What is a phrasal verb? Basically it is a verb whose definition is derived from two parts: the verb and a particle (and sometimes there is an additional preposition like in ‘look + forward + to’). Together these words form a meaning which is idiomatic. The meaning that these two words make together is different from the verb and particle on their own. Although at times it may seem like you can calculate the meaning of a phrasal verb by adding the sense of the two words together, do not forget that you may have to also consider its metaphorical meaning. In other words, the sense is not always so transparent, so do not take the sum of the words so literally.
Allow me to demonstrate:
1. ‘break’ and ‘up’
- Opps! I’m such a butter fingers. This plate slipped out of my hand and broke. (action of becoming damaged)
- Look at that air balloon—up, up, and away! (direction opposite to down)
- What’s the matter with Amy? Has she broken up with her fiancée again? (Phrasal verb: They are no longer in an exclusive relationship together. The meaning is not the sum of 'becoming damaged' with 'the direction opposite to down'.)
2. ‘blow’ and ‘off’ and ‘up’
- Have you ever tried blowing bubbles in your milkshake with a straw? I do it all the time. (make air move)
- Why isn’t the internet working? The modem is off. (not on)
- Don’t take anything Rodger says to heart. He has a weird sense of humour. Just blow him off. (Phrasal verb: You should ignore him. The meaning is not the sum of 'making air move' with 'making sure it is not on'.)
- I tried to get my boss and my co-worker to reconcile, but the whole thing blew up in my face; now they both think that I was responsible for their misunderstanding. Next time I’m just going to mind my own business. (Phrasal verb: Sometimes it can refer to a literal explosion, but it this case it means 'my plans did not succeed—the outcome was actually worse than what it would have been had I not intervened'. So the meaning is not literal because there was no bomb—there was no physical explosion.)
If you are a non-native speaker of English, you may be wondering how you could ever master phrasal verbs. My answer is this: be well read; learn in context. Just as you acquired you native language by extensive exposure to it and extensive use of it, so will you acquire another language. This is what will bring you from B2 to C2, a proficient user of English.
So, let’s practise looking at the meaning of these phrasal verbs in context. Match the sentences with the intended meaning. There is an answer key at the end of this post.
I don’t know anyone who reads 10 plus dictionary definitions per day and actually remembers the definitions, so I don't expect you to remember all these definitions here in this post. You need to engage with words to know what they mean and how to use them. Yes, use a dictionary. Yes, examine grammatical structures, and get some coaching; but like when you acquired your native language, you need to participate with English in the same way. For example, when you come across a phrasal verb, try guessing its meaning from the context, remember your thoughts, and watch out for when the same phrasal verb pops up in a different context to see if it has the same meaning. If it does, great! Start using it in that way. If it doesn’t, maybe you're looking at another meaning, so take note of that. As exemplified by the phrasal verbs used above, words do have more than one meaning!
Now, did any particular meaning of a mini idiom blow you away? Use it today, and it will be yours tomorrow.
If you have been blowing off any other phrasal verb combination, request a free 20-second takeaway that can help you understand it. So, please contact me. I will post one for you.
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Answer Key |
1. B. 2. C. 3. A. |
4. E. 5. D. 6. F. |
7. H. 8. J. 9. I. 10. G. |
11. M. 12. K. 13. L. |
14. Q. 15. N. 16. O. 17. P. |