17 Jul Phrasal Verbs with meaning and example

These are helpful in CELPIP writing, CELPIP speaking as well as IELTS, TOEFL .

Act up: Behave badly or strangely.          My car is ACTING UP; I think I might need a service.

Add on Include in a calculation. You have to ADD the GST ON to the price they give.

Aim at   To target.            The lecture is AIMED AT personal financial management.

Allow for              Include something in a plan or calculation.            You should ALLOW FOR delays when dealing with multiple stakeholders.

Argue down       Beat someone in a debate, discussion or argument.        The manager tried to ARGUE the employee DOWN, but she couldn’t.

Ask about            Ask how someone is doing, especially professionally and in terms of health.        He ASKED ABOUT the progress of the project.

Ask around         Ask a number of people for information of help.               As of now I don’t have much information, but I’ll ASK AROUND at work and see if anyone can help.

Back off                : Retreat.             The administration asked the protesters to BACK OFF.

Bargain down:   Persuade someone to drop the price of something they’re selling.          I BARGAINED her DOWN to a reasonable price.

Be after                : Try to find or get.           The police ARE AFTER him because of the incident.

Bear with:           Be patient.          Please BEAR WITH me a moment while I finish this task.

Blow away:         Impress greatly.               Her first presentation BLEW me AWAY.

Care for:              Like.       I don’t CARE FOR sweetened drinks; I prefer water.

Carried away:    Get so emotional that you lose control. The young team got CARRIED AWAY when they won the title.

Die down:           Decrease or become quieter.     The News was on the front pages of all the papers for a few days, but it gradually DIED DOWN.