

line s.o./s.t. up

Definition:

arrange people or things in a straight row


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Examples:

1. Please line up here to get your tickets.

2. We lined up for the movie. Do you think we will get in?I asked.

LOAD UP Phrasal Verbload up s.o./s.t.

load s.o./s.t. up

Definition:

put a large amount of something in someones arms, on someones plate, etc.

Examples:

1. We loaded up on snacks and headed to the basement to watch movies.

2. I think if we load up both our cars, we can move all your boxes to your new apartments in 3 or 4 trips.

3. My boss has really loaded my calendar up this month.

LOCK UP Phrasal Verblock up s.o./s.t.

lock s.o./s.t. up

Definition:

completely shut and secure by locking

(often used for a offices, or stores)

Examples:

1. The police locked the prisoner up for the night in his cell.

2. We locked up the doors and windows and left for vacation.

3. It is her job to lock up the store every night.

LOOK AFTER Phrasal Verblook after s.o./s.t.


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Definition:

take care of; to be responsible for someone, or something

If you are talking about a person, this means to spend time with someone and make sure that they are safe and have the things they need. This is most commonlyused for children or people who are sick.

See STORY example of LOOK AFTER: Gord and I had told them that we would be happyto look after their toddler for a few days

LOOK AFTER can also be used for things.

If you are talking about something (e.g., a pet, plants, someones home, or possessions), it means that you will be responsible for it.

Examples:

We are looking after our neighbours house while they are on vacation.Sue, will you look after my luggage for a minute while I use the washroom?

LOOK AFTER can be used when you are delegating tasks.

Again, this means to be responsible for.

Examples:

We like to have a big meal at Thanksgiving. We have a lot of relatives and preparing all the food is a big job. So, this year, we decided that I will look afterthe turkey, my sisters will look after the other hot food, and the others in the family will look after salads and desserts.Cris is going to look after the accounting for the project. Tom will look aftermedia communication, and Pat will look after administration.

LOOK INTO Phrasal Verb

look into s.t.

Definition 1:

find out more information about a particular situation

Examples:

1. I will look into the details of the rental agreement and let you know.

2. Thank you for letting me know about the problem you are having with our website. We will look into it and get back to you.


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3. I looked into renting the apartment but I decided I wasnt interested. There were a lot of hidden expenses included in the contract.

Note: It is common to say look into it. It means the problem, or the situation.

LOOK UP Phrasal Verblook up s.t.

look s.t. up

Definition:

find information from a reference source (a book, the internet, etc.)

Examples:

1. Im not sure where that restaurant is. Could you look it up for me?

2. You will need to look up the hours they are open.

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The definition above applies to the online course below.

MEASURE UP Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to reach an expected standard; to fulfill certain expectations

Examples:

1. Sometimes I feel like I will never measure up to my mother-in-laws expectations.

2. His second wife will never measure up to his first wife.

3. See STORY example of MEASURE UP: Its not that I feel like I need to measure upto Joshs definition of Real People.

Tip: follow this phrasal verb using to someone, or something

MIX UP Phrasal Verbmix s.o./s.t. up


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mix up s.o./s.t.

Definition:

confuse

Example:

1. Can you repeat those numbers again please? I am getting mixed up.

2. People often mix up my twin nieces.

PASS AWAY Phrasal Verbpass away / pass on / pass

Definition:

This is a polite and respectful way of saying to die.

Examples:

1. His grandmother passed on last month. He is going to fly to his home countryto be with his parents.

2. Sometimes I worry that when my parents pass away, our family wont stay as close to one another.

PAT DOWN Phrasal Verbpat down s.o.

pat s.o. down

Definition:

lightly and quickly touch the hands over a persons body to find something concealed

Example:

The police patted him down, looking for weapons.

PICK UP Phrasal Verbpick up s.o./s.t.


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pick s.o./s.t. up

Definition 1:

to stop for someone (or something) and take the person (or thing) to your destination, usually in your vehicle

Examples:

Can you please stop and pick up my coat on your way home from work today? I forgot it at Jos place.STORY example of PICK UP: How about I pick you up at 4:30?STORY example of PICK UP: The drive home on the day we picked him up should havebeen a warning to me.Definition 2:

remove something, usually from the floor, often because you are cleaning or tidying

Examples:

Be sure the kids pick up their toys before they go to bed.If my mom drops something, I pick it up for her because she is 86 years old and

it is difficult for her to bend over.

Definition 3:

catch an illness or or infection

Examples:

I seem to have picked up a cold. I feel miserable.A lot of people at work have the flu. I hope I dont pick it up.Definition 4:

pay for something that is not a complex purchase

Examples:

Every time we go out with them, he picks up the tab. Its very generous of him, but we feel terrible about it and wish he would let us pay sometimes. (To PICK UPthe bill, or the tab means to pay for a meal in a restaurant.)He picked up an old bike while he was travelling.He picked some cough medicine up while he was at the grocery store.

Definition 5:

become aware of, or learn something in an informal way; acquire or get somethingin an informal way

Examples:

My Spanish is not good, but I picked some up when I was travelling.I am going to go to the conference. I am hoping to pick up some ideas for our business.My pants are picking up hair from your cat!Definition 6:

detect a signal or a sound, especially electronic


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Examples:

The radio began to pick up a lot of static.We cant pick many stations up when were at the cottage at the lake.If you are using a microphone, it is important to be careful that your breathingsounds arent picked up by the mike and magnified to your audience.

__________________________

pick someone up

Definition 7:

make someone feel more cheerful or energetic (Sometimes PERK is used instead of PICK.)

Examples:

Winter has been so long this year. I need to do something to pick myself up.I chose some fun songs to pick you up.pick up

pick up something

pick something up

Definition 8:

continue / resume something (This is often followed by: where s.o. left off.)

Examples:

We are very close friends. When we see each other after a long time apart, we always just pick up where we left off.Her grandfather picked his story up again from where he had stopped in their last visit, and he continued to tell her about their family history.

Definition 9:

become stronger; improve

Examples:

Things are starting to pick up at work. It was dead for awhile, but we have somenew regular customers and it is starting to get busy again.The wind is picking up. I think we should close the windows. It looks like its going to rain.

Note: This vocabulary is used in the Online Courses.

Registered students can return to their online course by clicking the links below:

DEFINITION #4 is for ONLINE COURSE 402 WEEK 6

DEFINITION #1 is for ONLINE COURSE 402 WEEK 7

DEFINITION #6 is for ONLINE COURSE 404


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PULL BY Phrasal Verb

Definition:

drive past

Examples:

1. As the tour bus pulled by the museum, everyone strained to see the newly built fountain.

2, The train slowed down at the small town, but there was no one waiting on theplatform so it pulled by without stopping.

Note: Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The definition above applies to the online courses below

PULL OFF Phrasal Verbpull s.t. off

pull off s.t.

Definition:

succeed in achieving or winning something difficult

Examples:

1. We had only 24 hours to plan an amazing birthday party, and we did it! I can

hardly believe we pulled it off!

2. It looks like a very challenging task, but if you believe you can pull it off, I think you should try. It will be incredibly rewarding if you succeed.

3. You are the only person I know who could have pulled that off! I cant believethey agreed to lend you the money for your idea!

PULL OVER Phrasal Verbpull s.o./s.t. over

Definition:

This means to drive a vehicle to the side of the road and stop, or (as in example 2) it means the police make someone drive their vehicle to the side of the road and stop.


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Examples:

1. Sometimes, when people pull over on a highway, its dangerous.

2. The police pulled her over because she was talking on her cell phone while driving.

3. I heard a strange noise so I pulled my car over and turned off the ignition.

When you use this phrasal verb in the passive voice (and you do not say WHO pulled someone over), it is assumed that a policeman is the subject.

Example: (PULLED OVER passive voice)

He got pulled over for speeding.

PULL UP Phrasal Verbpull s.t. up

PULL UP is just one of many phrasal verbs that can cause confusion for ESL learners. Phrasal Verb Book - What is the meaning of PULL UP? for your FREE e-bookof phrasal verbs and every week you will receive a new page of phrasal verb definitions and examples with illustrations.

PUT ON Phrasal Verbput on s.t.

put s.t. on

Definition 1:

place clothing, make-up, lotion, etc. on your body

Examples:

I put on a sweater and went outside.Put your socks on before you leave the house.I put on lipstick before I went to the restaurant.You should put your new perfume on tonight.Definition 2:

play a movie, CD, etc.

Examples:

You can put a movie on once the kids go to bed.She put on her favourite song and began to dance.Why dont you put on some nice dinner music?Definition 3:

to organize an event


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Examples:

She put this festival on all by herself.This play was put on by the community centre.I have no idea how to put on a fundraising event.My co-worker is going to put on a baby shower for her friend.

REAR END Phrasal Verbrear end s.o.

Definition:

a vehicle hits another vehicle from behind

Examples:

1. The other day after work, the roads were icy. I stopped for a red light, andthe person behind me rear-ended me.

2. The driver in front of me stopped suddenly for a pedestrian to cross the road, and I rear-ended him.

RENT OUT Phrasal Verbrent s.t. out

rent out s.t.

Definition:

allow someone to use something you own, in exchange for payment

Examples:

1. During the Olympics many people rented out bedrooms in their homes.

2. We are planning to renovate our basement into a separate living space and rent it out.

3. The equipment was very expensive, but the company is hoping to rent it out an

d recover some of the cost.

4. Under the terms of my one-year lease, I cant rent my apartment out. I want togo to my home country for a few months to visit my family, but I cant afford to pay my apartment rent the whole time I am gone.

Note: Typically, you use rent to mean pay, and rent out to mean earn. Rent out is especially used when you dont mentioning who will be paying.

When the context is obvious, or the renter is mentioned, rent can also be used t


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o mean earn. Example:

We are going to rent our extra bedroom to visitors who come for the Olympics.

ROLL DOWN Phrasal Verbroll s.t. down

roll down s.t.

Definition:

open a window in a vehicle

Examples:

1. Whew! Its hot in here. Lets roll down the windows.

2. Jo doesnt want you to roll the windows down because the wind messes up her hair.

3. Im sorry Jo, but I feel like I am suffocating. I am rolling my window down.

RUN BY Phrasal Verbrun s.t. by s.o.

Definition:

tell someone about something, especially in order to get their opinion or reaction

Examples:

1. I would like to run the plan by my parents before we go any further with it.

2. I wish you had run it by me before planning the whole trip.

3. My boss asked me to run the business plan by her before the meeting.

4. It is very important to run everything by your supervisor before it gets published.


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RUN INTO Phrasal Verb

run into s.o.

Definition:

meet by chance

Example:

1. I quickly stopped at the store to pick up a few things, hoping I wouldnt run into someone I know.

2. If you run into my brother when you are at his office building, say Hifrom me.

3. I wonder if we will run into our neighbours here. She said they have season tickets.

SAIL THROUGH Phrasal Verbsail through s.t.

Definition:

do something very easily; succeed easily at something

Examples:

1. He sailed through his exams. He said they were really easy.

2. Youll sail through this project. Its very similar to the last one you did.

3. That guy just seems to sail through life. It looks like he never has any problems.

SCREW UP Phrasal Verbscrew s.t. up

screw up s.t.

Definition:

(very informal) completely mismanage, or handle very badly

Example:


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I have a presentation to give at work tomorrow in front of the whole division, many of whom are experts in this area. Im nervous and I am worried that I will screw it up.

SEE OUT Phrasal Verbsee s.o. out

Definition:

walk someone to the exit

Examples:

1. Thanks for bringing those plans over. I am leaving for lunch now. I can see you out.

2. When the president said, My assistant will see you out, the reporter knew theinterview was over.

SEND OFF Phrasal Verbsend s.o./s.t. offsend off s.o./s.t.

Definition:

to make arrangements for someone, or something, to go somewhere

The meaning of send off is very similar to the meaning of send or send away. Send off suggests more energy.

Examples:

1. We sent our daughter off to college last week. She is going to live on campus.

2. See the STORY The Sleepover example of SEND OFF: We would send the childrenoff to school.

SET UP Phrasal Verbset s.t. up

set up s.t.


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Definition:

put physical things in place for an occasion (e.g., tables, chairs, etc.)

This suggests assembling and standingthings in the right places.

Examples:

1. You dont have to do a thing,said Dave. The caterers will come in the afternoon nd bring the food and set everything up.

2. This tent is sure a lot easier to set up than the one my parents had when I was a kid!

SETTLE DOWN Phrasal Verbsettle s.o. downsettle down s.o.

Definition:

to make calm, or to become calmer or quieter

Examples:

1. I will go upstairs and see if I can settle her down; shes very upset.

2. Would you like me to try settling down the baby?

3. See the STORY The Sleepover example of SETTLE DOWN: Its time to settle down now and get some sleep.

4. After the fire drill, it took the teacher a long time to get the kids settleddown again.

SETTLE ON Phrasal Verbsettle on s.o./s.t.

Definition:

come to rest on

Example:

A sense of peace settled on the crowd at the funeral as the speaker began to talk about all the wonderful things the deceased woman had done with her life.


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SHAKE OFF Phrasal Verbshake off

shake off oneself*/ s.t.

shake oneself* / s.t. off

Definition:

make a lot of quick, small, repeated movements to remove dirt or dust, usually after a fall

Examples:

1. After he slipped and fell, he stood up, shook himself off, and started to walk down the street, as though nothing had happened.

2. I picked my jacket up off the floor and shook the dirt off.

3. The wet dog shook himself off and got mud all over everyone.

Note: oneself can be replaced with another reflexive pronoun such as myself, yourself, yourselves, himself, herself, ourselves, or themselves.

SHOW UP Phrasal VerbDefinition:

arrive for an appointment or gathering

example 1:

I forgot to show up for my doctors appointment.

example 2:

What if he doesnt show up?

See the STORY The Sleepover example of SHOW UP: Like a group of teenagers we all showed up nervous and giggly.

SHOW UP is just one of many phrasal verbs that can cause confusion for ESL learners. Sign up in the right column for your FREE e-book of phrasal verbs and every week you will receive a new page of phrasal verb definitions and examples withillustrations.


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SLEEP IN Phrasal Verb

Definition:

Sleep in means to stay in bed, sleeping, later than your usual time.

Examples:

1. Josh is late for work this morning. I wonder if he slept in.

2. On weekdays, I need to leave for work at 6:30 a.m. On the weekends, I sleepin until 9:00 a.m.

3. See STORY example of SLEEP IN: Saturday is my day off. I usually like to sleep in a little.

SLEEP THROUGH Phrasal Verbsleep through s.t.

Definition:

to continue sleeping while something is happening and not to be woken up by it

Examples:

1. I cant understand how you slept through that terrible storm last night. The thunder was really loud!

2. Unfortunately, I slept through most of the performance.

3. When I am really tired, I can sleep through anything!

4. See the STORY The Sleepover example of SLEEP THROUGH: Allen got up early. Weall slept through it.

SLIP BY Phrasal VerbDefinition:

go past quietly and with no one noticing

Examples:

1. I was hoping to slip the receipt for my new shoes by you.

2. Unfortunately, I let that opportunity slip by me.

3. The evening has slipped by quickly. Thank you for such a nice time.


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SORT OUT S.T. Phrasal Verb

sort out s.t.

sort s.t. out

Definition:

organizeput in categoriesarrangeExamples:

1. My schedule is too full of extra appointments. I need to sort them all out.

2. There has been a lot of new information. I need some time to sort out my thoughts.

3. I am going to sort out the stuff in our garage this weekend.

START OFF Phrasal Verbstart off s.t.start s.t. off

Definition:

To start off means to begin something that has a planned finish.

Examples:

1. I started off with a lot of enthusiasm.

2. Lets start off the meal with salad. / Lets start the meal off with salad.

3. See the STORY example of START OFF: Josh started off across the parking lot

STICK AROUND Phrasal VerbDefinition:

remain in or near a place

Examples:

1. I can only stick around for about ten minutes, and then I will need to leave.

2. Can you stick around for a few minutes after the meeting? I have some thoughts on that proposal that I would like to run past you.


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STRAIGHTEN OUT Phrasal Verbstraighten out s.o./s.t.

straighten s.o./s.t. out

Definition:

put in order again

Examples:

1. They want help to straighten out their finances.

2. After the divorce, he really tried to straighten out his life. He got a steady job and he quit drinking.

3. At first, everyone was talking and crying, and the situation was very confusing. But after a while, the police were able to straighten out who was driving wh

ich vehicle and who had caused the accident.

TAKE OFF Phrasal Verb

take off s.t.

take s.t. off

Definition 1:

remove something that you are wearingto remove something completelyExamples:

1. I thought I would take my ski jacket off. (see Stories)

2. Be careful with the power saw. You could easily take off a finger.

take off

Definition 2:

to become airborneto begin to flyExample:

We like to go to the airport and watch the planes take off.


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take off

Definition 3:

go away (often this suggests quickly)Examples:

1. Every spring I want to take off to the mountains for the weekend.

2. Our neighbours took off in the middle of the night. Then we read in the newspaper that the police were looking for them.

TAKE OUT Phrasal Verbtake s.o. out

take out s.o.

Definition:

take someone to a social event or a place of entertainment, or to a restaurant

Tips:

Use this for nicer restaurants. It is not normally used for fast food restaurants.Dont confuse this phrasal verb with the noun take-out. The meaning is very different. Take-out is food that you purchase from a restaurant (such as pizza), thentake home to eat.In speech, the phrasal verb is stressed on OUT. The noun is stressed on TAKE.Examples:

1. My husband is going to take me out to the theatre for our anniversary.

2. He took her out to dinner on Friday evening.

TAKE UP ON Phrasal Verbtake up s.o. on s.t.take s.o. up on s.t.

Definition:

to accept an offer from someone

Examples:

1. I would like to take you up on your offer to help, if it is still available.

2. She decided to take up Josh on his offer to lend her money.

3. See STORY example of TAKE UP ON: They were phoning to ask if they could take


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us up on our offer.

THROW BACK Phrasal Verbthrow back s.t.

throw s.t. back

Definition:

open (with energy) to show something behind

Examples:

1. The children threw back their covers and jumped out of bed.

2. She threw back the curtains and was shocked to see that the ground was covered in white snow.

TRANSPORT BACK Phrasal Verbtransport s.o./s.t. back

transport back s.o./s.t.

Definition:

To transport someone (or something) back means to return a person (or thing) to

an earlier time in history.Because this can only be done in Science Fiction or imaginary stories, this phrasal verb is often used to mean: cause someone to feel they are in a time, or place, from the pastExample:

Being at the antique car show transported my father back to his childhood.

TRY OUT Phrasal Verbtry s.t. out

try out s.t.

Definition:

If you try something out, you test it, or practice using it, to determine if itis what you want.


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For sports teams, the meaning changes a little. You try out to see if your skill is good enough for the team.

Examples:

Are you going to try out for the basketball team?I would like to try this new recipe out.Go ahead. Try it out for a week and if you dont like it, you can return it.

TURN DOWN Phrasal Verbturn s.t. downturn down s.t.

Definition:

to adjust a control on a device in order to lower the heat, volume, etc.

Examples:

1. After an hour, turn the oven down to 250 F.

2. Its really warm in here. Can you please turn down the heat?

3. See the STORY The Sleepover example of TURN DOWN: Can you turn it down a little?!

Note: There are also other definitions for turn down.

TURN IN Phrasal Verbturn in s.o./s.t.

turn s.o./s.t. in

Definition:

give someone, or something, to the people in authority (such as the police, a teacher, security, etc.)

(This can also mean to give information about someone to the police, or authorities, about someone.)

Examples:

1. He thinks his cousin turned him in. If the court finds him guilty, he will probably go to jail for about 5 years.

2. I lost my cell phone at the mall, but thankfully someone turned it in to theLost and Found office.

3. I turned in my resignation at work yesterday. I will start my new job at theend of the month.


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TURN OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition:

in the end it was this way; the result at the end of an activity or period of timethe expected, or hoped for, resultExamples:

1. As it turned out, no one else looked very good the next morning either. (Seethe STORY The Sleepover example)

2. We thought the bank was open until 9:00 pm, but it turned out that it closedat 8:00. We had to go back the next morning.

USE UP Phrasal Verb

use up s.t.

use s.t. up

Definition:

completely finished, so that there is none left

Examples:

1. I cant find any more butter. Did you use it all up?

2. Why dont you use up some of your leftover wool and knit a scarf?

WAKE UP Phrasal Verbwake s.o. upwake up s.o.

Definition:

to stop sleeping

Examples:

1. Can you please wake your brother up? He needs to get ready for school.

2. Quiet! Youll wake up the neighbours!

3. I like to have a cup of coffee first thing after I wake up.


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4. See the STORY The Sleepover example of WAKE UP: I decided that I would just have to wake up first and try to fix the damage before anyone saw me in the morning.

WEAR OUT Phrasal Verbwear s.o./s.t. out

wear out s.o./s.t.

Definition #1:

to exhaust or tire someone

Examples:

1. The kids have been running around outside all day. All the playing has worn

Josh out.

2. I have been working a lot of overtime lately. I am worn out. I plan to sleepall weekend!

(Note: This example is passive. This Phrasal Verb is often used in passive speech because it is obvious from the context of the conversation what causes the person to be tired, so it is not mentioned.)

Definition #2:

to use something until it is no longer in good, or working, condition

Examples:

1. I love this old coat. I have really worn it out.

2. All the foot traffic in the hallway is wearing out the carpet in that area.

3. I would like to stop by your office and take you out for lunch, but I dont want to wear out my welcome by visiting too often.

WIPE OUT Phrasal VerbDefinition:

to fall to the ground because you have slipped, or tripped

to fall off something that is moving (e.g., a bike, a surf board, etc.)

Examples:

1. Did you see that?! Ouch! That poor kid really wiped out.


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2. Cris broke his arm. He wiped out waterskiing on Saturday.

3. See the STORY Confessions of a Whiner example of WIPE OUT: We laughed, remembering all the times he had wiped out.

WORK ON Phrasal Verbwork on s.t.

Definition:

This means to spend time trying to achieve/accomplish something.

Examples:

1. I left my car at the mechanics. He is going to work on it tomorrow.

2. She is working on a sequel to her first novel.

3. His golf swing is great because he has worked on it for years.

4. See STORY example of WORK ON: Ill work on it for awhile and catch up with you.

5. Click the following link to read an article in the Edmonton Sun newspaper foran example of WORK ON: A scientist who won the Nobel prize for medicine on Monday for work on fighting cancer died of the disease himself just three days before he could be told of his award, and after using his own discoveries to extend his life.

(Note that WORK ON is used as a noun in the Edmonton Sun article. Verb: The scientist worked on fighting cancer.)

WORK OUT Phrasal Verb

work out s.t.

work s.t. out

Definition 1:

solve, calculate, decide on a plan

Example:

1. We got a phone call saying my grandmother had fallen and was in the hospital.I was upset and crying. Before I could work out what to do, my husband was on the phone booking a flight. You need to go,he said.

2. I dont know what the kids are fighting about, but I told them they had to workit out quickly, or we werent going to take them swimming this afternoon.

Definition 2:


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WRAP BACK UP Phrasal Verb

wrap s.t. back up

Definition:

cover or enclose with fabric or paper, again

Examples:

1. Sam didnt want to look at all the old pictures from his childhood so he wrapped them back up in the tissue paper.

2. My grandmother gave me a special gift a china teacup. I dont have anywhere nice to put it in my university dorm, so I wrapped it back up for now so it wont getbroken.

Documents

BRUSH UP YOUR PHRASAL VERBS.txt