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Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and preposition, a verb and an adverb, or a verb with
both an adverb and a preposition.
Prepositions are words that introduce the following information to the reader:
1. Where something takes place (at the store)
2. When or why something takes place (before dinner)
3. General descriptive information (the girl with the cool tattoo)
A phrasal verb has a meaning which is different from the original verb. That's what makes them
fun, but confusing. You may need to try to guess the meaning from the context, or, failing that,
look it up in a dictionary.
Idioms.
Definition:
Example:
Call it a day:
Definition:
To quit work and go home; to say that a day's work has been completed.
I'm tired. Let's call it a day.
Example:
The boss was mad because Tom called it aday at noon and went home.
To get in/to get on:
It's easiest to get in the car from the driver's side. The door on the other side doesn't work well.
Sooner or later:
I'm too tired to do my homework now; I'm sure I'll do it sooner or later.
To get out of/to get off:
To get out of is used for cars; to get off is used for all other forms of transportation.
Why don't we stop and get out of the car for a while?
At first:
At first English was difficult for him, but later he made great progress.
I thought at first that it was Sheila calling, but then I realized that it was Betty.
To put on:
At last:
As usual:
George is late for class as usual. This seems to happen every day.
As usual, Dora received first prize in the swimming contest. It's the third consecutive year that she
has won.
to call up: to telephone (also: to give some one a call) (S)
To call can be used instead of to call up, as in the first example below.
o I forgot to call up Mr. Jones yesterday. I'd better call him now.
Dad says that dinner will be ready right away, so we'd better wash our hands and set the table.
Tell Will to come to my office right away. I must see him immediately.