PHRASAL VERBS examples by Proper English with Ananda

ADD UP

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:02:01 UTC

meaning:
To make sense, seem reasonable

Example:
The facts in the case just don’t add up.

allow for

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:02:46 UTC

meaning:
To take into consideration

Example:
We need to allow for unexpected charges along the way.

back down

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:04:42 UTC

meaning:
To withdraw, concede defeat

Example:
Local authorities backed down on their threats to build on that part of the beach.

back up

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:06:35 UTC

meaning 1:
To give support or encouragement.

example:
I’m going to be very strict with him. I hope you’ll back me up on this

meaning 2:
To make a copy of (file, program, etc.)

example:

You should back up all your computer files in a secure location.

black out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:07:30 UTC

meaning:
To faint, lose consciousness

Example:
Jenna fell in the parking lot and blacked out.

blow up

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:09:59 UTC

meaning 1:
To explode.

Example:
Tommy blew up the red balloon.

meaning 2:
To get angry
Example:
Don’t blow up at me. It’s not my fault.

break down

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:11:45 UTC

meaning 1:
To go out of order, cease to function.

Example:
The washing machine broke down so we had to call in the repair technician.

meaning 2:
To lose control of one’s emotions

Example:
John broke down when he heard the news.

break into

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:13:23 UTC

meaning:

To enter by force

Example:

Burglars broke into my car last night.

bump into

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:15:04 UTC

Meaning:
To meet by chance or unexpectedly

Example: I bumped into Adam at the bank. He says “hello”.

call off

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:16:42 UTC

Meaning:
To cancel

Example:
The game was called off because of bad weather.

carry on

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:17:55 UTC

meaning:
To continue

Example:
The soldiers carried on walking in order to get to their post before dark.

carry out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:19:23 UTC

meaning 1:
To do something as specified (a plan, an order, a threat)

Example:
His orders were carried out to the letter.

meaning 2:
To perform or conduct (test, experiment)

Example:
That company does not carry out tests on animals.

drag on

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:22:58 UTC

meaning:
To last longer than expected

Example:
The suspect’s trial dragged on longer than we had expected!

dress up

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:25:08 UTC

meaning:
wear elegant clothes.

Example:
Their wedding gave us a chance to dress up and get out of the house.

drop in

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:26:34 UTC

meaning:
To visit, usually on the way somewhere

Example:
Why don’t you drop in to see us on your way home?

drop out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:29:11 UTC

meaning:
To leave school without finishing

Example:
Zack dropped out of college and joined the army.

end up

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:29:56 UTC

meaning:
To finally reach a state, place or action

Example:
If you don’t improve your work habits, you’ll end up being fired.

figure out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:32:06 UTC

meaning:
To understand, find the answer

Example:
He’s trying to figure out how to earn enough money to go on the trip to Spain.

find out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:33:11 UTC

meaning:
To discover or obtain information

Example:
I’m going to to find out who’s responsible for the power cut.

hang out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-13 02:34:52 UTC

meaning:
To spend time in a particular place or with a group of friends

Example:
Which pub does the team hang out at after the game?

hold on

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-11-19 15:39:25 UTC

meaning:

To wait;

To grip tightly

Example:

Please hold on and a representative will answer your call.
She was so scared on the rollercoaster ride that she held on for dear life.

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-11-19 15:57:52 UTC

meaning:

To consider

Example:

Take your time and think it over before you decide.

turn down

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-11-19 15:58:29 UTC

meaning:

To refuse

Example: I asked her out but she turned me down flat.

Watch out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-11-19 15:59:38 UTC

meaning:

To be careful

Example:

Watch out! She is angry!

work out

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-11-19 16:00:35 UTC

meaning:

To do physical exercise
To find a solution or calculate something

Examples:

You should work out twice a week at the gym.
Can you work this out? I'm no good at math.

wipe off

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-11-19 16:02:52 UTC

meaning:

To clean (board, table).

Example:

I'll wash up if you wipe off the table.