Lecture: Mastering Phrasal Verbs with "Go" - Exercises Explained


Good morning! Today, we're going to solidify our understanding of phrasal verbs with "go" by working through some exercises. I'll explain the answers and the reasoning behind them, reinforcing the concepts we discussed previously.


Exercise 8.1: Completing the Text


Let's start by completing the text using the correct phrasal verbs from the previous section.

"I was going through (0) some old letters the other day when I found one from my friend Nancy. Years ago she had gone off (1) to train as a doctor and ended up in Africa. She had to go through (2) years of very hard study before she qualified. Life in Africa was not as comfortable as it was in our hometown, and there were many things she had to go without (3) which the rest of us think of as necessities in our daily lives. But despite all the hardships, she went on (4) working and helping people less fortunate than herself. I admire her so much, I wondered how I might go about (5) making contact with her again, as I have no idea where she is living now."

Explanation:

  • (0) going through: "Examining the contents of something carefully." This fits the context of sorting through old letters.

  • (1) gone off: "Left a place to go to somewhere else." Nancy left her hometown to train as a doctor in Africa.

  • (2) go through: "Experiencing an unpleasant or difficult situation." Years of hard study before qualifying as a doctor would definitely be a difficult and demanding period.

  • (3) go without: "Not having something which you usually have." In Africa, she likely had to do without many necessities.

  • (4) went on: "Continued." Despite hardships, she continued working.

  • (5) go about: "Start to do or deal with something." The speaker is wondering how to initiate the process of contacting Nancy.


Exercise 8.2: Rewriting Sentences


Now, let's rewrite these sentences using phrasal verbs with "go" to maintain the same meaning.

  1. I'm thinking of competing in the New York Marathon next year.

    • Rewrite: I'm thinking of going in for the New York Marathon next year.

    • Reason: "Go in for" means "doing or competing in."

  2. There were some difficult times in my father's life.

    • Rewrite: My father went through some difficult times in his life.

    • Reason: "Go through" means "experiencing an unpleasant or difficult situation."

  3. Unemployment and high crime levels often exist side by side.

    • Rewrite: Unemployment and high crime levels often go together.

    • Reason: "Go together" means "are usually found with each other."

  4. He decided to undergo the operation even though there were risks.

    • Rewrite: He decided to go through with the operation even though there were risks.

    • Reason: "Go through with" means "to do something unpleasant or difficult which you planned or promised to do."

  5. I refused to support their decision to close the youth club.

    • Rewrite: I refused to go along with their decision to close the youth club.

    • Reason: "Go along with" means "to support an idea, or agree with someone's opinion."

  6. I didn't realise how late it was and I didn't stop studying till after midnight.

    • Rewrite: I didn't realise how late it was and I went on studying till after midnight.

    • Reason: "Go on" means "continued."

  7. We had to survive with no hot water for 24 hours while they were repairing the pipes.

    • Rewrite: We had to go without hot water for 24 hours while they were repairing the pipes.

    • Reason: "Go without" means "not have something which you usually have."

  8. Do you think I should try the advanced level exam? It might be too difficult.

    • Rewrite: Do you think I should go for the advanced level exam? It might be too difficult.

    • Reason: "Go for" means "choose" or in this context, "attempt to achieve/do."

  9. She just left without saying goodbye. I wonder if I offended her?

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

    • Reason: "Go off" means "left a place to go to somewhere else."

  10. What was happening in the staffroom at lunchtime? I heard someone shouting.

    • Rewrite: What was going on in the staffroom at lunchtime? I heard someone shouting.

    • Reason: "Go on" in this sense means "happen."


Exercise 8.3: New Meanings of Phrasal Verbs


Finally, let's look at some sentences where these phrasal verbs take on new meanings and choose the correct paraphrase.

  1. We had to throw the fish away as it had gone off.

    • Correct Answer: b) The fish had become bad because we kept it too long.

    • Reason: When food "goes off," it spoils or becomes inedible. This is a very common idiom.

  2. I wish you wouldn't go on about your problems all the time! I have problems too, you know!

    • Correct Answer: c) I wish you wouldn't talk constantly.

    • Reason: To "go on about something" means to talk about it excessively or continuously, often in an annoying way.

  3. She's been going about telling everyone I want to marry her.

    • Correct Answer: c) She has told everyone.

    • Reason: To "go about telling everyone" implies actively and widely spreading information, often carelessly or indiscreetly. The action of telling has already happened.

  4. Ask her to dance with you. Go on!

    • Correct Answer: c) Do it now, don't hesitate.

    • Reason: In this context, "Go on!" is an encouragement or urging to do something, often implying a challenge or a push to overcome hesitation. It's a very common informal interjection.

That concludes our review of these exercises. By understanding the various meanings and contexts, you'll be well on your way to mastering these essential phrasal verbs!


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