PHRASAL VERBS (Introduction & 1st Article)
PHRASAL VERBS (Introduction & 1st Article)
Phrasal verbs are combinations of
words that perform the function of a verb. These combinations necessarily
include a verb and either an adverb or a preposition (or both). They form one
complete semantic unit because the words that comprise a phrasal verb together
describe one action. If
one of the words in a phrasal verb is taken out, or used alone, the description
of the action will be incomplete.
In this article and several others to
follow, let us explore the rich world of commonly-used phrasal verbs, explain
their meanings and use a number of examples to highlight the beauty of using
them.
1.
Work Out (1)
Meaning:
To
be successful with something.
Examples:
Examples:
(i)
I sincerely hope that
things work out for the new headmaster.
(ii)
This job will work out
only if I am supported by my subordinates.
(iii)
Things will work out
for the pre-degree students only if they study hard.
(iv)
The marriage of the new
couple will work out if they remain chaste and focused.
(v)
Things will work out
for UPU Executive Officers if they put Urhobo interest above theirs.
2.
Work Out (2)
Meaning:
To do physical exercise meant to keep fit.
Examples:
(i)
Victor does a 20-minute
work out every morning.
(ii)
Mamuyovwi Eruvwavwe
enjoys brief work outs once in a while.
(iii)
Those who use
air-conditioners need to do regular work outs.
(iv)
The human body requires
regular work out for wellness.
(v)
Oyono has taught his
pupils a lot of work out games.
3.
Wear Out
Meaning:
To become, or make something become thin, or no
longer usable, because it has been used too much.
Examples:
(i)
Many applicants’ shoes
wear out in course of searching for jobs.
(ii)
Ufuoma’s school Cortina
is now wearing out.
(iii)
Good leather-sandals do
not wear out easily.
(iv)
I was worn out with
much work in the office, today.
(v)
Wives, please do not
wear out your husbands with much nagging.
4.
Ward
Off
Meaning:
To
prevent something unpleasant from harming, or coming close to someone.
Examples:
(i)
Emuejevoke uses bed-net
to ward off mosquitoes from herself while sleeping.
(ii)
I usually take Vitamin
C to ward off colds during rainy season.
(iii)
He keeps a fierce dog
in his compound to ward off unwanted visitors.
(iv)
Tom used his shield to
ward off the blows of his enemy.
(v)
Chief Umukoro fumigated
his compound to ward off insects, rodents and reptiles.
5.
Use (Something) Up
Meaning
To
use something entirely or to finish all.
Examples:
(i)
I cannot print more pages because the
ink in the printer has been used up.
(ii)
The house-help used up
all the milk in the can.
(iii)
“Please do not use up
the water in the drum”, Mary told her son.
(iv)
Ogbore has used up the
garri in the kitchen.
(v)
The ream of papers
purchased this morning, has been used up by the reprographer.
6.
Try (Something) Out
Meaning:
To
Test
Examples:
(i)
Jennifer wants to try
out the new ‘Delta-made’ hair shampoo.
(ii)
Prof. Attahiru Jega
desires to try out the Card Reading Machine in the 2015 general elections.
(iii)
The new journalist
shall try out the motor park as his‘beat’.
(iv)
The principal wants the
tutors to try out open reading as a way of actuating the students.
(v)
The manager has
instructed his secretary to try out Microsoft Access package for their
operational reports.
7.
Turn (Something) Down (1)
Meaning:
To
refuse.
Examples:
(i)
Okorotete asked Otiti
to marry him, but she turned him down.
(ii)
Engr. Owena turned down
the job offered him at ABC Holdings Plc.
(iii)
I was offered a meal
prepared with bush meat, but I turned it down.
(iv)
“Please, always turn down any suggestion for
pre-marital sex”, Ose advises his children.
(v)
Every official should
turn down offer of bribe to help sanitize the country.
(8)
Turn (Something) Down (2)
Meaning:
To
decrease the volume.
Examples:
(i)
My grandmother has asked me to turn
down the volume of the television.
(ii)
“Turn down the volume of your radio
set”, Ochuko Orogun of DBS, tells the phone-in caller.
(iii)
The audience urged the Disco Jockey
to turn down the volume of his music.
(iv)
I had to turn down the volume of my
cell phone as it was blaring this morning.
(v)
The high-pitch volume of music in
commercial vehicles, need to be turned down for the comfort of passengers.
8.
Switch (Something) On
Meaning:
To
turn on.
Examples:
(i)
Inene wants you to switch on the
radio for her.
(ii)
He switched on the generator again, and the sound became
clearer.
(iii)
Please switch on the
fan for me.
(iv)
The street lights were
switched on, and the road became illuminated at once.
(v)
The solar-powered
walk-way lights are programmed to switch on automatically.
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