Second Nature Online English

Free Online English Vocabulary Lessons for ESL/EFL Students

 

Menu

Home

Idioms

Phrasal Verbs

Useful Expressions

Confusing Words

Canada/Festivals

Articles

Links

Online Resources

About Me

Phrasal Verbs

Unit 3.7 - "Up": Other Meanings

  • Guess the meanings of the phrasal verbs from context:

     

    1. He was supposed to be here at 8 o'clock and he didn't show up till ten. 

    2. I would like to take up singing as a hobby.

    3. Please be quick, you are taking up my time!

    4. I can't put up with loud music.

    5. To make up for his rude behavior yesterday, he took me out for dinner.

     

    All these phrasal verbs have the meaning of preparing or arranging for something.  See Explanations ê

     

  • Explanations:

 

Show up (inseparable)

To arrive (informal)
>>She didn't show up for the meeting.
>>
Do I have to make an appointment to see the doctor or do I just show up at the clinic?

Take up

(separable)

To start doing a particular job or activity 
>>He's taken up golf in his spare time.
>>Have you ever thought of taking up acting?

To use a particular amount of time, space or effort 

>>This desk takes up too much room.
>>I'll be quick, I don't want to take up too much of your time.
>>His day was completely taken up with meetings. 

Put up with (inseparable)

To endure an unpleasant behavior or an unpleasant situation
>>I can't put up with a dirty house.
>>He's so rude! How can you put up with him?

Make up for (inseparable)

To compensate for
>>This year's good harvest will make up for last year's bad one.
>>He bought me dinner to make up for being late the day before.

 

  • Exercise:

     

    • Complete the following sentences with a suitable phrase verb:

       

      • He's not easy to live with - I think Mary a lot.

      • My brother has decided to accounting as a career.

      • We can't buy this couch - it's too big!  It will the whole room.

      • She is not too reliable.  I wonder if she will for the interview.

      • I don't like heavy metal.  I can't the noise.

       

<Back to Module 3

Sitemap | Online English Blog (for EFL students)
Last Update: 2005-11-24.  Copyright © 2005 Second Nature Online English. All Rights Reserved.

 

English Lessons Provided by a TESOL Online Teacher

Learn English Online!