Phrasal verbs
The phrasal verbs that come up most in Part 4, and where to put the object.
A phrasal verb is a verb + a small word (up, off, out…), and together they have a new meaning. Part 4 often asks you to replace a normal verb with one – here are the most common!
How they work
Common Part 4 phrasal verbs
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).
OFF
The football match was called off because of the rain.
Call off = cancel. The sentence is passive: was called off.
DOWN
I turned down the job offer.
Turn down = refuse (an offer or an invitation).
RUN
We have run out of coffee.
Run out of = have no more of something.
Common mistakes
- ✗ The meeting was put because of the strike.✓ The meeting was put off because of the strike.Keep the particle – without it, the meaning changes.
- ✗ I'll pick up you at eight.✓ I'll pick you up at eight.A pronoun goes between the verb and the particle.
- ✗ She takes after of her mother.✓ She takes after her mother.Don't add extra prepositions.
Learn phrasal verbs with a meaning and an example, not in long lists. In Part 4 the key word is often the particle (OFF, UP, OUT): ask yourself which verb goes with it to give the meaning of the first sentence.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.
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