Phrasal verbs are two-word verbs like break out or put off. Sometimes phrasal verbs can be made up of three words. Examples are: put up with and fed up of.

Test your knowledge of phrasal verbs with this exercise. Each sentence given below contains a blank space. You have to fill in the blanks using an adverb particle or a preposition that would complete the phrasal verb present in the sentence. Each sentence is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.

1. I picked ……………………. some Dutch during to my trip to Amsterdam.

a) out   b) up    c) at

2. I had some serious concerns about his financial situation but he tried to play them ………………………..

a) down           b) up    c) off

3. It is true that she has acted in a few films, but all of them were very small roles. She is merely playing them …………………………..

a) away            b) up    c) out

4. She doesn’t like to play ……………………….. her boss. That’s why she lost her job.

a) up to b) up               c) off

5. It is a great opportunity. You will regret if you pass it ………………………

a) up    b) down           c) off

Answers

1. I picked up some Dutch during my trip to Amsterdam. (Pick up = acquire, learn)

2. I had some serious concerns about his financial situation, but he tried to play them down. (Play down = trivialize)

3. It is true that she has acted in a few films, but all of them were very small roles. She is merely playing them up. (Play up = highlight)

4. She doesn’t like to play up to her boss. That’s why she lost her job. (Play up to = flatter somebody with the objective of winning favors)

5. It is a great opportunity. You will regret if you pass it up. (Pass up = decline an offer; fail to take advantage of a situation)