Each sentence given below contains an incomplete phrasal verb. Complete the expression by supplying an appropriate preposition or adverb particle.
1. I am going to ask her ………………. to dinner tonight.
To ask somebody out is to invite them on a date.
2. I won’t be able to get out before you back …………….. your car.
To back up a car is to reverse it.
3. My family didn’t back me ………………… over my decision to quit my job.
To back somebody up is to support them.
4. The car blew ……………… after it crashed into the tree.
To blow up is to explode.
5. Can you blow this balloon ……………..?
To blow up a balloon is to inflate it.
6. The car broke ...................... in the storm.
When things break down they stop functioning.
7. The woman broke …………………. when she learned that she had cancer.
To break down is to cry.
8. If you find the task difficult, break it …………….. into smaller parts.
To break something down is to divide it into smaller parts.
9. The thieves broke ……………… through the back door.
To break in is to enter a building forcibly.
10. Susie has called ……………. her wedding.
To call off wedding is to cancel it.
11. I desperately need someone to cheer me ……………..
To cheer somebody up is to make them happy.
12. I came ……………… these old letters while organizing the closet.
To come across something is to find it by chance.
Answers
1. I am going to ask her out to dinner tonight.
2. I won’t be able to get out before you back up your car.
3. My family didn’t back me up over my decision to quit my job.
4. The car blew up after it crashed into the tree.
5. Can you blow this balloon up?
6. The car broke down in the storm.
7. The woman broke down when she learned that she had cancer.
8. If you find the task difficult, break it down into smaller parts.
9. The thieves broke in through the back door.
10. Susie has called off her wedding.
11. I desperately need someone to cheer me up.
12. I came across these old letters while organizing the closet.
