33 Phrasal Verbs beginning with A

Click on any phrasal verb for more information, including example sentences, collocations, notes
and quizzes.

Phrasal Verbs

account for Formal

If you account for something, you explain how it came to be the way it is.

act as
to perform the same function as a particular person or thing

act for
If you act for someone, you represent them.

act on
If you act on somebody's advice, you do as they suggest.

act out
If you act out, you express your feelings through acts or words.

act up Informal
If a part of your body or a piece of equipment acts up, it doesn't work properly.

add to
If something adds to something, it makes it better, greater, stronger or more extreme in some way.

add up
to add two or more numbers in order to find the total amount

add up to
If two or more numbers add up to another number, this is the total you get if you add them together.

adhere to Formal
If you adhere to a law, a rule or a contract, you obey it or follow it.

advise against Formal

to suggest to someone that they should not do something they are thinking of doing
advise of Formal
If you advise someone of something, you tell them about it.

agree with
If a certain place or lifestyle agrees with you, it suits you and is good for you.

aim at
If you aim a product or a creative work at a particular group of people, you see those people as your
market or your audience.

allow for
to consider something, or take it into account, when making plans or making a decision

allude to Formal
to mention or refer to something or someone in an indirect way

amount to
to be similar to, or to have the same effect as

answer back
to reply rudely to someone who is in a position of authority, such as a teacher, a parent or a coach

answer for
to be held responsible for something

appeal for
to ask for something, usually in order to help deal with a crisis or an emergency

appeal to
If something appeals to you, you like it.

apply to
If something applies to you, it is relevant to you or you are affected by it.

arrive at
to reach a result, a conclusion or a decision after considering relevant factors or details

ask after
If you ask after someone, you ask about them when you talk to someone who's seen them recently.
ask for
to let someone know that you'd like them to give you something

ask out
If you ask somebody out, you ask someone you like to go on a date with you.

ask over
If you ask some people over, you invite them to your house.

associate with
If you associate with someone, you regularly spend time with them.

attach to
to believe that something has importance or significance in relation to something else

attend to
to deal with something or someone

attribute to
to believe that something results directly from a certain event or fact

auction off
to sell something to the highest bidder at an auction

average out at
to come to a certain amount on average

Phrasal Verbs

back down
to decide not to do something because of opposition, or because of pressure from authorities

back out
If you back out of something like an agreement or a deal, you decide not to follow through on it.

back up (1)
to make an extra copy of digital information on disc, flash drive, external hard drive, etc. in case the
original data is lost
back up (2)
If you back up what you say, you use evidence or examples to show that it's true.

bail out (1)

to help out someone or something that's in serious trouble, especially financial trouble

bail out (2)

to give money to a court so that an accused person doesn't have to stay in jail until their trial begins

bank on
If you bank on something happening or someone doing something, you depend on it or count on it.

base on (1)
to use specific information, ideas or past experiences as a basis for making a decision

base on (2)
to use something as source material

bear on
to have relevance to, or influence on, something

bear out
to show that someone is correct or that something is true

beat up
to hurt someone by punching, kicking or hitting them with a hard object

become of
If you ask what has become of someone you haven't seen or heard from for a long time, you want to know
what's happened to them.

beef up
to make something stronger or more powerful

begin with
If an activity or an event begins with something, that's the first thing that happens.

believe in
If you believe in something, you're sure that it's true or it really exists.
belong to
If something belongs to a person, it is owned by that person.

bend down
to move the upper part of your body forwards and downwards

bet on
to be sure that something will happen

bite off
to separate something from whatever it's attached to by biting it

black out
to lose consciousness

blow away
to surprise or amaze someone

blow out
If a flame blows out, it goes out because someone blows on it or because of the wind.

blow up (1)
If you blow up something, you use explosives to damage or destroy it.

blow up (2)
to fill with air or gas in order to inflate something

blow up (3)
to make a photograph larger

border on
If something like an action or an attitude borders on something more extreme, it is close to being that
extreme.

bow out
to resign from a job, or to end a career, usually after a long time

break down (1)

If a machine or a vehicle breaks down, it stops working because of a mechanical problem.
break down (2)
If someone breaks down, they start crying.

break into
If someone breaks into a building or a vehicle, they force their way in, usually to steal something.

break out
to escape from somewhere like a jail or a detention centre

break up
If you break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you end your relationship with him or her.

breathe in
to fill your lungs with air by drawing it in through your nose or mouth

breathe out
to push air out from your lungs through your nose or mouth

brighten up (1)
to make a place or a thing look more cheerful and more lively

brighten up (2)
to become happier and feel more cheerful

bring about
If you bring about something, you cause it to happen or you make it happen.

bring back (1)

to bring something with you when you return from somewhere

bring back (2)

to make something from the past come back, such as a memory, a feeling, an idea, etc.

bring down
to cause a government or a leader to lose power

bring forward
to change the date or time of an event so that it happens earlier than originally planned
bring off
to succeed in doing something that's difficult

bring on
to cause something like an illness or a painful emotion

bring out (1)

to release a new product

bring out (2)

to make a quality in someone or something show itself

bring up (1)
If you bring somebody up, you raise them from childhood to young adulthood.

bring up (2)
to raise a new topic for discussion, or to mention a particular subject or issue in a conversation

brush up
to revise your knowledge of something that you learned in the past

buckle up
to fasten a seatbelt in a car or on a plane

bugger off Informal

If you tell someone to bugger off, you're telling them to go away in a very impolite and aggressive way.

build on (1)
to add to what you've already succeeded in doing

build on (2)
to add a new section to a house or a building

build up (1)
to work at something and make it get stronger or bigger

build up (2)
to gradually increase
bump into
to meet somebody by chance

burn down
If something like a building or a forest burns down, it's completely destroyed in a fire.

burn out (1)

If a fire burns out, it slowly dies down until it stops burning altogether.

burn out (2)

to work too hard and suffer from physical and mental exhaustion

butt in
to start talking when somebody else is already talking

butt out Informal

If you want to tell someone quite forcefully to mind their own business, you can tell them to butt out.

butter up
to say nice things to someone before asking them to do something for you or to give you something

buy out
to buy somebody's share of a company or a partnership in order to take control of it

buy up
to buy all or a lot of something that is in limited supply
Phrasal Verbs

call back
If you call someone back, you return their telephone call.

call for
If a person or an organisation calls for something, they state in public that it's needed, or should be done.

call off
to cancel an event that was planned or scheduled

call on
to visit someone for a short time

call out
If you call out, you use a loud voice to tell something to someone who's far away, or tell something to a
large group.

calm down
If a person who is excited or agitated calms down, they become calmer and less excited or agitated.

care for (1)

If you care for someone, you like them a lot and have a strong affection for them.

care for (2)

If you care for someone or something, you look after them and make sure they have what they need.

care for (3) Formal

If you ask someone if they would care for something, you want to know if they'd like to have something.

carry on
to continue doing something

carry out
If you carry out a task or a piece of work, you do whatever is needed to complete it.

catch on (1)
If something catches on, it becomes popular.
catch on (2)
If you catch on, you suddenly understand something that you couldn't understand at first.

catch up (1)
If you catch up with someone who is ahead of you, you go faster than them until you reach them.

catch up (2)
If two people meet again after a while and catch up, they tell each other what they've been doing.

cater to
to provide people with what they need

change into
to change from one state or form into another

change over
to stop using one thing or one system and start using another one instead

charge with
If someone is charged with a crime, they are officially accused of committing it.

chase up
to try to find out what is being done about something, or what has happened to something

chat up Informal
to talk to someone in the hope of beginning a romantic relationship with them

cheat on
to be disloyal to your spouse or partner by having sex with someone else

cheat out of
to get something from somebody by cheating them

check in
If you check in, you give your details at a hotel's reception desk, or at an airline's check-in counter, when
you arrive.

check into
to register your details after arriving for treatment at a hospital, a rehabilitation centre or a health resort

check on
to look at someone or something to make sure that nothing is wrong

check out (1)

to pay the bill and leave after staying at a hotel, a hospital or a rehabilitation centre

check out (2) Informal

to look at something, or go somewhere, to see what it's like

check through
to examine something carefully to make sure nothing is wrong, or to look for something

cheer on
to shout loudly to encourage someone, especially someone who's playing sport or competing in a race

cheer up
to feel happier after being sad

chop down
If you chop down something like a tree, you cause it to fall by cutting through its base.

chop up
to cut something into pieces with an axe or a knife

clean out (1)

to clean the inside of something

clean out (2) Informal

If you have been cleaned out, all your money has been taken by someone, or spent on something.

clean up
to make something clean and tidy

clear out (1)

to tidy a place by removing things that shouldn't be there

clear out (2) Informal

to leave a place, usually for a long time or forever

clear up
If an illness or a condition like acne clears up, it improves until it's no longer a problem.

close down
If a business closes down, or if someone closes it down, it stops operating.

come about
to happen, especially partly or totally by chance

come across (1)

to find something or meet someone by chance

come across (2)

If somebody comes across as being a certain type of person, they appear that way to other people.

come along (1)

to arrive or to appear

come along (2)

to make progress or to improve in some way

come along (3)

to go with somebody when they're going somewhere

come apart
to separate into several pieces, or to break into several parts

come around
to visit somebody, usually at their home

come back
to return to a place

come down
to move to a lower level or a lower position

come from (1)

to be born and raised in a place

come from (2)

to be made in or obtained from a particular place or thing

come in (1)
to enter a room or a building

come in (2)
If something like a train or plane comes in, it arrives at a station or an airport.

come into
to be given something after its owner dies

come of
to be the result of an event or situation

come off (1)

If something comes off, it becomes separated from the thing it's usually attached to.

come off (2)

to result in the intended outcome

come on (1)
to make progress or to improve in some way

come on (2)
If a light or a computer comes on, it starts working.

come on (3)
If a TV or radio show comes on, it starts.

come out (1)

to become available

come out (2)

to become known

come over (1)

to visit a place, or to move from one place or country to another

come over (2)

to seem to be a particular type of person

come through
to survive a difficult or dangerous situation or time

come to (1)
to regain consciousness after an accident or an operation

come to (2)
to add up to a particular total

come to (3)
If a thought or an idea comes to you, you remember it or you think of it

come under
to suddenly experience or suffer something dangerous or unpleasant

come up (1)
to walk up to someone or something

come up (2)
If an issue or a name comes up in something like a conversation, a meeting, or a report, the issue or name
is discussed or mentioned.

come up (3)
to appear, occur, or become available

come up against
to face a difficult situation or a difficult opponent

come up with
to think of something like a plan, an idea or a solution to a problem

count on
to depend on someone or something to do what is expected or needed

cover up
to try to stop people finding out about something bad

crack down
to start enforcing a law or a rule more strictly

cross off
to remove a name or an item from a list by drawing a line through it

cross out
If you cross something out, you draw a line through it with a pen or a pencil, usually because it's wrong or
is no longer necessary.

cry out
to scream or yell because of pain or fear

cut back
to reduce the amount of money spent on something, or to reduce the size or scale of something

cut down
to reduce the amount, number or size of something

cut off (1)

to stop the supply of something like electricity, water, gas or telephone service.

cut off (2)

to isolate somebody or something by making transport or communication very difficult or impossible

cut out (1)

to remove an area of paper or cloth from a larger sheet by cutting

cut out (2)

to stop doing something, such as eating fatty foods or gambling or taking drugs, usually in order to
improve one's health or one's life

cut out (3) Informal

If you tell someone to "Cut it out!", you want them to stop doing something annoying.

cut up
to cut something into small pieces
Phrasal Verbs

date back
If something dates back to a certain time, it was made at that time or it started at that time.

date from
If something dates from a certain time, it was made at that time.

dawn on
If something dawns on you, you realize it, or become aware of it, for the first time.

deal in (1)
to buy and sell something in order to make money

deal in (2) Informal

If you say "Deal me in" it means you want to join in an activity.

deal with
If you deal with a problem or a difficult situation, you do what needs to be done to solve or resolve it.

decide against
to decide not to do something you were thinking of doing, or not to choose something or someone you
were thinking of choosing

decide on
If you decide on something, you choose one thing from among two or more possible options.

delight in
If you delight in doing something, you get a great deal of pleasure from doing it.

delve into
to try to find information by examining something thoroughly

depend on (1)
If one thing depends on another, it cannot happen without the other, or it is greatly affected by the other.

depend on (2)
If you depend on someone, you rely on them to give you what you need.
describe as
to say that something is a certain kind of thing or that someone is a certain type of person

deter from
to make someone less likely to do something, or to discourage someone from doing something

devote to
to decide to spend a certain portion of your time or money on something

die away
If a sound dies away, it gradually gets softer and softer.

die down
If something dies down, it gradually becomes weaker in strength or lower in volume or magnitude.

die off
If a group of people, animals, or plants dies off, all of them die over a period of time and none are left.

die out
If something like a species of animal or a language is dying out, it is disappearing and could soon be lost
forever.

dig in Informal
to start eating with enthusiasm, or gusto

dig up
If you dig up something, you get it from under the ground by digging.

dip into
to take money from an amount that has been saved or put aside for a specific purpose

dish out (1) Informal

to give things to people, often without thinking about the effects or the costs of doing so

dish out (2) Informal

If you dish out something like criticism or advice, you give it often and without much thought.

dispose of Formal
to get rid of something you don't need or don't want any more

divide up
If you divide something up, you separate it into smaller parts so that everyone gets a share.

do about
If you do something about a problem, you do something to fix it or solve it.

do away with (1)

If you do away with something, you get rid of it.

do away with (2) Informal

to kill or to murder somebody

do in Informal
to cause someone to feel very tired or worn out

do up (1) Informal
If you do up an old building, car, boat, etc., you make it look new again by repairing it, painting it, and so
on.

do up (2)
If you do up a zip, a button, or a shoelace, you secure it in some way.

do with (1)
to put something somewhere

do with (2)
to make use of something

do without
If you do without something, you manage to get by without it.

doze off
If you doze off, you fall asleep without meaning to.

drag on
to continue for longer than seems necessary or usual

draw on
to use part of a supply of something, or to utilize something that has been gained over time

draw out
to make something last longer than usual or longer than necessary

draw up
to prepare and write a plan, a contract, guidelines or a list of some sort

dream of
If you dream of something you'd really like to be, to do, or to have, you imagine it becoming a real part of
your life.

dream up
to imagine something like a plan or a story in great detail

dress up
If you dress up, you put on formal clothes for a special occasion.

drive away
to cause someone or something to leave a place

drive off
to leave in a car

drive out
to force someone or something out of a place

drop by Informal
to make a short, casual visit somewhere

drop in
If you drop something in somewhere, you stop to leave it there and then keep going.

drop off (1)

to drive someone to a place they need to go to and leave them there

drop off (2)

to fall asleep

drop off (3)

to become fewer in number or less in amount or intensity

drop out
to leave a course of study before completing it

drown out
If a sound is drowned out, it can't be heard because of an ever louder sound.

drum up
to stimulate something like support for a project, enthusiasm for an idea, or sales for a business

dry up
If something like water or oil dries up, or its source dries up, it means it's all gone and there is none left.

dumb down Informal

to make something like a movie or a novel easier to understand so more money can be made from it

dwell on
If you dwell on something bad or unpleasant, you think about it too much or you talk about it too much.

dying for
If you're dying for something, you really feel like it or you want it very much.

Phrasal Verbs

ease off
If something eases off, it becomes weaker or less powerful.

eat in
If you eat in, you eat at home instead of going out to a restaurant.

eat into
to use up, or reduce the amount of, something of value

eat out
If you eat out, you eat in a restaurant instead of at home.

eat up (1)
to eat all or most of something

eat up (2)
If something eats up your time or money, you spend a lot of time or money on it.

egg on Informal
If you egg someone on, you encourage them to do something foolish or risky.

embark on
to begin something, usually something that will be challenging and time-consuming

empty out
to remove everything from inside something

end in
to have a certain result at the end of something

end up
If you end up being somewhere, or doing something, it's because of decisions you've made in the past.

end with
to have something act as the final part of something

engage in Formal
to become involved in something related to competition or conflict, such as a debate, a battle, or a
dispute.

enter into
to become involved in something like a discussion, an agreement, or a partnership.

entitle to
If you are entitled to something, you have the right to have it or the right to do it.

entrust to
to give somebody responsibility for something of importance or value

entrust with
to give someone responsibility for something of importance or value

even up
to make something more equal or to make it fairer

expose to (1)
If you expose someone to something, you introduce them to something they might not otherwise see or
experience.

expose to (2)
to make someone face a danger or a hazard

extricate from Formal

to get someone out of a difficult situation or a dangerous place

Phrasal Verbs

face up to
If you face up to a difficult or challenging situation, you accept that you have to deal with it, and then do
something about it.

face with
If you are faced with something like a problem or a challenge, you have to deal with it.

factor in
to include a certain item when calculating or planning something

fade away
to slowly become weaker, softer or dimmer

fall apart
If something falls apart, it breaks into pieces or parts start falling off.

fall back on
to use or do something else because what you used or did first has failed

fall behind
If you have fallen behind other people, they have advanced faster than you and they are ahead of you.
fall for (1)
If you fall for something like a trick or a scam, you believe it's real or genuine even though it's not.

fall for (2)

If you fall for someone, you fall in love with them.

fall in (1)
If a roof or a ceiling falls in, it falls to the floor because it's been weakened or damaged.

fall in (2)
to form a line by standing side by side or one behind the other

fall off
to become less in amount or lower in level

fall out (1)

If something falls out, it becomes detached from whatever it's attached to.

fall out (2) Informal

If you and a friend fall out, you are no longer friendly because of a disagreement or a problem you've had.

fall over
If someone falls over, they fall to the ground.

fall through
If a plan or a deal falls through, it doesn't work out and it's dropped or scrapped.

farm out
If you farm out work, you pay people outside your company to do it.

feel for
If you feel for someone, you have sympathy for them or feel sad because they are suffering.

fight back
If you fight back, you do what's needed to win a conflict or a battle after being attacked or threatened.

fight off
to try to stop someone or something from attacking you or hurting you
figure out (1)
If you figure something out, you find the solution to a problem or the answer to a question.

figure out (2)

If you figure somebody out, you know what they're like and how they're likely to act.

fill in (1)
If you fill in a form, you complete it by writing in the spaces provided.

fill in (2)
If you fill somebody in, you give them the details about something.

fill out
If you fill out a form, you complete it by writing in the spaces provided.

fill up (1)
If you fill something up, you make it full.

fill up (2)
to fill someone's stomach with food

find out
to discover a fact or information about something

finish off
to complete something, or to eat the last piece of something

finish up
to be in a certain place or situation after a long series of events or a long time

finish with
If you've finished with something, you've done what you needed to do with it and you no longer need it.

fire up
to create enthusiasm or excitement, usually among a group of people or a crowd

fit in (1)
to have enough space for something, or to have enough time for something
fit in (2)
If you fit in, you are accepted by a group of people and seen as "one of them".

fit together
to connect pieces that go together to make something

fix up (1)
to repair something or to improve the condition of something, especially something old or second-hand

fix up (2) Informal

to arrange something for someone

fizzle out
If something fizzles out, it slowly loses its power or strength, and then ends weakly.

flare up
If something like a conflict or an illness flares up, it suddenly becomes worse.

flick through
If you flick through a book or a magazine, you have a quick look at a few of the pages.

flood in
If things flood in, they come quickly and in great numbers.

fob off (1) Informal

to give someone something of low quality or little value

fob off (2) Informal

to try to make someone stop complaining or stop bothering you by telling them something that isn't true,
or by giving them an excuse

focus on
If you focus on something, you give it all your attention.

follow through
to continue something to the next stage, or to complete something

follow up
to do something in addition to what's already been done in order to complete or continue a process or a
deal
fool around
If you're fooling around, you're having fun by joking and being a bit silly.

force into
to make someone do something they don't want to do

forge ahead
to make rapid progress toward a goal

freak out Informal

If someone freaks out, they get very scared or upset by something.

free up
to make someone or something available by releasing them from their usual duties or function

freshen up
If you freshen up, you wash your face and hands and make yourself look and feel better.

frighten away
If you frighten away something or someone, you make them go away by making them feel afraid.

frown on
to disapprove of something

function as
to be used for a particular purpose, or to work in a particular way

fuss over
to give someone lots of attention to show how much you like them or how important you think they are

Phrasal Verbs

gather around
If people gather around, they form a group or a small crowd around something or someone.

get across
to communicate something or make something understood by others

get ahead
If you get ahead, you make progress in your career.
get along
If two people get along, they like each other and are friendly.

get around (1)

to move from place to place

get around (2)

to find a way of avoiding something

get at (1)
to get hold of something

get at (2)
to mean or to imply something

get away
to leave a place

get away with

to do something illegal or immoral and not get caught or punished

get back (1)

to return to a place

get back (2)

If you get something back, it is returned to you after you've lent it, lost it, or had it stolen.

get by
to have just enough of something, like money, knowledge or skills, to do what you want to do

get down (1)

to move close to the ground, or to move from a higher position to a lower position

get down (2)

to quickly write something, often so as not to forget it

get down (3)

to manage to swallow something that isn't easy to swallow
get in (1)
to enter a place or a vehicle

get in (2)
If a train or plane gets in, it arrives at its destination.

get in (3)
to submit or send something like a document, a form or a report

get into (1)

If you get into something like a university, a team, a club, etc., you have succeeded in joining it.

get into (2)

to become interested in something or focussed on something

get off (1)

to leave a means of transport such as a bus or a train

get off (2)

to finish work, or have a break from work

get on (1)
to step onto a bus, train, ship, etc.

get on (2)
If two people get on, they have a good relationship and are friendly.

get out (1)

to move out of an enclosed space, such as a building or a car

get out (2)

If you get something out, you remove it from whatever it's in.

get out of (1)

If you get out of doing something that you don't want to do, you find a way to avoid doing it, such as by
making up an excuse.

get out of (2)

to take off clothes because they're uncomfortable or inappropriate
get over
to recover from something like an illness or a shock

get through (1)

to complete a task

get through (2)

If you get through something, you use or eat all of it.

get through (3)

to reach the person you want to talk to when making a telephone call

get together
to meet and spend time together

get up (1)
to get out of bed after having been asleep

get up (2)
to stand up or to get to one's feet

give away
If you give away something, you give it to someone without expecting anything in return.

give back
If you give something back, you return it to whoever you got it from.

give in
If somebody gives in, they stop trying to do something like win a game, a fight or an argument.

give off
to produce something like a smell, a gas, heat or light

give out
If you give something out, you distribute it to many people, usually by hand.

give up (1)
If you give up, you stop trying to do something because it's too hard or because it can't be done.
give up (2)
If you give up something, you stop doing it because it's bad for you.

go about
to do something in a certain way, or to deal with something in a certain way

go after (1)
to chase and try to catch someone or something

go after (2) Informal

to try to get something

go against
to oppose, or disagree with, something or somebody

go ahead
to start doing something, or to continue doing something, usually after being given permission or
encouragement to do so

go along with
to agree with someone or to support something

go around (1)
to act or dress in a certain way

go around (2)
to be enough for everyone

go away (1)
to leave or go to another place

go away (2)
to stop existing, or to stop being noticeable

go back
to return to a place, a person, a condition, etc.

go beyond
to be more than, better than, more advanced than, etc.
go by
to move past (in space), or pass (in time)

go down (1)
to become less

go down (2)
to be received in a certain way, or to create a certain reaction

go down (3)
When the sun or the moon goes down, it gets lower and lower in the sky until it disappears below the
horizon.

go down (4)
to be remembered or recorded in some way

go for (1) Informal

to try to get something or achieve something

go for (2) Informal

to like a particular type of person, product, style, experience, etc.

go for (3)
to physically attack a person or an animal

go for (4)
to be sold for a certain amount of money

go into
to talk about or discuss something in detail

go off (1)
If something goes off, it stops working because of a power cut.

go off (2)
If a bomb or a firework goes off, it explodes.

go off (3)
If foods or drinks go off, they go bad and aren't safe to eat or drink.
go on (1)
to happen

go on (2)
to keep happening as before, or to keep doing something

go on (3)
If something like a light or a heater goes on, it starts operating.

go on (4)
to talk for too long, or talk in such a way that it annoys or bores people

go on (5)
used when encouraging someone to do something

go out
to leave your home and go somewhere for enjoyment or entertainment

go over (1)
to look carefully at something like a report, essay, document, etc. to check for mistakes or to make
improvements

go over (2)
to review something, or look at it again, in order to learn or memorize it

go over (3)
to cause a reaction of some sort, especially from an audience

go through (1)
to look through a collection of things like documents, books, clothes, etc. to find something or to sort
them out

go through (2)
to live through a bad time or a difficult situation

go together (1)
If two things go together, they look good together or they harmonize.

go together (2)
to happen together, or to often occur at the same time
go under
If a company goes under, it goes out of business and closes down.

go up
If something like a price or a rate goes up, it becomes higher.

go with
If one thing goes with another, they look good together or seems to work well together.

go without
to not have something that you used to have because conditions have changed and it's no longer available
or affordable

grow on
If something grows on you, you gradually start to like it, even though you didn't like it much at first.

grow out of
If you grow out of something, you become too big for it or too old for it.

grow up
to change from being a child to being an adult, or from being an immature adult to being a mature adult

Phrasal Verbs

hammer out
to reach an agreement or solution after a lot of negotiation or discussion

hand around
If you hand around things like drinks or cakes, you give one to each person in a group.

hand back
to give something back to someone by hand

hand down
to pass knowledge or skills from one generation to the next
hand in
If you hand something in, you give it to someone in authority, like a teacher, a policeman or a security
guard.

hand on
If you hand something on, you pass it to somebody else.

hand out
to give something directly to a number of people

hand over
If you hand something over, you give it to someone who has demanded it.

hang around Informal

to spend time somewhere without doing anything useful

hang on (1)
If you hang on to something, you hold it tightly.

hang on (2) Informal

If someone tells you to hang on, they want you to wait for a moment.

hang onto Informal

If you hang onto something, you keep it instead of throwing it away, giving it away, or selling it.

hang out (1)

to hang wet clothes outside to dry

hang out (2) Informal

to spend time in a certain place, or with certain people

hang over
If you feel that you are facing a threat or a danger, we can say the threat or the danger hangs over you.

hang up
If you hang up a piece of clothing or a towel, you hang it on a hook, a rail, a hanger, etc.

hang with Informal

to spend time with
happen to
If something happens to you, an event or an occurrence affects you directly.

have against
If you have something against someone, you don't like them because of something they've said or done in
the past.

have on (1)
If you have something on, you are wearing it.

have on (2)
If you have something on at a certain time, you've arranged to do something at that time.

have out
If you have something out, like a tooth or an organ, it's removed from your body.

have round
If you have people round, they visit your home, usually for a meal or for a social gathering.

head for
to go in a certain direction or towards a particular place or situation

head off (1) Informal

to leave a place

head off (2)

to stop something bad from happening

head up
to act as the head of a group or team, or to manage an organization

hear about
If you hear about something, someone tells you about it or you find out about it from an information
source like the news media.

hear from
If you hear from someone, they call you, email you or contact you in some other way.

hear of
If you've heard of someone, you know who they are and what they do.
hear out
If you hear somebody out, you listen to them until they've finished what they are saying.

heat up (1)
If you heat something up, you make it hotter.

heat up (2)
If something like a discussion, a contest or a conflict heats up, it gets more intense, more exciting or more
dangerous.

help out
If you help someone out, you do something to help them.

hem in
to restrict someone's movement, or to limit someone's freedom

hide away
If you hide away, you go to a place where very few people can find you.

hit back
If someone is beating or attacking you and you hit back, you fight to defend yourself.

hit on
to have a idea or to think of something

hold against
to dislike somebody, or be angry with them, because you blame them for something bad that happened in
the past

hold back
to stop someone or something from going forward, or from progressing in some way

hold down
to stop something from rising by pressing down on it or putting a heavy object on it

hold forth Formal

to talk about a topic for a long time, often in a way that other people find boring

hold off
to delay doing something until a later time
hold on (1)
to hold something like a railing or an overhead strap so you don't fall over

hold on (2)
to wait for a short time

hold out (1)

If you hold something out, you hold it where other people can reach it.

hold out (2)

If a supply of something holds out, it continues to be enough and it doesn't run out.

hold out for

to wait until you get what you want, especially when negotiating

hold out on
to refuse to give information to someone

hold to
to make someone do what they promised or agreed to do

hold up (1)
to cause a delay, or make someone or something later than expected

hold up (2)
to support something and stop it from falling down

hold up (3)
to steal from someone while threatening them with a gun or a similar weapon

hook up (1)
If you hook up things like computers and their peripherals, or the components of a home theatre, you
connect them with cables.

hook up (2) Informal

to meet with someone and join with them in work, travel or leisure activities

hunt down
If you hunt down someone, you try to find them and capture or kill them.
hurry up
If you hurry up, you try to do something faster.

hush up
to try to keep something secret, especially something that could damage the reputation of a person or an
organization

Phrasal Verbs

identify with
If you identify with someone, you feel you have a connection with them and you can understand them and
share their feelings.

impact on
to have a significant effect on something

impose on
If you impose something on someone, you force them to accept it even if they don't want to.

improve on
If something is improved on, it's made better than it was.

incline to Formal
If somebody inclines to something such as certain way of thinking, they will usually think in that way.

indulge in
to do something that gives you pleasure, even though there could be some negative consequences

infer from
to believe something is true because you have some indirect evidence of it

inject into
to add something positive in order to make something work better
insist on
If you insist on something, you say that you must have it or it must be done.

instil in
to condition someone to follow a certain belief or to behave in a certain way

interest in
If you interest somebody in something, you make them want to know more about it.

interfere with
to prevent something from happening in the usual way or stop it from developing normally

invest in (1)
to put your energy and resources into something that you think will help you to achieve your goal

invest in (2)
to put your money into a company or a business venture in order to get a share of any profit it makes

invite around
If you invite somebody around, you invite them to your home for a meal, or a party, or a game of cards,
etc.

invite in
If you invite somebody in, you ask them to come inside.

invite out
If you invite somebody out, you ask them to go to a restaurant with you, or to see a movie, or go dancing,
etc.

invite over
If you invite somebody over, you invite them to your home, usually for a meal.

involve in
If you involve yourself in something, or if someone else involves you in something, you take part in it.

iron out
If you iron out the last details of a deal, you sort out the final problems or issues.

itching for
If you're itching for something, you really want it.
Phrasal Verbs

jack off Informal

If a guy jacks off, he masturbates and has an orgasm.

jack up (1) Informal

to increase the price or the cost of something by a large amount

jack up (2)
If you jack something up, you use a jack to lift it off the ground.

jam into
to force too many things or people into a small space

jam up
If something jams up, it can't work properly because one of its moving parts is jammed by something.

jazz up Informal
If you jazz something up, you make it more exciting and more interesting.

jerk around Informal

If someone jerks you around, they treat you badly or they deceive you in some way.

jerk off Informal

If a guy jerks off, he masturbates and gives himself an orgasm.

join in
If you join in an activity, you start doing it with people who are already doing it.

join up (1)
If you join up two things, you connect them.

join up (2)
If you join up, you enter the military in order to train and become a member of one of the armed forces.

join with Formal

If you join with someone or something to do something, you do it together.

jot down
If you jot something down, you quickly write it down on a pad or piece of paper.

juice up Informal
to make something more exciting, more impressive, or more powerful

jumble up
If you jumble things up, you mix them up so that they are no longer in their proper order or formation.

jump at
If you jump at something like an offer or an opportunity, you take it with enthusiasm.

jump in (1)
If people are talking and you jump in, you interrupt someone who's talking, or you say something without
being asked to speak.

jump in (2)
If you jump in, you get involved in a situation as soon as you notice it.

jump on Informal
If someone jumps on you, they strongly criticise you.

jump up
If you jump up, you stand up quickly.

jut out
If something juts out, it is further foward than usual or it sticks out more than usual

Phrasal Verbs

keel over
If somebody keels over, they fall to the floor, usually because of illness or loss of consciousness.

keep at
If you keep at something, you continue doing it.

keep away
If you keep something or someone away, you don't let the thing or the person come near.
keep away from
If you keep away from something or someone, you don't go near the thing or the person.

keep back (1)

If you keep something back, you don't tell someone about it.

keep back (2)

If something keeps you back, it stops you from getting where you want to go.

keep down (1)

If you keep something down, you stop it from increasing in size or number.

keep down (2)

to stop a noise from getting too loud

keep down (3)

to keep food in your stomach even though you feel like vomiting

keep from (1)

If something or someone keeps you from doing something, it means you can't do it.

keep from (2)

If you keep something from someone, you don't tell them about it.

keep in
to make someone stay in a place like a school or a hospital

keep off (1)

to not go on something, or to stop something or someone from going on something

keep off (2)

to avoid something like a certain food or a certain topic in conversation

keep on (1)
If you keep on doing something, you continue doing it.

keep on (2)
If you keep somebody on, you continue to employ them.
keep out
If you keep something out, you make sure it stays outside and doesn't come inside.

keep out of
If you keep out of something, you don't get involved in it.

keep to
If you keep to something like a limit, a budget or a schedule, you don't go over it or outside it.

keep up (1)
to continue doing something that has been successful

keep up (2)
If you keep up with someone, you stay at the same level and don't fall behind them.

keep up (3)
If somebody or something keeps you up, you cannot go to bed.

key in
to press the keys of a keyboard or a keypad in order to enter data

kick against
to show anger or opposition to something, especially if you're powerless to change it

kick around (1) Informal

to discuss ideas or options in an informal way

kick around (2) Informal

to treat someone badly

kick back Informal

to relax and "take it easy"

kick in Informal
If something kicks in, it starts to work or it starts to have an effect.

kick off (1) Informal

to start something like a game, a meeting or a concert
kick off (2) Informal
to force someone to leave something like a team or a committee

kick out Informal

If somebody is kicked out of a place, they are forced to leave.

kick over
If you kick something over, you make it fall over by kicking it.

kid around Informal

to have fun by acting in a silly way

kill off
to cause the death of a whole population or an entire species

kneel down
If you kneel down, you lower your height by putting one or both knees on the floor.

knock around (1) Informal

to hit or kick somebody repeatedly

knock around (2) Informal

If you knock around with someone, you spend time together because you're friends.

knock back (1) Informal

to take a drink, usually alcoholic

knock back (2) Informal

to reject someone or something or to refuse a request for something

knock down (1)

If something like a building or a wall is knocked down, it is destroyed on purpose.

knock down (2)

to hit someone with a vehicle

knock off (1) Informal

to stop work for the day
knock off (2) Informal
to steal something

knock off (3) Informal

to murder somebody

knock off (4) Informal

to reduce something, like a price or an amount

knock out (1)

If you are knocked out, you are hit so hard that you lose consciousness.

knock out (2) Informal

If you knock somebody out, you impress them very much with something you do, or something you
make.

knock out (3)

If you knock somebody out of a competition, they cannot continue because you've defeated them.

knock over (1)

to hit somebody with a vehicle and injure or kill them

knock over (2) Informal

to rob something like a bank or a shop

knock together
to make something quickly, or without putting too much thought into details

knock up (1) Informal

to make something quickly and without too much effort

knock up (2)
to make a woman pregnant

know of
If you know of something, you are aware of it.

known as
to be called a certain name, even though it mightn't be a real or official name
known for
to be well-known for something or famous for something

knuckle down Informal

If you knuckle down, you start to take your work or your task seriously and do it properly.

Phrasal Verbs

lash out
to verbally or physically attack someone or something

laugh off
to joke about something in order to make it seem less serious

launch into
to start off something, like a speech or a song, in an energetic way

lay aside
to keep something for the future, such as money

lay down
to officially state something like a policy, or rules, regulations, conditions, guidelines, etc.

lay into (1) Informal

to attack someone and repeatedly punch and kick them

lay into (2) Informal

If you lay into someone, you criticize them in an angry way.

lay off
If you lay someone off, you stop employing them and tell them they no longer have a job.

lay out (1)

If you lay things out, you spread them out so they're easy to see or easy to use.

lay out (2)

to explain an idea or a plan clearly and in detail

laze around
to relax and do very little

lead to
to cause something to happen

lead up to
If a period of time or a series of events leads up to a particular event, it happens just before it.

leave behind
If you left something behind, you forgot to bring it with you.

leave in
If you leave something in, you don't take it out or cut it out.

leave out
If you leave something out, you don't include it or count it.

leave to
to give someone responsibility for dealing with something or making a decision about something

leave up to
If you leave something up to someone, you let them do it or you give them responsibility for it.

let down (1)

If you let someone down, you disappoint them by not doing what they expect you to do.

let down (2)

to release the air from something like a tyre or a blow-up mattress

let go of
to stop holding something or someone

let in
If you let someone in, you allow them to enter a room or a building.

let off (1)

to give someone little or no punishment for doing something wrong

let off (2)

to make something explode

let out (1)

to allow somebody or something to leave a place

let out (2)

to make a particular sound or noise

let out (3)

to rent a room or a building to somebody

let up
to become weaker or to become less intense

level with Informal

If you level with someone, you tell them the truth about something.

lie down
to lie on a flat surface, such as a bed, usually to have a rest

lift up
to move something to a higher position

light up
If something lights up, it becomes full of light or colour.

lighten up Informal
to become less serious or more easy-going

line up
If you line up, you join a line of people standing one behind the other, or side by side.

listen in
to try to hear what people are saying when they don't know you're listening

live down
to have people forget about something embarrassing or silly that you've done

live for
to believe that something or someone gives your life meaning, or gives you a reason to live

live off
to depend on something for the money or food you need to live

live on
If you live on a certain amount of money, you spend that much on your usual living expenses.

live together
If two people live together, they live in the same place and are in a sexual relationship without being
married.

live up to
to be as good as expected

live with
to accept something in your life that you cannot change, even though you don't like it or want it

lock up
to lock the doors and windows of a building or a car to make it secure

log in
to do certain things, like typing in a user name and password, in order to access an online application or
a computer network

log out
to stop accessing a computer system, or to stop using an online application

long for
to want something you miss very much

look after
to make sure something or someone has everything they need and is healthy

look at (1)
to focus your eyes on something
look at (2)
to think carefully before doing something

look back on
If you look back on something, you think about a period of time in the past or an event in the past.

look down on
to think that someone is not as good as you are, or not as important as you are

look for
If you are looking for something, you're trying to find it.

look forward to
If you're looking forward to something that's going to happen, you feel excited or happy about it.

look into
If you look into something, you investigate it or you try to find out more about it.

look on
to watch an event or an activity without being involved in it

Look out!
If someone is in immediate danger, you can warn them by shouting "Look out!".

look up (1)
to try to find out something by looking in a reference book or on a reference website

look up (2)
If a situation is looking up, it seems to be getting better.

look up to
If someone looks up to another person, they respect or admire them.

lose out
If you lose out, you fail to benefit from something that others are benefitting from.

Phrasal Verbs
mail out
to mail copies of something like a catalog or a CV to many people

major in
If you major in a field of study at university or college, that field is your main area of study.

make for
to move towards something

make into
to change someone or something into someone or something different

make of (1)
to understand, or to make sense of, someone or something

make of (2)
to use a chance or a talent to achieve success

make off with

If you make off with something, you escape with something that you've stolen or something you got
by cheating people.

make out (1)

to see or hear something, but only with difficulty

make out (2) Informal

to hug, kiss and touch in a sexual way

make out (3)

to write the details on a check or a legal document

make out (4)

to create a false idea or image of someone or something

make over (1)

to officially transfer ownership of something to someone

make over (2)

to make someone or something look better

make up (1)
to invent a story or think of an explanation for something

make up (2)
If you make up with someone, you become friends again after having an argument or a disagreement
with them.

make up for
to do something to improve the situation after you've done something wrong

map out
If you map out something, you plan in detail the future of something.

march on
to walk in a group towards a place in order to protest against something or to demand something

mark down
If you mark something down, you reduce its selling price.

mark off (1)

If you mark off items on a list, you mark each one after you've dealt with it.

mark off (2)

If you mark off an area, you show where the boundaries are with lines, strings, or other markers.

mark up
If you mark something up, you sell it for a price that is higher than the price you paid for it.

match up
to find things that go together, or match in some way

max out Informal

to reach the maximum limit of something, or to use up all of something

measure up
to be good enough or to be of the required standard

meet up
to arrange to meet somebody, or to meet by chance

meet with
to get a certain reaction or response, either positive or negative

mess around
If you're messing around, you're wasting time or behaving in a silly way.

mess up Informal
to do something incorrectly, or to make a mistake

minor in
to study another subject at university or college in addition to your main subject

miss out
to miss the chance to get something you'd like to have, or do something you'd like to do

mistake for
to wrongly think that a person or thing is someone or something else

mix up (1)
If you mix up two or more things, you forget which one is which.

mix up (2)
If you mix things up, you put things of different kinds together when they are usually separated.

mixed up in
to be involved in something illegal or immoral, such as organised crime or corruption

mock up
to make a model of something to show how it will look or work

model on
to use something or someone as an example to copy when making something or doing something

mop up
to clean up something that has spilled by using a mop or a cloth

mount up
to gradually become larger or greater in amount

mouth off Informal

to speak in a loud and annoying way, especially when criticizing or complaining about something

move in (1)
to move your belongings into a new place and start living there

move in (2)
to move closer, especially when you're trying to attack or catch someone or something

move in on
to try to take control of something that someone else has control of

move into
to begin living or working in a new place, or to go into a new type of business

move on
If you move on, you stop doing one activity and start doing another, or stop discussing one topic and
start discussing another.

move out
If you move out, you leave the place in which you've been living or working, and move to a new place
to live or work.

move over
If you move over, you change position to make room for someone or something, or to block someone
or something.

move up (1)
If you move up, you make space for someone else to sit down by moving a little.

move up (2)
to move someone to a higher position, a higher level, a higher ranking, etc.

mow down
to kill a number of people, usually by shooting them or driving a vehicle into them

muck around Informal

to waste time when you could be doing something useful
 muck up Informal
If you muck something up, you do it badly and fail to achieve your goal.

muddle through
If you muddle through, you succeed in doing something even though you haven't got the skills or
equipment usually needed.

mull over
to think carefully about something before making a decision

muscle in
to use your power or influence to force your way into a situation even if you're not wanted

Phrasal Verbs

nag at
If someone is being nagged at by a fear, a doubt or a regret, they can't stop thinking about it.

nail down (1)

If you nail something down, you finally make a decision or come to an agreement about something.

nail down (2)

If you nail something down, you fasten it to a surface, such as the floor, with a nail.

nail up
If you nail something up, you use a nail to attach it to a vertical surface like a wall or a door.

name after
If you name somebody after someone else, you give them the same name.

name for
If you name somebody for someone else, you give them the same name.

narrow down
to reduce the number of possibilities, options or choices

nibble away at
to gradually reduce the quantity, strength or value of something

nip out Informal

If you nip out, you leave wherever you are for a short time.

nod off Informal

If you nod off, you fall asleep without meaning to.

nose around
If someone is nosing around, they're looking around in order to find information about something.

notch up Informal
to achieve something like a win or a record

note down
If you note down something, you write it on a piece of paper or in a notebook.

number among
to include something or someone in a class or group of similar things or people

nut out
If you nut something out, you solve a problem or you calculate something

Phrasal Verbs

object to
If you object to something, you don't think it's a good thing or a good idea, so you oppose it or you are
against it.

occur to
If a thought or an idea occurs to you, it comes to you.

offer up
to give thanks, praise or prayers to God or gods

open out
to unfold and spread a folded map or newspaper in order to read it
open up (1)
If you open up to somebody, you share your feelings with them.

open up (2)
If a country opens up, it becomes easier to travel there and do business.

open up (3)
If you open up a new business, you set it up and start trading.

opposed to
If you are opposed to something, you're against it or you don't support it.

opt for
If you opt for something, you choose it from a range of possible options.

opt in
If you opt in, you choose to accept something, or do something, that is offered to you as an option.

opt out
If you opt out of something, you choose not to be involved in it.

order about
If you order people about, you tell them what to do in a bossy way.

order around
If you order people around, you tell them what to do in a bossy way.

order in
If you order in, you order food from a take-away restaurant and have it delivered to your home or office.

order off
to tell a player to leave the field of play, or the court, usually because they have committed a foul or
broken a rule

order out
If you order out, you order food from a take-away restaurant and have it delivered to you.

order up (1)
to issue an order for something to be done, usually in relation to the government or the military

order up (2)
to have food or drinks delivered to your room in a hotel

overcome with
to be strongly affected by an emotion or a feeling

owe to (1)
If you owe something to someone, you feel that you only have it because of the person's help or support.

owe to (2)
If something happens owing to something else, it happens as a result of it.

own up
If you own up to something, you admit that you've done something wrong or made a mistake.

Phrasal Verbs

pack away (1)

If you pack something away, you put it back where it's usually kept after you've finished using it.

pack away (2) Informal

to eat a lot of food

pack in (1) Informal

to attract large audiences or large crowds of spectators

pack in (2) Informal

If you pack something in, you stop doing it.

pack into (1)

to fit into a small or crowded space

pack into (2)

to fit a lot of activities into a limited time

pack up (1)
to put things into boxes or bags before moving them or sending them somewhere
pack up (2) Informal
If something packs up, it stops working and needs to be fixed.

pan out Informal

If you see how a situation pans out, you see how it develops over time.

part with
to give something to someone else, especially when you'd prefer to keep it

pass around
to pass something from person to person in a group

pass away
If someone passes away, they die.

pass by
to go past something or someone

pass off as
to make someone believe that a copy or a replica is the real thing

pass on
If you pass something on, you give it to another person after receiving it yourself.

pass out (1)

to give something to each person in a group

pass out (2)

to lose consciousness all of a sudden

pass over
If someone is passed over, they aren't given the promotion they were expecting, and the position is given
to someone else instead.

pass up Informal
If you pass up an opportunity or an invitation, you choose not to take the opportunity or accept the
invitation.

pat down
to check that somebody isn't carrying a prohibited item, such as a gun, by patting different parts of their
body

patch up (1)
to fix something quickly so it can be used until it's repaired properly or replaced

patch up (2)
to mend ties or repair a relationship after a disagreement or a dispute

pay back (1)

If you pay someone back, you return money that you borrowed from them in the past.

pay back (2)

If you pay someone back for doing something bad to you, you do something bad to them in return.

pay off (1)

If you pay off a loan, you pay it back in installments over a period of time.

pay off (2)

If something you do pays off, it ends up giving you some benefit or a good result.

pay out
to pay a sum of money to somebody, especially a large sum

pay up
If somebody pays up, they pay money they owe to someone even though they don't really want to.

pick on
If you pick on someone, you repeatedly treat them badly or criticize them.

pick out
If you pick out something, you choose or select it.

pick up (1)
If you pick up something, you take hold of it and lift it up.

pick up (2)
If you pick someone up, you meet them somewhere in order to give them a lift somewhere else.

piss about Informal

to waste time or act in a stupid way

piss off
If someone pisses you off, they annoy you.

play around (1)

to waste time by being silly or stupid

play around (2) Informal

to have sex with someone other than one's spouse or partner

play back
to play something that's just been recorded, such as a video, a message, or some music

play down
to try to make something seem less important or less damaging than it really is

play up (1) Informal

If something is playing up, it isn't working properly or it's causing problems.

play up (2)
to try to make something seem better, or more important, than it really is

point out
to tell someone something you think they should know

pour in
to arrive at or enter a place in great numbers and with great speed or force

pour out
to leave a place in large numbers

print off
to print a number of copies of something

print out
to make a printed copy of a document

pull back
If an army pulls back, it moves its forces back from the front-line or from wherever it's been fighting the
enemy.

pull down (1)

to destroy a building or structure because it is old, dangerous, or no longer wanted

pull down (2)

to lower one's pants or trousers

pull in
If a train, a truck or a car pulls in, it arrives somewhere.

pull off
to succeed in doing something difficult

pull on
to put an item of clothing on, usually in a hurry

pull out (1)

If you pull out of something you're participating in, like a competition or a deal, you stop participating.

pull out (2)

to move your car from a parking spot or a side street into a traffic lane, or to move out from one traffic
lane to join another

pull over
If you're driving a car and you pull over, you move over to the side of the road and stop.

pull through
to recover from a serious illness or injury

pull up (1)
to pull something out of the ground, such as a plant, a stake, or a fence post

pull up (2)
If a vehicle such as a car or a taxi pulls up, it stops.

put aside (1)

to save or reserve something, like time, money, food, etc., for a particular purpose, or for use in the future

put aside (2)

to ignore a disagreement or a problem you have with someone so you can work together on something

put away (1)

If you put something away, you put it where it's usually kept when it's not being used.

put away (2)

If you put something away, you put it somewhere safe and keep it for the future.

put back (1)

If you put something back, you return it to the place it was before you took it.

put back (2)

to change the time or date of something to a later time

put down (1)

to stop carrying something or someone

put down (2)

to put a sick or injured animal to death, usually by lethal injection

put forward (1)

to offer an idea, an opinion, a suggestion, etc. for other people to consider

put forward (2)

to change the date or time of an event, an appointment, a meeting, etc. so that it happens earlier than
originally planned

put in (1)
to spend a certain amount of time and effort on doing something

put in (2)
to install a large piece of equipment into a room, a home or a building

put off
If you put something off, you change the time it's meant to happen to a later time or date.

put on (1)
to start wearing an item of clothing, a pair of shoes, a piece of jewellery, a pair of glasses, etc.

put on (2)
to make an appliance or a piece of equipment start to function

put on (3)
to present an event such as a concert, a seminar, a sporting tournament, etc.

put on (4)
If you put on weight, or put on pounds or kilos, you become heavier.

put out (1)

to stop something from burning

put out (2)

If you put somebody out, you inconvenience them by asking them to help you or do something for you.

put over
to communicate something like an idea or an opinion

put through (1)

to make someone suffer a difficult or painful experience

put through (2)

to pay for someone's education through school, college, university, etc.

put together (1)

to assemble something by joining its parts or pieces

put together (2)

to select several things and combine them to create something

put up (1)
to increase something, such as the price, cost or value of something

put up (2)
to fix a notice or a picture onto an upright surface such as a wall or a noticeboard

put up with
If you put up with something, you accept it even though you don't like it

Phrasal Verbs
quarrel with
to disagree about something, or to believe something is untrue or incorrect

queue up
If you queue up, you join a line of people waiting for their turn to do something.

quieten down
If someone quietens down, they become calmer and less excited.

Phrasal Verbs

rake in Informal
to make a lot of money

rally round Informal

If people rally round someone in need, they all do what they can to help the person.

reach out
to extend your arm in order to touch or take something with your hand

reach out to (1)

to offer help to someone in need

reach out to (2)

to ask someone for help when you have a problem

read into
to believe you've found more meaning in what someone says or does than others have found

read out
if you read something out, you read it aloud so everyone can hear it.

read up on
If you read up on something, you read books about it, or find articles and information on the internet
about it.

refer to (1)
to look at something like a book, a map, or a website, in order to get information about something

refer to (2)
to direct someone to a place or a person for information, help or treatment

reflect on
to think deeply about something

rely on
If you rely on something, you need it in order to do something.

remind of
If something reminds you of something else, it makes you think of it.

resign yourself to
If you resign yourself to something, you accept that it's true and that there's nothing you can do to
change it.

resort to
to do something you'd rather not do only because better options or solutions are not possible

result in
to lead to a certain outcome or to produce something

return to
to go back to

revert to
to go back to a previous way of behaving, or an old way of doing things

ring back
to return a telephone call or to call again later

ring up
to call someone on a telephone

rip off Informal

to cheat somebody by charging them too much for something

roll out
to introduce a new line of products or services

roll over
to change position when you're lying down so that you're on your back if you were face down, or face
down if you were on your back

roll up
If you roll up a piece of paper, you fold or roll it in such a way that it becomes a cylinder or a ball.

root out
to uncover and punish criminals, especially those abusing positions of trust or authority

rope in Informal
If somebody ropes you in, they persuade you to do something you don't really want to do.

rough up Informal
to physically attack someone, usually to intimidate or make them afraid rather than to seriously hurt
them

round down
If you round a number or an amount down to a certain level such as a whole number or the nearest
dollar, you bring it down to that level.

round up
If you round a number or an amount up to a certain level such as a whole number or the nearest dollar,
you bring it up to that level.

rub off
If a quality someone has rubs off on other people, they start to show that quality as well.

rub out (1)

to erase something that's been written or drawn

rub out (2) Informal

to kill somebody

rule out
If you rule something out, you don't think it's possible.

run across
to meet somebody by chance, or to find something by chance

run after
If you run after someone, you chase them and try to catch up with them by running.

run against
to compete with someone in an election

run away (1)

If you run away from something or someone, you run as fast as you can to escape.

run away (2)

If children or teenagers run away, they leave home without telling their parents or guardians.

run away from

to try to avoid problems or difficult situations

run by
If you run your ideas or your thoughts by someone, you ask them what they think of them.

run down (1)

to hit somebody with a vehicle such as car or a truck

run down (2)

If you run somebody down, you criticize them and tell them they're no good.

run into (1)

If you run into someone, you meet them by chance, or without expecting to.

run into (2)

If you run into something, you accidentally hit it while you are driving.

run off with

If you run off with somebody, you leave home secretly in order to be with them.

run on (1)
to use a particular type of fuel or a particular power source

run on (2)
to continue for longer than expected

run out (of)

If you run out of something, you don't have any left and you need some more.

run out on
to suddenly leave the person you're in a relationship with

run over
If you run over something or someone, you hit them or go over them while driving your car.

run through
to quickly read something like a list or a speech in order to check the details or look for mistakes

run to
to ask someone to help or protect you when you should be able to look after yourself

run up
If you run up a bill or a debt, you get goods or services on the understanding that you'll pay for them
later.

run up against
to face something that could be a problem or a difficulty

rush into
to do something quickly and without thinking about it carefully first

rush off
to leave soon after arriving or to leave suddenly

Phrasal Verbs

save up
to put something aside for the future

screw up Informal
If you screw something up, you ruin it or you do it the wrong way.
seal off
to stop people from going into an area or a building, often because it isn't safe

see about
If you see about something, you make an effort to arrange it or organise it.

see off
If you see somebody off, you go to the place from where they're beginning a journey, like an airport or a
railway station, and wish them well as they leave.

see out (1)

If you see someone out, you accompany them out of a room or a building when they're leaving.

see out (2)

to continue until the end of a particular period of time or until the end of a contract or an activity

see through (1)

If you see through something or someone, you realize that you are being deceived or tricked, and you
aren't fooled.

see through (2)

If you see something through, you continue with it right to the end.

see to
If you see to something, you take responsibility for it and make sure it's done.

sell off
to sell assets or belongings, often for a low price because you need money quickly

sell out
to sell all the stock of something, and have none left

send back
If you send back something that's been delivered to you, you return it because there's a problem with it.

send for
to ask for someone to come to you, or to ask for something to be sent to you

send off (1)

If you send something off, you post it or send it by a courier service.

send off (2)

If a referee or an umpire sends off a player, the player has to leave the field or court because they've
done something wrong.

set about
to begin doing something that will probably take a lot of effort or a long time

set aside
to keep a portion of something for use in the future

set back (1)

to make something happen more slowly, or at a later time, than it would have

set back (2) Informal

If something has set you back fifty dollars, it has cost you fifty dollars.

set down
If you set something down, you put it in writing.

set off (1)

to begin a journey

set off (2)

to make something explode or blow up

set out (1)

to begin doing something with a definite objective or aim in mind

set out (2)

to begin a journey

set out (3)

to explain the details of something, especially in writing

set up (1)
to start a company, a foundation, or an organization of some sort

set up (2)
to put together or arrange the parts of something before using it

set up (3)
to make the necessary arrangements for an event or activity

settle down (1)

to become calm and quiet, especially after being excited or noisy

settle down (2)

to start living a conventional life with a steady job and a stable partner, especially after getting married

settle for
to accept something, even though it isn't what you really want

settle in
to begin to feel comfortable in a new situation, such as a new home, a new job, or a new school

shake off
to get rid of something that's causing you problems, such as a sickness, a fear, a bad image, a bad
reputation, etc.

shake up (1)
to make big changes to an organisation and the way it's run, usually to improve it

shake up (2)
to upset or shock someone

shoot up Informal
to quickly increase in size, number or level

shop around
If you shop around, you go to several shops to find the lowest price for something you want.

show off
to do something to get attention or admiration, but in a way that annoys some people

show up Informal
to arrive at an event or a place where people are gathering

shut down
to close something like a factory, school or hospital, usually forever

shut off
If a machine, a system or a supply shuts off, or is shut off by someone, it stops.

shut out (1)

to stop someone or something from entering a room or a building

shut out (2)

to stop yourself thinking about or feeling something that upsets you or hurts you

shut up Informal
to stop talking or stop making noise

sign in
to sign a register when you visit a place, or to log in when you visit a website

sign up
If you sign up to something like a website or a gym, you become a member.

sit back
to do nothing instead of making an effort to get what you want

sit down
to lower yourself into a sitting position on a seat or on the ground

sit in for
to take someone's place when they are absent

sit in on
If you sit in on something like a meeting or a class, you attend to see what happens, without joining in.

sit through
If you sit through something like a long speech or a boring show, you wait until it's over before leaving,
even though you're not enjoying it.

sit up (1)
If you sit up, you get up into a sitting position after you've been lying down.

sit up (2)
to not go to bed until later than usual

size up
to observe carefully and then form an opinion about a person or a situation

sleep together Informal

to have sex together

sleep with Informal

to have sex with someone

slip up Informal
to make a small mistake, usually because of carelessness

slow down
to become slower, or to make someone or something go slower

smell of
to have a particular smell

snap up
to get something quickly so you don't miss out

sober up
to become sober again after drinking too much alcohol

sort out (1)

If you sort things out, you arrange them into some sort of order.

sort out (2)

If you sort something out, you make arrangements for it or you organize it.

speak out
If you speak out, you publicly state your position on an issue, or publicly oppose or defend someone or
something.

speak up (1)
to speak louder

speak up (2)
If you speak up, you publicly state your position on an issue, or publicly oppose or defend someone or
something.

speed up
to move faster, or to increase the speed of something

spell out
If you spell something out, you explain it slowly and very clearly so that everyone can understand.

spread out
If a group of people spread out, they move apart so that there's more space between them.

stamp out
to stop something bad or harmful by taking strong action against it

stand by (1)
If you're standing by, you're ready to do something or help somebody.

stand by (2)
If you stand by someone, you support them or help them if they're in some sort of trouble.

stand by (3)
to do nothing to stop something wrong or something bad from happening

stand down
to resign or retire from a job or a position

stand for (1)

If letters or symbols stand for something, they represent that thing.

stand for (2)

If a person or an organisation stands for certain ideals or principles, they believe in and support those
ideals or principles.

stand for (3)

If you won't stand for something, you won't accept it or allow it to happen.

stand out
If somebody stands out, they are easy to see because there is something unusual about the way they
look or the way they behave.
stand up
to get to your feet from a lying or sitting position

stand up for
to defend an idea or a person against criticism or attack

start off
to begin in a particular way or with a particular act

start out
to begin a life or a career in a particular way

start up
to create and run an organization such as a business, a club, a band, etc.

stay away from

If you stay away from something or someone, you don't go near the thing or the person.

stay up
If you stay up, you don't go to bed at the usual time.

step down
to resign from a job or a position

step up
to increase the level or strength of something

stick at Informal
If you stick at something, you continue to do it even if it's difficult or it's taking a long time.

stick out (1)

If something sticks out, it comes out beyond the edge or the end of something.

stick out (2)

to move part of your body out and away from the rest of your body

stick to (1)
If you stick to something, you don't stop doing it or you don't stop trying to do it.
stick to (2)
If you stick to something like a political party, a sporting club, a job, or even a favorite food or colour,
you don't change to another one.

stick up for Informal

If you stick up for someone who's being criticized or attacked verbally, you defend or support them.

stick with Informal

to continue with the same thing, instead of changing to something else

stir up
to cause trouble among people or to cause bad feelings to arise

stop over
to stop at a place and stay there for one or two days while on your way to somewhere else

storm out
to leave a place quickly when you are angry or upset about something

sum up
If you sum up something, you give a quick summary of it.

switch off
to turn something off with a switch

switch on
to turn something on with a switch

Phrasal Verbs

tail off
to gradually become less in amount or lower in level

take after
If you take after an older member of your family, you look like them or you have a similar personality
to them.

take apart
If you take apart something, you separate it into the pieces it's made of.
take away
If you take something away, you take it somewhere else.

take back (1)

If you take something back, you return it to the place you got it from, or return it to the shop you bought
it from.

take back (2)

If a store takes back something they've sold, they allow the buyer to return it for a refund, or exchange
it.

take back (3) Informal

If you take back something you said, you admit that you said the wrong thing and withdraw your
comments.

take down (1)

If you take down a large structure, you dismantle it, or separate it into the parts from which it was
assembled.

take down (2)

to remove something that's fixed to a wall, like a picture or a poster

take in (1)
to include something

take in (2)
to fully understand something you hear or read

take off (1)

to remove a piece of clothing, or the top of a container

take off (2)

If a plane takes off, it leaves the ground and rises into the sky.

take off (3)

to have a period of time away from work

take off (4)

to become popular or successful in a short time
take on (1)
If you take on something like a job, a responsibility, or anything involving a challenge, you agree to do
it.

take on (2)
to give someone a job

take on (3)
to fight, or compete against, someone or something

take out (1)

If you take somebody out, you invite them to go out with you, usually for a meal or entertainment.

take out (2)

to remove something from a container, a pocket, a bag, etc.

take out (3)

to obtain something like a loan, an insurance policy, a patent, etc.

take over (1)

to take control of something like a company, an organization, a government, or a territory

take over (2)

to begin doing a job or a task that someone else had been doing previously

take up (1)
to fill an area of space or a period of time

take up (2)
to start doing something new like playing a sport, doing a job, or pursuing a hobby

take up (3)
to shorten a piece of clothing or a curtain to make it the right size

talk back
to reply rudely to someone in a position of authority

talk down to
If you talk down to someone, you speak to them as if they are inferior to you or less important than you.

talk into
If you talk someone into doing something, you persuade them to do it.

talk out of
If you talk someone out of something, you persuade them not to do it.

talk over
to discuss a situation with someone, usually before making a decision

talk round
If you talk somebody round, you persuade them to do what you want them to do, or to agree with you.

talk up
to speak enthusiastically about something, usually in order to persuade someone to buy it or invest in it

tear apart
to destroy something by breaking it into two or more pieces

tear down
to demolish a building or other structure

tear up
If you tear up a piece of paper, you tear it into several pieces.

tell apart
to tell the difference between two or more things that are very much alike

tell off
to strongly criticize someone for doing something wrong

think back
to think about a past event or a past time

think of (1)
to have something come to mind

think of (2)
to have an opinion about something or someone

think over
to think carefully about something before making a decision

think up
to use one's imagination to come up with something like an excuse, a name, a plan, or a story

throw away
to get rid of something you don't want, usually by putting it in a rubbish bin or a garbage can

throw off
to get rid of something that has been bothering you

throw out (1)

to discard something you don't want, usually by putting it in a rubbish bin or a garbage can

throw out (2)

to force somebody to leave something like a club, a college or school, an organisation, etc.

throw up Informal
If someone throws up, they vomit up the contents of their stomach.

tidy up
to make a place look neat and tidy

tie up (1)
to tie together the ends of something

tie up (2)
to make somebody busy with something

tie up (3)
to make something or someone unavailable by committing them to something

tip off
to warn someone or give someone secret information about something

top up
to completely fill something like a glass or a container, or to increase the level of something like a
phone card

touch on
to talk briefly about something when speaking or writing about another topic

toy with
to think about doing something, but not very seriously

track down
to find something after a long search

try on
to put on clothes or shoes before buying them to see if they fit properly and look good

try out
to test something to see what it's like, or to see if it works properly

turn around
to change something unsuccessful into something successful

turn away
If someone turns you away, they don't allow you to enter a place.

turn back
to return in the direction from which you've come, or to make someone do this

turn down (1)

to decrease or lower the volume, heat, power, etc. of an appliance by turning a knob or pressing a button

turn down (2)

If you turn down an offer or a request, you decide not to accept it.

turn in (1) Informal

to go to bed

turn in (2)
If you turn somebody in, you tell the police that the person has committed a crime or you hand them
over to the police yourself.

turn into
to change from one thing into another

turn off
to stop a machine or an appliance from working by using a button or a switch

turn on
to start a machine or an appliance by pressing a button or flicking a switch

turn out (1)

to make a light go off

turn out (2)

to have a certain outcome, or to end in a certain way

turn over (1)

to change the position of something so that the side facing down is now facing up

turn over (2)

to change your body's position when lying down so that you are facing the opposite direction

turn up (1)
to increase the volume, heat, power, etc. of an appliance by turning a knob or pressing a button

turn up (2)
If someone turns up somewhere, they arrive without being expected or without telling anyone they'd be
coming.
Phrasal Verbs

urge on
If you urge somebody on, you encourage them to continue trying to do something.

use up
If you use up something, you use all of it and have none left over.

usher in
to begin a period in history or a stage in someone's life

Phrasal Verbs

veg out Informal

If you veg out, you relax and take it easy.

verge on
to be close to reaching a certain state or condition

vie for
If you vie for something, you compete with others to get it.

vote in
If a person or a political party is voted in, they have won the most votes in an election.

vote off
If somebody is voted off something, they have to leave because not enough people voted to keep them
on.

vouch for
If you vouch for someone or something, you say that the person or thing can be trusted and is of good
character or quality.

Phrasal Verbs

wait around
If you have to wait around for something, you have to wait a long time for it.

wait on (1)
to serve someone in a restaurant, or to act as a servant for someone and do whatever they ask you to do

wait on (2)
to wait for the results of something, or for information about something, before deciding what to do
next

wait up
If you wait up, you stay up late at night waiting for something or someone.

wake up
to become conscious again after sleeping, or to make someone else become conscious after sleeping

walk out
to leave a relationship suddenly

ward off
to stop something that's harmful or dangerous from coming near

warm up (1)
to make something warmer

warm up (2)
to prepare for a sporting or artistic performance by doing exercises or practising

wash away
If something is washed away, it's carried off by the force of running water, as in a storm or a flood.

wash down
to drink something soon after eating food or while swallowing pills

wash out
If an event is washed out, it's stopped because of rain.

wash up (1)
If you wash up, you wash dirty dishes and cooking utensils.

wash up (2)
If you wash up, you wash your hands.

waste away
If you waste away, you gradually become thinner and weaker, usually because of an illness.

watch out
If you tell someone to watch out, you tell them to be careful or warn them of a danger.

watch out for

If someone tells you to watch out for something, they're warning you about it.

water down (1)

to add water to a drink to make it less strong if it's an alcoholic drink or less thick if it's a juice or a
thick shake

water down (2)

to change something like the lyrics of a song or the dialogue in a movie to make it less offensive or
less likely to upset people

wean off
to gradually break a bad habit by doing it less and less

wear down
to gradually make someone lose their strength and vitality

wear in
If you wear in something like a pair of shoes, you wear them for short periods until they fit properly
and feel comfortable.

wear off
If something wears off, it gradually loses its effect.

wear out (1)

If something such as a shoe wears out, it gets old and damaged from being used.

wear out (2)

If something wears you out, it makes you feel tired and lacking in energy.

weed out
to find and remove people or things that are not needed or wanted

weigh down
If you're weighed down by problems or responsibilities, you feel stressed or unhappy because of them.

weigh in (1)
to be weighed before participating in a sport like boxing or horse-racing

weigh in (2)
to join a discussion by expressing a viewpoint

weigh up
to consider the good and bad points before making a decision

whip into
to create strong emotions like excitement or anger, usually by giving a speech or a performance of
some sort

whip up
to create strong feelings in other people

win back
If you win something back, you get it back again after having lost it.

win over
If you win somebody over, you get them to believe you, trust you or support you.

wind down
If you wind something down, you gradually reduce it or end it.

wind up (1)
If you wind up in a certain place or situation, you find yourself there by chance or because of
unexpected events.

wind up (2)
to end something like a meeting, a lecture or a discussion

wipe away
to remove something by wiping it with a tissue, a cloth or a hand

wipe out (1)

If something is wiped out, it is completely destroyed.
wipe out (2)
to kill a large number of people or animals

wise up Informal
If you wise up, you realize the truth in relation to something.

work at
to try hard to achieve something, or try hard to improve your ability to do something

work off
to get rid of excess weight or a negative emotion by engaging in physical activity

work on
to spend time making, fixing or improving something

work out (1)

to think about a problem or a task and find a solution or a strategy for dealing with it

work out (2)

to do physical exercise to keep fit and healthy

work out (3)

to find the solution to a numerical problem

wrap up (1)
If you wrap something up, you cover it with a material like paper or cloth.

wrap up (2)
to finish something like a meeting or a discussion, or to conclude something like a deal or a
negotiation

wrestle with
to try hard to find the solution to a difficult problem

write down
to write something on a piece of paper

write off (1)

to accept that a debt or loan won't be paid back, or that an investment has been lost

write off (2)

to damage a vehicle so badly that it cannot be repaired

write out
to write information on an official document before giving it to someone

write up
to write a report or an article based on notes written earlier

Phrasal Verbs

yank at Informal
If you yank at something, you pull it repeatedly.

yearn for
to want something very much

yell out
to shout loudly

Phrasal Verbs

zero in on
If you zero in on something, you focus on it or put your attention on it.

zip around
If you zip around, you move quickly from place to place.

zip up
to do up a zipper in a piece of clothing or in a bag

zone out Informal

If someone zones out, they look blankly ahead without paying attention, maybe because they're tired
or bored or affected by drugs.

zonked out Informal

If you're zonked out, you're very tired and you feel like resting or going to sleep.
zoom in
If a photographer or a camera zooms in, the image changes so that it looks as if the camera is moving
closer to the object being photographed or filmed

Nouns
It's not easy to describe a noun. In simple terms, nouns are "things" (and verbs are "actions").
Like food. Food (noun) is something you eat (verb). Or happiness. Happiness (noun) is
something you want (verb). Or human being. A human being (noun) is something you are
(verb).

What are Nouns?

The simple definition is: a person, place or thing
teacher, school, book

Countable Nouns, Uncountable Nouns

Why is this important? Why do some nouns have no plural?
dog/dogs, rice, hair(s)

Proper Nouns (Names)

Do we say "Atlantic Ocean" or "the Atlantic Ocean"? Should I write "february" or
"February"?
Shirley, Mr Jeckyll, Thailand, April, Sony

Possessive 's
Adding 's or ' to show possession.
John's car, my parents' house

Noun as Adjective
Sometimes we use a noun to describe another noun. In that case, the first noun is "acting as"
an adjective.
love story, tooth-brush, bathroom

What are Nouns?

The simple definition is: a person, place or thing. Here are some examples:

person: man, woman, teacher, John, Mary

place: home, office, town, countryside, America
thing: table, car, banana, money, music, love, dog, monkey
The problem with this definition is that it does not explain why "love" is a noun but can also
be a verb.

Another (more complicated) way of recognizing a noun is by its:

1. Ending
2. Position
3. Function

1. Noun Ending

There are certain word endings that show that a word is a noun, for example:

-ity > nationality

-ment > appointment
-ness > happiness
-ation > relation
-hood > childhood

But this is not true for the word endings of all nouns. For example, the noun "spoonful" ends
in -ful, but the adjective "careful" also ends in -ful.

2. Position in Sentence

We can often recognise a noun by its position in the sentence.

Nouns often come after a determiner (a determiner is a word like a, an, the, this, my, such):

a relief
an afternoon
the doctor
this word
my house
such stupidity

Nouns often come after one or more adjectives:

a great relief
 a peaceful afternoon
the tall, Indian doctor
this difficult word
my brown and white house
such crass stupidity

3. Function in a Sentence

Nouns have certain functions (jobs) in a sentence, for example:

subject of verb: Doctors work hard.

object of verb: He likes coffee.
subject and object of verb: Teachers teach students.

But the subject or object of a sentence is not always a noun. It could be a pronoun or a
phrase. In the sentence "My doctor works hard", the noun is "doctor" but the subject is "My
doctor".

Countable Nouns
Countable nouns are easy to recognize. They are things that we can count. For example:
"pen". We can count pens. We can have one, two, three or more pens. Here are some more
countable nouns:

dog, cat, animal, man, person

bottle, box, litre
coin, note, dollar
cup, plate, fork
table, chair, suitcase, bag

Countable nouns can be singular or plural:

My dog is playing.
My dogs are hungry.

We can use the indefinite article a/an with countable nouns:

 A dog is an animal.

When a countable noun is singular, we must use a word like a/the/my/this with it:

I want an orange. (not I want orange.)

Where is my bottle? (not Where is bottle?)

When a countable noun is plural, we can use it alone:

I like oranges.
Bottles can break.

We can use some and any with countable nouns:

I've got some dollars.

Have you got any pens?

We can use a few and many with countable nouns:

I've got a few dollars.

I haven't got many pens.

"People" is countable. "People" is the plural

of "person". We can count people:
There is one person here.

There are three people here.

Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are substances, concepts etc that we cannot divide into separate elements.
We cannot "count" them. For example, we cannot count "milk". We can count "bottles of
milk" or "litres of milk", but we cannot count "milk" itself. Here are some more uncountable
nouns:

music, art, love, happiness

advice, information, news
furniture, luggage
rice, sugar, butter, water
electricity, gas, power
 money, currency

We usually treat uncountable nouns as singular. We use a singular verb. For example:

This news is very important.

Your luggage looks heavy.

We do not usually use the indefinite article a/an with uncountable nouns. We cannot say "an
information" or "a music". But we can say a something of:

a piece of news
a bottle of water
a grain of rice

We can use some and any with uncountable nouns:

I've got some money.

Have you got any rice?

We can use a little and much with uncountable nouns:

I've got a little money.

I haven't got much rice.

Uncountable nouns are also called "mass

nouns".

Here are some more examples of countable and uncountable nouns. When you learn a new
word, it's a good idea to learn whether it's countable or uncountable.

Nouns that can be Countable and

Uncountable
Sometimes, the same noun can be countable and uncountable, often with a change of meaning.

Countable Uncountable

There are two hairs in my coffee! hair I don't have much hair.

There are two lights in our bedroom. light Close the curtain. There's too much light!
 noise It's difficult to work when there is too
Shhhhh! I thought I heard a noise.
much noise.

Have you got a paper to read? (= paper I want to draw a picture. Have you got
newspaper) some paper?

Our house has seven rooms. room Is there room for me to sit here?

We had a great time at the party. time Have you got time for a coffee?

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's

work I have no money. I need work!
greatest works.

Drinks (coffee, water, orange juice) are

usually uncountable. But if we are thinking of
a cup or a glass, we can say (in a restaurant,
for example):
Two teas and one coffee please

Proper Nouns (Names)

A proper noun is the special word (or name) that we use for a person, place or organization, like John,
Marie, London, France or Sony. A name is a noun, but a very special noun - a proper noun. Proper
nouns have special rules.

common noun proper noun

man, boy John

woman, girl Mary

country, town England, London

company Ford, Sony

shop, restaurant Maceys, McDonalds

month, day of the week January, Sunday

book, film War & Peace, Titanic

In this lesson we look at the uses of proper nouns, followed by a quiz to check your
understanding:


Using Capital Letters with Proper Nouns

We always use a Capital Letter for the first letter of a proper noun (name). This includes
names of people, places, companies, days of the week and months. For example:

They like John. (not *They like john.)

I live in England.

She works for Sony.

The last day in January is a Monday.

We saw Titanic in the Odeon Cinema.

Proper Nouns without THE

We do not use "the" with names of people. For example:

Bill (not *the Bill)

first names
Hilary

Clinton
surnames
Gates

full names Hilary Gates

If the full (registered) name of a company

starts with "The", then we use "The" if we use
We do not normally use "the" with names of
the full name, for example:
companies. For example:
The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd

Renault, Ford, Sony, EnglishClub.com

General Motors, Air France, British Airways
Warner Brothers, Brown & Son Ltd

We do not normally use "the" for shops, banks, hotels etc named after a founder or other
person (with -'s or -s). For example:

shops Harrods, Marks & Spencer, Maceys

It is sometimes said that the adjective is the
enemy of the noun. This is because, very
often, if we use the precise noun we don't
need an adjective. For example, instead of
saying "a large, impressive house" (2
adjectives + 1 noun) we could simply say "a
mansion" (1 noun).