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TermsEnglish (UK) · Phrasal Verbs in Context
Particles: up, down, on, off, in, out, away, back
A phrasal verb is a verb plus a small word called a particle: up, down, on, off, in, out, away or back. The particle changes the meaning, so switch on and switch off are opposites. Read the whole sentence and let the situation tell you which particle fits:
- on / off: start or stop a machine; put clothes on or remove them (switch on the lamp, take off your shoes)
- up / down: rise or go lower (wake up, sit down, turn it down)
- in / out: enter or leave a place (check in, eat out)
- away: to another place, no longer here (go away, give away)
- back: return to where something was before (give it back, come back)
Some meanings are idiomatic: give up means stop doing something, and break down means stop working. Learn each verb together with its particle.
Examples
- Could you turn off the radio?
- We usually get up at seven.
- Please come in and sit down.
- I'll be back in five minutes.
Try it yourself
Please sit . The doctor will see you soon.Show answer
Please sit down. The doctor will see you soon.
It's too dark to read. Could you switch the lamp?Show answer
It's too dark to read. Could you switch on the lamp?
Take your shoes, please. The floor is clean.Show answer
Take off your shoes, please. The floor is clean.
I usually wake before my alarm rings.Show answer
I usually wake up before my alarm rings.
Come and make yourself at home.Show answer
Come in and make yourself at home.
It's a lovely day. Let's go for a walk.Show answer
It's a lovely day. Let's go out for a walk.
Can I borrow your umbrella? I'll give it to you tomorrow.Show answer
Can I borrow your umbrella? I'll give it back to you tomorrow.
Go and leave me alone.Show answer
Go away and leave me alone.
It's cold outside, so put a warm coat.Show answer
It's cold outside, so put on a warm coat.
Our plane took at six and landed at nine.Show answer
Our plane took off at six and landed at nine.