Phrasal Verbs Exercise (197)
Many phrasal verbs are used with different meanings in different contexts. Choose the best equivalent for the phrasal verbs in boldface.
Answers and Explanations
1. When I ran into my boss at Sonic, I asked him for a raise.
Correct: unexpectedly met
"Ran into" can mean "collide with" in some contexts: The car ran into the truck.
2. The Memphis team showed up its competitor from Texas.
Correct: exposed as inferior
"Show up" can also mean "to arrive": Charlie showed up late, as usual.
3. The nanny looked after two children and a dog.
Correct: tended
In this context, "look after" means "tended" or "cared for." At a stretch, it could also mean "watch something as it recedes from sight."
4. The burglar made up a preposterous story for the police.
Correct: invented
In another context, "to make up" can also mean "to reconcile": Frankie and Johnnie made up after their latest quarrel.
5. Churchill said he wouldn’t stand for frivolous criticism of his writing.
Correct: tolerate
Another meaning of "to stand for" is "to represent." Superman is said "to stand for Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
Related Articles