Complete the following sentences using appropriate phrasal verbs.
1. The government had to ……………… from its decision to allow mining in the ecologically sensitive area after a spirited campaign by environmental activists.
a) back down
b) back out
c) back up
d) pull down
e) come down
2. You will have to …………………. before you can feel comfortable in them.
a) break those boots in
b) break those boots down
c) break those boots off
d) break those boots up
e) break those boots out
3. Meera surprised us when she delivered a splendid performance on the stage. We never thought that she would be able to …………………
a) bring it off
b) bring it out
c) bring it about
d) bring it in
e) bring it back
Answers
1. back down
Explanation
To back down is to decide not to do something you were planning to do.
To back out is to avoid doing something you had promised to do.
To back up is to support somebody or something.
To pull something down is to demolish it.
To come down is to move to a lower level.
2. break those boots in
Explanation
To break boots in is to use them until they become comfortable.
To break something down is to destroy them.
To break something off is to put an end to it because of some problem.
To break something up is to stop it.
Break out is an inseparable phrasal verb. It is not possible in this sentence. When a riot breaks out, it appears suddenly.
3. bring it off
Explanation
To bring off is to succeed in doing something.
To bring something out is to make it available in the market.
To bring something about is to make it happen.
To bring somebody in is to call and ask them to help.
If something brings back old memories, it makes you think about events that happened a long time ago.