Grammar: Phrasal Verbs

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Do You Use a Budget?

It’s time to balance the books! In this lesson, students will discuss money management and the importance of using a budget. The lesson features a video of people being interviewed about their spending and saving habits. Students will learn and practice phrasal verbs and related vocabulary. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets developed for both adults and teenagers, ensuring a practical and interactive learning experience.

B2 Upper-Intermediate   |   General English, Speaking Lessons   |   Video   |   Money   |   45 min   | B2-3

In English grammar, understanding phrasal verbs is vital for expressing actions and ideas naturally and conversationally. While the grammatical structure of phrasal verbs is consistent across both British and American English, there are notable variations in usage for the same situations between these dialects. Here's an accessible guide to using phrasal verbs:

• What are Phrasal Verbs?: Phrasal verbs combine a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a new meaning, different from the original verb. They're a staple in everyday English.

• Formation of Phrasal Verbs: Their formation varies based on the verb and particle used. For instance, "look up" means to search for information, while "turn down" means to reject.

• Conveying Specific Meanings: Phrasal verbs often have specific, idiomatic meanings. For example, "turn down" is used to mean reject, as in "She turned down the job offer."

• Differences in British and American English: While "ring up" might be used in the UK to mean making a phone call, in the US, "call up" is more commonly used for the same action. Another example is "fill out" a form (US) versus "fill in" a form (UK).

• Usage in Informal Contexts: These verbs are especially common in informal speech and writing, like "run into someone" for an unexpected meeting.

• Variety in English Communication: Phrasal verbs enrich English communication, allowing speakers to express complex ideas concisely. Understanding the differences between British and American usage, such as "tidy up" (UK) versus "clean up" (US) for cleaning a space, is important.

• Learning Common Phrasal Verbs: Being familiar with commonly used phrasal verbs, and their regional variations, like "queue up" (UK) for lining up versus "line up" (US), is beneficial for everyday English conversations.

Effectively using phrasal verbs enhances English communication, particularly in informal settings. Awareness of the subtle variations between British and American English can significantly enrich this understanding.