Each sentence given below contains an incomplete phrasal verb. Complete the expression by supplying an appropriate preposition or adverb particle.
1I am going to ask her ............... to dinner tonight.
Wrong!
The particle "out" completes the phrasal verb "ask someone out," meaning invite someone on a date.
2I won’t be able to get out before you back ............... your car.
Wrong!
The particle "up" completes "back up," meaning move a vehicle backwards.
3My family didn’t back me ............... over my decision to quit my job.
Wrong!
The particle "up" completes "back someone up," meaning support someone.
4The car blew ............... after it crashed into the tree.
Wrong!
The particle "up" completes "blow up," meaning explode.
5Can you blow this balloon ...............?
Wrong!
The particle "up" completes "blow up," meaning fill something with air.
6The car broke ............... in the storm.
Wrong!
The particle "down" completes "break down," meaning stop working.
7The woman broke ............... when she learned that she had cancer.
Wrong!
The particle "down" completes "break down," meaning lose control of your emotions and cry.
8If you find the task difficult, break it ............... into smaller parts.
Wrong!
The particle "down" completes "break something down," meaning divide it into smaller parts.
9The thieves broke ............... through the back door.
Wrong!
The particle "in" completes "break in," meaning enter a building by force.
10Susie has called ............... her wedding.
Wrong!
The particle "off" completes "call off," meaning cancel an event.
11I desperately need someone to cheer me ............... .
Wrong!
The particle "up" completes "cheer someone up," meaning make someone feel happier.
12I came ............... these old letters while organizing the closet.
Wrong!
The particle "across" completes "come across," meaning find something by chance.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- I am going to ask her out to dinner tonight.
- I won’t be able to get out before you back up your car.
- My family didn’t back me up over my decision to quit my job.
- The car blew up after it crashed into the tree.
- Can you blow this balloon up?
- The car broke down in the storm.
- The woman broke down when she learned that she had cancer.
- If you find the task difficult, break it down into smaller parts.
- The thieves broke in through the back door.
- Susie has called off her wedding.
- I desperately need someone to cheer me up .
- I came across these old letters while organizing the closet.

