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Phrasal Verb - picking up

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb picking up

Image uploaded to Pixabay by ulleo

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'pick up' is a combination of the verb 'pick' and the preposition 'up'. It is often used to convey the idea of acquiring or selecting something, usually after it has been dropped or left behind. It can also refer to the act of moving a heavy object from one place to another. The exact meaning of the phrasal verb 'pick up' largely depends on the context in which it is used. For example, if a person 'picks up' a dropped object, it means they are retrieving it and putting it back in its original position.

Examples​

No.Example
1The teacher asked the students to pick up their pens and pencils.
2She picked up her bag and headed out the door.
3He's always picking up new hobbies, but never finishes them.
4The volunteers started picking up the trash from the beach.
5They picked up some beautiful paintings on their trip to Italy.
6The sound system picked up the vocals and instruments perfectly.
7After the argument, she picked up her belongings and left the house.
8He tried to pick up the piece of paper that was floating in the air.
9The car's radio picked up the signal from a nearby station.
10John tried to pick up the football that was dropped, but it went out of bounds.

Phrasal Verb - glossing over

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb glossing over

Image uploaded to Pixabay by aszak

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Definition​

  1. To deliberately ignore or downplay the importance of something, often because it is unpleasant or embarrassing.
  2. To move quickly and lightly over the surface of something, without paying close attention to the details.

Examples​

No.Example
1He tried to gloss over his mistakes during the interview, but the hiring manager wasn't fooled.
2The police officer glossed over the details of the report, focusing instead on the suspect's confession.
3During the presentation, the speaker glossed over the technical details, assuming that the audience would already be familiar with them.
4Despite the controversy, the politician continued to gloss over the issue during the campaign.
5The editor asked the author to gloss over certain sections of the manuscript, as they were not essential to the story.
6The students were asked to gloss over the difficult sections of the textbook and focus on the easier parts.
7The politician's opponents accused him of glossing over the facts and presenting a distorted view of the situation.
8The chef glossed over the ingredients, confident that the customers would be impressed by the final dish.
9The teacher glossed over the historical context, focusing instead on the literary analysis of the text.
10The salesperson glossed over the technical specifications, emphasizing the benefits of the product instead.

Phrasal Verb - jawing_away

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb jawing_away

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Nennieinszweidrei

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Definition​

To engage in lengthy, often pointless or meaningless conversation, typically to avoid doing something or to pass the time. This can also mean to persuade or argue with someone, often forcefully or in a confrontational way.

Examples​

No.Example
1I spent hours jawing away with my friend about our favorite movies.
2Let's not just sit here jawing away, let's get started on the project.
3The two politicians were jawing away about their differing policies.
4I tried to jaw him away from the idea, but he was determined.
5The coach jawed with his players to keep them focused before the game.
6My sister was really jawing at me about my messy room.
7The salesman really jawed me into buying the expensive car.
8I couldn't jaw my way out of the ticket, I was speeding.
9The two children were jawing away in the back seat during the long car ride.
10I spent the whole evening jawing with my colleagues about work.

Phrasal Verb - letting up

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb letting up

Image uploaded to Pixabay by manseok_Kim

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Definition​

  1. To reduce the pressure or intensity of something, such as work or criticism, usually temporarily. 2. To reveal a secret or betray a confidence. 3. To allow a vehicle to move, especially a car or train, by releasing the brake or throttle.

Examples​

No.Example
1I need to let up on the accelerator to save fuel.
2The boss finally let up on his strict deadline.
3She let up the secret that he was the one who stole the money.
4He let up his guard when he met his old friend.
5The traffic jam eased up and we were able to continue our journey.
6The teacher let up on the class for a short recess.
7He let up the dog and it ran away.
8The pressure on the hose let up and the water flowed freely.
9The patient's condition let up enough for him to be discharged.
10The storm let up and the sun came out.

Phrasal Verb - Breaking Off

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Breaking Off

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Myriams-Fotos

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'break off' carries multiple distinct meanings, primarily revolving around separation or termination. Firstly, it means to separate a part from a whole, often by force or abruptly, such as when a branch breaks off a tree or a piece of a material detaches. Secondly, and very commonly, it signifies the act of ending a relationship, an agreement, negotiations, or a communication suddenly and often permanently. This can apply to personal relationships (like an engagement), diplomatic ties, business deals, or formal discussions. Thirdly, it can mean to stop speaking, an activity, or a task abruptly, usually without completion or explanation. Lastly, it can be used reflexively to describe something becoming detached or disengaged from a larger object or entity on its own.

Examples​

No.Example
1She decided to break off her engagement after realizing they had irreconcilable differences.
2The two countries threatened to break off diplomatic relations over the escalating border dispute.
3A small chunk of ice broke off the glacier and plunged into the sea.
4He had to break off his phone call when his flight was called for boarding.
5The car company decided to break off negotiations with the union after failing to reach an agreement.
6Please be careful not to break off the delicate ceramic handle from the teapot.
7She started to explain the complex procedure but then suddenly broke off, seemingly lost in thought.
8The old lock broke off the gate when I tried to force it open.
9The government plans to break off funding for the controversial research project next year.
10They had to break off the search for the missing hiker due to the severe approaching storm.