English Expressions: three-word phrasal verbs

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Mr. E explores the concept of phrasal verbs, particularly focusing on their usage in the workplace. Through humorous examples and a detailed explanation, he demonstrates how phrases like 'catch up with', 'put up with', 'team up with', and 'come up with' transform the meanings of simple verbs when paired with particles. The lesson highlights how understanding phrasal verbs can enrich communication and provide more context than their base verbs alone. Mr. E emphasizes the importance of recognizing separable and nonseparable verb forms, making this lesson both informative and fun.

Takeaways

• 😀 Phrasal verbs are two-to-three-word verbs that carry unique meanings when combined with particles or prepositions.
• 😀 Some phrasal verbs are separable, allowing for changes in word order without altering their meaning, while others are nonseparable and require fixed word order.
• 😀 A particle is a preposition that combines with a verb to create a phrasal verb, and it cannot be separated from the verb in that form.
• 😀 'Catch up with' means to exchange information or stories, and can also refer to facing consequences for past actions.
• 😀 'Put up with' means to tolerate or accept something unpleasant without complaining.
• 😀 'Team up with' refers to working together with someone to achieve a goal, and can be used in different word orders depending on context.
• 😀 'Come up with' means to think of or invent something new to improve a situation.
• 😀 The meaning of a verb can drastically change when combined with particles or prepositions, as seen with 'come' vs. 'come up with' or 'catch' vs. 'catch up with'.
• 😀 At work, phrasal verbs like 'catch up with', 'put up with', and 'team up with' are commonly used to describe interactions, tolerances, and collaborations.
• 😀 Understanding phrasal verbs is important because they add depth and specificity to communication, allowing for more nuanced and detailed expression.

Q & A

What is a phrasal verb?

A phrasal verb is a two- to three-word verb that consists of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). The combination of the verb and the particle(s) often results in a meaning that is different from the individual words used on their own.

What is the difference between separable and nonseparable phrasal verbs?

Separable phrasal verbs allow you to separate the verb and the particle without changing the meaning (e.g., 'team up with' can become 'team with'). Nonseparable phrasal verbs cannot have the verb and particle split apart, as separating them changes the meaning (e.g., 'look after').

What does the phrasal verb 'catch up with' mean?

'Catch up with' has two meanings: 1) To exchange information or updates with someone (e.g., 'Let's catch up!'), and 2) To face the consequences of one's past actions (e.g., 'His past caught up with him').

How is 'put up with' used in a sentence?

'Put up with' means to tolerate something without complaining, even if it's unpleasant. For example: 'How can you put up with his behavior?' means 'How do you tolerate his behavior without complaining?'

What does 'team up with' mean, and can it be separated?

'Team up with' means to collaborate or join forces with someone for a common purpose. This phrasal verb can be used in both a separable and nonseparable form, but in specific contexts, the word order can change. For example: 'I will team up with James on this project' is correct, while 'James teams up with me' is also acceptable.

What is the difference between the verb 'come' and the phrasal verb 'come up with'?

While the verb 'come' means to arrive or bring something, 'come up with' means to invent or create something new, usually an idea or solution. For example, 'He came up with a great idea' means he invented or thought of the idea.

How can 'catch up with' be used in a work context?

In a work context, 'catch up with' often refers to facing the consequences of previous decisions or actions. For example, 'The mistakes we made in the last project finally caught up with us' means that the negative effects of past mistakes are now being felt.

Why are phrasal verbs important in the English language?

Phrasal verbs are important because they provide additional meaning and nuance to simple verbs. They make language more dynamic, allowing speakers to convey more specific ideas or actions. Learning them is crucial for both understanding and using natural-sounding English.

Can phrasal verbs be used in both formal and informal settings?

Yes, phrasal verbs can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, some phrasal verbs are more common in everyday speech (informal), while others may be more suited to formal or professional contexts. It’s important to choose the right phrasal verb based on the tone of the conversation.

What does 'come up with' imply in the context of problem-solving?

'Come up with' in the context of problem-solving implies thinking of or inventing a solution to a problem. For example, 'We need to come up with a solution for this issue' means we need to think of an answer or resolution to the problem.