Phrasal verbs are two or three word verbs whose meanings are very different from the meanings of the individual words in the expression. There are several phrasal verbs in English. While a student is not required to learn all of them, they must at least be familiar with the most common phrasal verbs.
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use phrasal verbs correctly.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate phrasal verb.
1. The teacher ………………… an explanation of his conduct.
To call for is to demand.
2. ………………… the doctor immediately.
To call somebody in is to summon them.
3. Julie ...................... us yesterday.
To call on somebody is to pay them a brief visit.
4. My grandfather cannot ………………… past events.
To call up is to recollect.
5. His arrogance ..................... his ruin.
Bring about means cause.
6. The publishers are planning to ………………… a cheap edition of their new dictionary.
To bring out is to publish.
7. She …………………. the orphan as her own child.
To bring somebody up is to raise them.
8. How did these things …………………..?
Come about means happen.
9. The question ………………… before the municipal corporation last week.
If a question comes up, it is raised for discussion.
10. He seems to be …………………
11. They ………………… against the gross injustice meted out to them.
To cry out is to protest loudly.
12. The rope ……………….. while they were hauling up the pillar.
If something gives way, it breaks or snaps.
Answers
1. The teacher called for an explanation of his conduct.
2. Call in the doctor immediately.
3. Julie called on us yesterday.
4. My grandfather cannot call up past events.
5. His arrogance brought about his ruin.
6. The publishers are planning to bring out a cheap edition of their new dictionary.
7. She brought up the orphan as her own child.
8. How did these things come about?
9. The question came up before the municipal corporation last week.
10. He seems to be well off.
11. They cried out against the gross injustice meted out to them.
12. The rope gave way while they were hauling up the pillar.
