Phrasal Verbs are a particular kind of expression, wherein the verb is made of two or more components. Mostly the combining components are verbs and prepositions. When divided these components will have a meaning of their own but would not suggest anything about the meaning of the phrasal verb. Consider the following sentences.
(a) This sword has been handed down from father to son in the family for many generations.
(b) I have been looking forward to meeting you since long now.
(c) The patient came out of the delirium only when given tranquilizers.
(d) We had almost decided to give up on the search when we made the discovery.
Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions and have a particular meaning different from that of the combining verbs and prepositions. Following are some phrasal verbs with their meanings.
(a) sit in – to attend or take part as a visitor
(b) sit out – to stay till the end of
(c) come round – to accept circumstances and adjust yourself to them
(d) get on – to manage one’s life
(e) turn out – to have a particular result
(f) turn up – to arrive unexpectedly
(g) show off – to brag or boast
(h) sort out – to successfully deal with a problem
(i) hand in – to give something to someone in authority
(j) sit down – to take a seat
(k) sit up – to rise from a supine position
(l) give in – to yield to some pressure
(m) come forth – to find something
(o) switch on – to start something
(p) turn down – to refuse or reject an offer
(q) turn in – to expose
(r) look into – probe, or investigate a matter
(s) look after – take care of
(t) take off – to remove something
(u) put out – to extinguish
(v) try on – to wear some clothes for first time
(w) turn down – lower the volume
(x) turn on – to start a machine
(y) put in – to invest something (matter or abstract)
(z) look put – be careful of some danger
Following are some sentences using Phrasal Verbs
- Don’t throw away your opportunity to enter this University.
- Many people believe in astrology and tarot cards now-a-days.
- Quickly get in the car, we’re getting late.
- You can put forward your point in today’s meeting.
- To sit through his speech was very difficult.
- I don’t understand why you put up with his insolent behaviour.
- I could see through his intentions the first time I met, but kept quiet to give him a chance to reform.
- Please, fill in all the necessary information in this form.
- I am sure you will not let me down; I’ve full faith in your capacities.
- Why are you taking it out on me? I’m not the one responsible for the mishap.
