87

LECTURE-17/ MODULE 4 / ENGLISH VOCABULARY

LECTURE-17
PHRASAL VERBS
This lecture aims at enriching vocabulary in order to improve communication skill.
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb; the combination creates a
meaning different from the original verb.
Alphabetical List A
Phrasal Verb
abide by

Meaning
Respect or obey
(the law, a decision, a rule)

account for

Explain; give a reason

add up
advise against

Make sense; seem reasonable

Recommend not doing
something
Have the same opinion as
someone else
Take advantage of something
(an opportunity)

agree with
avail (oneself) of

Examples
If you want to stay at this
school, you must abide by the
rules.
I hope you can account for
the money you spent!
Her story just doesn't add up.
The doctor advised him
against carrying heavy loads.
I agree with you. I think she
deserves the award too.
When the company is
privatized, you should avail
yourself of the opportunity
and buy some shares.

Alphabetical List B
back away

Move backwards, in fear or

dislike

When he saw the dog, he backed

away.

back down

Withdraw; concede defeat.

back up

1) Give support or
encouragement
2) make a copy of (file,
program...)

bail out

1) Pay money to secure

someone's release.
2) Rescue from financial
difficulties.

Local authorities backed down

on their plans to demolish the
cinema.
1) If I tell the boss we've got too
much work, will you back me
up?
2) It is recommended to back up
all files.
1) When he was arrested, his
family refused to bail him out.
2) The government bailed out
the bank.

88
boot up

Start a computer by loading an

operating system or program.
Meet by accident or
unexpectedly.

bump into

Just give me a few minutes to

boot up the computer.
Pedro bumped into his English
teacher at the supermarket.

Alphabetical List I-J-K

iron out

Resolve by duscussion/ eliminate

differences

join up

1) Engage in, become a member

of
2) Meet and unite with

keep on

Continue doing something

kick off

Begin, start

The meeting tomorrow will be

an opportunity to iron out
difficulties.
1) John was in the army and Tom
joined up as soon as he left
school.
2) The two groups of tourists
joined up at the hotel.
I told him to be quiet but he kept
on making noise.
The football match kicked off at
3 p.m.

Exercise [Set-1]
Use the following verbs (believe, fill, get, look, put, switch, take, throw, turn, try) and the
prepositions (away, down, for, in, off, on, out) an form meaningful sentences.
Example: My parents are out. So I have to _________ my baby-brother.
Answer: My parents are out. So I have to look after my baby-brother.
1) Quick!

the bus. It's ready to leave.

2) I don't know where my book is. I have to

3) It's dark inside. Can you
4)

it.

the light, please?

the form, please.

5) I need some new clothes. Why don't you

6) It's warm inside.

these jeans?

your coat.

7) This pencil is really old. You can

it

8) It's so loud here. Can you

the radio a little.

9) The firemen were able to

the fire in Church Street.

10) Does your little brother

ghosts?

89
Exercise [Set-2]
Choose a phrasal verb to replace the explanation in brackets.
1.

Every morning I (stop sleeping) _________ ____ when I hear the alarm clock.

a) wake out b) wake up c) wake in d) wake off

2. On Sundays I can (leave bed) _________ ____ later.
a) get out b) step off c) get up d) step out
3. We must (be quick) _________ ____ or we'll be late for school!
a) act up
b) fasten on c) hurry up d) speed in
4. John helped the old lady to (board) _________ ____ the bus.

5.

a) mount on b) get on c) get up 4) put on

Julie went to the library to (try to find) _________ ____ a book.

6.

a) look out b) look after c) look for d) look up

It's time for the news. Let's (start) _________ ____ the radio.

7.

a) turn on b) tune in c) turn up d) tune at

"Please come in and (have a seat) _________ ____" said the doctor.

8.

a) seat up b) seat down c) sit up d) sit down

When Dad arrives home, he (removes) _________ ____ his coat.

9.

a) puts off b) takes off c) leaves in d) takes out

Dad couldn't see very well. " (wear) _________ ____ your glasses" said Mum.

10.

a) put on b) put away

c) put in d) put up
When we arrive at the station, we (descend from) _________ ____ the train.
a) get down

b) stand down

c) get off

d) stand out

Reference
1. Effective Technical Communication by M Ashraf Rizvi