Phrasal verbs are made up of a verb and a preposition or adverb particle. It is not easy to guess the meaning of a phrasal verb. Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with this grammar exercise.
1. Don't argue with her. She will never ............................
To back down is to stop defending your opinion.
2. The buyer ............................... at the last moment.
To back out is to not keep a promise.
3. ......................... your stand with valid arguments.
To back up is to support.
4. The government must ................................ on drug traffickers and terrorists.
To bear down on somebody is to take strong measures against them.
5. She must be praised for ..................................... under so much pressure.
To bear up is to cope or withstand.
6. Please .............................. us while we complete the paperwork.
To bear with somebody is to be patient with them.
7. The scandal .............................. in a couple of weeks.
When something blows over, it passes without creating a problem.
8. The terrorists .............................. the railway station.
To blow something up is to make it explode.
9. You should .......................... those shoes ................... before you go hiking.
To break something in is to use it until it becomes comfortable.
10. Violent protests ............................... in various parts of the country.
When something breaks out, it appears suddenly and violently.
11. Democracy has ......................... great changes in the lives of ordinary people.
To bring something about is to cause it to happen.
12. Why did you ................................ the fact that she is unemployed?
To bring something up is to mention it.
Answers
1. Don’t argue with her. She will never back down.
2. The buyer backed out at the last moment.
3. Back up your stand with valid arguments.
4. The government must bear down on drug traffickers and terrorists.
5. She must be praised for bearing up under so much pressure.
6. Please bear with us while we complete the paperwork.
7. The scandal blew over in a couple of weeks.
8. The terrorists blew up the railway station.
9. You should break those shoes in before you go hiking.
10. Violent protests broke out in various parts of the country.
11. Democracy has brought about great changes in the lives of ordinary people.
12. Why did you bring up the fact that she is unemployed?
