What are phrasal verbs?

A phrasal verb is a two-word or three-word combination made up of a verb and one or two other words, such as a preposition or an adverb. Each phrasal verb is a separate grammatical unit and has a specific meaning. The meaning is usually different to the ‘normal’ or ‘familiar’ meaning of the verb.

Generally, phrasal verbs are used in spoken English and informal conversation.

Remember, there are hundreds of phrasal verbs in English and you need to learn their meanings and how to use them, slowly over time.

Here are six phrasal verbs. Put one in each of the sentences below. (Note: you may have to change the tense. For example, change ‘sell out’ to ‘sold out’.)

PART 1

BREAK OUT   CRACK DOWN    GET TOGETHER   RIP OFF   SELL OUT   WRITE OFF

1. Some shop-keepers try to ………. tourists by overcharging them.
2. Tickets for the concert have ………. It’s impossible to get one now.
3. My sister and I are very close. Whenever we ………. we have a good old chat and a laugh.
4. If Interpol had more resources, they could ………. on drug smugglers
5. Many people believe that western banks should ……….debts owned by poor countries that can’t afford to service them.
6. The protest march was going well, but suddenly a fierce fight ……….. between rival factions and a lot of damage was done.

PART 2

Here are another six phrasal verbs. Again, put one of them in the sentences below.

TURN DOWN   TAKE OFF   BREAK DOWN   GROW UP   GET UP   SELL OUT

1. The lift has ………….. and isn’t working at the moment
2. The plane …………from New York at six o’clock yesterday evening
3. My youngest sister wants to be a doctor when she …………..
4. My friend ……….the job she was offered because she didn’t want to move to another city.
5. Do you like …………..early in the mornings?
6. The football match was a ...........The stadium was filled to capacity and there were not empty seats.

ANSWERS

Part 1

1. Rip off
2. Sold out
3. Get together
4. Crack down
5. Write off
6. Broke out

Part 2

1. Broken down
2. Took off
3. Grows up

• Turned down
• Getting up

Sell out