Unit 16

 Hello everyone, and welcome to today's lecture on phrasal verbs. We'll be focusing on the prepositions 'on' and 'in' and how their basic physical meanings give us clues to their use in phrasal verbs.

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The Many Meanings of 'On' ➡️

The preposition 'on' often has a clear link with its basic physical meaning of being supported by or in contact with a surface. Let's look at some examples:

1. The Physical Connection 👕

When we say "put on" an item of clothing, we are physically placing something onto our body. This is a direct link to the physical meaning of 'on'.

For example: "Never buy shoes without trying them on!"

In this context, 'trying them on' means putting them on your feet to see if they fit.

2. The Idea of a 'Surface' 🎭

This physical meaning can extend to abstract ideas. When someone is "putting on a brave face," they are placing a metaphorical mask or 'face' on their true feelings.

For example: "Do you think Dan's really feeling better or is he just putting on a brave face?"

This means he's pretending to be happy. An adjective form, 'put-on', is also used to describe something that isn't genuine: "I don't think his cheerfulness is put-on."

3. A Weight or Burden ⚖️

The idea of 'on' as a surface can also suggest a burden resting on something. When something is "weighing on" your mind, it's a worry that is mentally heavy and affecting you.

For example: "I've got something weighing on my mind at the moment." This means something is worrying or upsetting you.

4. The Idea of Dependence 🤝

'On' is also used with verbs where there is an idea of dependence. This suggests that you are relying on someone or something for support, just like an object rests on a surface.

For example: "You can always rely/depend/count on Jim!" This means you can be confident that he will support you. A slightly more formal alternative to 'on' is 'upon', as in "rely upon".

5. The Idea of 'Further' or 'Forward' ▶️

Another common meaning of 'on' in phrasal verbs is to suggest continuation or progress. It's like moving forward on a path.

For example: "You must keep on trying." This means you must continue to try, despite setbacks.

Similarly, "pass it on" means to give something to someone else so they can continue to use it. "When you've finished with the magazine, just pass it on to someone else."

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The Many Meanings of 'In' 📦

Now, let's explore phrasal verbs using 'in'. The basic physical meaning of 'in' is to be inside of something, and this idea of containment or entry is key to understanding these verbs.

1. Entering a Space 🚪

Many phrasal verbs with 'in' are directly related to entering a physical space.

For example, to "call in" is to visit a place for a short time, as if you are briefly entering it. "Please call in and see us when you are next in town."

2. Making Something 'Go Inside' 🤏

The physical action of putting something inside can also be seen in phrasal verbs like "rub in".

For example: "Rub the cream in gently." This means to make the cream go into the surface of the skin.

Similarly, "take in" a piece of clothing means to make it narrower, or to make the fabric go 'inward' to fit better. "I'll have to take in this skirt."

3. Containment and Restriction 🔒

The idea of being inside can also mean being trapped or confined.

For example, to "lock in" someone means to prevent them from leaving a building by locking the doors, effectively trapping them inside. "You'll be locked in if you don't leave by 6:30 p.m."

4. The Idea of 'Entering a System' 🏃‍♂️

This can also be used in an abstract sense. To "push in" is to rudely enter a line of people, breaking the order of the queue. You are forcing yourself 'in' to the line.

For example: "It's so annoying when people push in at the bus stop."

5. Absorbing Information 🧠

Finally, the idea of something going 'in' can apply to information or feelings. When something begins to "sink in," it means that something, usually bad news, is starting to be believed and absorbed into your mind. "It'll take a long time for the terrible news to sink in."

Unit 15

 Based on the "English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate" book, here is a lecture on Unit 15, which focuses on the particle off.

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The Particle 'Off' in Phrasal Verbs

The particle off is a very common element in English phrasal verbs. While it may seem simple, it can convey several different meanings depending on the main verb it is paired with. The core idea behind off is often a sense of separation, departure, or ceasing an action.

Key Meanings of 'Off'

1. Departure or leaving a place:

   • Set off: This means to begin a journey or a trip. For example, "Khalfan set off last Sunday".

   • Head off: To start a journey or leave a place. For example, "We're planning to head off in the early evening".

2. Removal or separation:

   • Take off: This can refer to a plane leaving the ground. For instance, "a plane takes off from the airport". It can also mean to remove a piece of clothing.

   • Cut off: To disconnect a service, such as electricity. For example, "When we didn't pay the bill, the electricity was cut off".

   • Doze off: To fall asleep, indicating a separation from a state of being awake.

3. Stopping an action or preventing something:

   • Call off: To cancel an event or an arrangement. For example, "He wants to call it off altogether".

   • Put off: To postpone an event or an action. For example, "He's put the meeting off three times".

   • Turn off: To stop a machine from working, often by pressing a button.

   • Switch off: Similar to turn off, it means to deactivate something.

4. Giving a negative or unpleasant feeling:

   • Be off (something): To dislike a certain food or activity.

   • Put (someone) off: To make someone dislike something or to discourage them from doing it.

Examples in Context

• "The rocket is due to lift off tomorrow at noon."

• "I hope I've managed to put him off the idea of redecorating the house."

• "She just went off without saying goodbye. I wonder if I offended her?"

• "The security guard let us out of the building site." (Note: This is an example of a phrasal verb with a different particle, but it's important to differentiate it from phrasal verbs using off.)

The key to mastering these phrasal verbs is to recognize the core meaning of the particle and see how it changes the meaning of the main verb. As you can see, off frequently signifies a departure, a removal, or a cessation of some kind.

Here's a lecture based on the provided text, focusing on how the particle "off" indicates ending or changing states, and other expressions with "off."

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The Particle 'Off': Expressing Ending or Changing State, and Other Uses 🔚

The particle off is incredibly versatile in English phrasal verbs. Beyond simply indicating separation or departure, it often signifies a movement towards an ending or a change of state. Let's explore these nuances and other important expressions.

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1. Ending or Changing State

When combined with certain verbs, off suggests a transition, a completion, or a shift from one state to another.

• Sold off: This phrasal verb means to sell all or part of a business or asset. The "off" here conveys the idea of a complete disposal or divestment, leading to the ending of ownership.

  • Example: "My cousin has sold off his share of the Internet company he started with a friend." This implies he no longer owns that part of the company.

• Dozed off: This refers to gradually starting to sleep, especially during the day. The "off" indicates a change of state from being awake to falling asleep.

  • Example: "After lunch Grandpa dozed off on the sofa."

• Broke off: This means to suddenly stop speaking. Here, "off" signals an abrupt ending to the speech.

  • Example: "Mr Prosser suddenly looked very pale and broke off in the middle of his lecture."

• Run off: This can mean to quickly and easily write something that is usually difficult to write. The "off" implies the completion of a task with ease, bringing it to an end.

  • Example: "She's so clever. She can run off a 1,000-word essay in an hour. It takes me all day!"

  • (Note: Remember that "run off" can also mean to leave somewhere quickly, as discussed in the previous lecture on departure.)

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2. Other Important Expressions with 'Off'

Beyond indicating an ending or change of state, off appears in various other common and useful phrasal verbs and expressions.

• Put (someone) off: This means to make someone dislike something or decide that they are not interested in it. The "off" here indicates a rejection or a deterrent.

  • Example: "What he said has put me off the idea of going to Blandville for a holiday altogether!"

• Off-putting: This is an adjective derived from "put off," and it describes something that makes something sound unattractive or unpleasant.

  • Example: "His description of the hotel was very off-putting."

• Hold off: This means to delay doing something. The "off" suggests postponement or keeping something at a distance for a period.

  • Example: "Maybe we should hold off and go to Paris or somewhere in the spring?"

• Turn (someone) off: Similar to "put off," this means to make someone decide that they are no longer interested in something.

  • Example: "I think I've managed to turn him off the idea of building a model railway track in the back garden."

• Laugh (something) off: This means to laugh about something unpleasant in order to make it seem less important or serious. The "off" here signifies dismissal or trivialization.

  • Example: "She didn't get offended by the comment; she just laughed it off."

Understanding these different applications of the particle "off" will significantly enhance your comprehension and use of English phrasal verbs! Keep practicing them in various contexts.

Unit 14 exercise

 Good morning, everyone. Today, we're going to put our knowledge of phrasal verbs with "out" into practice. The exercises we're looking at today will help us to solidify our understanding of the different ways "out" can be used.

Exercise 14.1: Rewriting Sentences with Phrasal Verbs

This first exercise challenges us to replace a more formal or descriptive phrase with a phrasal verb. This is a great way to improve your fluency and natural-sounding English.

1. "I'll take you down to the exit, if you like."

   • Here, "take you down to the exit" can be replaced by "show you out." So, the sentence becomes: "I'll show you out, if you like."

2. "For some reason my name was omitted from the guest list."

   • "Omitted from" is a perfect fit for the phrasal verb "leave out." The correct answer is: "For some reason my name was left out of the guest list."

3. "My keys are inside the car and I can't get into it."

   • When you can't get into a locked space because the keys are inside, you have "locked yourself out." So, the sentence would be: "I've locked myself out of my car."

4. "He can find his own way to the exit — there's no need to take him there."

   • This is the opposite of "showing someone out." The person can "see themselves out." The sentence is: "He can find his own way to the exit — there's no need to see him out."

5. "She collected pictures of her pop idol from the music magazines."

   • "Collected...from" in this context means she removed them by cutting. The phrasal verb is "cut out." The answer is: "She cut out pictures of her pop idol from the music magazines."

6. "The security guard opened the gate so we could leave the building site."

   • "Opened the gate so we could leave" is exactly what "let out" means. The sentence becomes: "The security guard let us out of the building site."

Exercise 14.2: Completing Sentences with Phrasal Verbs

This exercise tests our ability to choose the correct phrasal verb and put it in the right tense.

1. "I think I lost out by not learning a foreign language at school..." Here, the speaker is expressing a disadvantage they feel they have compared to others.

2. "Would you like to try out my new tennis racket?" The "out" suggests testing something completely to see if you like it.

3. "Our business...is growing so fast we need someone to help out on weekends." "Help out" is the perfect fit here, meaning to assist with the work.

4. "I got locked out yesterday. I left home without my keys..." This is a classic example of locking yourself out of your home.

5. "I cut out a job advertisement from the paper last night..." This means removing the advertisement by cutting.

6. This final part is a conversation between Miles and Rana.

   • Miles offers to "come with you and show you out."

   • Rana initially says, "Oh, it's okay, I can see myself out."

   • Miles clarifies, "Well, actually you can't... so I'll have to come and let you out." This shows the subtle difference between showing someone out and literally letting them out of a locked building.

Exercise 14.4: Choosing the Best Sentence

This final activity is about understanding the narrative flow and choosing the best phrasal verb for the context.

The story is about a college project. The student is doing research at the library.

1. The student wants to find out more. The next logical step is to go to the library. The sentence to fit here is (c): "I'd cut out some articles from the local paper but I needed more information." This provides a reason for going to the library.

2. The student gets books, newspapers, and maps. The next step is to arrange them for review. The best fit is (e): "I spread them all out on a big table."

3. The student needs to select what to copy. The next step is to organize the materials. The answer is (a): "So I sorted out the most important items."

4. The library is closing. The student is running out of time. The best fit is (d): "Time was running out; the library closed at 4 p.m."

5. The student hurries and can't copy everything. So, what happened to the things they couldn't copy? They had to leave them out. The correct sentence is (b): "Unfortunately, I had to leave out the very big maps."

These exercises show how these phrasal verbs aren't just isolated words, but tools we use to describe actions and situations in our daily lives. Keep practicing, and you'll find they become second nature.

Unit 14

 

The Versatile "Out": Understanding Phrasal Verbs

Good morning, everyone. Today, we're going to talk about a very common and very useful word in English: "out." On its own, it's a simple preposition, but when combined with a verb, it can create a whole new meaning. We call these "phrasal verbs," and "out" is one of the most common particles you'll find in them.

We can break down the meaning of phrasal verbs with "out" into a few key categories.

1. "Out" meaning "not in"

This is the most direct and literal meaning of "out." It simply means something is not inside or is being moved from an interior space to an exterior one.

• Leave out: To not include someone or something.

  • For example: "For homework, do exercise 8, but leave out number 10." You're instructed not to include number 10 in your work.

• Cut out: To remove something by cutting it, usually from a larger piece of material like paper or cloth.

  • For example: "She cut out some interesting articles from the newspaper for us." She removed them from the newspaper by cutting.

• Show out / See out: To accompany a visitor to the door when they are leaving. This is a polite gesture.

  • For example: "Let me show you out—it's quite hard to find the exit from here." The speaker will guide the visitor from the room to the exit.

• Let out: To allow a person or an animal to leave, usually by opening a door.

  • For example: "The door will be locked, but the receptionist will let you out." The receptionist will open the locked door for you to leave.

• Lock out: To prevent someone from entering a building by locking the door.

  • For example: "I forgot my keys and was locked out of my own house!" The door was locked, and the speaker couldn't get in.

• Lock yourself out: This is a special, reflexive use of the verb, where you accidentally prevent yourself from entering a building, usually by leaving your keys inside and then closing the door.

  • For example: "I've locked myself out so often that I've hidden a spare key in the garden now."

2. "Out" meaning "to the end" or "completely"

In this category, "out" gives us the idea of completing a task or doing something thoroughly, often until there's nothing left.

• Sort out: To arrange things that are untidy. The "out" suggests completing the sorting process.

  • For example: "I sorted out my room on Sunday." This implies the speaker finished organizing their room.

• Clear out: To make a space tidy by removing unwanted things.

  • For example: "I cleared out all my wardrobes and threw away all my worn out shoes."

• Worn out: This is a great example of an adjective formed from a phrasal verb. It means something is used so much that it's damaged or no longer useful. The "out" here suggests the process of wearing is complete.

• Run out of something: To have none of something left because it has all been used.

  • For example: "Unfortunately, I'd run out of furniture polish, so I couldn't do any polishing." This means the supply of polish was completely finished.

3. Other uses of "out"

Finally, let's look at some other common phrasal verbs with "out" that have unique meanings.

• Spread out: To arrange things on a flat surface so that they cover a wide area.

  • For example: "He spread out the photos on the table so everyone could see them."

• Come out: This has a few meanings, but one is to become available for people to buy or see, especially for a new product like a book or a music album.

  • For example: "The band has a new album coming out next month."

• Try out: To test something to see if it works or if you like it before you make a decision, like a purchase.

  • For example: "Madam, would you like to try out the bike before deciding whether to buy it?"

• Help out: To help someone, often by doing a specific task or by giving money.

  • For example: "My husband’s business is so busy at the moment that I’m helping out in the office."

• Lose out: To not have an advantage that others have. The "out" here signifies being left behind or on the outside of a good situation.

  • For example: "I always feel I lost out because I never learned a musical instrument as a child."

As you can see, "out" is a very flexible word. When you encounter a new phrasal verb, it's helpful to remember these core meanings. Is it about exclusion? Is it about completion? Or is it one of these other common uses? The context will almost always give you the clues you need.

Thank you.

Unit 13 exercises

 

Hello again, everyone!

Today, we're going to put our knowledge of the particle "up" to the test with some exercises. This will help us solidify our understanding of how this small word can add big meaning to our verbs.

Let's start with a practical scenario.

Exercise 13.1: The Messy Room

Imagine you're looking at a picture of a very messy room. What tasks would need to be done to make it tidy?

1. What does the woman need to tidy up?

   • She needs to make the whole room tidy. This includes putting things back in their proper places.

2. What does she need to sweep up?

   • She needs to sweep up the rubbish, dirt, or anything else on the floor using a broom. The "up" emphasizes that she needs to get all of it.

3. What must she hang up?

   • She must hang up clothes, perhaps jackets or shirts, on a hook or in a closet. The "up" is essential here, as it defines the action of placing something on a hook.

4. What are jumbled up on the floor?

   • The books, papers, or clothes are jumbled up—mixed together in an untidy pile. The particle "up" is part of the adjective here, describing the state of the items.

5. How might she feel when she has cleared everything up?

   • She would probably feel relieved and satisfied, because she has completely finished the task. The "up" tells us the job is done from start to finish.

Exercise 13.2: The E-mail

Now, let's look at an e-mail with some missing verbs. We need to choose the best verb to complete the sentences, using a different one each time.

• "Has your cousin turned up yet?"

  • This is a great informal way of asking if her cousin has arrived.

• "We certainly need him around to liven this place up a bit!"

  • Here, "liven up" means to make the place more interesting and exciting. The verb and particle are split by the object ("this place").

• "I need his help in the garden... I need to chop up the branches."

  • "Chop up" means to cut the branches into small pieces. The "up" tells us this is a complete action.

• "When he eventually shows up, let’s try out that new club..."

  • "Shows up" is another excellent informal way of saying "arrives."

• "...that’s opening up in Market Street."

  • "Opening up" here suggests that a new business is starting and will soon be ready for customers.

Exercise 13.3: Choosing the Correct Word

This exercise shows us how we need to be careful to choose the right verb to create the correct meaning with "up."

1. "I used up too much time on the first exam question..."

   • This means you finished or exhausted your supply of time.

2. "My cousin showed up at midnight last night!"

   • This means he arrived, probably unexpectedly.

3. "Please could you chop up these onions for me?"

   • You need to cut them into smaller pieces.

4. "Jill spent ages clearing up the lounge."

   • She spent a long time making the entire room tidy.

5. "A new supermarket is opening up near us next month."

   • A new business is starting.

6. "The bath is clogged up with hair."

   • This means it is completely blocked.

7. "Could you sweep up the leaves on the front steps, please?"

   • You need to remove them all using a broom.

8. "When the old man died, his things were divided up among his children."

   • The belongings were separated into parts and distributed.

Exercise 13.4: "Up" as Emphasis

Finally, let's consider when the particle "up" is absolutely essential and when it's more for emphasis.

1. Which cases could the "up" be left out?

   • We could say "clear the room," "sweep the leaves," "tidy the lounge," "divide the things," "open a supermarket." These are all grammatically correct, but they lack the emphasis of the completed action.

   • However, in cases like "hang up," "clogged up," and "jumbled up," the "up" is essential for the meaning. You can't just "hang" a jacket in the same way, or describe something as "jumbled" without the "up." "To liven up" also changes the meaning from just "to liven."

2. In the sentences where the particle is not essential, what extra meanings, if any, does the "up" add?

   • The "up" adds the meaning of completion or totality. "Tidy" can mean to make a small change, but "tidy up" implies the entire room is now neat. "Divide" is just the action, but "divide up" means the division is complete and all parts are distributed. The particle "up" makes the action feel more thorough and finished.

This lecture shows us that a small word like "up" can have a huge impact on the meaning and tone of our sentences. By paying attention to these phrasal verbs, we can make our English more precise and expressive.

Thank you.

Unit 13 UP

 Hello, everyone!

Today, we're going to dive into the wonderful world of phrasal verbs, specifically focusing on the little but mighty particle "up." You've probably noticed it everywhere, attached to verbs in all sorts of different situations. But what does it really mean?

We're going to see how "up" often carries a very specific and useful meaning: the idea of completing or totally finishing something.

Let's look at a few examples from a text about someone doing housework.

• "I spent all morning yesterday clearing up my study."

• "Then I had to sweep up the rubbish..."

• "After that I tried to tidy up my bedroom."

In all of these cases, the "up" isn't just an extra word; it emphasizes that the action is done completely. Clearing up doesn't just mean moving a few things around—it means making the whole place tidy. Sweeping up isn't just a casual brush; it's about getting all the rubbish off the floor. The same goes for tidying up your room. The "up" makes it a complete action.

We see this same emphasis in other everyday phrases:

• "The washbasin was clogged up." The "up" here highlights that it's not just a little blocked; it's completely blocked.

• "I'd used up all my energy." You haven't just used some of your energy; you've used it all. You've finished your supply.

This idea of completion is really common. Think about when your parents would tell you:

• "Eat up your vegetables!"

• "Drink up your juice!"

They're not just telling you to eat or drink a little bit; they're telling you to finish everything on your plate or in your glass. The "up" makes it clear that they mean "finish it all or completely."

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Now, let's look at some other ways "up" is used, especially in conversations. This time, it's not always about finishing something, but still adds important meaning.

Imagine you're chatting with a friend online, and they say something like this:

• "My sister Val showed up at last."

• "She turned up yesterday evening."

Here, showed up and turned up mean she arrived. The "up" often suggests that the arrival was a bit of a surprise, or perhaps that the person was expected to arrive for some time. It's a more informal and lively way of saying "arrived."

What if someone starts a new business?

• "She’s just opened up a restaurant."

Again, the "up" isn't strictly necessary, but it gives a sense of a new beginning, a new venture that's fully open and ready for business. It makes the action feel more significant.

We also see "up" used to describe changes or arrangements:

• "It'll certainly liven Dunston up a bit."

• "...they divide up the work."

• "...she spends half the day chopping up food."

In these examples, the particle "up" modifies the action in a unique way. To liven up a place means to make it more interesting and exciting, changing its mood completely. To divide up something means to separate it into smaller parts or groups—not just cutting it, but making sure the division is complete. And to chop up food is to cut it into many small pieces. The "up" shows the action is done thoroughly and completely.

So, as you can see, the little particle "up" is more than just a word; it's a tool that adds emphasis and specific meaning to our verbs. It can show that an action is completed, that someone has arrived, or that a change has been made.

Keep an ear out for it in your daily conversations and you'll start to notice just how much work this tiny word does!