PHRASAL VERBS AND THEIR USE
PHRASAL VERBS AND THEIR USE
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.
Let us now 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:
(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 foundation
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 the new 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 so 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 Otemu Umukoro fumigated his compound
to ward off insects, rodents and reptiles.
5.
Use (Something) Up
Meaning
To use
something entirely or to finish it 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)
The new journalist wish to try out the
motor park as his ‘beat’.
(iii)
The principal wants the tutors to try out
open reading as a way of actuating the students.
(iv)
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 sanitise the country.
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