Phrasal Verb Definitionread up on + research a topic for a reason

ExampleI need to read up on the company before I go on the job interview. Jack rung me up last night at 3:00 in the morning. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of moving to another country if I get a good job offer. I ran across some old photos while I was cleaning my house. Gore ran against Bush in the 2000 elections in the U.S.A. The child ran away because her parents beat her. The child ran away from its parents. Have you run down those phone numbers I asked for last week? My boss runs everyone down. My dog was run down by a bus. You need to wind your watch so it doesn't run down. Gore is running for president of the U.S.A. I ran into my English teacher at the movies last night. She's so nice! The new government is trying to run the drug traffickers off. Would you mind running off 10 copies of this document for me? Why did you run off after the party?

ring * up

telephone

rule * out +

eliminate

run across +

find or meet unexpectedly

run against +

compete in an election leave home permanently before you are a legal adult escape from trace criticize hit with a car loose power, be very tired campaign for a government position meet unexpectedly

run away run away from + run * down run * down run * down run down

run for +

run into +

run * off +

make leave

run * off run off

reproduce (photocopies) leave quickly

run off

waste water not have any more of something

You shouldn't swim where the sewage runs off into the ocean. We ran out of milk this morning, so we need to go to the store.

run out of +

Phrasal Verb Definitioncall for + call * off + require (as in a recipe) cancel something order to stop (an invasion, guard dogs) visit invite someone to speak in a meeting or a classroom telephone

ExampleThis recipe calls for milk, not water. They called the picnic off because of the rain. He called off the dogs when he saw it was his neighbor. Mark called on Naomi while he was in town. Professor Tanzer called on Tim to answer the question. I called Sam up to see if he wanted to go to the movies. You can calm the baby down by rocking her gently. He cared for the bird until its wing healed. I don't care for sour cream on my potato. Please, carry on. I didn't mean to interrupt you. He kept carrying on about how much money he makes. I want you to carry on with the project while I am out of town. The secret agent carried out his orders exactly as planned.

call * off +

call on +

call on +

call * up +

calm * down +

make someone relax

care for +

nurse someone or something

care for +

like someone or something

carry on +

continue (a conversation, a game)

carry on about +

continue in an annoying way

carry on with +

continue complete and/or accomplish something

carry * out +

carry * over + catch on catch up

continue on a subsequent day, page, etc. slowly start to understand (inf.) make up for lost time speed up to be at the same place as a person or thing in front of you become up-to-date

The meeting carried over into lunch time. He caught on after a few minutes. I will never catch up. I am too behind in my work. I had to run to catch up with the others. I need to catch up on world events. I haven't seen the news in ages. We will check back tomorrow to make sure the project is finished. We need to check by the office to see if the documents are ready. They checked for termites before they bought the house. They need to check in before noon. They checked into the hotel at 11:00 AM. We are checking into discount flights to London. Check each name off the list. Let's check on the baby again before we go to sleep. He checked out the new restaurant down the street. It's already eleven. We need to check out. We checked out of the hotel before ten. He checked over the old car to see if it was worth buying.

catch up with +

catch up on +

check back

return to see if everything is OK go to a place to see if everything is OK try to find enter a hospital, hotel etc. enter a hospital, hotel etc. investigate, look for (often through a service) make a mark next to (an item on a list) make sure something is OK

check by +

check for + check in check into +

check into +

check * off +

check on +

check * out +

investigate, take a look at

check out

leave a hotel, hospital

check out of +

leave a hotel, hospital closely examine the condition of something

check * over +

check up on +

investigate someone or something send luggage through (to a destination) ask a person for confirmation make someone feel cheerful become cheerful chew into small pieces fell/cut ( a tree)

The police are checking up on the bomb threats. Your luggage will be checked through to Paris. He needs to check with his parents before he goes. The party really cheered me up. Cheer up. Everything will be all right. The dog chewed up my shoe. The lumberjack chopped the tree down. He chopped the meat up into little pieces. Susan cleaned the mess up before she left. Everybody clear out! We're closed. Susan cleared up the mess before she left. The corner market closed down because they didn't have many customers. The bar was closed down because they served alcohol to minors. The rebels were closing in on the capital, so the government called in the army. They are closing the ski resort up for the summer. The ski resort is closing up for the summer. How did you idea for the book come about.

check * through

check with + cheer * up cheer up chew * up + chop * down +

chop * up +

chop/cut into small bits

clean * up + clear out clear * up +

tidy leave ( inf.) tidy

close * down +

close a place permanently

close down

close permanently

close in on +

approach and threaten

close * up +

close temporarily

close up

close temporarily

come about

occur / happen

come across +

discover by accident initially seem or have the appearance accompany someone accompany

They came across some lost Mayan ruins in the jungle. He comes across as rather rude, but he isn't. If you want, you can come along. Sam came along with us to the beach. How's the research paper coming along. How are you coming along with the research paper. I came away from the meeting feeling like the presentation was a success. What time are you coming back? How did you come by that new Mercedes? I'll come by later this afternoon. He came down with the flu. He came into a large sum of money when his aunt died. The handle came off the suitcase when I picked it up. I didn't see the car at first. It came out of nowhere. Sam finally came out last month. The pictures came out great. Microsoft is coming out with a new video game system next month. Why don't you come over after work for dinner.

come across + come along come along with +

come along

progress

come along with +

progress

come away

leave a place with a particular feeling or impression return get, receive visit a person at their house become sick with inherit

come back come by + come by come down with + come into +

come off +

fall off, break off

come out come out come out come out with +

appear reveal you are homosexual turn out, end up produce and distribute a product

come over

visit someone at their house

come to

regain consciousness

Don't worry! She faints all the time. She always comes to after a few minutes. Terry really came through for us in the end. The job offer didn't come up to her expectations. She came up with a great proposal for the new advertising campaign. The computer system doesn't come with a printer. Did you count expenses in? You can really count on Sarah. You can count James out. He hates playing poker. Count the change up and see how much we have. The police have been cracking down on drunk driving. When I told the joke, they all cracked up. I cracked up at his joke. Why did you cross my name out on the list? You eat too much fat. You need to cut down. You need to cut down on your fat intake. She suddenly cut in and delivered the news She cut in on the conversation and delivered the news.

come through

do what is needed or expected

come up to +

approach; to equal produce or create (an idea, a plan) include (an accessory) include depend/rely on exclude

come up with +

come with + count * in + count on + count * out +

count * up +

add become tougher on, better enforce laws on laugh uncontrollably, laugh a lot laugh uncontrollably about, laugh a lot about draw a line through something, eliminate decrease the amount of

crack down on +

crack up

crack up at +

cross * out +

cut down

cut down on +

decrease the amount of

cut in

interrupt

cut in on +

interrupt

cut * off

interrupt someone while they were speaking sever ( with a knife) remove stop an action cut into small pieces

She cut him off before he said something he would regret later. His finger was accidentally cut off in an industrial accident. He cut the bone out of the steak. Cut it out! You're bothering me. He cut the beef up and put the pieces in the soup.

cut * off + cut * out + cut * out cut * up +

Phrasal Verb Definitiondie away die down die off/out disagree with + diminish in intensity diminish in intensity become extinct cause to feel sick due to food or drink abolish

ExampleThe applause died away after 5 minutes. The controversy about the president's affair finally died down. Whales are in danger of dying off. Spicy food disagrees with me. Some Americans want to do away with the death penalty. You made many mistakes, so I want you to do the report over. I couldn't do without a car in California. Let's draw an agreement up before we go any further with this project. The mother dressed her son down for skipping school. I am dressing down because we're going to a barbecue by the beach. You could dress this house up with some bright colors

do away with +

do * over +

repeat manage without something one wants or needs create ( a contract)

do without +

draw * up +

dress * down

reprimand severely

dress down

dress casually

dress * up +

decorate

dress up drive * back + drop in drop in on +

wear elegant clothes repulse visit someone unexpectedly visit someone unexpectedly

She always dresses up at work. The invaders were driven back by the army. Meg dropped in yesterday after dinner. Let's drop in on Julie since we're driving by her house. Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped out. It's difficult to get a good job if you drop out of high school. Drop over any time you feel like talking.

drop out

quit an organized activity quit an organized activity (school) visit someone casually

drop out of +

drop over

Phrasal Verb Definitionpan out be successful, turn out well

ExampleThe trip to Vegas didn't pan out. After battling cancer for several years, he finally passed away at the age of 87. He tried to pass the fake watch off as a real Rolex. Please pass this message on to your co-workers. Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for dinner. I am afraid Professor Johnson has passed on. We need to pass out these flyers for the concert tomorrow. He passed out because the room was too hot. I can't believe she passed up the

pass away

die

pass * off +

try to convince someone that something is real transmit not accept (an invitation to eat or do something) die

pass * on +

pass on +

pass on

pass * out +

distribute

pass out pass * up +

become unconscious not take advantage (of an

opportunity) pay * back + repay

opportunity to study in Rome. If I loan you money, will you pay me back. It took me ten years to pay off my credit card debt. Don't try to pay the police officer off if you get pulled over for speeding. She keeps picking on me! Make her stop. Diane picked out a lovely dress for the dance. Keep your back straight when you lift the TV up. What time are you going to pick me up. It's possible to pick up enough English in two weeks to get by on your trip to Los Angeles. Some weird guy tried to pick Patricia up at the bar. Business is really picking up this quarter. The President played down his affair with the intern. She played up her part in the new movie, but it was actually a very small role. She has been playing up to the boss because she wants a promotion. I'd like to point out that figures in column two might be outdated. He pulls down about $300,000 a year. Mark pulled in too quickly and

pay * off +

complete payment on a debt

pay * off +

to bribe

pick on +

to tease, bully

pick * out +

choose

pick * up +

to lift an object with the hands

pick * up +

come and get someone in a car

pick * up +

learn something without effort

pick * up +

try to initiate a relationship with someone (often in a bar) grow, increase (inf.)

pick up

play * down +

make less important (inf.)

play * up

highlight something (inf.)

play up to +

flatter someone for your personal advantage indicate earn park (a vehicle)

point * out + pull down pull in

crashed into the wall. pull out depart (a vehicle) Our train pulls out at 8:00, so don't be late. I didn't think she was going to make it, but she pulled through in the end. I thought Ms. Smith put her ideas across rather clearly in the meeting.

pull through

barely survive communicate (an idea or suggestion) clearly so that it is understood return to the proper place of storage insult, say bad things about officially submit a request (in the armed forces or public services) postpone wear

put * across +

put * away +

I told you kids to put your toys away. She always puts down people who don't share her opinions. He put in for a transfer to the division in Los Angeles. Don't put off your work - do it now! Make sure you put on a sweater before you go outside. I didn't believe a thing he said. I think he was putting me on. Don't use water to put out a grease fire. I don't want to put you out, but could you pick me up at the airport. I can't put out that much money each month.

put * down +

put in +

put * off + put * on +

put * on +

deceive

put * out +

extinguish (a fire)

put * out +

inconvenience someone spend (usually used with unreasonably large sums of money) have a guest stay in your house for a short time tolerate

put out +

put * up

Can you put me up while I'm in town. Sandy will not put up with smoking in her house.

put up with +

Phrasal Verb Definition

Example

back down

stop defending your opinion in a debate not keep (a promise, agreement,deal) not keep (a promise, agreement, deal) give support

Jane never backs down. She always wins arguments. Sam backed out at the last second. Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second. You need examples to back up your opinion. Could you back up a little so I can open this drawer. She bawled him out for arriving late. The soldier had to bear down on the leather strap while the doctor removed a bullet from the soldier's arm. The U.S.A. is bearing down on drug traffickers. This information may bear on this case. I didn't think he would bear up so well in that situation. How did he bear up under such extreme pressure. Please bear with me while I fill out the paperwork. My cousin blew in unexpectedly with his entire family. All this negative publicity will blow over in a couple of weeks. The terrorists blew the bridge up. The bomb blew up before they could defuse it. When Joan heard the news, she blew

back out

back out of +

back * up +

back up bawl * out

move backwards, reverse criticize, reprimand (inf.)

bear down on +

bite

bear down on +

take strong measures against

bear on +

have to do with

bear up

withstand

bear up under +

withstand

bear with +

be patient

blow in

visit unexpectedly (inf.)

blow over

pass without creating a problem make explode;destroy using explosives explode suddenly become very angry

blow * up +

blow up blow up

up and rushed out of the room. break * down + break down break down analyze in detail stop working properly become mentally ill wear or use something new until it is comfortable We need to break this problem down in order to solve. The truck broke down in the desert. She broke down after her husband died. I need to break these shoes in before I go hiking. While we were discussing the situation, Terri broke in to give her opinion. The burglar broke in between midnight and 3 AM. Jane broke in on the conversation and told us to get back to work. The burglar broke into the house between midnight and 3 AM. Jane broke into the conversation and told us what she knew. Sally broke her engagement to John off. Violent protests broke out in response to the military coup. He broke out the champagne to celebrate his promotion. The murderer broke out of the prison. I broke the cracker up into pieces and put it in the soup. The police broke the demonstration up before it got out of control. Sam and Diane broke up again. What a rocky relationship.

break * in +

break in

interrupt

break in

enter a place unlawfully

break in on +

interrupt (a conversation)

break into +

enter a house unlawfully

break into +

interrupt (a conversation)

break * off +

end something

break out

appear violently use something extravagant for celebration escape break into pieces disperse (a crowd), stop (a fight) end a relationship

break out + break out of + break * up +

break * up +

break up

bring * about +

cause to happen

Democracy brought about great change in the lives of the people. When we go to the forest, bring your wildlife guide along. She doesn't want to go, but we'll eventually bring her around. My trip across the Sahara was difficult, but I brought a new appreciation for life away from the experience. You robbed the bank! I can't believe you brought that off. I can't believe she got so angry. What brought that on? Your new shirt brings out the color of your eyes. When you visit me, why don't you bring over your son. We used smelling salts to bring her to after she fainted. I didn't want to bring up the fact that she was unemployed. Sam was brought up in South Carolina. Mary brushed her ex-boyfriend off at the party. The children burned the house down while playing with matches. Two buildings burnt down in the fire. I am burning up in here - open the window. The papers were burned up in the fire.

bring * along +

bring with change someone's mind, convince someone

bring * around

bring * away

learn or gain (from an experience)

bring * off +

succeed at something difficult or unexpected cause something

bring * on +

bring * out +

highlight, stress

bring * over +

bring to someone's house

bring * to

revive consciousness

bring * up +

mention

bring * up +

raise ( a child) ignore something or someone (inf.) destroy by setting fire to burn until completely gone (building) be hot consume by fire

brush * off +

burn * down +

burn down

burn up burn up

burn * up +

destroy by fire buy the shares of a company or the shares the other person owns of a business purchase the entire supply of something

He burnt up the files. Pacific Inc. was bought out by a company from Oregon.

buy * out +

buy * up +

We bought up all the beer in the store.

Phrasal Verb Definitionsave * up + accumulate (money)

ExampleI hope I will be able to save up enough money to go to school. My dad said he was going to see about buying me a car. Did you see your sister off at the train station? I'll see to it that Mr. Ramirez gets your message. Are you going to be able to see your studies through now that you have a baby? My partner in crime sold me out for a reduced jail sentence. My mom set me up with her friend's son. I don't think he killed those men. Somebody set him up. I set up an appointment with my doctor at 3:30 this afternoon. I settled on the job at the oil company. We need to settle up before you move.

see about +

arrange or consider something say good-bye to someone at the beginning of their trip (at the airport, train station) make sure something happens, arrange finish something despite difficulties

see * off

see to +

see * through

sell * out

tell on someone

set * up

arrange a relationship

set * up

falsely incriminate a person arrange (an appointment, a meeting,etc.) make a decision after a period of time pay one's debts

set up +

settle on +

settle up

show * off +

show to everybody with a lot of pride boast, draw attention to oneself

He always shows off his new things. Young boys show off in order to impress girls. He's always trying to show up his co-workers in order to get ahead. I hadn't seen my cousin for years, and all of a sudden, he showed up at my workplace yesterday! If you don't pay your electric bill, your power is going to get shut off. Would someone shut him up! He's talking so loudly that we're going to get in trouble. Because Mary's level in English is lower than the rest of the students, she slows the class down. Because Mary's level in English is lower than the rest of the students, she slows the class up. He's so stupid that you have to spell everything our for him. I need you to stand by and answer the phone when my broker calls. SCUBA stands for "self contained underwater breathing apparatus." I won't stand for people criticizing me. Soledad is so beautiful! She really stands out in a crowd. I arranged to meet Joe at the library at 8:00, but he stood me up. I hope he has a good excuse. Every individual must stand up for

show off

show * up

make someone seem inferior

show up

arrive without previous notice

shut * off

stop from functioning

shut * up

make quiet

slow * down +

make move more slowly

slow * up +

make move more slowly

spell * out +

to explain something in a detailed way so that the meaning is clearly understood wait

stand by

stand for +

represent

stand for +

tolerate

stand out

be very noticeable

stand * up

not arrive to a date or an appointment (inf.) defend (something one believes

stand up for +

in) defend oneself against someone or something

what they believe in. I think you should stand up to your older brother and tell him to stop pushing you around. It takes you so long to take the bus home, so why don't you just stay over? My boss really stuck it to me when I arrived late to work for the third time this week. Even though English is a hard language to master, you must stick to it! Joseph joined the army because he believes he must stick up for his country.

stand up to +

stay over

spend the night at a person's house

stick it to +

severely criticize a person (inf.)

stick to +

persevere, keep trying

stick up for +

defend oneself or opinions

Phrasal Verb Definitionmake * out decipher write a check or other document succeed progress kiss passionately kiss someone passionately do again invent ( a story)

ExampleI can't make out your handwriting. What does this say? Who should I make this check out to? He really made out in the stock market last year. How is your son making out in his new job? I saw Benno and Isabelle making out in the movie theater last night! Did you make out with Sally? The teacher made me do my homework over. Don't believe anything she says. She always makes things up.

make * out +

make out make out make out

make out with + make * over make * up +

make * up + make * up + make up

complete what was missed put on cosmetics reconcile

Fortunately, my professor let me make up the exam I missed yesterday. I takes me 10 minutes to make my face up. You two have been friends for so long that I think you should make up. Allen made up for being late by getting me flowers. I sometimes mix the verb tenses up. We need to mix up these different kinds of nuts before we put them in a bowl. Let's mix up this party with a little disco music.

make up for + mix * up + mix * up +

compensate for confuse blend

mix * up +

make lively (a party)