Phrasal verbs with break

Phrasal verbs are made by putting a verb and an adverb particle or preposition together. They are common in all forms of English. The problem with phrasal verbs is that you cannot guess their meanings.

Phrasal verbs are common in all forms of English. Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with this grammar exercise.

Question 1

The firemen are still trying to extinguish the fire that ………………………………………. on the 18th floor of the 25-storey building.

a) broke out

b) broke up

c) broke away

d) broke off

Question 2

Sales of his latest book have ………………………………………. the 10 million mark.

a) broken off

b) broken away

c) broken through

d) broken up

Question 3

I was shocked to hear that Mary and James had …………………………………………

a) broken up

b) broken down

c) broken off

d) broken away

Question 9

No one can predict when wars will …………………………………………..

a) break out

b) break up

c) break off

d) break away

Question 5

‘I was surprised to hear that Alice is seeing John.’ ‘Why were you surprised? She has already ………………………………… with Peter.’

a) broken out

b) broken away

c) broken off*

d) broken down

Answers

1. The firemen are still trying to extinguish the fire that broke out on the 18th floor of the 25-storey building. (Break out = appear suddenly)

2. Sales of his latest book have broken through the 10 million mark. (Break through = cross)

3. I was shocked to hear that Mary and James had broken up. (Break up = end a relationship)

4. No one can predict when wars will break out. (Break out = appear suddenly)

5. ‘I was surprised to hear that Alice is seeing John.’ ‘Why were you surprised? She has already broken off with Peter.’ (Break off = end a relationship; stop being friendly with someone)