Phrasal Verbs

Unit 3.6 - "Up" meaning "Preparing"

Guess the meanings of the phrasal verbs from context:
1. Shall we warm up first before going for a jog?
2. The government drew up a detailed plan to revive the economy.
3. A special committee has been set up to look into the disaster.
4. Before asking his mother for more allowance, John tried to soften her up by helping her clean the house.
5. I'd like to meet Mr. Jones to talk about our new project. Can you fix up a meeting for next Monday?
All these phrasal verbs have the meaning of preparing or arranging for something. See Explanations ê
Explanations:

Warm up (inseparable)	To get ready (usually to do exercises before a game) >>I always warm up before I start playing tennis.
Draw up (separable)	To prepare something [e.g. list, plan, contract] by writing it >>The new agreement was drawn up in secret by the Health Minister. >>I've *drawn up* a list of candidates I'd like to interview.
Set up (separable)	To start a company or organization >>At the age of 19 he *set up* an online business. >>A committee has been *set up* to investigate the problem.
Soften up (separable)	To do things that will please someone so that they will do what you want >>She tried to *soften* him up with a nice meal before asking him to help her paint her house.
Fix up (separable)	To arrange something [esp. meeting] >>I'd like to *fix up* a meeting with you for some time next week if that's possible.

Exercise:
- Complete the sentences with a suitable phrase verb:
  - I always spend ten minutes before a race.
  - She's me for something: I wish I knew what it was.
  - Could you a list of what we need for our trip?
  - I my own English Language School last year.
  - The lawyer a contract for the two companies to sign.
  - My secretary will a taxi for you.
  - They jogged around the track three times to .
  - We will have to him first, before we ask him for a raise.
  - The government has a special committee to deal with the garbage problem.
  - Have you done anything about a place for Mr. Brown to stay while he's in town?

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