Phrasal verbs

Phrasal Verbs

Or phrasal verbs phrasal verbs are in English, special verbs consist of a verb and a preposition or an adverb (or a combination of both). For example:

-Verb + preposition: Turn on (On)

Break down

• Remove a barrier or obstacle.

example

He had to BREAK DOWN their opposition to his ideas.

Act up

• Behave badly or strangely.

Example

My computer's ACTING UP; I think I might have a virus.

Add up

• Be a satisfactory explanantion for something.

Example• She explained why

the work wasn't ready, but her story doesn't ADD UP.

Ask after

Enquire about someone's health, how life is going.

example

Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER you, so I told her you were fine

Ball up

• Confuse or make things complicated.

Example

The new project has BALLED me UP- I have no idea what to do.

Bash about

Mistreat physically.

example

If you BASH your monitor ABOUT like that, it won't last long.

Be along

Arrive.

example

The next bus should BE ALONG in the next quarter of an hour or so.

Be onto

Pursue, be aware of someone's true nature.

example

He's being very careful because he thinks the police ARE ONTO him.

Bear on

Influence, affect.

example

The judge's character may well BEAR ON the final decision.

Book out

Leave a place in a hurry.

example

I don't like the look of the people arriving- let's BOOK OUT.