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.
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."
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."
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