Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #108029: Phrasal Verbs : Learning Tips

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Phrasal Verbs : Learning Tips - English lesson

Phrasal verbs are said to be difficult to learn. However, there are a few things that can make learning them easier.

First of all, let's remind what phrasal verbs are. Phrasal verbs are verbs with two or three parts (verb + one or two prepositions : look after, look forward to,...)

They are divided into two parts : literal phrasal verbs and idiomatic phrasal verbs.

Literal phrasal verbs are verbs whose meaning you can decipher from their parts, which makes them quite easy to understand and remember: look around (you can picture yourself looking around, this is an action that has a physical existence)

Idiomatic phrasal verbs are verbs that are undecipherable from their parts. These are the ones we will focus on in this lesson: let down, give up, etc.

1) The first tip is to learn phrasal verbs by topics. For example, if you come across (come across meaning 'find by chance') the verb 'get up', try to find phrasal verbs in connection with the beginning of the day like 'hurry up'.

2) Learn the verb as part of a sentence or a phrase. It'll help you remember it! 'I decided to go on holiday to chill out' ('chill out' meaning 'relax')

3) When you hear a phrasal verb on TV or on the radio, the context will often help you to make out (make out meaning 'discern') its meaning. Remember, listening regularly to English is better than learning a list of verbs by heart!

4) Once you've learned a new phrasal verb, try to revise and use it in order not to forget it. Look out for (look out meaning 'pay attention') improper use! The best way to know if you're using a phrasal verb correctly is to ask a native speaker.

Time for the test! It will consist of finding the right preposition to the verb. Don't fear making mistakes for it's by making them that you will learn!

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1. My neighbour asked me to look his children for the night. (to take care of)

2. Your son takes your wife. (to resemble)

3. The firemen put the fire. (to extinguish)

4. I have some clothes to try . (to put on a piece of clothing)

5. The bomb blew in a calm street of Chicago. (to explode)

6. The disrespectful student talks his teacher. (2 prepositions, to show disrespect)

7. However, the respectful student looks his teacher. (2 prepositions, to show respect)

8. I'm looking this event. (2 prepositions, to foresee with impatience)

9. During the marathon, the young runner was able to keep
the best ones. (2 prepositions, to maintain pace with)

10. I came a new English word today, I wonder what it means. (to find by chance)

11. Is it a real story or did you make it ? (to invent)

12. Hang , I'll come back to you in a minute. (to wait for a moment)

13. She is very friendly and we're getting . (to have a good connection with)

14. It doesn't matter how much I try, I just can't get my first love. (to forget)

15. Unfortunately, you've left the milk and it has spoilt. (to forget to put something away)

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