Explanations + Practice
Phrasal Verbs Explained
Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal verbs are phrases that combine a verb with one or more particles (like prepositions or adverbs) to create a new meaning. For example, “give up” means to stop trying.
3-Word Phrasal Verbs: These are specific types of phrasal verbs that consist of three words, usually a verb followed by two particles. For example, “look forward to” means to be excited about something that will happen.
3-Word Phrasal Verbs Explained in Easy English
- Keep up with: To stay at the same level or progress as someone or something.
- Example: I need to keep up with my studies to pass the exam.
- Put up with: To tolerate or accept something unpleasant.
- Example: She can put up with loud noise while studying.
- Come up with: To think of or create an idea or plan.
- Example: He came up with a great idea for the project.
- Cut back on: To reduce the amount of something you use or consume.
- Example: I need to cut back on sugar for my health.
- Come down with: To become sick with an illness.
- Example: I think I’m coming down with a cold.
- Let in on: To share a secret or information with someone.
- Example: Please let me in on your plan for the surprise party.
- Look out for: To be careful or watchful for something.
- Example: Look out for cars when crossing the street.
- Look up to: To admire or respect someone.
- Example: I look up to my older sister because she is very smart.
- Look down on: To think of someone as less important or not good enough.
- Example: He looks down on people who don’t have a college degree.
- Hold off on: To wait before doing something.
- Example: Let’s hold off on making a decision until we have more information.
Extra Practice
3-Word Phrasal Verbs Quiz with Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences
- I need to _______ my assignments so I don’t fall behind.
- A) keep up with
- B) put up with
- C) hold off on
- She can _______ her noisy neighbors because she loves living there.
- A) come down with
- B) look out for
- C) put up with
- He always _______ creative solutions to problems at work.
- A) looks down on
- B) comes up with
- C) looks up to
- I should _______ on fast food to be healthier.
- A) cut back on
- B) let in on
- C) look out for
- I think I’m _______ something because I feel sick.
- A) keeping up with
- B) coming down with
- C) looking down on
- Can you _______ the secret about the surprise party?
- A) come up with
- B) let me in on
- C) hold off on
- It’s important to _______ pedestrians when driving.
- A) look down on
- B) look out for
- C) put up with
- Many people _______ their parents and try to be like them.
- A) look up to
- B) cut back on
- C) keep up with
- He tends to _______ those who work in service jobs.
- A) come down with
- B) put up with
- C) look down on
- We should _______ our plans until we hear back from them.
- A) hold off on
- B) come up with
- C) look out for
Answers
- A) keep up with
- C) put up with
- B) comes up with
- A) cut back on
- B) coming down with
- B) let in on
- B) look out for
- A) look up to
- C) look down on
- A) hold off on