UNIT 4

PHRASAL VERBS IN COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTEXT

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify and recall a defined set of phrasal verbs related to computer
and technology.
2. Demonstrate the ability to explain fundamental computer engineering
concepts using relevant phrasal verbs.

A. Phrasal Verbs in Computer and Technology Context

Phrasal verbs are essential for clear and dynamic communication,

and this module will help you navigate conversations, discussions, and
interactions related to technology using these expressions.

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles

(prepositions or adverbs). They often have meanings that go beyond the
individual words, making them versatile tools for expressing actions and
concepts more precisely.

By mastering these phrasal verbs, you'll enhance your ability to

communicate effectively in English within the context of computer and
technology. These expressions will empower you to express actions, tasks,
and concepts more precisely, making your communication dynamic and
engaging in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Examples:

"Back up" : Make a copy of important data for safekeeping.

"Look into" : Investigate or examine closely.

"Set up" : Arrange or configure something, like software or a device.

"Log in" : Enter a username and password to access a system.

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 "Run into" : Encounter a problem or unexpected situation.

"Turn off" : Shut down a device or application.

"Connect to" : Join a network or device to another.

Task 1. Matching Phrasal Verbs

Match the phrasal verbs on the left with their meanings or uses on the right.

Phrasal Verb Meaning

Back up Link to a network or device.
Look into Confront an unforeseen circumstance
Set up Duplicate for safe storage
Log in Organize or set up something
Run into Input details to reach a system
Connect to Inspect or analyze

Task 2. Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the appropriate phrasal verbs from the list.

Back up Turn off Set up Run into Connect to

1. Can you please ______________ your laptop when you're done?

2. If you ______________ any problems, feel free to ask for help.
3. You can ______________ the Wi-Fi network using this password.
4. Don't forget to ______________ your important files regularly.
5. I need to ______________ the new printer before we can use it.

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 B. More Phrasal Verbs

Task 3. Matching Phrasal Verbs

Match the phrasal verbs on the left with their meanings or uses on the right.

Phrasal Verb Meaning

boot up Register or create an account for a service.
back up Record or note information
break down Move through content by sliding on a touch
screen
log out Synchronize or match data between devices
or applications
plug in Cancel or withdraw from a process or action
scroll through Start or restart a computer or device
sign up Analyze or explain something in detail
sync up Sign out or exit a system or application.
take down Connect a device to a power source

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Task 4. Filling in the blanks with the provided words

1. I need to _______________ my phone to charge it.

2. Let's _______________ this data to the cloud for remote access.
3. Can you help me _______________ the reasons behind this error?
4. She is planning to _______________ from the project due to time
constraints.
5. Please _______________ your account details to access the platform.
6. The new software update aims to _______________ system
performance.
7. I am going to _______________ this article to find the relevant
information.
8. After finishing the work, remember to _______________ the computer.
9. I want to _______________ the latest version of this application.
10. We can _______________ our devices for seamless data transfer.

scroll through sync up shut down back out look into

plug in upload download provide optimize

Task 5. Fill in the blanks with the provided phrasal verbs

1. I _________________ for an online course to learn coding skills.

2. The instructor _________________ the complex algorithm into simple
steps.
3. During the meeting, I ______________ notes on the important
discussion points.
4. I like to _________________ news articles on my phone during my
morning commute.
5. I need to _________________ my laptop to charge it before the battery
runs out.
6. Make sure to __________ of your email account when using a public
computer.
7. It takes a moment for my computer to ____________ and start running.

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8. I had to ______________ of the online purchase because I found a
better deal.
9. I always make sure to _________________ my phone with my laptop
to keep my contacts updated.

log out boot up plug in

back out sync up scroll through
broke down signed up took down

Note. What makes them difference?

A B
I signed up for an online course to I sign up for online courses
learn coding skills. regularly to stay updated.
The instructor broke down the The instructor usually breaks down
complex algorithm into simple complex concepts for easy
steps. understanding.
During the meeting, I took down I often take down notes during
notes on the important discussion presentations to stay organized.
points.

In these sentences, Column A uses the simple past tense to discuss

actions that occurred and were completed in the past. Column B, on the

other hand, uses simple present tense to talk about actions that are habitual

or routine, marked by the adverbs of frequency: regularly, usually, and often.

More explanation:

1. I signed up for an online course to learn coding skills.

 Explanation: In this sentence, the action of signing up for an online

course happened in the past. The simple past tense is used because

the action is completed and not ongoing.

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 2. The instructor broke down the complex algorithm into simple

steps.

 Explanation: The action of breaking down the complex algorithm

occurred in the past. The simple past tense is used to indicate that

the instructor performed this action at a specific time.

3. During the meeting, I took down notes on the important

discussion points.

 Explanation: The action of taking down notes happened in the past,

specifically during the meeting. The simple past tense is used to

describe a completed action in a specific context.

C. Language Practice: Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is used to talk about actions or events that
happened and were completed in the past. It is often formed by adding "-
ed" to regular verbs. In the context of technology and computers, the simple
past tense allows us to describe specific past actions related to
technological activities. Using the simple past tense when discussing
technology-related actions in the past helps provide a clear timeline of
events and actions that have been completed.

Examples:

a. Sent an Email:

 Action: I sent an important email to my colleague yesterday.

 Explanation: This action of sending an email was completed in the

past.

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 b. Downloaded a Software Update:

 Action: She downloaded the latest software update for her smartphone

last week.

 Explanation: She completed the action of downloading the software

update in the past.

c. Installed a New App:

 Action: They installed a new app on their computer a few days ago.

 Explanation: The action of installing the app happened in the past and

is now finished.

d. Attended a Webinar:

 Action: We attended a webinar on cybersecurity last month.

 Explanation: The action of attending the webinar took place in the past.

e. Updated the Operating System:

 Action: He updated the operating system of his laptop last night.

 Explanation: The action of updating the operating system was

completed in the past.

f. Solved a Technical Issue:

 Action: She solved the technical issue with the printer yesterday.

 Explanation: The action of solving the technical issue happened in the past.

g. Logged into the System:

 Action: They logged into the system to access their accounts this morning.

 Explanation: The action of logging into the system occurred earlier today.

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 Task 6. Change the following sentences to the past tense:

1. This app offers real-time updates on weather conditions.

______________________________________________________

2. The AI assistant understands voice commands and responds

promptly.

______________________________________________________

3. I can access my files from any device through cloud storage.

______________________________________________________

4. I use that app yesterday to edit photos.

_____________________________________________________

5. The robot complete the assigned tasks after it receive the

command.

______________________________________________________

6. The virtual reality headset transport me to a different world.

______________________________________________________

Task 7. Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Form of the Verb

1. Last week, she ________________ (buy) a new laptop to replace her old one.

2. They ________________ (attend) a tech conference in the city yesterday.

3. He ________________ (complete) the coding assignment before the deadline.

4. The company ___________ (release) a software update for their app last month.

5. I ________________ (fix) the technical issue with the printer earlier today.

6. She _____________ (receive) an award for her innovative tech project last week.

7. They ___________ (watch) a documentary about artificial intelligence last night.

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Task 8. Describe a past tech-related experience using simple past tense:

 Last month, I had the opportunity to explore the capabilities of the new
software.
 I successfully solved technical issues with my computer after some
troubleshooting. On that day, my computer stopped
working…………………..

Task 9. Speaking practice: Talk to a partner about these following

topics
These topics provide opportunities to practice using the simple past tense
while sharing your experiences and insights related to technology and the
digital world.

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 1. Favorite Tech Gadgets: Discuss a tech gadget you owned in the
past and how it influenced your daily life.

Example: "A few years ago, I owned a smartwatch that allowed me to track
my fitness activities. It helped me stay motivated to exercise regularly."

2. Memorable Online Experience: Share a memorable experience

you had while using the internet or a specific website/app.

Example: I remember the time when I discovered an online platform for

learning new languages. It was so user-friendly that I spent hours exploring
different language lessons.

3. First Computer/Device: Share your experience of using your first

computer or device and how it compares to today's technology.

Example: Back in the early 2013, I got my first laptop from my father. It was
much slower and had limited capabilities compared to today's machines.

4. Personal Website or Blog: Discuss a website or blog you created

in the past, its purpose, and the content you shared.

Example: A few years back, I created a blog to share my travel experiences.

It allowed me to connect with fellow travelers and share tips.

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Task 10. RECAP AND RECALL:

Take a moment to recap and recall the phrasal verbs you have learned in
this unit without looking back. Discuss with your partners and write down
and list the phrasal verbs and their meanings or create your own sentences
using those verbs. This recap will not only reinforce your understanding of
the material but also serve as a valuable reference for future discussions
and conversations.

Phrasal Verbs Meaning / Use in Sentence

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Base Form Simple Past Tense Past Participle

be was / were been

begin began begun

break broke broken

bring brought brought

build built built

buy bought bought

catch caught caught

choose chose chosen

come came come

do did done

find found found

forget forgot forgotten

get got gotten / got

give gave given

go went gone

have had had

hear heard heard

know knew known

leave left left

make made made

run ran run

see saw seen

take took taken

understand understood understood

write wrote Written

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