These materials explore the relationship between phrasal verbs and single-word verbs with similar meanings. The exercises are organised by theme and provide opportunities to learn, practise and compare the two types of verb.
See the complete list of 248 phrasal verbs practised in the exercises below.
A note about the terminology
The verbs contrasted with the phrasal verbs in these exercises are called single-word verbs. Many of them are of Latin or French origin, and some are more common in formal or written English. However, this is not true of every verb.
Single-word verbs is therefore used here simply to distinguish these verbs from phrasal verbs. The distinction is not intended to suggest that one type is always more formal than the other.
Practice materials by theme
Each theme contains four activities:
- Single-word Verbs – a reference and practice list
- Phrasal Verbs – a reference and practice list
- Gap Fill Quiz – interactive practice
- Crossword – further vocabulary practice
Theme 1: Good & Bad Feelings
An unhappy relationship
Theme 2: Good & Bad Behaviour
The world we live in
Theme 3: Life & Health
Better & Worse · Success & Failure
Theme 4: Perception and Judgement
Good years or bad
Theme 5: Acceptance and Agreement
The new compact disk recorder
Theme 6: "Haves" & "Have-nots"
From rags to riches
Theme 7: Business & Finance
Fish & Chips Technical Supplies Ltd
Theme 8: Home Maintenance & Work
Do It Yourself: the great British pastime
Theme 9: Connections & Revelations
Colonies
Theme 10: Cause & Effect
Failing Schools
Theme 11: Escaping & Departing
The need to escape
Theme 12: Travel & Visits
A visit to Madrid
Theme 13: Time & Getting Along
Time Management
Theme 14: Oral & Written Communication
Learning English
```When do I use phrasal verbs or single-word equivalents?
Phrasal verbs are particularly common in everyday conversation and informal English. Their single-word equivalents are often more common in formal or written English, although this is not always the case.
In many contexts, both forms can be used without changing the basic meaning. The choice may depend on the context, the level of formality, the style of the speaker or writer, and which expression sounds most natural.
For example:
They carried out an investigation.
They conducted an investigation.
Both are possible, but conducted is generally more characteristic of formal written English.
Why organise the verbs by theme?
Phrasal and Single-word Verbs focuses on high-frequency vocabulary, presenting verbs in meaningful lexical groups. The 14 practice texts provide memorable contexts for learning phrasal verbs, since each text relates to a distinct theme or semantic field.
The verb components introduced in the worksheets are deliberately limited to 19 of the most common ones: bring, carry, come, cut, do, fall, get, give, go, hold, keep, lay, look, make, pass, pull, take and turn. These verb components combine with particles to form meanings that can be difficult for learners to guess, but are very important to know.
Organising the practice materials by theme or semantic field, rather than grouping together verbs that share a common particle such as up, allows the verbs to be presented in meaningful functional contexts. This also gives learners an opportunity to consider differences in style and formality and to choose the expression that is most appropriate for a particular context.
After using the "A" and "B" texts for practice, learners can be encouraged to write a "C" text using an appropriate mixture of single-word and phrasal verbs.
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