Each sentence given below contains an incomplete phrasal verb. Complete the phrasal verb by supplying the missing adverb or preposition.
1. There is no point in arguing with her. She will never back …………………… .
2. Are you sure that she will not back ………………… at the last moment?
3. While writing an essay, you must back ..................................... your arguments with valid examples.
4. The injured man had to bear .................................. the leather strap while the doctors were stitching up his wounds.
5. The government should bear ......................................... money launderers and drug traffickers.
6. Though she was under tremendous pressure, she bore ................................... really well.
7. The minister was hoping that the scandal would blow .................................... in a couple of weeks.
8. The terrorists blew the bridge ..................................
9. When she found out that he had been cheating on her, she blew ................................
10. The police said that the burglars broke ...................................... shortly after midnight.
Answers
1. She will never back down. (back down = stop defending your opinion in a debate)
2. Are you sure that she will not back out at the last moment? (back out = not keep a promise etc.)
3. While writing an essay, you must back up your arguments with valid examples. (back up = support)
4. The injured man had to bear down on the leather strap while the doctors were stitching up his wounds. (bear down on = bite)
5. The government should bear down on money launderers and drug traffickers. (bear down on = take strong measures against)
6. Though she was under tremendous pressure, she bore up really well. (bear up = withstand)
7. The minister was hoping that the scandal would blow over in a couple of weeks. (blow over = pass without creating a problem)
8. The terrorists blew the bridge up. (blow up = explode, destroy)
9. When she found out that he had been cheating on her, she blew up. (blow up = suddenly become very angry)
10. The police said that the burglars broke in shortly after midnight. (break in = enter a place unlawfully)
