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.
    • E.g., "go before a judge."