Type:
phrasal verb
(phrasal verb) to set a goal, to try and achieve something
Example Sentences:
Teacher: What do you want to aim for when you are older?
Student: I would love to be a firefighter!
The University student is aiming for a good job when he graduates.
When I was younger, I aimed for a job as a policeman. When I got older, I decided to become an accountant instead. It’s much more exciting.
From the News:
Wheelchair athlete Adams aiming for Beijing
Media:
(phrasal verb) to ask someone if they would like to go on a date with you
Example Sentences:
I think I’m going to ask out Suzanne. I think she is cute!
The nervous boy asked out the shy girl.
A: I’m thinking of asking out your sister. Is that okay?
B: No!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to have faith in the truth or value of something
Example Sentence:
A: I believe in God. How about you?
B: I believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster
When I was younger I needed something to believe in, so I decided to join the army.
(phrasal verb) to have confidence in someone or something
Example Sentence:
Son: Dad, I want to be a dancer. Do you think I can do it?
Dad: You’re 250 kilos, clumsy, and have no rhythm, but I believe in you, son! Let’s go sign up for dance lessons!
I can’t decide if I like Obama or Clinton. The only thing I really believe in is democracy!
(phrasal verb) to make a mess of something, to destroy something, to ruin something
Example Sentences:
Those painters botched up my living room walls. They used the wrong colour paint!
While studying for the SATs, Lawrence botched his chances up by not doing any practice questions.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to withdraw or quit something
Example Sentences:
I am going to bow out from our group, as I don’t get along with the members.
After 10 years at the company, our president bowed out last week. He will be missed.
Henry was unpopular at work because he was always bowing out when things became difficult.
From the News:
Clinton backs Obama and bows out
Media:
(phrasal verb) to force one’s way into somewhere
Example Sentences:
The family was worried after the break-in on the weekend.
Someone broke-in to my apartment and stole my laptop!
I had to get an alarm put into my car after someone kept breaking-in to steal my CDs.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to depress someone
Example Sentences:
Man: Happy 25th anniversary, honey!
Woman: You too, dear! I love you!
Man: I don’t want to bring you down, but I want a divorce!
Woman: Why?
The bad weather brought the people down when it started to rain during the outdoor festival.
That boring old man keeps bringing everybody down by telling stories about the past!
Stop singing that sad song! You’re bringing me down!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to introduce something, to raise something for discussion
Example Sentences:
I don’t want to bring up a difficult subject, but have you decided what you will do when your boyfriend moves to London for a year?
When the student brought up a problem he was having, the teacher was happy to help her.
Angry Wife: Remember two years ago, when you got drunk and went out to the nightclub with your friends?
Angry Husband: That was a long time ago, please stop bringing that up.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to raise someone
Example Sentences:
When you bring up your children, are you going to teach them about religion?
The young woman had many difficulties bringing up her three children by herself.
My mother died when I was young, so my father brought me up.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to depress someone
Example Sentence:
Titanic always bums me out. I like movies with happy endings!
The sad clown bummed out all of the children and ruined my son’s birthday party!
My roommate keeps bumming me out. When I go home I get so depressed!
Media:
(phrasal verb) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
Example Sentences:
Sarah always butters up her boss, because she’s trying to get a promotion and a raise.
A: Who’s your professor this semester?
B: Professor Ornstein.
A: Oh, he’s really tough. If you want to get a good mark, you’d better start buttering him up!
B: How should I do that?
A: Start by telling him he is the best professor you’ve ever had. Then keep going….
William was angry because he didn’t get promoted to manager, even though he had sucked up to the owner of the company for years.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to cancel, to stop
Example Sentences:
We had to call our cruise off when my dad got sick.
The sad bride called off her wedding when she found out her husband had cheated on her.
Father: If you kids don’t stop crying, I’m going to call off our trip to Disneyland.
Kids: Daaaaaaaad!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to understand something after trying for a long time
Example Sentence:
Shelly, took a long time to catch on to the joke that everyone was laughing about.
It took me 2 years of living in Canada before I caught on to the rules of hockey. Now I love it!
Parent: How is my little Timmy doing at school?
Teacher: He is very smart! Timmy is always catching on to difficult concepts long before the other students!
Parent: Nice!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to pay your hotel bill before leaving
Example Sentence:
Please return your key before you check out of our hotel. Thank you.
Check out time is 11:00 am.
I would like to check out of the hotel, please.
Notes:
Usually used with the preposition of.
(phrasal verb) to lose interest in a subject
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry that I can’t focus. I think I have checked out. Can we study our philosophy tomorrow?
I couldn’t date her anymore because I kept checking out of our conversations. I just couldn’t listen to her anymore.
Notes:
Usually used with the preposition of.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to look at someone, to examine someone
Example Sentence:
Wow check out that good looking guy over there. He’s so hot!
Hey, check her out! Look at what she’s wearing.
Don’t look now, but I think that guy over there is checking you out. I think he likes you!
The jealous girlfriend watched as her boyfriend checked out another girl.
Media:
Related:
(phrasal verb) to look at something, to examine something
Example Sentence:
If you like action movies you should check out Rambo. It’s great!
Check out that building over there. It’s so old.
You keep checking out that diamond ring. Are you trying to give me a hint?
Media:
(phrasal verb) to be angry with someone and tell them they did something wrong
Example Sentence:
My wife chewed me out for hours last night because I forgot her birthday.
My parents are always chewing me out because I never do the dishes!
A: How is your daughter doing in school?
B: She never does her homework. I’m going to have to chew her out if she doesn’t start working harder.
The boss chewed out her employees for being lazy while at work.
Media:
(phrasal verb) empty
Example Sentences:
Don’t forget that you have to clean out your lockers before the end of the day.
I was robbed yesterday! I went my apartment and it had been cleaned out! All of my things were gone!
After the party, Sarah was busy cleaning out all of stuff that was left in her house.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to make clear, to explain something
Example Sentences:
I want to clear up a few rumors about myself. First, I am not married. Second,….
I had a huge argument with my best friend, until someone cleared up a few things. Now, we’re fine!
By clearing up a lot of our confusion, the professor was able to improve all of our marks.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to meet someone by accident
Example Sentence:
I came across an old friend from high school while I was walking downtown.
Did you come across any interesting people while you were traveling?
Media:
(phrasal verb) to find something by accident
Example Sentence:
I came across an old photo album while I was cleaning my house.
Did you come across any interesting things while you were traveling?
Media:
Related:
(phrasal verb) to reduce the amount of something you use
Example Sentences:
You should try to cut down on the amount of driving you do, to help the environment.
Last year, I cut down on the amount of times I went to the strip club, because my wife was always getting angry.
If Thomas wants to lose weight, he should start by cutting down on all of the fast food he eats.
Media:
(phrasal verb) remove, kill
Example Sentences:
All societies should do away with the death penalty. It’s cruel and unfair.
I decided to do away with some of my old clothes, because they no longer fit. Do you want some of them?
Many people think our school should do away with many of the rules we have.
The USA did away with Saddam Hussein.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to withdraw or quit something
Example Sentences:
I am going to drop out from our group, as I don’t get along with the members.
After 10 years at the company, our president dropped out last week. He will be missed.
Henry was unpopular at work because he was always dropping out when things became difficult.
From the News:
Clinton drops out of U.S. presidential race
Media:
(phrasal verb) to fall in love with
Example Sentences:
I’m afraid that I might fall for my roommate’s brother. He’s so handsome!
I have fallen for my girlfriend. I think I’m going to propose to her!
Suzanne, I think I am falling for you….
(phrasal verb) to be tricked or deceived by someone or something
Example Sentences:
Don’t expect Rob to fall for that joke, he’s heard it before.
When Sarah told me that she got fired, I fell for it. I didn’t know she was lying?
Please don’t play any practical jokes on me. I have a history of falling for them.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to give someone complete information
Example Sentences:
What happened at the big meeting last night? Fill me in!
A: …so that’s what happened! They all got fired.
B: Thanks for filling me in.
Sandy filled in her best friend about her hot date last night.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to do silly things, to have fun, to not be serious
Example Sentences:
A: Do you have any plans this weekend?
B: No, I think I’m just going to fool around.
The young children were fooling around on the playground.
Last night, we just fooled around, drinking beer and playing Nintendo Wii.
(phrasal verb) hug and kiss, be passionate
Example Sentences:
The young couple were planning to fool around when they had the house to themselves.
Last night I fooled around with Bob. I’m so embarrassed!
A: What were you doing when I called you last night?
B: I was busy fooling around with Rita.
A: Lovely Rita? Lucky you!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to have sex
Example Sentences:
If you are going to fool around, make sure you use a condom.
A: What happened after you left the nightclub last night?
B: Melissa and I went home and fooled around!!
A: No way!
Billy had to leave the apartment last night because his roommate was fooling around with his girlfriend.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to pass or survive a difficult situation
Example Sentences:
Most people thought Shawn wouldn’t get through the car accident. Thankfully, he survived.
I don’t know how I’m going to get through my final year of college. It’s so difficult!
The lazy student’s friends were amazed to learn that he got through university without studying.
Dad: How is your military service going, son? Are you getting through it?
Son: Yeah dad, but it’s pretty hard.
(phrasal verb) to tell a secret,
Example Sentence:
Did you watch Lost last night? It was so great! I don’t want to give away any secrets, but Jack and Kate…..
The young child was upset when his brother gave away a secret by telling him about his surprise party.
You keep giving away my secrets, I’m not going to tell you anything anymore!
(phrasal verb) to quit something
Example Sentences:
I’m trying really hard to give up smoking, but it’s nearly impossible!
A: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
B: Yeah, I’m planning on giving up red meat. I want to be healthier!
Ever since she gave up drinking, she just isn’t very much fun!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to stop doing something after a lot of effort
Example Sentences:
I know I tried to learn how to snowboard for 5 months, but I give up! It’s just too hard for me!
You’ll never be able to speak English if you keep giving up every time you have some difficulties.
Sally gave up swimming after she nearly drowned.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to review
Example Sentence:
The student went over her notes before the final exam.
Please go over the idioms you learn every night.
The actors were busy going over their lines to prepare for the play.
(phrasal verb) to experience a difficult situation
Example Sentence:
A: What do you have to go through to become a doctor?
B: Well, first you have to go to University. Then, you must….
The immigrant family went through a lot of difficulties when they first moved to America.
You don’t know me! you don’t know what I’m going through! It’s hard being a teenager.
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