Phrasal verbs are two or three word verbs whose meanings are quite different from the meanings of the individual words in them. Examples are: put off, get along, come up, bring down and put out.
Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with this grammar exercise.
Fill in the blanks with a suitable phrasal verbs.
1. You are quite good at ....................... excuses.
To make up is to invent.
2. The thieves ..................... with the jewels in the middle of the night.
To make off with something is to escape with it.
3. Things have finally started ..................... ..
When things look up they improve.
4. Although she was quite upset, she managed to ……………… her tears ………………
To hold back is to control or restrain.
5. I think I am ....................... with a flu.
To go down with a flu is to catch a flu.
6. She .....................… well with her neighbors.
To get along with somebody is to agree with them.
7. It is really cold. Why don’t you ………………….. your coat?
To put on clothes is to wear them.
8. Can you ………………….. with a solution to this problem?
To come up with a solution is to suggest a solution.
9. The unruly boy was ...................... with a strict warning.
To let somebody off is to allow them to leave.
10. I ..................... an old friend of mine yesterday.
To come across somebody is to meet them by chance.
11. Profit has been ………………….. recently.
When something falls off, it decreases.
Answers
1. You are quite good at making up excuses.
2. The thieves made off with the jewels in the middle of the night.
3. Things have finally started looking up.
4. Although she was quite upset, she managed to hold her tears back.
5. I think I am going down with a flu.
6. She gets along well with her neighbors.
7. It is really cold. Why don’t you put on your coat?
8. Can you come up with a solution to this problem?
9. The unruly boy was let off with a strict warning.
10. I came across an old friend of mine yesterday.
11. Profit has been falling off recently.
12. Major policy reforms are required to bring about substantial improvements in the housing sector.
