Phrasal verbs 4:
verbs with prepositions
Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions that combine verbs and prepositions or adverbs ad prepositions..
Also called verb prepositions or prepositional verbs, these constructions typically combine verbs such as: go, come, take, bring, get etc with prepositions such as: into, up, down, away and through etc to describe events.
Phrasal verbs often appear in place of the full verb and may provide a similar meaning.
For example, typical phrasal verb constructions come down / go down are seen to replace the verbs fall, drop or descend.
Children! Could you come down (from your room) for your supper, it’s ready! Ok mum, we’re coming!
The Phrasal verb is often more accessible than the full verb.
From the heart, blood courses through (everywhere within / within and around)the circulatory system (system of veins and arteries) that runs throughout the human body.
break down – reduce / divide into parts
The best way to revise a subject is to break the subjects down into small parts, it makes study easier.
break up – separate / divide into parts
Their subsidiaries will be broken up and sold to the highest bidder. We’re interested in their distribution arm.
dumb down – over simplify
These daysI feel that TV news is dumbed down more and more. I wonder why that is?
fend off – defend against
We are in a difficult position. I doubt we’ll be able to fend off both takeover bids.
get back – return to place or subject
We were so happy to get back to dry land after the boat trip, when the storm came up. We were quite scared.
get out of – escape from
I need to get out of the lease I currently have on this flat. I’ve found a new job and have to move away.
go along with – accompany (go)
Since you don’t speak French well, I’ll go along with you and see you get the correct train.
go with / go along with – choose / agree
Of the two options I’ve decided to go with the least expensive one. Ok, I’ll go with / go along with you on that and hope quality won’t be an issue.
put off – postpone (event) / deter (person)
Is there any chance of getting them to put off the decision until later in the week?
I generally like seafood, but on this occasion, the smell put me off. I chose the chicken dish.
Try and put your CEO off making any decision until later in the week, we need more time.
rule out – decide against
As the Markets appear to be rallying, the Board has decided to rule out any further offers for the company in the near future.
run into – encounter
My parents ran into trouble as soon as they got to the airport when their car broke down. They had more trouble with their luggage. luckily Mum ran into an old friend, who helped them onto their flight. He was their pilot.
Sound out – consult
I’m going to sound my brother out about starting up a distribution company, he’s got a van.
Think through – examine / think over – consider
We need to think the decision over, and then think through any contingencies there might be.
Turn around – reverse
I’m sure we can turn the business around with the new products coming on line.
Work / go through – complete
At the moment we’re working / going through the final figures for the project.
Throughout – everywhere within
As the sharks approach the fish, panic spreads throughout the shoal.
Blood runs / courses throughout the body.
Transport systems run throughout / across the country