SomePhrasal Verbs

  The infographic gives you some of the different meanings of each phrasal verb. I have decided to add more meanings to some of the phrasal verbs so that you can see the variety of ways these phrasal verbs can be used.

work out

• to solve a problem by considering the facts – “I can’t work out what to do with this situation.
• to solve a problem by doing a calculation – “I was born in 1956, you work out my age”.
• to exercise – “I love working out in the mornings”.
• to be successful – “I am sure that everything will work out in the end”.
• to decide or agree on something –  ” We have worked out when to start our course”.
• used for saying what the actual cost or value is when you calculate it – “Taking the Eurostar works out more expensive than travelling with EasyJet”.

turn down

• to refuse – “She turned down their job offer”
• to reduce the volume – “Can you turn down the TV, please?”
• to ready the bed for sleeping – “Sir, would you like me to turn down the beds?” (This is an old use of the expression but you can still hear it in 5-star or 6-star hotels where this service is still offered)

break down

• cease to function – “The washing machine has broken down again”. 

• Shanthi

• separate into sections – ” The task can be broken down in smaller, manageable sections”.
• relationships or discussion – “The Economic Talks in Beijing broke down after two days”.
• become upset, especially in public – “People broke down and cried when they heard the news”.
• make a door or wall fall – “The police had to break down the door in order to enter the flat”.

use up

• to consume all of something – “Have you used up all the eggs?”
  (NB: I have never heard of the other example of the use of this phrasal verb as shown in the infographic)

bring up

• a topic of conversation – “OK, everyone. I’d like to bring up the topic of waste disposal”.
• raise a child (often used in the passive voice)– “We were brought up to respect our elders”.
• vomit – “During the car journey, she brought up all her lunch! It was disgusting!”

turn up

• increase power/sound – “It’s so hot in here. Could you please turn up the air conditioning?”
• arrive (often unexpectedly or with no prior arrangement) – “Look who just turned up?” “You don’t have to make a reservation. You can just turn up”.
• to find (by accident) – “Hey, look what just turned up? I have been looking for these documents everywhere”.
• to happen unexpectedly– “Don’t worry. Another job offer will turn up when you least expect it”.