A Phrasal Verb (Wikipedia) is a multi-word verb that has a different meaning from the original verb or root verb. For example, the verb ‘get’ as a root verb has dozens of phrasal verb variations: ‘get up’, ‘get over’, ‘get around’, ‘get around to’ and ‘get into’ are just a few examples.
Some phrasal verbs must be used together and others can be separated in a sentence. The rules vary according to the verb, which can make things confusing.
There are thousands of phrasal verbs in the English language and they are used quite frequently. Not knowing or not using phrasal verbs correctly can make communication difficult for English language learners.
|
|
|
It's been awhile. Here's a phrasal verb with 'break': to break free |
|
to break free (from someone or something)
Definition: to get free of a physical hold OR to end a relationship.
How to use it: this verb is inseparable
Examples:
-
I tried to break free of her grip but she was too strong.
-
That group of people is a bad influence on you. You need to break free and do your own thing.
|
|
|
Another phrasal verb for spring: to spring (something) on (someone) |
|
Definition: to surprise someone with something
How to use it: this verb is separable, although it is always followed by a person or thing.
Examples:
- Don't mention it to our coworkers, but I'm going to quit this job soon. I don't want to spring the news on them just yet.
- The trick she sprang on him was hilarious.
|
|
|
A phrasal verb for Spring: to spring for (something) |
|
Definition: to agree to pay for something, or to buy a treat for someone (including yourself).
How to use it: this verb is inseparable. The object that you 'spring for' must come after 'for.'
Examples:
- We worked a lot of overtime last week, so our boss is going to spring for lunch for the staff on Friday.
- The new jacket was expensive but it was so beautiful I sprang for it anyway.
(The past tense of the verb spring can be either sprang or sprung.) |
|
|
A snow-related phrasal verb for this week |
|
This week's phrasal verb is to snowball into (something).
Definition: to rapidly become larger or more serious--similar to buidling a snowball that starts out small but grows larger as you roll it.
How to use it: this verb is unseparable. The parts must stay together.
Examples:
- The minor argument quickly snowballed into a full blown fight.
- The unexpected holiday caused by the bad weather snowballed into cabin fever when people couldn't leave their houses for days.
- Cabin fever is a phrase for extreme irritability and restlessness that comes from being isolated in an indoor space for a long time.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 3 |
