30.18. Common Phrasal Verbs: Exercises and Practice Activities for Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, especially at the A2 level, where learners are transitioning from basic understanding to more complex language structures. Mastering phrasal verbs can be challenging due to their idiomatic nature, but with practice, they can greatly enhance communication skills. This text provides a comprehensive guide to common phrasal verbs, along with exercises and practice activities designed to help intermediate learners improve their proficiency.

Understanding Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a meaning different from the original verb. For example, "look up" means to search for information, which is different from the verb "look." Understanding the context is crucial, as the meaning can change depending on how the phrasal verb is used.

Common Phrasal Verbs

Here is a list of some common phrasal verbs that are useful for intermediate learners:

• Break down - to stop functioning (e.g., "My car broke down on the way to work.")
• Bring up - to mention a topic (e.g., "She brought up the issue during the meeting.")
• Call off - to cancel (e.g., "They called off the concert due to rain.")
• Come across - to find by chance (e.g., "I came across an old friend in the park.")
• Find out - to discover information (e.g., "I need to find out the train schedule.")
• Give up - to stop trying (e.g., "He gave up smoking last year.")
• Look after - to take care of (e.g., "She looks after her younger brother.")
• Put off - to postpone (e.g., "We had to put off the meeting until next week.")
• Run into - to meet unexpectedly (e.g., "I ran into my teacher at the supermarket.")
• Turn down - to refuse (e.g., "She turned down the job offer.")

Exercises for Practicing Phrasal Verbs

To effectively learn and remember phrasal verbs, regular practice is essential. Below are some exercises designed to help reinforce understanding and usage of phrasal verbs:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list provided:

1. After a long discussion, they decided to _______ the project until next month.
2. Can you _______ the lights when you leave the room?
3. She was surprised to _______ her favorite book at the bookstore.
4. He's been trying to _______ a new hobby since he retired.
5. They had to _______ the picnic because of bad weather.

Options: turn off, put off, come across, take up, call off

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb with its Meaning

Match each phrasal verb with the correct definition:

1. Break down
2. Bring up
3. Run into
4. Look after
5. Give up

Definitions:

1. To stop functioning
2. To stop trying
3. To take care of
4. To mention a topic
5. To meet unexpectedly

Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite the following sentences using the appropriate phrasal verb:

1. She decided to stop trying to learn the piano.
2. I unexpectedly met my cousin at the mall.
3. They postponed the wedding due to unforeseen circumstances.
4. He is responsible for taking care of the family pet.
5. The machine stopped working suddenly.

Practice Activities for Phrasal Verbs

In addition to exercises, engaging in practice activities can help solidify the understanding of phrasal verbs. Here are some activities that can be done individually or in groups:

Activity 1: Phrasal Verb Storytelling

Create a short story using at least five different phrasal verbs. This activity encourages creativity and helps learners see how phrasal verbs can be used in context. Share your story with a partner or group and discuss the meanings of the phrasal verbs used.

Activity 2: Phrasal Verb Flashcards

Create flashcards with a phrasal verb on one side and its meaning on the other. Use these flashcards to quiz yourself or a partner. This is a great way to memorize phrasal verbs and their meanings.

Activity 3: Phrasal Verb Dialogues

Work with a partner to create a dialogue that includes several phrasal verbs. Perform the dialogue for the class or a small group. This activity helps learners practice speaking and listening skills while reinforcing their understanding of phrasal verbs.

Activity 4: Phrasal Verb Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt where learners must find examples of phrasal verbs in newspapers, magazines, or online articles. This activity encourages learners to engage with real-world texts and see how phrasal verbs are used in authentic contexts.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs is a crucial step for intermediate English learners. Through exercises and practice activities, learners can improve their understanding and usage of these complex language structures. Regular practice, combined with exposure to authentic language materials, will help learners become more confident and proficient in their use of phrasal verbs.

Remember, the key to mastering phrasal verbs is consistency and practice. By incorporating these exercises and activities into your study routine, you'll be well on your way to becoming more fluent in English.