Practice 126 Prepositional verbs (wait for) 1 Introduction A prepositional verb is a verb + preposition. I'm waiting for you. The dog belongs to our neighbours. The preposition always goes before the object. mot I'm waiting you for. In questions the preposition usually goes at the end of the sentence (see Unit 38). Wiw are you waiting for? Some verbs can go with a number of different prepositions. I'm looking at these photos. They're really good. I'm looking for my ticket. I can't find it anywhere. I'm looking after the children while their parents are out. The police are looking into the matter. 2 Some common prepositional verbs Here are some more examples. Yes, 1 agree with you. Tom's neighbours apologized for the noise. I approve of the new scheme. I think it's a good idea. Have you applied for the job? The patient asked for a glass of water. Do you believe in God? I'm sorry, but I don't care about your problems. Lots of people care for elderly relatives. (= look after) / didn't care for the film. (= like) Please concentrate on your work. The US consists of fifty states. I can deal with any enquiries. Claire finally decided on a holiday in Turkey. Whether we go out will depend on the weather. I feel like a drink. (- want) Everyone laughed at the joke. I was listening to the radio. Did you pay for the coffee? You cant rely on the weather forecast. I'll see to the matter at once. Vicky suffers from headaches. We do not normally use a preposition after these verbs: answer, approach, control, demand, enter, expect, leave, reach, request The President is entering the building, not lie is entering into the building. 3 About, of and to We can use about after many verbs. Here are some of them: ask, complain, dream, enquire, hear, know, learn, protest, speak, talk, think, wonder Did you hear about the accident? Mark was talking about golf. We do not use about after discuss. We discussed the problem, not Wc discussed about the problem. Note the meaning of dream of, hear of and think of. I'd never tell you a lie. I wouldn't dream of it. Who's Ron Mason? ~ I don't know. I've never heard of him. Did you like the play? What did you think of it? We can apologize to, complain to, talk to and write to a person. I'm writing to my sister. We talked to Natasha about classical music. We do not use to after phone. I'm phoning the office. not I'm phoning to the office. > 70 Verb + preposition + -ing form A Prepositions with look (l) Complete the conversation between Laura and her friend Olivia. Put in after, at, for and into. Laura: Did you say you were looking (►) an au pair? Olivia: Yes, I was just looking (1)................. this advertisement. We need someone to look (2)............ our children. Laura: Do you have to pay an au pair? Olivia: I'm not sure. I'll have to look (3).....................how it all works. B Some common prepositional verbs (2) This is some news that Melanie has received from an old friend. Put in these verbs and add a preposition after each one: agree, applied, ask, care, caring, concentrate, decided, pay, suffering I'm working in a hospital now. I (►) . AM^itd -for a nurse's job last July and started in August. I don't earn much money, and I even had to (1) ................................ my uniform out of my own money. Perhaps I should (2) .................................a pay rise. But I don't really (3)............................. the money. The work is the important thing. Of course it's very hard work (4) ..................................the patients, and at the moment I'm (5)............................ backache. But I knew it would be like this when I (6) ......................a career in nursing. I just try to forget all the problems and (7)................................the job. I think it's a worthwhile thing to do, and I'm sure you (8)........................ me. C Some common prepositional verbs (2) Put in the verbs and add a preposition if necessary. Mark and Sarah had accepted an invitation to Mike and Harriet's party. Sarah had to stay late at work to (►) "tp (see) one or two things. Her boss really (1) .............................. (relies) her. It's usually Sarah who (2)..............................(deals) all the little problems. Sarah didn't really (3)...................................(feel) going to a party but thought she ought to keep Mark company. She decided to go straight to the party instead of going home first. She (4) .............................. (reached) the house just after nine. Mark was sitting in his car outside waiting for her. He was (5)...............................(listening) the radio. Sarah (6) ...............................(apologized) being late. At the party Mark talked to a strange woman who (7)................................(believed) ghosts. Sarah met a man who kept (8).............................. (laughing) his own jokes. She managed to get away from him but couldn't avoid a woman who wanted to (9).............................(discuss) house prices. Mark and Sarah (10) ......................... (left) the party early and drove home feeling exhausted. D About, of and to (3) Complete the conversation. Put in about, of or to. David: Did you hear about my experience at the Quick Burger cafe? No. And I've never heard (►). °^ the Quick Burger cafe. Oh, it's near the station. I was just talking (1).............. Melanie about it. They took at least twenty minutes to bring me a burger. I don't call that quick. I complained (2).............the waitress, and she poured a can of cola over me. Really? She must have had a bad day. The manager wasn't there, so I've written (3) ............. him to complain (4)......... the service. It was terrible. I wouldn't go there if I were you. I wouldn't dream (5) ......... going there. I hate those burger places. Harriet: David: Harriet: David: Harriet: PACK 304 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS • PAGE 305 Practice J. *™ m ' -- J -L -«- 1 Introduction We can use some verbs in the structure: verb + object + preposition. People The trees VERB admired protect object Cleopatra the garden PREPOSITION for her beauty. from the wind. In the passive, the preposition comes after the verb. Cleopatra was admired for her beauty. The garden is protected from the wind. 2 Verb + object + preposition Here are some more examples. Tom accused Nick of cheating at cards. Can I add something to your list? You should never aim/point a gun at someone. The player was arrested/punished for hitting an opponent. Let's ask someone for directions. The passengers blamed/criticized the airline for the delay. I'll have to borrow the money from my parents. If you compare these figures with/to last year, you can see the improvement. 1 congratulated Andrew on his excellent exam results. Melanie cut/divided/split the pudding into four portions. The cameras discourage/prevent motorists from speeding. You should insure your camera against theft. It might get stolen. Harriet has invited us to a party. I prefer hot weather to cold. I hate the cold. The hotel provided/supplied us with a packed lunch. Most people regard Picasso as a great artist. The two men robbed the woman of her savings. They stole £2,000 from her. The restaurant was full. We shared a table with a young Swedish couple. Mike doesn't spend much money on clothes. Zedco suspected one of their managers of selling commercial secrets. Don't forget to thank Tom for his help. Victor translated the letter into English. 3 About, of and to We can use about with tell and ask. Did I tell you about my operation? Ask your travel agent about cheap flights. With inform we can use about or of. You should inform everyone about/of the decision. Look at these examples with warn. A sign warned motorists about/of the danger, (warn about/of a danger) A sign warned motorists about the hole in the road, (warn about something that might be dangerous) With remind, there is a difference in meaning between about and of. Emma reminded me about my appointment. (= Emma told me not to forget.) Emma reminds me of my sister. (= Emma is like my sister.) We can write, describe or explain something to a person. I've written several letters to the company. The woman described her attacker to the police. > 3 Give something to someone > 126 Wait for, belong to, etc. PACK 306 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS Verb + object + preposition (2) This is a sports commentary at the Olympic Games. Put in the correct prepositions, e.g. for, from. So Australia's Steve Brearley wins the gold medal ahead of Germany's Klaus Schliemann and Ivan Podorosky of Bulgaria. They're just congratulating Brearley (►) ...ow his victory. His speed over the first kilometre split the runners (1)...............two groups, and in the end it was a race between the three leaders. Brearley prevented Schliemann (2)................overtaking him in a sprint finish. I've always regarded Brearley (3)................a great athlete, and look how well he's done today. I would even compare him (4).................the great Emil Kristo himself. There's no doubt now that Brearley will be invited (5) ................Oslo for the next World Championships. So the Australian runner adds another medal (6) ............his collection. And Australia are doing really well in the medals table. In fact, they share second place (7)................ the United States. B Verb + object + preposition (2) People are saying some surprising things. Complete the replies using a verb + object + preposition. I've bought a lot of books. I've spent £300. Andrew: Emma: Jessica: Daniel: Melanie: Rita: Henry: Sarah: Tom: Rita: Vicky: Rachel: Natasha: Emma: Nick: Trevor: David: Harriet: What? Have you really *t>£«vt LSOO Pa book.;' «................ I don't like wine. I prefer water. I don't believe that. Do you really.......................................... You heard about David's accident. Well, he's blaming Tom. But why? Why is he...................................................... I gave Claire a present, but she didn't thank me. Did you say she didn't ......................................... The police say it's murder. They're accusing the head teacher. What evidence do they have? How can they........................... We had no towels. The hotel didn't provide them. Really? Why didn't they........................................................... It's my sister's wedding today, but she didn't invite me. What! Do you mean she didn't ....................................... The team won a great victory, but no one congratulated them. Oh? And why didn't anyone ................................................ A man pointed a gun. Melanie was terrified. You mean someone....................... C About, of and to (3) Put in about, of or to. ► 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The interviewer asked Mrs Miles About her parachute jump. I've told the police............ people throwing stones at our windows. That man over there reminds me ........... someone I know. The man explained..............the court that he had some personal problems. Vicky is writing a letter.........her friends in Toronto. There was a poster warning young people .............the dangers of drugs. Melanie had to remind Nick............the money he owed her. We would like to inform our customers ........ we offer. a number of improvements in the service VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS PAGE 307 128 Phrasal verbs (1) 1 Introduction "Hello, Melanie. Good to see you. ^ Come in and sit down. Take your coat off. A phrasal verb is a verb + adverb, e.g. come in, sit down, take off. There are very many phrasal verbs in English. Here are some adverbs which are used in phrasal verbs: about, along, around, away, back, behind, by, down, forward, in, off, on, out, over, round, through, up Some of these words can also be prepositions. For prepositional verbs see Unit 126. 2 Understanding phrasal verbs Some phrasal verbs are easy to understand. Tom asked Melanie to come in. Tlie man in front turned round and stared at me. The meanings are clear if you know the words come, in, turn and round. But many phrasal verbs are idiomatic. The verb + adverb has a special meaning. Fortunately the plan came off. (= succeeded) Wliy did you turn down such a good offer? (= refuse) 7 can't make out if it's a man or a wotnan over there. (*= see clearly) Sometimes a phrasal verb has the same meaning as a one-word verb, find out = discover leave out = omit send out = distribute go back = return make up = invent (a story) throw away = discard go on = continue put off = postpone turn up = arrive The phrasal verb is usually more informal than the one-word verb. 3 Word order with phrasal verbs Woro Oiuet wiiu yiuu^ .v.— vL„ . phras,. ,e,b h,S .n objec,, the object on 6o ei.be, before or after ,be adverb. verb adverb verb OB1ECT adverb i nn. „ff or Melanie took off Melanie took her coat off. 1 Who wrote let the number the cat down, out? or or I Who wrote let down out object her coat, the number, the cat? A long object goes after the adverb. The gang have carried out a number of bank raids in the last few months. Why don't you try on that dress in the window? A pronoun (e.g. it, them) always goes before the adverb. Melanie felt hot in her coat, so she took it off. not She took off tfr There have been a number of raids. The police know who carried them out. not The police know who carried out them. ... all evening, on Friday. and keep. Practice A Understanding phrasal verbs (1-2) Work out the meaning of these phrasal verbs and put them in the right sentences: come back, come in, cut out, fall over, get on, give away, go away, letjn, lie down, pay back, stay in, take back. (Use a dictionary if you need to.) ► Hello. Nice to see you. £9*** MS and sit down. ► I didn't have a key, but luckily someone was there to me jft. 1 Can't we go out somewhere? I don't want to.................. 2 Could you lend me ten pounds? I'll...............you........ 3 The pavement is very icy. Be careful you don't........................... 4 I was feeling so tired I had to................................on the bed for a while. 5 There was an article in the newspaper that I wanted to........................... 6 Mark's gone out, and I don't know when he's going to............................... 7 The driver unlocked the coach so that the passengers were able to.................................. 8 I'll have to ...............these books............... to the library. 9 Your brother was being a nuisance, so I told him to .................... 10 In order to get publicity, the company decided to ...................some of the new sweets free to children. B One-word verb and phrasal verb (2) Put in a phrasal verb that means the same as the verb in brackets. Use the correct form of the phrasal verb. Rachel: I've (►) T*1***?! (discovered) what the problem is with the exam. Oh, good. Tell me. When they printed the papers, they (1).................(omitted) a page. No one noticed until the papers had all been (2) .............................. (distributed). Now they'll have to (3)............................ (discard) all the papers and (4)................................ (postpone) the exam. Are you sure you haven't (5).............................. (invented) this whole story? It's true, I tell you. And isn't it good news? I don't know about that. It means we'll have to (6)............................. (continue) revising. Vicky: Rachel Vicky: Rachel Vicky: PAGE -e 308 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS Word order with phrasal verbs (3) Complete the sentences by putting in the phrasal verbs. Some of the spaces you have to leave empty. Sometimes more than one answer is correct. ► 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 The sweater was full of holes, so I thraw it AWAy (threw away). Fve .RWfcJte (put up) that picture we bought last week. ^f. There's always litter here. No one ever........................it...............(pick up). It's quite cold now. I think I'll ..........................my coat..........(put on)..* I haven't heard from Rita lately. I might.............................her............... (ring up). Daniel has to go into college to........................ his project ................(hand in). I can't remember the address. I wish I'd .................... it ............ (write down). Nick is trying to.....................all the money he's just lost ...........(win back). I'm not going to have time to..................... these dishes.........(wash up). If you don't know the number, you can ............................ it........... (look up) in the phone book. There was an accident which..............................all the traffic coming into town............ (held up). The words 'expect' and 'except' are so similar that I keep.................them............... (mix up). VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS • page 309 129 Phrasal verbs (2) Everyday situations Here are some phrasal verbs in everyday situations. Come on, we're going now. Trevor dug up an old coin in the garden. You have to fill in your name and address. How did you get on in the test? I usually get up late on Sundays. I'm going out for the evening. Melanie poured tea for the guests and handed the cakes round. Hurry up. We haven't got much time. David hit his head on a lamppost and knocked himself out. Mark picked up the cassette and put it in the player. You have to plug the machine in first. I'm going to throw these old clothes away. We were too tired to wash up after the meal. Sarah woke up suddenly in the night. Phrasal verbs and one-word verbs Here are some phrasal verbs with the same meaning as a one-word verb (see also Unit 128.2). They're going to bring in a new law against drinking and driving. (= introduce) How did the argument come about? {- happen) Emma isn't speaking to Matthew. They've fallen out, (= quarrelled) We've fixed up a meeting for next Tuesday. (= arranged) Trevor gave up playing football years ago. (= stopped) / had a pain in my arm, but it's gone away. (= disappeared) We heard the bomb go off five miles away. (~ explode) The traffic was held up by road works. (= delayed) The United Nations was set up to settle conflicts peaceftdly. (= established) I'm trying to work out how much money I've spent. (= calculate) Business situations Here are some examples of phrasal verbs in business situations. If we're spending too much money, we'll have to cut back. (= spend less) Our lawyers will draw up a new contract. (= write) We mustn't fall behind in the race to develop new products. (= be slower than others) The two sides were close to an agreement, but it fell through. {= didn't happen) The company fought off a takeover bylCM Computers. (= managed to stop) I tried to ring Santiago, but I couldn't get through. (= make contact) 77ie company has laid off two hundred workers because of a lack of new orders. (- dismissed) The computer will print out the details. The consultants put forward a proposal to reorganize the company. (= suggested) I'll get the information for you. Can I ring you back in half an hour? (= phone again) Sarah paid a visit to the client to try to sort out the difficidties. (= put right) The company boss has stepped down after ten years in charge. (= left the job) We are taking on the challenge of expanding overseas. (= accepting) Large companies sometimes take over smaller ones. (~ take control of) PAGE 310 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS A Phrasal verbs in everyday situations (l) Look at the pictures and say what is happening. ► They're throwi^ the. APMC^ir 3 4 B Phrasal verbs and one-word verbs (2) W-&-&y^.Mfami*,k^*y. toother 1 Nick says he's stopped smoking. 2 How did the accident happen? 3 I think Matthew and Emma have quarrelled. 4 The problem isn't going to just disappear. 5 The government is introducing a new tax on computers. 6 Zedco want to establish a new sales office in Germany. C Business situations (3) Zedco Chief Executive Barry Doug), g« to strengthen its position by (^ C°mpany'S problems'(t twelve rr : (?) as has (►) t>wt -forward a new p|an designed to f-hp w""' y twelve months j Alpha Plastics. But the deal ......., and Alpha managed to (4) ................................. Zedco's attempts to take control. Since then Zedco has performed poorly and has (5).............................................in the race for market share. Managing Director James Ironside has had to (6)..........................................., and Barry Douglas has ffl................................... the task of rescuing the company. There are fears that the new plan will mean (8)...............................staff in order to reduce expenditure. VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS . PACK 311 Practice 130 Phrasal verbs (3) ' Our advertising campaign has pushed sales up. I can show you on the screen. I'll just switch the^ computer on^ 2 Adverb meanings down = becoming less turn down the music bring down the cost of living down - completely to the ground knock a house down cut down a tree down - stopping completely the car broke down a factory closing down down = on paper copy down the words write down the message note down the details off = away, departing set off on a journey jump in the car and drive off see Emma off at the station the plane took off the pain is wearing off off - disconnected switch off the heater cut off our electricity the caller rang off on = connected switch on the kettle turn on the TV leave the lights on all night on = wearing put a coat on try the sweater on Introduction Look at the two adverbs in the two phrasal verbs push up and switch on. Here up has the sense of 'increasing', and on has the sense of'connected'. The same meanings can be used with other verbs: for example, sales can go up, or a company can put up prices. But remember that an adverb can have more than one meaning; up can also mean 'completely': Aren't you going to eat up your cornflakes? There are some examples of adverb meanings in 2. on = continuing carry on working drive on a bit further hang on/hold on a minute out = away, disappearing wash out the dirt cross out a mistake blow out the candle out = to different people hand out free tickets share out the winnings out - aloud read out the article call out anxiously out - from start to finish write out the whole list work out the answer over - from start to finish check your work over think the problem over up = increasing prices are going up put up taxes speak up so we can hear up = completely eat up these chocolates fill up with petrol count up the money tear up the paper Some phrasal verbs have more than one meaning: Can you turn down the radio? {- make less loud) J turned down the offer. (= refused) How do we get around this problem? (= deal with) The news will soon get around. (= be widely communicated) PAGE 312 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS A Adverb meanings (2) ► 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Look back at B and then write the meaning of the underlined words in these I must get these ideas down in writing. Daniel finished all the cake up_. I'm writing in pencil so I can rub gut my mistakes. Vicky didn't answer. She just went on reading. I'll just read over what I've written. A woman in the audience shouted something out. The water was turned off for about an hour today. Nick's aggressive manner frightens people off. The company wants to keep its costs down. The embassy was burnt down by terrorists. Someone will have to type all these figures gut. Social workers were giving gut soup to the hungry. Luckily Zedco's sales figures are moving up again. The man was tall and dark. He had a blue jacket on. Business is so bad that many firms have shut down. sentences. B Adverb meanings (2) Put in the correct adverb. Melanie: David: Laura: Trevor: Vicky: Rachel: Vicky: Sarah: Mark: Emma: Matthew: Everything is so expensive. Prices seem to be going all the time. Yes, and the government is supposed to be bringing inflation dow\ You shouldn't leave the television................all night. Sorry, I forgot. I usually turn it................... I've written the wrong word here. Well, rub it................ I can't. It's in biro. I'll have to write the whole thing...................again. They're going to pull .................this beautiful old building. I know. Some protesters were handing..................leaflets about it. Hold..................a minute. I thought I heard someone call.............. I think you must have imagined it. C Adverb meanings (2) What are they saying? Put in the phrasal verbs. * I'm afraid the car has t>i"c*e^ dowr^ 11 Why don't you.......................... this coat? 2 Look, the plane is................ 3 I can't hear. Please............................ 4 We're just .................................on holiday. VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS • PAGE 313 Practice 131 Verb + adverb + preposition 1 Simple meanings Look at these examples. VERB ADVERB PREPOSITION So you've come in from the cold. The old man fell down on the pavement. I couldn't get through to directory enquiries David decided to get up onto the roof. It was nice to go out into the fresh air. We look out over the sea. Everyone looked up at the aeroplane. Vicky ran away from the fire. Idiomatic meanings A verb + adverb + preposition often has a special, idiomatic meaning which isn't clear from the individual words. Look at these examples. Tom often calls in on/drops in on us without warning. (= pays short visits) You go on ahead. I'll soon catch up with you. (= reach the same place as) The police are going to clamp down on drug dealers. (= take strong action against) I'm afraid we've come up against another difficulty. (= be stopped by) Did Claire's trip come up to/live up to her expectations? (= Was it as good as she expected?) The country is crying out for a new leader. (= in great need of) We need to cut back on our spending. (= reduce) I'm trying to lose weight. I have to cut down on puddings. (= reduce) They should do away with these useless traditions. (= abolish) You've got to face up to your responsibilities. You can't just ignore them. (- not avoid) If plan A doesn't work, we've got plan B to fall back on. {= use if necessary) I'm tired, Mark. I don't really feet up to going out. (= have enough energy for) We can't go on holiday together if your dates don't fit in with mine. (= go together with) The thief managed to get away with about £2,000 in cash. (= steal and take away) The goods are damaged. We'll have to get on to our suppliers. (- contact) You haven't packed your suitcase yet. You'd better get on with it. {= start, continue) Mark doesn't really get on with Alan. They're always arguing. (= have a good relationship with) I have lots of little jobs to do, but I can never get round to actually doing them. (= find the right time for) I can't make a promise and then go back on it, can I? {= break, fail to keep) Matthew has decided to go in for the ten-mile 'Fun Run this year. (= enter, compete in) Most of the audience had left in the interval, but the actors decided to go on with the show. (= continue) If you hold on to the rope, you'll be perfectly safe. (= keep your hands around) Daniel was walking so fast I couldn't keep up with him. (= go as fast as) I'm looking forward to the trip. (= thinking ahead with pleasure about) If you're going barefoot, look out for/watch out for broken glass. (= be careful about) I got some money from the insurance company, but nothing coidd make up for losing my wedding ring. (- compensate for) I'm not going to put up with this nonsense. (= tolerate) We've run out of milk, I'm afraid. (= We have none left.) Are you going to send away for your free gift? (= write to ask for) page 314 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS A Simple meanings (1) Put in these words: away from, down on, in from, out into, through to, up at, up onto ► To reach the light bulb, Trevor had to get ...i* opto the table 1 Nick hurt himself when h- - ..... "" e TaDle- 2 3 4 5 6 e was skating. He fell It was a very long tunnel, but we finally came Wondering if it was going to rain, Vicky looked People were running...............................the gunman as fast as they could. I'm trying to phone my secretary, but I can't get .............................. the office When I've come...................................the cold, I just want to sit by the fire. ■ the ice. the sunshine, the clouds. B Idiomatic meanings (2) Put in a verb + adverb + preposition which ► 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 means the same as the expression in brackets. I'm afraid this product doesn't live. to (be as good as) the claims made in the advertisement. I'll just call at the garage. I don't want to .......................................... (have none left) petrol. If you want a catalogue, I'll ..............................(write to ask for) one. We'd better........................................ (be careful about) sheep in the road. I.........................................(think ahead with pleasure about) seeing you again soon, Emma. The teacher was dictating so fast we couldn't ............................... (go as fast as) her. Why should we have to.......................... It's half past twelve. I'd better ...................... Do you think the committee will .............. There was a problem with the cheque, so I decided to my bank immediately. I always like to.............. . . . (enter) quiz competitions. I'm trying to ................ (reduce) the amount of coffee I drink. (tolerate) this awful noise? (start) making lunch. ......(change) their earlier decision? .................... .............. (contact) 13 14 An apology alone cannot inconvenience. .............. (use if managed to (compensate for) all the C Idiomatic meanings (2) What might you say in these situations? Use the words in brackets. You're tired. You can't go jogging, (don't feel up) I. dory t fe.e.1 to joffl You like Melanie. The two of you are very friendly. (I get) You might go and see David. It would be a short visit, (might drop) You don't mind what you do. You'll do the same as everyone else. (I'll fit) You are too slow. Matthew is too far ahead of1 The sunny weather is nice. Last week ,1 ► 1 2 3 4 5 you. (can't catch up) was terrible, (is making up) VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS ■ » AGE 315 Practice 131 Verb + adverb + preposition 1 Simple meanings Look at these examples. VERB ADVERB PREPOSITION So you've come in from the cold. The old man fell down on the pavement. I couldn't get through to directory enquiries David decided to get up onto the roof. It was nice to g° out into the fresh air. We look out over the sea. Everyone looked up at the aeroplane. Vicky ran away from the fire. Idiomatic meanings A verb + adverb + preposition often has a special, idiomatic meaning which isn't clear from the individual words. Look at these examples. Tom often calls in on/drops in on us without warning. (= pays short visits) You go on ahead. I'll soon catch up with you. {- reach the same place as) The police are going to clamp down on drug dealers. (= take strong action against) I'm afraid we've come up against another difficulty. (= be stopped by) Did Claire's trip come up to/live up to her expectations? (= Was it as good as she expected?) The country is crying out for a new leader. (= in great need of) We need to cut back on our spending. (- reduce) I'm trying to lose weight. I have to cut down on puddings. (= reduce) They should do away with these useless traditions. (= abolish) You've got to face up to your responsibilities. You can't just ignore them. (— not avoid) If plan A doesn't work, we've got plan B to fall back on. (- use if necessary) I'm tired, Mark. I don't really feel up to going out. (= have enough energy for) We can't go on holiday together if your dates don't fit in with mine. (= go together with) The thief managed to get away with about £2,000 in cash. (= steal and take away) The goods are damaged. We'll have to get on to our suppliers. (= contact) You haven't packed your suitcase yet. You'd better get on with it. (= start, continue) Mark doesn't really get on with Alan. They're always arguing. (= have a good relationship with) I have lots of little jobs to do, but I can never get round to actually doing them. (= find the right time for) / can't make a promise and then go back on it, can I? (= break, fail to keep) Matthew has decided to go in for the ten-mile 'Fun Rim' this year. (= enter, compete in) Most of the audience had left in the interval, but the actors decided to go on with the show. (= continue) If you hold on to the rope, you'll be perfectly safe. (= keep your hands around) Daniel was walking so fast I couldn't keep up with him. (= go as fast as) I'm looking forward to the trip. (= thinking ahead with pleasure about) If you're going barefoot, look out for/watch out for broken glass. (- be careful about) I got some money from the insurance company, but nothing could make up for losing my wedding ring. (= compensate for) I'm not going to put up with this nonsense. (= tolerate) We've run out of milk, I'm afraid. (= We have none left.) Are you going to send away for your free gift? (= write to ask for) PAGE 314 • VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS A Simple meanings (1) Put in these words: away from, down on, in from, out into, through to, up at, up onto To reach the light bulb, Trevor had to get. i*f» ,° ° ^ made the adve*isement. If you want a catalogue, I'll........ We'd better....... Emma. The teacher was dictating so fast we couldn't her. ...................................... (have none left) petrol. ■ ■ (write to ask for) one. ........ (be careful about) sheep in the road (think ahead with pleasure about) seeing you again soon, 6 7 (tolerate) this awful noise? ........... (start) making lunch. (change) their earlier decision? ............................................(contact) ..........................(go as fast as Why should we have to...................................... It's half past twelve. I'd better......................... 8 Do you think the committee will..... ................. 9 There was a problem with the cheque, so I decided to my bank immediately. I always like to ................................. (enter) quiz competitions. I'm trying to ........................................ (reduce) the amount of coffee I drink. I might lose my job. And I haven't got any savings to.......................................... (use if necessary). I've been meaning to reply to Rachel's email, but I haven't managed to............... (find the right time for) it yet. 14 An apology alone cannot............................................(compensate for) all the inconvenience. 10 11 12 13 C Idiomatic meanings (2) What might you say in these situations? Use the words in brackets. ► You're tired. You can't go jogging, (don't feel up) I dp* t, -faal wp Lo jp^iiv^. 1 You like Melanie. The two of you are very friendly. (I get) 2 You might go and see David. It would be a short visit. You don't mind what you do. You'll do the i (might drop) same as everyone else. (I'll fit) 4 You are too slow. Matthew is too far ahead of you. (can't catch up) 5 The sunny weather is nice. Last week was terrible, (is making up)' VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS . PAGE 315