A phrasal verb is a verb plus a particle such as up, off or out, and its meaning is often different from the verb on its own. This quiz tests ten everyday phrasal verbs with a short explanation for each.
1. Please ___ your shoes before you come in.
"Take off "means to remove clothing or shoes.
2. I 'm looking ___ my keys.
"Look for "means to search for something.
3. We ran ___ milk, so I went to the shop.
"Run out of "means to have none left.
4. She takes ___ her mother.
"Take after "means to resemble a family member.
5. Can you turn ___ the music? It 's too loud.
"Turn down "means to reduce the volume.
6. The meeting was ___ off because of the storm.
"Call off "means to cancel.
7. I can 't ___ up with this noise any longer.
"Put up with "means to tolerate.
8. He finally ___ up smoking.
"Give up "means to stop doing something.
9. Please fill ___ this form.
"Fill in "means to complete a form ("fill out "is also common in American English).
10. The plane ___ off at 6 p.m.
"Take off "is used when a plane leaves the ground.
Frequently asked questions
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb combines a verb with a particle (up, off, out, in) to make a new meaning. Give up means stop, and run out of means have none left.
Can the verb and particle be separated?
Many can: turn the music down or turn down the music. When the object is a pronoun you must separate them: turn it down.
What is the best way to learn phrasal verbs?
Learn them in context, in example sentences, and in small groups by verb (take off, take after, take up) or by particle.
