Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta phrasal verbs. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta phrasal verbs. Mostrar todas las entradas

lunes, 14 de abril de 2025

Phrasal Verbs III

As we have already seen, phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, also in professional contexts. They consist of a verb combined with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that modify the meaning of the original verb. Mastering these expressions can considerably improve your fluency and comprehension, especially in the workplace. We are going to look at several phrasal verbs commonly used in professional environments, with their definitions and examples. Let's get started!

Carry Out

To perform or complete a task or duty.

Example: "The team was able to carry out the project ahead of schedule, impressing the management with their efficiency."

Follow Up

To pursue or check on something after an initial action or communication.

Example: "After the meeting, I will follow up with the clients to ensure they received the proposal."

Take On

To accept a responsibility or a new task.

Example: "She decided to take on additional responsibilities to demonstrate her commitment to the company."

Look Into

To investigate or examine a situation or issue.

Example: "The HR department will look into the complaints raised by employees regarding workplace safety."

Bring Up

To introduce a topic for discussion.

Example: "During the meeting, he brought up the need for a new marketing strategy to boost sales."

Step Down

To resign from a position or reduce one's level of responsibility.

Example: "After years of dedicated service, the CEO announced that he would step down at the end of the year."

Run By

To present an idea or plan to someone for their approval or feedback.

Example: "Before finalizing the budget, I want to run it by the finance team to ensure everything is in order."

Set Up

To establish or arrange something, such as a meeting or a system.

Example: "We need to set up a conference call to discuss the project with the remote team."

Get Ahead

To advance in one's career or achieve success.

Example: "Networking is essential if you want to get ahead in this competitive industry."

Put Off

To postpone or delay an action or decision.

Example: "We cannot put off the decision any longer; we need to finalize the contract by the end of the week."


As a conclusion, phrasal verbs are not only prevalent in everyday conversation, but they are also crucial in professional communication.

Understanding and using these expressions can improve your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively in the workplace. As you improve your English language skills, adding phrasal verbs to your vocabulary will undoubtedly contribute to your overall proficiency and confidence in a professional environment. 

And one more thing: try to write down these phrasal verbs with new examples on a notebook. This practice will enhance your understanding and retention of the language!


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Posted on lunes, abril 14, 2025 by Guillermo Beltrán

domingo, 13 de abril de 2025

Phrasal verbs (II)

Phrasal verbs in English are combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs that create a meaning different from the original verb, as we know. Their origins can be traced back to several linguistic developments:

- Old and Middle English: Many phrasal verbs have roots in Old and Middle English, where verbs were often combined with particles to modify their meanings. For example, "give up" (to surrender) can be traced back to earlier forms of English.

- Germanic roots: English is a Germanic language, and many phrasal verbs have parallels in other Germanic languages. The use of particles to modify verbs is a common feature in Germanic languages, which influenced the development of English.
+ info

- Influence of other languages:
The Norman Conquest in 1066 introduced a significant amount of Norman French vocabulary into English, but the structure of phrasal verbs remained predominantly Germanic. However, the interaction with Latin and French also contributed to the richness of English vocabulary.

- Evolution of meaning:
Over time, the meanings of phrasal verbs have evolved. For instance, "take off" originally meant to remove something but has also come to mean when an aircraft leaves the ground.

- Colloquial usage: Phrasal verbs are often more informal and conversational than their single-word counterparts. This has made them popular in everyday speech, contributing to their proliferation in modern English.

- Cultural and social influences: As English has evolved, so have its phrasal verbs, influenced by cultural changes, technological advancements, and social interactions.
 

Overall, the origins of phrasal verbs in English reflect a combination of historical linguistic developments, cultural influences, and the natural evolution of language.

 For more information, visit the following links:

 

Posted on domingo, abril 13, 2025 by Guillermo Beltrán

lunes, 29 de enero de 2024

English with Rachel

Another writing exercise (to be done...)


This is the article about idioms related to health: https://www.scmp.com/yp/learn/learning-resources/article/3169992/15-health-idioms-keep-you-fit-fiddle

The topic of the next class will be about exercise and its benefits. So i would like you to write a 150 word essay on this topic, `please use the following vocabulary and idioms to help you: Sport verbs vocabulary

List of the phrasal verbs mentioned on the article:

  • Fit as a fiddle: In excellent physical condition.
    My grandmother, at the age of 85, is still as fit as a fiddle, regularly hiking and swimming.
  • Alive and kicking: Full of energy and vitality.
    Even after a long illness, the old man was alive and kicking, eager to get back to his hobbies.
  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Consuming apples regularly can promote good health.
    My grandpa swears by his daily apple, insisting it's the secret to his longevity.
  • A bitter pill to swallow: A difficult or unpleasant truth to accept.
    The breakup was a bitter pill to swallow, but I'm slowly moving on.
  • A picture of health: Looking remarkably healthy and well-maintained.
    The athlete was the picture of health, with a glowing complexion and a spring in her step.
  • A clean bill of health: A favorable assessment of someone or something's condition.
     The doctor gave me a clean bill of health, saying I'm in excellent shape.
  • Just what the doctor ordered: Exactly what is needed or desired in a given situation.
    A hot cup of tea and a cozy blanket were just what the doctor ordered after a long day.
  • Out of shape: Physically unfit or lacking fitness.
    After years of sitting at a desk, I'm finally getting back in shape with regular exercise.
  • On the mend: Improving or recovering from an illness or injury.
    The patient is on the mend, showing significant improvement after the surgery.
  • Snake oil: A worthless or fraudulent product or remedy.
    The salesperson's claims about his miracle cure sounded like snake oil to me.
  • Skin and bone: Extremely thin and malnourished.
    The malnourished child was skin and bone, a heartbreaking sight to behold.
  • A spring in one's step: Moving with energy and enthusiasm.
    The young woman walked with a spring in her step, her eyes sparkling with joy.
  • A new lease on life: A renewed sense of hope, vigor, and vitality.
    After the divorce, she found a new lease on life, traveling the world and pursuing her passions.
  • To have a frog in one's throat: To have a temporary hoarseness caused by excess mucus in the throat.
    The singer's hoarse voice was caused by a frog in his throat, forcing him to postpone the concert.
  • Under the weather: Feeling unwell or sick.
    My friend is under the weather, so I'll bring her some soup and a good book.

Posted on lunes, enero 29, 2024 by Guillermo Beltrán

miércoles, 28 de mayo de 2014

Phrasal Verbs (I), una introducción
En el idioma inglés existen muchos verbos compuestos, formados por el verbo más un adverbio o una preposición:
  • verb + adverb
  • verb + preposition

Son los denominados Phrasal Verbs. El adverbio o la preposición que acompaña al verbo 'provoca' que cambie completamente el significado del verbo al que acompaña, altera su significado 'literal'.

Ejemplos / examples:
  • If you don't know the meaning of a word, you have to look it up in the dictionary (Si no sabes el significado de una palabra, tienes que buscarla en el diccionario)

En esa frase, 
to look something up no tiene el significado literal de 'mirar algo hacia arriba', sino de buscar algo (una palabra) en el diccionario para conocer su significado.
  • We'll have to put the meeting off, as John's leaving tomorrow morning. (Tendremos que posponer la reunión, ya que John se va mañana)

Y en este caso,
 to put something off no significa 'quitar o apartar algo', sino posponer (to pospone), en esta caso una reunión (a meeting).

Disponéis de un listado de los
Phrasal Verbs más sencillos y utilizados en esta web: Phrasal Verbs List.

Deciros que es bastante complicado (si no imposible) aprendérselos todos; es una cuestión de tiempo y práctica, sobre todo práctica. Lo iremos viendo... 

Para más información y referencia sobre los Phrasal Verbs, os dejo algunos enlaces recomendados:

Posted on miércoles, mayo 28, 2014 by Guillermo Beltrán