HOW TO USE THE PHRASAL
VERBS PART 8
Definition: A phrasal verb is a kind of
verb which combines with an adverbial
particle or a preposition and it is translated in two different ways –
literally and idiomatically.This list is the first fifteen of the list of 150
most common phrasal verbs.
106. TURN OFF
1. Stop a piece of equipment working
temporarily or a supply flowing by turning a tap, pressing a button, or moving
a switch (69.5%)
People were asked to turn off their
phones.
2. Cause to feel intense dislike
(20.5%)
His speech turned off left-wing
voters.
107. BRING ABOUT
1. Cause to happen or emerge, esp.
STH positive (100%)
This decision will bring about change
in the political sphere.
108. STEP BACK
1. Move back by lifting one’s foot
and putting it down backwards (72%)
He stepped back when the big man
threatened him.
2. Stop being involved in STH so as
to consider it more carefully/objectively (22.5%)
We need to step back and take a
broader perspective on the past events.
109. LAY DOWN
1. Put STH away or down on a surface,
esp. because one has stopped using it (31%)
I laid down my book and stood up.
2. Lie flat on a surface, usually to
rest (28%)
He laid the child down on the bed and
wished her good night.
3. Lay the foundations of; establish
or create (17%)
The principles of good conduct were
laid down decades ago.
110. BRING DOWN
1. Cause SB/STH to move downward or
fall to the ground (32.5%)
The rocket attack brought down the
airliner.
2. Reduce the level, rate, or amount
of STH (26%)
The company’s expenses need to be
brought down.
3. Cause SB/STH in a position of
power (government, president, system, organisation) to lose its power/status
(25%)
They helped bring down one of the
most corrupt dictatorships in history.
111. STAND OUT
1. Distinguish oneself/itself by
being better, more significant or more impressive than other people/things
(60.5%)
Excellent product quality is what
made the brand stand out from its competitors.
2. Be easily seen or noticeable (38%)
Flashing lights make planes stand out
at night.
112. COME ALONG
1. Appear or arrive; come into
existence (72.5%)
Such an opportunity comes along only
once in a lifetime.
2. Go somewhere with SB (20.5%)
We’re going to the cinema tonight;
you should come along with us!
113. PLAY OUT
1. Happen or develop; be enacted or
performed (79.5%)
The way these negotiations play out
will have important consequences.
114. BREAK OUT
1. Start suddenly, esp. STH
undesirable and unpleasant (69.5%)
Riots broke out that night.
115. GO AROUND
1. Go from one place/person to
another; circulate (76%)
There is a rumour going around that
she is pregnant.
116. WALK OUT
1. Leave a place or event, especially
suddenly or angrily (81.5%)
She walked out of the meeting feeling
irritated by her colleagues.
117. GET THROUGH
1. (+ to) Succeed in reaching a
physical destination or stage (27%)
The food supplies never got through
to the local population.
2. Be successfully communicated or
understood (22.5%)
He needed to speak slowly and clearly
so his message would get through to the audience.
3. Succeed in contacting SB on the
telephone (20.5%)
I cannot seem to get through to the
customer service department.
4. Overcome STH, esp. difficult or
unpleasant (14.5%)
He gave me useful advice, which
helped me get through this difficult situation.
118. HOLD BACK
1. Decide not to do or say STH
(23.5%)
They should not hold back from
joining us if they want to.
2. Prevent SB/STH from reaching their
full potential (21%)
You cannot let a few unmotivated
pupils hold back the rest of the group.
3. Prevent SB/STH from going
somewhere (17.5%)
Security guards tried to hold back
the crowd.
4. Contain an unwanted physical
manifestation (tears, laughter, sigh, sneeze) (16%)
She was holding back the laughter
with great effort.
119. WRITE DOWN
1. Record information on paper (98%)
You should write down his contact
details in case you want to get in touch.
120. MOVE BACK
1. Return to a place one has lived in
before (75%)
We moved back to New York last year.
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