Lecture on Phrasal Verbs with "in", "out", and More
Jul 16, 2024
Lecture on Phrasal Verbs with "in", "out", and More
Overview of Phrsal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are phrases combining a verb with a preposition or adverb (or both). They are used widely in English and often have meanings different from the original verb.
Phrasal Verbs with "In"
Opt In
Opt in: To consent or choose to be included.
E.g., "opt in to receive newsletters."
Opt out: The opposite; to not consent.
See In
See in: To look into a small area or through an opening using eyesight.
Look in: To briefly check or examine something.
Difference: Looking involves examining; seeing is just using your eyes briefly.
E.g., "look in the fridge" vs. "can't see in the window."
Sit In
Sit in: To observe without participating.
E.g., sit in on classes or meetings.
Turn In
Turn in: To submit something, either physically or online.
E.g., "turn in an assignment."
Phrasal Verbs with "Out"
Opt Out
Opt out: To explicitly decline or refuse.
E.g., opt out of employee health insurance.
See Out
See out: Two meanings:
To look out of a window.
To walk someone out or ensure they leave safely.
Common phrase: "I will see you out."
Watch Out
Watch out: To be cautious or alert.
E.g., "watch out for bears" or a flying object.
Click Out
Click out: To close a computer application or window, specifically using a mouse.
Wash Out
Wash out: To clean thoroughly, particularly to remove dirt or impurities.
E.g., washing out a coffee cup.
Dump Out
Dump out: To empty the contents of a container quickly.
E.g., dump out a backpack.
Pour Out
Pour out: To empty a liquid (or something that behaves like a liquid).
E.g., pour out water or milk.
Set Out
Set out: To begin a journey or mission.
E.g., "setting out on a trip," "setting out to have many subscribers."
Let Out
Let out: To release from a confined space.
E.g., let out pets, students let out early from school.
Keep Out
Keep out: To prevent from entering.
E.g., "keep out" signs on private property.
Phrasal Verbs with "On"
Clip On
Clip on: To attach with a clip.
E.g., clip-on badges or name tags.
Add On
Add on: To include an additional item or option.
E.g., "add on a dessert" at a restaurant.
Cheer On
Cheer on: To support or encourage.
E.g., cheering on a sports team.
Sleep On
Sleep on: To delay a decision until the next day.
E.g., "sleep on a job offer."
Keep On
Keep on: To continue without quitting.
E.g., "keep on trying."
Drag On
Drag on: To extend for a long period, usually boring.
E.g., "the meeting is dragging on."
Take On
Take on: To accept or assume responsibility.
E.g., "take on a challenge."
Leave On
Leave on: To keep something on, especially electrical items.
Opposite: Leave off.
Press On
Press on: Two meanings:
To push or apply pressure (e.g., press on tape).
To continue despite challenges (e.g., press on learning English).
Run On
Run on: To describe the duration of something, usually negatively.
E.g., "the speech ran on for too long."
Work On
Work on: To dedicate time and effort to something.
E.g., "working on a project."
Egg On
Egg on: To encourage or provoke, usually negatively or risky behavior.
E.g., "egg on someone to climb higher."
Phrasal Verbs with Other Particles
Nod Off
Nod off: To start falling asleep, often unintentionally.
Take Off
Take off: Two meanings:
To annoy or anger (e.g., "traffic ticked me off").
To remove something from a list or start flying (e.g., planes).
Live Off
Live off: To depend on something for sustenance, especially money.
E.g., live off a pension after retirement.
Call Off
Call off: To cancel an event.
E.g., "call off a game due to rain."
Pay Off
Pay off: To result in success after effort.
E.g., "studying English will pay off."
Lay Off
Lay off: Formal way to say fire or terminate employment.
E.g., "layoff employees during an economic downturn."
Trade Off
Trade off: Exchange one thing for another, often involving compromise.
E.g., "trade off between cost and commute time."
Push Off
Push off: To begin, often used with boats.
Show Off
Show off: To draw attention to one's abilities or possessions, sometimes negatively.
E.g., showing off a new phone, often disliked behavior.
Set Off
Set off: Two meanings:
To begin a journey.
To trigger something (e.g., set off an alarm).
Let Off
Let off: To release or allow to leave.
E.g., "let off work early," "let off steam."
Go Off: To make a loud noise or become active (e.g., "alarm went off").
Dry Off
Dry off: To remove water or wetness.
E.g., "dry off after a shower."
Fight Off
Fight off: To defend against or repel.
E.g., "fighting off a cold."
Phrasal Verbs with "After"
Look After
Look after: To take care of.
E.g., look after a sibling or pet.
Take After
Take after: To resemble, usually in a family context.
E.g., "he takes after his father."
Run Around After
Run around after: To spend effort dealing with people or tasks, often chaotically.
E.g., running around after children.
Chasing After
Chasing after: To pursue or follow rapidly.
E.g., "chasing after a dog."
Go After
Go after: To pursue a goal or ambition.
E.g., "go after a dream of becoming a singer."
Get After
Get after: To encourage or pressure someone to do something.
E.g., "the coach got after the team."
Phrasal Verbs with "Before"
Come Before
Come before: To precede in time or importance.
E.g., "family comes before work."
Put Before
Put before: To prioritize one thing over another.
E.g., "work is put before play."
Go Before
Go before: To appear in front of someone, often in a legal context.