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Phrasal Verbs – Quiz 1
Phrasal Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of phrasal verbs, including their meanings in context, usage with gerunds, idiomatic interpretations, and appropriate selection for specific situations. It covers various skills such as decision-making, reading comprehension, and problem-solving scenarios.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
The people who settled America ..... a land of freedom.
A) Grew up.
B) Give up.
C) Write down.
D) Dreamt up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "dream up" means to invent or imagine something, often in a creative context. In the sentence, it fits well as the early settlers of America imagined and created a new land based on the concept of freedom.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grew up - This phrasal verb means to mature or develop over time, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
Give up - This phrasal verb means to stop trying or surrender, which also does not fit the context of settling a new land.
Option C:
Write down - This phrasal verb means to record something in writing, which is unrelated to the concept of imagination and creation.
Option D:
Dreamt up - Correct. It means to invent or imagine something, fitting well with the idea of settlers imagining a land of freedom.
2.
Mark letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct preposition that completes the sentence.Have you made ..... your mind about where to go on holiday?
A) On.
B) By.
C) Out.
D) Up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct preposition to complete the sentence is "up". The phrasal verb "make up one's mind" means to decide on a choice or plan after some consideration. Therefore, the sentence should read: "Have you made up your mind about where to go on holiday?"
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect. "On one's mind" implies something that is important or preoccupying.
Option B:
By - Incorrect. "By one's mind" does not form a meaningful phrasal verb in this context.
Option C:
Out - Incorrect. "Out of one's mind" means to be crazy or confused, which is unrelated here.
Option D:
Up - Correct. "Make up one's mind" means to decide on a choice or plan after some consideration.
3.
What is the meaning of the phrasal verb take off?
A) Take off.
B) To sign.
C) Share.
D) Tilt.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "take off" means to begin flying, especially of an airplane; it can also mean to become very successful or popular quickly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Take off" is a phrasal verb that fits the definition provided.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To sign" does not match the meaning of "take off."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Share" does not relate to the meaning of "take off."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Tilt" is a verb on its own and does not describe the action or state implied by "take off."
4.
Our car ..... and we had to push it off the road.
A) Break.
B) Fall down.
C) Broke down.
D) Call on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "break down" is used to describe a situation where a vehicle stops functioning properly, which fits the context of the sentence perfectly. The car stopped working and needed assistance to be moved off the road.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Break" alone does not fit the context as it doesn't imply the car stopping or needing help.
Option B:
"Fall down" is incorrect because it implies a physical collapse, which isn’t relevant to a vehicle's operation.
Option C:
"Broke down" correctly uses the phrasal verb to indicate the car stopped working and required assistance.
Option D:
"Call on" means to visit or summon someone, which is not appropriate in this context.
5.
Which is the phrasal verb?Every Saturday I hang out with my friends.
A) Hang out.
B) I hang.
C) Out with.
D) I hang out.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb in the sentence "Every Saturday I hang out with my friends" is
hang out
. A phrasal verb consists of a main verb combined with one or more particles (adverbs or prepositions) to create a meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual words. In this case, "hang out" means to socialize informally.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Hang out" is the phrasal verb in the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "I hang" does not include a particle and thus is not a phrasal verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Out with" is part of the phrasal verb but not the complete verb phrase in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. While "I hang out" includes the phrasal verb, it is not a single unit and thus does not qualify as the phrasal verb itself.
6.
Well, straight to the point, can you lend me five dollars? Well, ..... , can you lend me five dollars?
A) To make long stories short.
B) To make a long story short.
C) To make a long story to a short.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Make a long story short" is the correct phrasal verb used here to introduce a concise explanation of a longer situation. It means to quickly summarize something that would otherwise take more time and detail.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To make long stories short" does not follow the standard phrasal verb structure.
Option B:
Correct. "To make a long story short" is the proper phrasal verb used to introduce a brief summary or explanation.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option has an incorrect preposition and does not form a valid phrasal verb.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
How did you ..... that math problem?
A) Put off.
B) Deal with.
C) Figure out.
D) Catch on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Figure out" is the correct choice because it means to solve or understand something, which fits well with solving a math problem. The phrase "figure out" implies working through and finding a solution, making it appropriate for describing how one tackles a mathematical challenge.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Put off - This means to delay doing something, not solve or understand it.
Option B:
Deal with - While this can mean handling a situation, it is too broad and does not specifically imply solving the problem.
Option C:
Figure out - Correct. It means to find the solution or answer by working through the problem.
Option D:
Catch on - This usually means understanding something gradually, but it is less precise for describing a direct and thorough solving process of a math problem.
8.
It is a tradition that the young look ..... the old in their family
A) For.
B) Into.
C) After.
D) Out.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) After.
The phrase "look after" means to take care of someone, which fits the context of the tradition where younger family members are expected to care for their older relatives.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - This does not fit the phrasal verb structure or the context.
Option B:
Into - This is a preposition and does not form a correct phrasal verb with "look."
Option C:
After - Correct, forms the phrasal verb "look after" meaning to take care of someone.
Option D:
Out - This does not fit the phrasal verb structure or the context.
9.
I was reading a book and I found my ex-boyfriend's number
A) Came across.
B) Passed away.
C) Called off.
D) Went out.
E) Tied in with.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "came across" means to find something unexpectedly, which fits the context of finding an ex-boyfriend's number while reading a book.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Came across means to find something unexpectedly.
Option B:
Incorrect. Passed away means to die, not to find something.
Option C:
Incorrect. Called off means to cancel or stop an event or plan, not to find something.
Option D:
Incorrect. Went out means to leave a place, not to find something.
Option E:
Incorrect. Tied in with means to connect or relate something, not to find something.
10.
The protesters ..... the pressure by striking work.
A) Kept back.
B) Kept up.
C) Kept in.
D) Kept to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "keep up" is used to continue an action or situation, which fits well with the context of the protesters continuing their strike despite pressure. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically in this sentence:
-
Kept back:
This means to hold something or someone behind.
-
Kept in:
This typically refers to restraining oneself from expressing or doing something.
-
Kept to:
This usually means adhering to a rule, promise, etc., and does not fit the context of continuing an action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Kept back. Incorrect; it doesn't make sense in this context.
Option B:
Kept up. Correct; it means to continue, which fits well with the sentence.
Option C:
Kept in. Incorrect; it doesn't fit the context of continuing a strike.
Option D:
Kept to. Incorrect; it implies adherence rather than continuation of an action.
11.
Stop someone or something from moving forwards
A) Set up.
B) Take away.
C) Hold back.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Set up" means to prepare something for use, "take away" means to remove something, and "hold back" means to prevent someone or something from moving forwards. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Hold back.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Set up - This verb phrase does not stop movement.
Option B:
Take away - This verb phrase removes something but does not necessarily prevent movement.
Option C:
Hold back - This verb phrase correctly means to prevent someone or something from moving forwards.
Option D:
None of above - Not applicable since one correct option exists.
12.
It was weeks before the bruises .....
A) Went out.
B) Go about.
C) Went away.
D) Go ahead.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "went away" is the correct choice because it fits naturally in the context of describing how bruises disappear over time. The phrase "went out" (Option A) and "go about" (Option B) do not fit grammatically or semantically with the sentence structure. "Go ahead" (Option D) means to proceed, which does not make sense in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Went out" is not a natural phrasal verb for describing bruises.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Go about" means to begin or start doing something, which does not fit the context of bruises.
Option C:
Correct. "Went away" is a correct and natural phrasal verb for describing how bruises disappear over time.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Go ahead" means to proceed, which does not fit the context of bruises.
13.
Some kids ..... Spiderman, he's their hero.
A) Look up to.
B) Look after.
C) Dress up.
D) Look forward to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Look up to" is the correct phrasal verb in this context because it means to admire and respect someone, which fits well with the idea of Spiderman being a hero that kids admire.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Look up to" means to admire and respect.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Look after" means to take care of, which doesn't fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Dress up" means to put on clothes, not to admire someone.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Look forward to" means to be eager for something in the future, not admiration.
14.
You can look up this word in the dictionary.
A) There are a lot of words in the dictionary for you to look at.
B) The dictionary contains a lot of words except the one you need.
C) You can find the meaning of this word in the dictionary.
D) You should buy this dictionary to find the word you need.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because the statement directly addresses the ability to find the meaning of a specified word in the dictionary, which aligns with the given sentence "You can look up this word in the dictionary."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option suggests that there are many words for you to look at, but it does not specifically address finding the meaning of a particular word.
Option B:
This implies that the dictionary lacks the needed word, which contradicts the given statement.
Option C:
This is correct as stated above.
Option D:
This option suggests buying a dictionary, which is not implied by the original sentence.
15.
Meaning of the verb:hold on
A) Find easy.
B) Hold sth.
C) Continue sth, even if it hard.
D) Keep calm.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "hold on" is used to instruct someone to wait or continue an action, especially when it's difficult. Therefore, option C) Continue sth, even if it hard, accurately captures its meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Find easy" does not relate to the meaning of "hold on."
Option B:
Partially correct but incomplete. While "hold on" can mean to physically hold something, it is more commonly used in contexts of waiting or continuing an action.
Option C:
Correct. It means to continue doing something even if it's hard.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Keep calm" does not match the meaning of "hold on."
16.
The AIDS ..... continues to spread around the world. Up to 4, 000 people are infected with the HIV virus every single day
A) Treatment.
B) Poverty.
C) Epidemic.
D) Tsunami.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "to spread" in the context of an infectious disease like HIV is best described by "Epidemic." An epidemic refers to the rapid spread of a disease, making it the most appropriate term here. The other options do not fit: treatment (A) does not describe the spread; poverty (B) might contribute but doesn't directly relate to the spread; and tsunami (D) is unrelated.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Treatment refers to methods used to cure or manage a disease, not its spread.
Option B:
Poverty can increase vulnerability but does not describe the spread of HIV.
Option C:
Epidemic accurately describes the rapid and widespread nature of the disease's transmission.
Option D:
Tsunami is a natural disaster unrelated to the spread of an infectious disease.
17.
They refused to ..... up to their responsibilities.
A) Move.
B) Face.
C) Come.
D) Call.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "face up to" means to confront and deal with a difficult situation. In the context of the sentence, they refused to confront and take on their responsibilities, making "Face" the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Move - Does not fit grammatically or semantically in this context.
Option B:
Face - Correct. It means to confront and deal with a situation, fitting well here.
Option C:
Come - Does not fit the meaning required by the sentence structure.
Option D:
Call - Not relevant or meaningful in this context.
18.
B plan when things go wrong
A) Calm down.
B) Break down.
C) Get away.
D) Back up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Back up.
When things go wrong, backing up means to create a copy of your work or situation so that you can return to it if needed. This phrasal verb is appropriate because it suggests a proactive approach to dealing with problems by ensuring there's a safe point from which to start again.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Calm down - This means to become less upset or angry, but does not address the issue of preserving your work or situation.
Option B:
Break down - This can mean to fail or collapse emotionally or physically, which is not a constructive response when things go wrong.
Option C:
Get away - This means to leave a place, but does not relate to preserving your work or situation in the context of problems arising.
Option D:
Back up - This phrasal verb is correct as it implies making a copy or backup of something, which can be useful when things go wrong and you need to revert to a previous state.
19.
Complete the sentence with the right phrasal verb ..... ! There is a pot-hole on the road.
A) Look for.
B) Look after.
C) Look out.
D) Look forward to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "look out" is the correct choice here because it warns of a potential danger, in this case, a pot-hole on the road that could cause someone to be cautious while driving or walking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Look for means searching for something. It does not fit the context of warning about a hazard.
Option B:
Look after means taking care of, which is unrelated to the situation described.
Option C:
Look out fits perfectly as it is used to warn someone to be careful or watch for something dangerous.
Option D:
Look forward to means anticipating with pleasure. It does not make sense in this context.
20.
I just want to point ..... that without effective communication, our team won't work successfully.
A) On.
B) Off.
C) Down.
D) Out.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "point out" is used correctly in the sentence, meaning to draw attention to something. The correct answer B) Off indicates that the speaker wants to draw attention to the importance of effective communication for team success.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect as it doesn't fit grammatically or contextually.
Option B:
Off - Correct, fits the phrasal verb "point out" meaning to draw attention to something important.
Option C:
Down - Incorrect as it doesn't fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
Option D:
Out - Incorrect as it doesn't fit grammatically or contextually in this case.
21.
Graf's natural talent ..... her ..... from other tennis players.
A) Set out.
B) Set on.
C) Set up.
D) Set apart.
E) Turn up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "set apart" is the correct choice here because it means to distinguish something from others, which fits well with the context of Graf's natural talent setting her apart from other tennis players.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Set out - means to begin a journey or start doing something. Incorrect.
Option B:
Set on - can mean to start or cause someone to do something, often with anger or determination. Incorrect.
Option C:
Set up - means to arrange or prepare for an event or activity. Incorrect.
Option D:
Set apart - means to distinguish from others. Correct.
Option E:
Turn up - can mean to appear unexpectedly, adjust the volume, or arrive somewhere. Incorrect.
22.
Translation of the verb:own skin
A) Skin.
B) Your style.
C) Your skin.
D) Color of the skin.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "own skin" is an idiomatic expression meaning to take pride in one's own appearance, style, or personal characteristics. The correct translation is
Option B: Your style.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Skin - Incorrect as it does not convey the idea of taking pride in one’s appearance or style.
Option B:
Your style - Correct, meaning to take pride in one's own personal style or appearance.
Option C:
Your skin - Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; it refers to the physical skin rather than taking pride in one’s style.
Option D:
Color of the skin - Incorrect, as this phrase does not capture the meaning of taking pride in one's personal style or appearance.
23.
Let's ..... a little
A) A little.
B) Bring along.
C) Go out.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "let's go out" is a common expression used to suggest leaving the current location for an outing or social activity. This makes option C) Go out correct as it fits naturally into the sentence "Let's.....a little."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant phrase, does not fit grammatically.
Option B:
Not a phrasal verb related to leaving or suggesting an outing.
Option C:
Correct phrasal verb meaning to leave for an outing or social activity.
Option D:
Incorrect as option C is valid.
24.
I have to leave now. I'll ..... you ..... at night!
A) Check out.
B) Look for.
C) Call back.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Call back" is the correct choice because it means to make a telephone call after someone has previously called you, which fits the context of the sentence where the speaker will contact the listener at night.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Check out" typically means to leave or examine something. It does not fit the context of calling.
Option B:
"Look for" means to search for someone or something, which is not appropriate in this context.
Option C:
"Call back" means to make a telephone call after being called by someone. This fits the context perfectly.
Option D:
Not applicable as "call back" is correct.
25.
..... the starry sky and watch the stars and the moon.
A) Look over.
B) Give back.
C) Grow up.
D) Do over.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Look over" is the correct answer because it means to examine or view something carefully, which fits well with the idea of observing the starry sky and watching stars and the moon. The other options do not make sense in this context:
- "Give back" implies returning something, which doesn't fit.
- "Grow up" refers to maturing, which is unrelated here.
- "Do over" suggests repeating an action, which isn’t appropriate for observing the sky.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Look over - This means to examine or view something carefully, fitting well with the context.
Option B:
Give back - Implies returning something, not suitable here.
Option C:
Grow up - Refers to maturing, unrelated to observing the sky.
Option D:
Do over - Suggests repeating an action, inappropriate for this context.
26.
I dropped the pencil and the teacher ..... it up
A) Picked.
B) Found.
C) Took.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "picked up" is the correct choice here because it means to retrieve something that has been dropped, which fits the context of the teacher retrieving the dropped pencil.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Picked up" is a phrasal verb meaning to retrieve or collect.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Found up" does not exist as a phrasal verb in English.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Took up" typically means to start doing something, which is not relevant here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
Shirley ( ) her mother. She's got the same blue eyes.
A) Taked after.
B) Takes after.
C) Throw away.
D) Took after.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Takes after.
This phrasal verb means that Shirley resembles her mother in appearance, specifically with the same blue eyes. The base form of the verb "take" should be used here as it is followed by a gerund ("taking"), not an infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Take after" requires no auxiliary verb before the subject.
Option B:
Correct. Uses the correct form of "take" with a gerund.
Option C:
Incorrect. This phrase means to discard or get rid of something, unrelated to resemblance.
Option D:
Incorrect. Past tense is not necessary here as the sentence is in present tense describing a current similarity.
28.
What does this phrasal verb mean? "Wind down"
A) Escape.
B) Play.
C) Relax.
D) Sleep.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Wind down" means to gradually relax and prepare for rest, typically in the evening. This phrasal verb is often used when someone wants to slow down their activities and get ready for sleep or a less busy period of time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Escape - Incorrect. "Wind down" does not mean to escape.
Option B:
Play - Incorrect. "Wind down" is the opposite of playing energetically.
Option C:
Relax - Correct. This option accurately describes the meaning of "wind down."
Option D:
Sleep - While "wind down" often leads to sleep, it does not directly mean to sleep.
29.
Could you ..... on the radio? I can't hear it.
A) Get.
B) Carry.
C) Bring.
D) Turn.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "turn on" is used to mean activating something, such as a radio. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Turn.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Get - Does not fit the context of turning the radio on.
Option B:
Carry - Means to move something by lifting and walking with it. Not related to radios.
Option C:
Bring - To take or carry something to a person or place. Irrelevant in this context.
Option D:
Turn - Correctly fits the phrasal verb "turn on" for activating the radio.
30.
I looked ..... my books everywhere but I couldn't find them anywhere.
A) Up.
B) After.
C) For.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrasal verb "look for" is used to indicate the action of searching for something, which fits perfectly in this context where the person is searching everywhere for their books. Therefore, option C) For is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Up - This preposition does not fit with "look" to form a phrasal verb meaning search.
Option B:
After - While this can be part of a phrasal verb, it means pursuing or chasing someone/something and is not the intended meaning here.
Option C:
For - This forms the correct phrasal verb "look for," which means to search for something.
Option D:
At - While this can be part of a phrasal verb, it typically means directing one's attention towards someone or something and is not appropriate here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are phrasal verbs?
Phrasal verbs are verb phrases that consist of a main verb combined with one or more particles (adverbs or prepositions). They often have meanings that differ from the literal meaning of the individual words, making them an important part of English vocabulary and usage.
How do phrasal verbs with idiomatic meanings work?
Phrasal verbs with idiomatic meanings often have figurative or metaphorical uses that don't directly translate from the individual words. For example, "take off" can mean to start flying or to become very successful, which are not literal interpretations of the words.
Why is it important to learn phrasal verbs in context?
Learning phrasal verbs in context helps learners understand their meanings and usage more effectively. Context provides a real-world setting that makes the meaning clearer, helping to avoid confusion with literal interpretations or other phrasal verbs.
What are some common phrasal verbs involving "take"?
Some common phrasal verbs involving "take" include "take after," meaning to resemble someone, and "take apart," which means to dismantle or analyze something. These examples illustrate how the combination of "take" with different particles can create distinct meanings.
How do phrasal verbs related to caution and warning differ from others?
Phrasal verbs related to caution and warning, such as "take care" or "watch out," often convey a sense of alertness or prevention. These expressions are used to advise someone to be careful or avoid potential dangers, emphasizing the importance of cautious behavior.