Lecture: Phrasal Verbs - Metaphor and Register   Unit5.mp3


Welcome to Unit 5, where we'll delve into two crucial aspects of phrasal verbs: their multiple meanings, including literal and metaphorical uses, and the concept of register. Understanding these will significantly enhance your comprehension and appropriate use of phrasal verbs in English.


1. Multiple Meanings of Phrasal Verbs


Phrasal verbs often have several distinct meanings. For example, the phrasal verb "get on" can mean:


  • To enter a bus.


  • To like each other and be friendly, as in "Jim and Ian get on really well".


  • To continue doing work, as in "I'm trying to get on with my work".


Often, there isn't a direct connection between these various meanings, so the best approach is to learn each different meaning by remembering a sentence in which the phrasal verb is used.



2. Literal and Metaphorical Meaning


Sometimes, the basic (literal) meaning of a phrasal verb is clearly linked to its additional (metaphorical) meanings. A metaphor expresses something by comparing it to something else with similar characteristics.


Consider the phrasal verb "blow up":


  • Literal Meaning: To inflate or fill with air, like "blow up a balloon".


  • Metaphorical Meaning:

    • To make something explode, like "blow up a building".


    • To suddenly become very angry, as in "someone blows up".


Another example is "slip up," meaning "to make a mistake". This clearly comes from "slip," which means "to fall, usually because the floor is wet or the ground is icy". You can often guess the metaphorical meaning from the basic verb without the particle.



3. Register


Register refers to the formality of language. Phrasal verbs are characteristic of spoken English or informal writing, such as letters to friends and popular journalism articles. For more formal spoken or written styles, there are often one-word equivalents or synonyms. For instance, instead of "miss out a question," you could use the more formal "omit a question".


It's also important to note that phrasal verb usage can vary geographically. For example, "clear up a room" (meaning to tidy) is understood by British, American, and Australian English speakers, but only British and Australian speakers would use "tidy up" as a synonym.


By understanding these aspects, you will be better equipped to use phrasal verbs accurately and appropriately in various contexts.


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