ENGLISH
PHRASAL VERBS
60 units of vocabulary
reference and practice
Self-study and
classroom use
IN USE
Second Edition
Advanced
Michael McCarthy
Felicity O’Dell
ENGLISH
PHRASAL VERBS
60 units of vocabulary
reference and practice
Self-study and
classroom use
IN USE
Second Edition
Advanced
Michael McCarthy
Felicity O’Dell
University Printing House, Cambridge CB2 8BS, United Kingdom
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© Cambridge University Press 2017
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permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published 2007
Second Edition 2017
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ISBN 978-1-316-62809-6
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Contents
Acknowledgements
3
Functions
Using this book
4
22
Supporting and opposing people
or views
48
Agreeing
50
Understanding and having ideas
52
Arranging things
54
Talking about size and number
56
Talking about success and failure
58
Discussing problems
60
Deciding and influencing
62
Exclamations and warnings
64
Learning about phrasal verbs
Collocation and phrasal verbs
14
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Register
16
Work, study and finance
Meaning and metaphor
18
Idioms using phrasal verbs
20
1
Phrasal verbs: what are they and
how are they used?
6
2
3
4
Grammar of phrasal verbs
8
Phrasal nouns
10
Phrasal adjectives
12
Interesting aspects of phrasal verbs
5
6
7
8
Around and about
22
Down
24
In
26
31
32
33
34
35
36
Off
28
Personal life
On
30
Out
32
Up
34
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Key particles
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Concepts
16
17
18
19
20
21
Time
36
Cause and effect
38
Memory
40
Making progress
42
Conflict and violence
44
Sound
46
Work
66
Study
68
Lectures and seminars
70
Writing essays
72
Business
74
Money
76
At home
78
Clothing and appearance
80
Relationships
82
Character and personal qualities
84
Feelings
86
Social life
88
Health and symptoms
90
The body
92
How people speak
94
How people move
96
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
1
The world around us
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Nature
98
Weather
100
Places
102
Transport
104
The news
106
Secrets and lies
108
Rules and laws
110
Technology
112
Food and drink
114
Key verbs
56
57
58
59
60
2
Come
116
Get
118
Go
120
Keep
122
Take
124
Key
126
Mini dictionary
162
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Acknowledgements English Phrasal
Verbs in Use Advanced
Joy Godwin wrote two new units for the Second Edition: Unit 23, Agreeing, and Unit 33,
Lectures and seminars. The publishers would like to thank Joy for her contribution to this edition.
The authors and publishers acknowledge the following sources of copyright material and
are grateful for the permissions granted. While every effort has been made, it has not always
been possible to identify the sources of all the material used, or to trace all copyright holders.
If any omissions are brought to our notice, we will be happy to include the appropriate
acknowledgements on reprinting and in the next update to the digital edition, as applicable.
Key: T = Top, B = Below, C = Centre, TL = Top Left, TR = Top Right, CL = Centre Left, CR = Centre Right,
BR = Below Right, BL = Below Left.
Photographs
All the photographs are sourced from Getty Images.
p. 12 (TR): Plume Creative; p. 12 (CL): Jim Craigmyle/First Light; p. 12 (BR): diego_cervo/iStock;
p. 13 (TL): DonNichols/iStock; p. 13 (TR): Colin Anderson/Blend Images; p. 13 (BL): Camilo
Morales/Blend Images; p. 13 (BR): View Pictures; p. 26: Thomas Barwick/Digital Vision; p. 32 (T):
Robert Harding; p. 32 (B): iStock; p. 40 (T): ivanastar/iStock; p. 40 (C): Wolfgang Ehn/LOOK-foto;
p. 40 (B): michaeljung/iStock; p. 43 (TL): fstop123/E+; p. 43 (BR): Hill Street Studios/Blend Images;
p. 45: Maskot; p. 50: Ezra Bailey/Taxi; p. 52 (TR): Phil Boorman/Cultura; p. 52 (BR) & p. 66 (photo 3):
Hero Images; p. 55 (TR): PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou; p. 55 (BL): Image Source; p. 56: gilaxia/E+;
p. 58 (TR): Chris Ryan/The Image Bank; p. 58 (CR): omersukrugoksu/iStock; p. 58 (BR): Dougal
Waters/DigitalVision; p. 60: Ezra Bailey/Iconica; p. 66 (photo 1): Sam Diephuis/Blend Images;
p. 66 (photo 2): Colin Hawkins/Stone; p. 66 (photo 4): Blend Images/Trinette Reed; p. 66 (photo 5):
Indeed; p. 66 (photo 6): Peter Dazeley/Photographer’s Choice; p. 70 (TR): skynesher/E+; p. 70
(BR): monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 76 (T): DmitriyOsipov/iStock; p. 76
(BR): RoBeDeRo/E+; p. 90 (TR): Chris Parker/Perspectives; p. 90 (BR): Betsie Van Der Meer/Taxi;
p. 98 (photo 1): Thorsten Milse/robertharding; p. 98 (photo 2): ClaraNila/iStock; p. 98 (photo 3):
EcoPic/iStock; p. 99: WLDavies/iStock; p. 101 (photo 1): Apriori1/iStock; p. 101 (photo 2): Walter
Zerla/Blend Images; p. 101 (photo 3): Slava Bowman/EyeEm; p. 101 (photo 4): Anke Wittkowski/
EyeEm; p. 101 (photo 5): Edwin Remsberg/The Image Bank; p. 101 (photo 6): mshch/iStock;
p. 102: Robin Bush/Oxford Scientific; p. 109: Di_Studio/iStock; p. 110 (TR): tunart/E+; p. 110
(BR): Image Source/DigitalVision; p. 114 (fruits): 109508Liane Riss; p. 114 (vegetables): Teubner/
StockFood Creative; p. 114 (pizza): Ed Nano/StockFood Creative; p. 114 (salad): Doram/E+;
p. 120: StudioCampo; p. 121: Kirillica/iStock; p. 124: Yuri_Arcurs/DigitalVision.
Illustrations
Ludmila (KJA Artists), Katie Mac (NB Illustration), Martina (KJA Artists), Gavin Reece (New
Division) and Miguel Diaz Rivas (Advocate Art).
Cambridge Dictionaries
Cambridge Dictionaries are the world’s most widely used dictionaries for learners of English. The
dictionaries are available in print and online at dictionary.cambridge.org. Copyright © Cambridge
University Press, reproduced with permission.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
3
Using this book
Why was this book written?
It was written to help you take your knowledge of phrasal verbs to a more advanced level. It is
intended for students who already have at least an upper intermediate level of English. Many
of you will have already worked with English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate and this book
builds on the work done there. However, it does not matter if you have gained your knowledge
of phrasal verbs in a different way. We do not assume that you have used English Phrasal Verbs in
Use Intermediate, although we do present and practise either different phrasal verbs in this book
or, occasionally, more advanced uses of verbs that were presented in the lower level book.
How were the phrasal verbs in this book selected?
The approximately 1,000 phrasal verbs and related nouns and adjectives which are presented in this
book were mainly selected from those identified as significant by the CANCODE corpus of spoken
English developed at the University of Nottingham in association with Cambridge University Press,
and the Cambridge International Corpus (now known as the Cambridge English Corpus) of written
and spoken English. The phrasal verbs selected are accordingly also to be found in the Cambridge
Dictionary online by going to the following website: http://dictionary.cambridge.org
How is the book organised?
The book has 60 two-page units. The left-hand page explains the phrasal verbs that are presented
in the unit. You will usually find an explanation of the meaning of the phrasal verb, an example of
it in use and, where appropriate, some comments on when and how it is used. The exercises on
the right-hand page check that you have understood the information on the left-hand page and
give you practice in using the material presented.
The units are organised into different sections.
First we start with important information about phrasal verbs in general (Units 1–4): what they
are, how their grammar works and so on. We strongly recommend that you do these units first.
The next section looks at some interesting aspects of more advanced phrasal verbs, dealing with
such important issues as collocation, register and metaphor. As these are themes that are returned to
throughout the book, it is a good idea to work through these units before progressing to other more
specific units.
After these two introductory sections, there is a section dealing with some of the most common
particles used in forming phrasal verbs. Working on these units will help you to gain a feeling for
the force of these particles and will help you have a feeling for the meaning of a phrasal verb you
are meeting for the first time.
The next two sections deal with Concepts (e.g. Time) and Functions (e.g. Arranging things). These
sections are followed by a large number of topic-based units focusing on different aspects of
Work, Personal life and The world around us.
The final section looks at some of the most common verbs which are used to form phrasal verbs.
The book has a key to all the exercises so that you can check your answers. At the back of the
book you will also find a useful Mini dictionary. This provides clear definitions of all the phrasal
verbs and related noun and adjective forms that appear in this book. The Mini dictionary also
indicates the unit number where you can find a particular phrasal verb.
How should I use this book?
It is strongly recommended that you work through Units 1–4 first so that you become familiar
with the way phrasal verbs (and their associated nouns and adjectives) operate and with the
terminology that is used in the rest of the book. Then we suggest that you move on to Units 5–8
and after that you may work on the units in any order that suits you.
4
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
What else do I need in order to work with this book?
You need a notebook or file so that you can write down the phrasal verbs that you study in the
book as well as any others that you come across elsewhere.
You also need to have access to a good dictionary. We strongly recommend the Cambridge
Phrasal Verbs Dictionary as this gives you exactly the kind of information that you need to have
about phrasal verbs. Your teacher, however, may also be able to recommend other dictionaries
that you may find useful.
So all that remains is to say Go for it! (Unit 30). We hope you’ll find this an enjoyable as well as a
useful way to keep up and extend your knowledge of English phrasal verbs in use.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
5
1
Phrasal verbs: what are they and how
are they used?
A
What are phrasal verbs?
B
Why are phrasal verbs important?
Phrasal verbs are verbs that consist of a verb and a particle (a preposition or adverb) or a verb
and two particles (an adverb and a preposition, as in get on with or look forward to). They
are identified by their grammar (more about that in Unit 2), but it is probably best to think of
them as individual vocabulary items, to be learnt in phrases or chunks. They often – but not
always – have a one-word equivalent. For example, you can come across a new phrasal verb
or you can encounter it. You can pick up a language or you can acquire it. Come across and
pick up sound less literary or formal than encounter or acquire.
Phrasal verbs are extremely common in English. They are found in a wide variety of contexts.
You may have noticed them in songs, for example the Beatles’ I’ll get by with a little help from my
friends or Roll over Beethoven, Bob Marley’s Get up, stand up and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Knock
me down. You find them in film titles such as The Empire Strikes Back, Spirited Away, Along Came
Polly or Cast Away. They are very frequent in newspaper headlines. Here are just a few examples:
Country’s misplaced pride
holds back its democracy
Inquiry points
to a cover-up
Cricket: England
holds out for a draw
Turner adds up likely cost of pensions
Phrasal verbs are common in less formal English, but you will also hear or see and need to use
them in more formal contexts. Register is discussed in more detail in Unit 6.
C
Which phrasal verbs does this book deal with?
This book is based on information gained from the Cambridge International Corpus (a huge
computerised database of present-day English) about phrasal verbs and how they are used in
contemporary English. It focuses on phrasal verbs more advanced students need to know – but in
general does not deal with the verbs in the lower level English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate.
It includes phrasal nouns such as standby or onset (see Unit 3) and phrasal adjectives such as
outgoing or worn out (see Unit 4).
D
What can I do to help myself master phrasal verbs?
Try to think positively about them! And, now you are at a more advanced level, try not just to
understand them but also to use them in your own speaking and writing.
Keep an eye open for them whenever you are reading anything in English and make a note of
any interesting ones you find. Write them down in a complete phrase or a sentence to fix in
your mind how they are used.
Be aware that one of the special features of phrasal verbs is that some of them have many
different meanings – for example, you can pick something up from the floor, you can pick up
a language or bad habits, the weather can pick up, you can pick up a bargain, a radio can
pick up a signal, the economy can pick up, you can pick up a story where you left it, you can
pick someone up in your car. Sometimes the meanings are clearly related, some being more
literal and some more metaphorical. Unit 7 deals with this in more detail.
In this book we may not present all the meanings of the verbs that are included. You may find
others in English Phrasal Verbs in Use Intermediate and there are still more in the Cambridge
Phrasal Verbs Dictionary.
6
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
1.1
Underline the phrasal verbs in these texts. Remember the particle or preposition may
not be immediately next to the verb.
1 I decided to take up gardening, so I took out a subscription to a gardening magazine and read up
on the subject. I found out so many interesting things, such as the best time to plant flowers out
for the summer and how to grow vegetables. I’ve really got into it now and spend hours in the
garden every weekend.
2 The other day we went off on a hike in the mountains. We put our wet-weather gear on as the
weather forecast wasn’t good. We set off early to avoid the rush hour and soon reached the
starting point for our walk. The whole walk took about four hours, and when we got back we were
exhausted.
3 I have to catch up on my coursework this weekend as I’ve fallen behind a bit. I worked on it
till midnight last night, but I still have loads to do. I have to hand one essay in on Tuesday and
another one on Friday. I’m not sure whether I’ll make it, but I’ll try.
1.2
Choose the correct particle to finish these song titles.
1
2
3
4
1.3
dictionary.cambridge.org
1.4
Can’t get you off from / out of / away from my head (Kylie Minogue)
Hold you against / down / at (Jennifer Lopez)
We can work it with / across / out (The Beatles)
Send from / in / with the clowns (Barbra Streisand)
Complete the sentences in the right-hand column with a phrasal noun or adjective
based on the phrasal verbs in the left-hand column. Use a dictionary if necessary, and
remember that the particle may come at the beginning or end of the noun or adjective.
1
The school took in some outstanding students
last year.
Last year’s
outstanding students.
2
Some prisoners broke out of the local prison
last night.
There was a(n)
prison last night.
3
It was an experience that put everyone off.
It was a(n)
experience.
4
She always speaks out and gives her opinion.
She is very
.
5
A lorry which had broken down was blocking
the road.
A
road.
included some
at the local
lorry was blocking the
Match the headlines with the sentences from the stories.
1
BIG SHAKE-UP EXPECTED IN EDUCATION
2
MINISTER DENIES COVER-UP
3
LOCKOUT CONTINUES AT AVIATION PLANT
4
BREAKAWAY GROUP TO FORM NEW PARTY
5
POWER PLANT SHUTDOWN LEAVES 5,000 HOMES IN DARKNESS
a) The dispute is now in its fifth week.
b) Unity was no longer possible, a spokesperson said.
c) The event happened at 7.45 p.m. with no warning.
d) There will be major changes at all levels.
e) There was no attempt to hide the truth, claimed Pamela Harding.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
7
2
Grammar of phrasal verbs
A
Phrasal verbs with and without objects
Some phrasal verbs take an object (transitive); others do not take an object (intransitive).
1
with object (transitive)
no object (intransitive)
They’re knocking down the old hotel.
The path branched off 1 to the river.
The plumber soon sorted out the shower problem.
The noise of the train died away.
She tied her hair back so she could swim faster.
In the winter the lake froze over.
if a road or path branches off, it goes in another direction
Some verbs can be used both with and without an object, but the meaning may change. Use
the context to decide if the verb has a different meaning from the one you are familiar with.
Polly and Beth were so clever the teacher moved them up to a higher class. (with object)
Polly and Beth moved up to a higher class. (no object = same meaning)
I can drop you off at the station. (with object = drive you somewhere and leave you there)
I was sitting in the armchair and I dropped off. (no object = fell asleep, different meaning)
Some verbs must have two objects, one after the verb and one after the particle.
I always associate that song with our holiday in Jamaica.
Playing tennis for three hours every evening after school deprived her of her youth.
B
Position of the object
In many cases, the particle may come before or after the object.
The teacher marked the student down / marked down the student because her bibliography
wasn’t up to standard.
Very long objects usually come after the particle.
The accident cut off domestic and industrial water and electricity supplies.
When the object is a personal pronoun, the pronoun always comes before the particle.
noun object
personal pronoun object
I picked my parents up / picked up my parents and
drove them to the airport.
I’ll pick you up at 5.30. (Not: I’ll pick up you
at 5.30.)
Some verbs (sometimes called prepositional verbs) must have the object after the particle,
even if it is a pronoun. A good dictionary will tell you if this is so.
We’ve had to contend with a lot of problems lately. (Not: contend a lot of problems with)
[deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation]
You probably already know some of these verbs (look for, look after, cope with).
C
Three-part verbs
Some phrasal verbs have three parts – the verb and two particles. The object comes last.
I will not put up with such bad behaviour. [tolerate]
Other examples include look forward to, look down on, get on with, catch up on [do
something you did not have time to do earlier], face up to [accept that a difficult or
unpleasant situation exists].
8
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
2.1
Look at A. Do these sentences need an object? If they do, add an appropriate one in the
correct place.
example
Last summer we knocked down.
Yes. Knock down is transitive; it needs an object.
Last summer we knocked down the old shed in our garden.
1
2
3
4
5
6
2.2
Put the words in the correct order to make sentences. If you can do it in two different
ways, then do so.
1
2
3
4
5
2.3
pick / off / you / work / the / I / and / can / at / you / from / airport / up / drop / then
from / that / put / teacher / she / The / not / would / said / with / such / up / class / rudeness / her
villages / The / off / several / have / mountains / in / cut / the / floods
your / doesn’t / the / improve / down / If / will / spelling / mark / examiners / you
always / Margot / to / with / all / seems / her / cheerfully / problems / cope
Rewrite each sentence using the verb in brackets in an appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2.4
The sound of the violin slowly died away.
If you’re ready to leave now, I can drop off at your office.
The river in St Petersburg freezes over for several months each year.
My son is so good at English that I think the teacher should move up to the advanced class.
I associate with that evening we spent together in Rome.
I was so tired that I dropped off in front of the TV.
I’ll have to ask my daughter to get my Internet connection working. (sort)
I was so tired after work that I fell asleep in the train on the way home. (drop)
I was given a lower mark because my essay was over the word limit. (mark)
Jason has no right to despise me – he’s no better than I am. (look)
Lara doesn’t have a good relationship with one of her flatmates. (get)
You have to accept the fact that you will probably never see each other again. (face)
Maria has got a new job taking care of an old lady. (look)
If you don’t let the children get enough sleep, they won’t be able to concentrate at school. (deprive)
In Lapland we had to manage in some difficult driving conditions. (contend)
The road to our house leaves the main road just after the service station. (branch)
Write answers to these questions using the phrasal verb in brackets.
1 What are your plans for the summer holidays? (look forward to)
2 What homework have you got to do this weekend? (catch up on)
3 If you’ve been away somewhere by train and arrive back late, how do you usually get home from
the station? (pick up)
4 What is your favourite album and why do you like it? (associate with)
5 What sorts of things make you feel stressed? (contend with)
6 How easy do you find it to fall asleep at night? (drop off)
Over to you
Look up these verbs in your dictionary: associate with, deprive of, contend with and face up to.
How does your dictionary give information about the structures that these verbs require? What
nouns do these verbs typically combine with according to the examples in your dictionary?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
9
3
Phrasal nouns
A
What are phrasal nouns?
Like phrasal verbs, phrasal nouns consist of a verb combined with a particle. The particle may
come before or after the verb.
phrasal noun
meaning
example
standby
ready to be used
if necessary
My wife’s a pilot and she’s on standby over the weekend.
letdown
disappointment
I had been looking forward to the concert for weeks, but it turned out
to be a terrible letdown.
back-up
support
Nicholas can provide technical back-up if you need it.
warm-up
preparation
The comedian who did the warm-up for the studio audience before
the TV programme started was excellent.
onset
start (of something
unpleasant)
The match was halted by the onset of torrential rain.
input
contribution
Try to come to the meeting – we’d value your input.
overkill
more of something
than is needed
Shall I add some more decorations to the cake or would that be overkill?
We’re keeping the old equipment as a standby, in case of emergencies.
Some such nouns have a corresponding phrasal verb, but some don’t. For example, there
is no phrasal verb to kill over. The phrasal verb set on exists but it means attack. The verb
related to onset is set in: We couldn’t continue playing after the rain set in.
If the particle is in first place, then the phrasal noun is never written with a hyphen. If
the particle comes second, then there is sometimes a hyphen between the two parts of
the phrasal noun, particularly if that particle is in or up or if the phrasal noun is relatively
infrequent, e.g. walk-on [small part, with no words, in a play], stand-off.
B
When are phrasal nouns used?
Phrasal nouns are used frequently in newspapers and informal conversation.
1
2
STOWAWAY1 FOUND ON PLANE
BREAKDOWN IN STRIKE TALKS
STAND-OFF2 IN TRADE TALKS
MANAGEMENT BUYOUT FOR HIGH STREET CHAIN
WALKOUT3 AT CAR FACTORY
HELP FOR BUSINESS START-UPS
SINGER STAGES A COMEBACK
MILITARY BUILD-UP4 CONTINUES
person hiding in order to travel
failure to reach agreement
3
4
strike
increase in size or strength
Annie
Who do you think will get the job –
Paul or Elsa?
Lily
Did you have a good time at
football last night?
Finn
I don’t know. It’s a toss-up.
[(informal) both seem equally likely]
David
Yes, but we didn’t have a real game,
just a knockabout.
Tip
The stress is on the first syllable in these nouns regardless of whether this is the verb or the particle.
10
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
3.1
Complete these sentences using a phrasal noun from A opposite.
1
2
3
4
5
The
of winter meant that there was less food for the animals and birds.
I thought having a 45-piece orchestra at their wedding really was
, personally.
The police officer radioed for
before entering the bank.
Let’s ask Joel what he thinks. I always find his
very useful in these matters.
TV producers find that studio audiences react better if they have a
to watch before
a live programme.
6 Our holiday in the Mediterranean was a bit of a
. The hotel was second-rate and the
food was awful.
7 Although Cameron usually rides his new road bike to school now, he’s kept his old bike as
a
.
3.2
Rewrite these sentences, starting with the cues given, using phrasal nouns from the
opposite page instead of the underlined words.
1 Two men who had stowed away in the container were arrested when police opened it.
The police opened the container and
2 Negotiations with union members broke down after a couple of hours.
There was a
3 The management bought out the company in 2014.
There was a
4 Last night all the workers walked out and the factory was forced to close.
There was a
5 Military forces are continuing to build up on both sides of the border.
The military
3.3
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal nouns in these sentences.
1 There has been a stand-up for several days now in the talks between the government and the
rebels. Neither side will make any concessions.
2 Last year there were 15,000 new Internet business start-offs, most of which only survived for a few
months.
3 After years without releasing an album, Madeleine Flame has staged a comeagain with her new
collection of love songs.
4
Holly
Have you decided where you’re going this summer?
Flora
Not really. It’s a toss-over whether it’ll be Italy or Greece.
5 I met Nasser and we just had a knockover on the college football pitch for half an hour.
3.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Choose the correct phrasal noun in each sentence. Use a dictionary if necessary.
1
2
3
4
5
Putout / Output has increased this year and the factory is doing well.
One of the robbers acted as lookout / outlook while the others robbed the bank.
There was a sudden pourdown / downpour and we all got very wet.
The breakout / outbreak of war in 1914 changed Europe for ever.
Lift-off / Off-lift is scheduled for 07.00 on Friday and the astronauts will arrive at the space station
later that day.
6 There was a break-in / an in-break at our office last night. Two computers were stolen.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
11
4
Phrasal adjectives
Some phrasal verbs have related adjectives. Make a note of these as you meet them.
phrasal verb
adjective
meaning
example
go on
ongoing
one which continues
We’ve had an ongoing problem with the computer system.
wear out
worn out
weak, damaged
through much use
She was wearing old, worn-out shoes.
break down
brokendown
one that has
stopped working
In our garage we’ve got an old broken-down fridge.
However, this is not the case for all such adjectives. We can say ‘that way of thinking is very
outdated’, but there is no related verb to date out; we can say ‘the restaurant was really
overpriced’, but there is no phrasal verb to price over (the verb is ‘to overprice’).
Note the phrasal adjectives in these extracts from people talking about their dreams and ambitions.
I’m an outgoing sort of person, so I want a career where I mix with people.
To be honest, I find the idea of a desk job quite off-putting1; I just don’t
think I’d like it at all. I’d love to do something new, something
completely different.
1
makes you not like it or not want to do it
I’ve always been very outspoken. I’m never afraid to express my opinion,
so I think a job campaigning for an environmental organisation would
suit me. I would never accept any watered-down2 proposals and
would make some very direct demands of our political leaders.
2
made less strong in order to make more people agree with them
I always feel completely tired out at the end of the day in my present job
and just want to sleep. Instead of feeling cheerful after a good
weekend, I always feel quite downcast3 every Monday when the
new week starts, so I want something new and more stimulating,
preferably with a more go-ahead company which will bring interest
and excitement into my work.
3
sad and depressed
Here are some more examples in small advertisements and announcements.
Forthcoming4 events
at the City Stadium
4
happening in the near
future
Live-in nanny wanted
for 3-year-old.
Fold-up picnic chair
for sale. As new.
Caravan for sale: builtin fridge, freezer and
satellite TV
For rent, cosy one-room flat
with foldaway bed. Ideal
for student.
Tip
When you come across a phrasal adjective, check to see whether it has a ‘matching’ verb and, if so,
learn the two together.
12
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
4.1
Replace the adjective in each sentence with a phrasal adjective with the opposite
meaning.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4.2
What do these pictures show?
1
2
3
4
4.3
4.5
a
a
a
a
chair
car
oven
bed
Answer these questions about the words on the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4.4
There was a new carpet on the stairs.
The newsletter has a list of recent activities at the tennis club.
What’s happened? You’re looking very cheerful!
Unlike her sister, Emily is very introverted.
I find the cover of this novel very attractive, don’t you?
It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, Polina always looks fresh.
We are not in the habit of going to such cheap restaurants.
When you meet my boss I think you’ll find her surprisingly uncommunicative.
Can you think of one advantage and one disadvantage for parents of having a live-in nanny?
In what kind of room might it be particularly useful to have a foldaway bed?
What kind of job would not be suitable for a very outspoken person?
When might you want to give a watered-down version of something that happened to you?
What kind of job requires you to be outgoing?
What kind of problem tends to be ongoing?
What might you find off-putting if you are having a meal in a restaurant?
What sorts of things do you think are often overpriced?
Match the pairs of synonyms in the box below.
broken-down
candid
continuing
diluted
downcast
dynamic
exhausted
extrovert
forthcoming
future
go-ahead
miserable
not working
obsolete
off-putting
ongoing
outdated
outgoing
outspoken
repellent
shabby
tired-out
watered-down
worn out
Here are some more phrasal adjectives. Work out from the context what they mean and
rewrite the sentences replacing the underlined words with a word or phrase that means
the same.
1
2
3
4
5
If the union doesn’t accept our terms, what should we have as our fallback position?
Clara always feels left out when her brother’s friends come round to play.
Julian is usually chatty but his sister is not very forthcoming.
You shouldn’t get so worked up about every little thing.
Zack met me at the airport with outstretched arms.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
13
5
Collocation and phrasal verbs
A
Why is collocation important?
Collocation means the way words combine with one another. When learning a phrasal verb, it
is important to note what kinds of words the verb is typically used with. For example, can it be
used for both people and things, or only for people, or only for things? Is it typically used with
negative things or can it be used for both positive and negative things?
Look at this chart for the verb pore over [study or look carefully at something] and note how
the objects it is used with refer especially to books or documents.
a document
a book
pore over
a list of names
a manuscript
Making a note of collocations in this way will help you remember the meaning of the phrasal
verb. It is a good idea to learn the verb and its typical collocations as chunks of language. This
will help you to speak and write more fluently.
B
Collocations with positive or negative/problematic things
Make a note if a phrasal verb collocates especially with positive or negative things.
✓ typical/correct collocation ✗ untypical/wrong collocation
The plan was riddled with problems ✓ good ideas ✗ .
The rain ✓ The traffic ✓ The fine weather ✗ has eased off/up now.
After hours of discussion, we hit on a good idea ✓ the solution ✓ a stupid plan ✗ .
C
Collocations with objects denoting people or things
Make a note if a phrasal verb collocates especially with objects denoting people or things, or
both.
I’ve really gone off Sienna ✓ cheese ✓ recently.
I’d advise you to keep in with the boss ✓ Andrew ✓ the exam system ✗ .
D
Collocations with subjects denoting people or things
Make a note if a phrasal verb collocates especially with subjects denoting people or things, or
both.
As we opened the door, water streamed into the room. ✓
People were streaming into the meeting. ✓
I have to dash off. I have a meeting in ten minutes. ✓
The car dashed off along the motorway. ✗ [headed off / drove off at high speed would
be more typical]
E
Collocations with particular situations
Make a note of particular situations a phrasal verb typically refers to.
He just sailed through his exams ✓ the interview ✓ his breakfast ✗ . [sail through is
used with challenging things and situations]
I was always hankering after an easier life ✓ sweet food while I was on a diet ✓
passing my exams ✗ . [hanker after is most often used with things we cannot or should
not have]
14
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
5.1
Answer the following questions.
1 What does the word collocation mean?
2 Which of these are correct collocations?
a) pore over a book
b) pore over a view
c) pore over a manuscript
d) pore over a flower
e) pore over a list of names
3 What do the nouns that collocate with pore over have in common?
4 Why is it helpful to learn phrasal verbs in collocations?
5 What sorts of things might you note down about what a phrasal verb collocates with?
5.2
Do the sentences below show appropriate collocations or not?
1
2
3
4
5
5.3
When we took our old dog to the vet, she discovered he was riddled with disease.
The pain in his leg seems to be beginning to ease off now.
You can always rely on Joseph to hit on an idea that will never work.
I used to enjoy that TV series but I’ve gone off it a bit now.
It’s usually a good idea to keep in with your bank account.
Complete these sentences using the correct particles.
your lost youth.
1 There is no point in hankering
2 When her housemate rang to say that water was streaming
the basement, Maria
dashed
to the station to catch a train home.
3 I always find job interviews really difficult, but my brother seems to sail
them.
4 We’ll have to cut down that tree – it’s riddled
disease.
5 When my sister was pregnant she drank a lot of milk, but she completely went
tea
and coffee.
6 Liam was bullied a bit when he started school, but it seems to have eased
now.
7 You should apologise to Juliette’s mother. It’s sensible to keep
your future
in-laws.
5.4
Rewrite each sentence using the verb in brackets in an appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
Helena easily passed her driving test. (sail)
I really don’t like coffee any more. (go)
The wind is less strong than it was now. (ease)
If I have a problem, I find a walk by the sea often helps me to find a solution. (hit)
Masses of people entered the shop as soon as it opened, hoping to find a bargain in the
sale. (stream)
6 There are a lot of holes in his argument. (riddle)
Over to you
Look back at any other phrasal verbs you have recently written in your vocabulary notebooks.
Write them down in some typical collocations. You will find these in the example sentences of a
good dictionary, e.g. the Cambridge Phrasal Verbs Dictionary.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
15
6
Register
A
Phrasal verbs in the English lexicon
The word register is often used to refer to whether a word is formal or informal. It can also be
used to refer to the language associated with a particular job or interest.
English vocabulary is particularly rich because it combines a large vocabulary originating from
Anglo-Saxon roots with a large vocabulary originating from Latin or French. This means that English
often has words with very similar meanings from each of these sources. To give a phrasal verb
example, you can put forward or propose an idea, where put forward (like the majority of phrasal
verbs) has a typical Anglo-Saxon etymology, whereas propose is of Latin origin. It is interesting to
note that propose comes from the Latin prefix pro- [= forward] added to the Latin root -pose [= put];
there are many other examples of where the Latin etymology parallels the etymology of its phrasal
verb equivalent. Words of Latin or French origin tend to be more formal and so ‘proposing an idea’ is
found more frequently in formal written English than in informal spoken English.
Although phrasal verbs are typical of more informal English, many – like put forward, for
example – will also be found in neutral or formal as well as informal contexts. Most phrasal
verbs are like this. Some phrasal verbs, however, are only used in either informal or formal
situations. We indicate throughout the book when this is the case.
B
Informal phrasal verbs
Serge
How’s things, Jessie? Is work OK these days?
Jessica
Not really. Sophie’s gunning for1 me. I think she’s after my job. I mucked up2
an important deal yesterday and she was so thrilled!
Serge
Don’t pay any attention to her.
Jessica
I know, but the trouble is Tim’s ganged up with3 her now too. So it’s got much
worse. They hang around4 together in every break and after work too. If Sophie
doesn’t shoot down5 one of my ideas, Tim does.
Serge
Well, they’re asking for6 trouble, aren’t they? You know your boss respects you,
don’t you?
Jessica
Yes, I couldn’t ask for7 a better boss, that’s for sure. But she’s got more
important things on her plate than sorting out petty office squabbles.
1
5
(only used in continuous) trying to cause
6
trouble for somebody
2
did very badly with
3
7
formed a group to act against me
4
spend a lot of time (with)
C
criticise strongly
(only used in continuous) behaving in a
way that is sure to create problems for them
couldn’t ever find, because this person
(or thing) is the best of their kind
Formal phrasal verbs
In the first five examples below, the base verb is in itself formal. The base verb here is of Latin
rather than Anglo-Saxon origin. In the final three examples, it is the specific usage rather than
the base verb which is formal.
The authorities finally acceded to his request for a work permit. [agreed to]
We will attend to your request in due course. [deal with]
He ascribes his success to hard work in his youth. [explains]
The presence of the gene may predispose a person to heart disease. [make more likely]
James Hansen is to preside over the government inquiry. [be in charge of]
Some new facts have emerged which bear on the Smith case. [are connected to]
The castaways had to call on all their strength to survive. [use]
All her life the princess had never wanted for anything. [needed]
16
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
6.1
Replace the phrasal verbs in the letter with verbs from the box to make it more formal.
meet
continue
complain
respond
remedy
investigate
achieve
Reply
Forward
Dear Mr Janes,
Thank you for your letter of 23 May going on about the bad service you experienced at this
hotel. I promise you we will look into the problem at once and get back to you as soon as
possible. We always try to go for the highest standards of service, and if we have failed to live
up to those standards we will immediately seek to sort out the situation. Meanwhile we hope
you will go on making Miromana Hotels your first choice for all your business and leisure travel.
Yours sincerely,
G. H. Logan (General Manager)
6.2
Now do the opposite with these sentences. Use phrasal verbs from the box to make the
sentences less formal. Use a dictionary if necessary.
go into
call in on
dictionary.cambridge.org
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6.3
fall through
buy up
go over to
take on
look after
ask out
Will you attend to Aunt Elsie while I go and get the children’s supper ready?
He explored the subject in great detail in his lecture.
When the president died his son assumed the title of Great Leader.
I like her. Do you think I should invite her to go out with me?
During the war he defected to the enemy side and was killed in action.
She purchased all the shares in the company last year.
The local newspaper published a story about a strange animal seen in the city park.
I think I’ll visit my grandfather on the way home from work.
The deal collapsed at the last minute.
I managed to survive on about €70 a day when I was travelling.
Which professional registers are these phrasal verbs associated with? Put each of them
into one of the three categories below. Use a dictionary if necessary.
sell up
back up
turn over
dictionary.cambridge.org
sum up
gloss over
bail out
computers and technology
6.4
put out
get by
log in
scroll down/up
carry forward
take over
base on
square up
academic lectures/writing
put forward
hack into
print off
money and business
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets in an appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
Despite his family’s poverty, Alfie always has everything he needs. (want)
You must inform the police if you have evidence relating to the case. (bear)
Jack will have to use all his ingenuity to resolve the situation. (call)
The president believes his party’s victory is due to his leadership. (ascribe)
The manager will deal with your enquiry without delay. (attend)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
17
7
Meaning and metaphor
A
Multiple meanings
Many phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. Often, the basic meaning relates to some physical
action, while other meanings are metaphorical (i.e. they are figurative, not literal). For example, the
meanings in the grey boxes below are literal and the others are figurative.
phrasal verb
run over
brush
sth/sb off
B
definition of phrasal verb
example
hit sth/sb with a moving vehicle and injure
or kill them
I ran over a rabbit as I was driving home.
It really upset me.
go on after its expected time
The meeting ran over so I missed my train.
read quickly to make sure something
is correct
Could we just run over the schedule again
to make sure it’s all going to work?
use a brush (or hand) to remove something
I brushed off the dust from my shoes.
refuse to listen to what someone says, or
refuse to think about something seriously
The boss just brushed him off and told him
to get back to work.
Examples of metaphors based on quick or violent actions
The price of petrol has shot up this year. [gone up rapidly and sharply]
I don’t want to just dive into a new job without carefully considering it. [start doing something
suddenly and energetically without thinking about it]
The leader of the opposition party has hit out at the government’s new proposals on tax.
[strongly criticised, typical of journalism]
My success in the exam spurred me on to study even harder. [spurs are worn on the ankle
and are used to make a horse go faster; here the meaning is ‘encouraged me’]
C
Metaphors and context
The context will usually tell you that a verb is being used in a metaphorical way. Look at these
extracts from the advice column of a magazine which use phrasal verbs metaphorically rather
than literally.
Don’t just stand by and let
others have all the fun. It’s
time to strike out on your own
and do something completely
different. Sweep aside all your
inhibitions and start living life
to the full. It all boils down
to whether you are prepared
to take control of life or let life
control you.
D
You must find the strength to drag
yourself away from your domestic
responsibilities for a short while
and stop feeling sandwiched
between your family and your
career. Doing everything singlehanded is eating into all your free
time and you need time to think.
You can’t be expected to soldier
on on your own any longer.
More examples of phrasal verbs used metaphorically
She searched in her bag and fished out an old photograph.
We wandered round the old market, just drinking in the atmosphere.
He spends hours glued to his computer every evening.
We found this vase when we were just nosing around in an antique shop.
People were flooding into the stadium two hours before the concert.
18
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
7.1
Look at A and B opposite. Read the email and then answer the questions below using
your own words rather than the phrasal verbs in the email.
Reply
Forward
Hi Bella
Sorry to miss you this morning – the budget meeting ran over and I just couldn’t leave. We had to
try to find some ways to cope with the way that our transport costs have shot up over the last few
months. Luke was finding fault with all my ideas and I had to stay and try to defend them as best
I could. He always takes any opportunity to hit out at me – I don’t know why. Anyway, could we
meet later today to run over the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting? My problems today have spurred
me on to succeed tomorrow. We mustn’t just dive into our proposal without preparing the ground
carefully. It’d be a disaster if the boss just brushed us off after all that work!
Rory
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7.2
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb from C or D opposite.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7.3
dictionary.cambridge.org
It’s not good for children to spend too much time just watching a screen.
Choosing a university course is a matter of deciding what you want to do with your life.
I arrived at the stadium early and watched the other spectators entering in large numbers.
Laura reluctantly left the window and returned to her desk.
Sam was staring at Megan, listening intently to every word she said.
George dismissed all objections to his plan, saying they were unimportant.
Complete these sentences with a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
7.4
When did the budget meeting end?
What has happened to transport costs recently?
How does Luke usually behave towards Rory?
What does Rory want to do with Bella this afternoon regarding tomorrow’s agenda?
Has today’s meeting made Rory more or less determined about tomorrow’s meeting?
What does Rory not want to do with their proposal at tomorrow’s meeting?
What is he afraid that the boss might do to them?
and lets such terrible things happen!
It is terrible how the world just
Despite all his difficulties, Douglas does his best to bravely
.
William reached into his pocket and
his passport.
the back streets.
When I go to a new town I love
You mustn’t let your social life
your study time.
The politician simply
the allegations being made against him.
When he was 30 Mario left his uncle’s business and
on his own.
Our little house is
a bank and a supermarket.
Here are some more phrasal verbs which can be used metaphorically. How are their
literal and metaphorical meanings connected? Use a dictionary if necessary.
1 I’ve left you some soup which you can warm up when you get home.
A fantastic singer warmed up the audience before the main programme started.
2 The boy wasn’t looking where he was going and fell into a hole in the ground.
Alexander fell into his first job as soon as he had left university.
3 The cat got up the tree but didn’t seem able to climb down.
Molly always wants to win an argument – you’ll never get her to climb down.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
19
8
Idioms using phrasal verbs
A
Problems at work and home
Reply
Forward
Hi Millie,
How’s your awful new boss? Still planning a total reorganisation of the office or have you
persuaded her not to throw the baby out with the bathwater1? Let me know if you need an
evening out to let off steam2 – it’s about time we met up again.
We’ve been told at our company that we won’t be getting a salary increase this year. They took
the sting out of it3 by giving us a Christmas bonus, but people are not happy.
My boss is still as difficult as ever. Her personal assistant’s resigned, but I think that might be
cutting off her nose to spite her face4 as she’ll find it hard to find anything else as well-paid.
She can usually run rings round5 anyone, so it must have been a shock for her to get a boss she
couldn’t manipulate.
I badly need your advice. Joey’s beginning to turn up the heat in our relationship – he’s dropping
hints about marriage. He invited me to meet his parents last weekend. We got on like a house on
fire6 but I just don’t feel ready to put down roots yet. Should I stop seeing him? I don’t want to but
maybe it’d be kinder? I can’t make up my mind. Let me know what you think.
Lydia
1
4
get rid of the good parts of something
as well as the bad parts
2
5
talk or act in a way that helps get rid of
6
strong feelings
3
make something that is unpleasant less so
B
Progress meeting
Oscar
Well, Anna, you’ve been here for a month now and it’s time we had a little chat.
Anna
OK. Well, I know I got off on the wrong foot1 by deleting all last year’s client information,
but I hope you’ll agree I’ve got my act together2 now?
Oscar
Erm, not exactly. I’ve tried my best to show you where you’re going wrong, but I just
appear to be going round in circles3. Nothing ever seems to get any better. You dig
your heels in4 and don’t make any effort to change.
Anna
Oh, I don’t think that’s fair. I’m sure Stan would put in a good word for me5. I’ve helped
him out with one of his projects.
Oscar
Hmm, well Stan needs to clean up his act6 too. If you don’t start
making up for lost time7 soon, we’re going to have to let you go.
Anna
Oh, no, please. Just give me a bit more authority and I’ll come into my own8.
Oscar
Oh, Anna. Wake up to the fact9 that you won’t get any more authority unless you
pull out all the stops10 and your work improves significantly.
1
6
started badly
7
(informal) organised myself more effectively
3
using a lot of time and effort with no results
4
8
refuse to do what others try to persuade you
9
to do
5
10
say good things about me to someone in authority
2
20
doing something because you are angry
though it may cause you more problems
outwit, be cleverer than
immediately liked each other
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
(informal) start to behave better
doing something to compensate for not
doing it previously
be very successful
be realistic
do all you can
Exercises
8.1
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8.2
What should you not throw out with the bathwater?
What expression uses a burning house as a metaphor for a good relationship?
What expression uses steam as a metaphor for strong feelings?
According to the idiom, why might people cut off their own nose?
What idiom means ‘ease an unpleasant situation’ and refers to what bees can do?
Which two phrasal verb idioms refer to circular motion?
Complete these sentences using expressions from 8.1.
1 Refusing that job offer just because you’re annoyed about the interview would be cutting
your
to
your
.
2 When she came back to the UK, Harriet decided it was time she
down
and
she bought a little cottage not far from here.
3 The robbers
round the police. It took two years to catch them.
4 The extra day’s holiday we offered should take the
out
the pay cut.
5 I felt as if I was just going
in
and getting nowhere.
6 We should keep the better parts of the old system when we move over to the new system. We
don’t want to
the
out with the bathwater.
7 Isaac and Matthew
on like a
on fire; they’re great friends.
8 I don’t think she was really angry with you; she was just
steam.
8.3
Cross out the five mistakes in this text and write the correct form in the box next to that line.
After a year of travelling, I decided to put my act together and get
a job. A friend who worked for a bank put in some good words
for me. In fact he pushed in all the stops and arranged for me to
have lunch with the CEO. I got on the wrong feet by saying I wasn’t
ready to plant down roots yet; I think they were looking for
someone to make a long-term commitment. I should have kept quiet!
8.4
1
2
3
get
4
5
Complete these dialogues using phrasal verbs from the opposite page so that the second
speaker agrees with and repeats more or less what the first speaker says.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Michael
Alice seems determined not to agree to the new plan.
Juan
Yes, she really seems to be digging
Sarah
Wow, my Uncle Joshua is 75 and he’s getting married for the first time!
Amelia
Really? He’s obviously trying to make up
Luis
Charles lives in a fantasy world. He thinks he can make a living writing poetry.
Ava
That’s crazy! He should wake up
Eva
Teddy has been very successful in his new career.
Gabriel
Yes, he really seems to have come into
Robert
The boss seems to be getting very serious about the new sales campaign lately.
Dan
Yes, he’s really turning up
Franck
I think it’s time I made a decision.
Daisy
Yes, it’s time for you to make up
.
!
that poets never make any money!
.
.
.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
21
9
Around and about
Around and about are often (but not always) interchangeable in phrasal verbs. A good
dictionary will tell you whether they can both be used. The only verbs on this page where
both are not possible are marked *.
A
Basic meaning of around and about in phrasal verbs
Around and about keep a lot of their basic meaning in many phrasal verbs. They often indicate
activities and situations taking place in various locations, often without having a clear
direction or order.
There were books lying around everywhere in the room.
The children were running about in the garden.
Phrasal verbs with around and about are often informal. Look at this conversation between
two teachers.
Holly
Rumours have been flying around the staffroom lately that you’re leaving. Is it true?
Jake It amazes me how news gets around in this place! I did say to one or two people that
I was tired of being bossed around by you-know-who, and, I have asked around* here
and there to see if they need any full-time teachers, but I haven’t made a decision yet.
Holly Oh, right. I heard the other day that Eleanor is sick of running around* after you-knowwho sorting out problems he’s caused. So she might leave too. By the way, do you have
a copy of that new grammar book? I want to show it to my students. My copy’s floating
about here somewhere but I just can’t find it.
Jake
Yes, I think I have a copy lying around here somewhere … Yes, here you are.
Holly
Thanks very much. So, what are you up to this weekened?
Jake Nothing much, just pottering about at home, really. Oh goodness! Is that the time?
I have a class now.
Holly OK, see you later. Don’t forget that we switched our classrooms around this afternoon.
You’re in Room 2.
Note that in boss around, around emphasises the fact that the person is frequently being
bossed by someone else, not the fact that this occurs in different places.
B
Other uses of around and about
Here are some other phrasal verbs which use around and about.
Children! Stop playing around! Sit politely. [behaving stupidly]
The neighbours have been banging about next door all morning. I wonder what they’re
doing. [making loud noises, for example hammering or moving heavy objects]
Theo was clowning around at the party last night. It got very irritating. [acting in a silly way]
Politicians often skirt around* the truth and don’t give direct answers to questions. [avoid
discussing a difficult subject or problem]
It’s a problem, but I’m sure we can work around* it in some way. [organise our activities to
ensure that the problem does not prevent us from doing what we want to do]
22
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
9.1
9.2
Choose the correct word to complete these sentences.
1 I couldn’t get to sleep because of Owen
around upstairs.
a) banging
b) lying
c) switching
2 Wait a moment – the document you need is
about here somewhere.
a) flying
b) floating
c) running
3 I think we should stop the car and let the children
around for a bit.
a) get
b) lie
c) run
4 The room looks different. Have you
the furniture around?
a) pottered
b) switched
c) banged
5 If you
around, you might be able to find someone with a car for sale.
a) ask
b) boss
c) play
around the office.
6 I hate the way rumours
a) run
b) fly
c) lie
7 You really shouldn’t leave such important papers
about.
a) clowning
b) lying
c) playing
8 Yanis made the children laugh by
around with pieces of fruit.
a) banging
b) getting
c) clowning
Complete each dialogue using a verb from the box with around or about.
boss get ask clown lie
1
2
3
9.3
4
Isla
I need to find a flat to rent in London.
Do you know of anything available?
Katie
No, but I’ll
Sara
Do you know where the extension lead is?
Milo
Yes, I think it might be
my study somewhere.
Adam
How did Hugo know we’re getting married?
Zara
Well, news like that
quickly.
.
in
very
5
Ava
Do you get on well with
your sister?
Ella
Yes, on the whole, though she
me
a bit too much.
Amber What do you think of
Freddie?
Louis
I find the way he always
a bit childish.
Complete these sentences with phrasal verbs from the opposite page. Put the verb in the
correct form. Sometimes more than one verb is possible.
1 I thought Alex was just
in his bedroom today, but in fact he’s been really
busy. He’s tidied up all the books and papers that were
on the floor. He’s also
his bed and his desk, which makes the room feel bigger.
2 When I was a child I used to hate visiting Great Uncle Edward. He wouldn’t allow us children to
in case we broke anything, and he was always
us
,
getting us to
after him, doing odd jobs for him.
3 Do you think we could find a way to
the problem of having to get written
permission from everyone to use the photographs in our book?
4 I think we should be honest with everyone and not try to
the issue.
5 We hear people
every night in the flat upstairs. All sorts of rumours have
been
among the neighbours as to what is going on up there.
Over to you
Look up these words in your dictionary: crowd around, knock sth about/around, knock sb about/
around, turn around, turn sth around, roll about/around, blunder about/around. Make a note of
the meanings of these words and record them with an example sentence.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
23
10
Down
A
Down meaning lower
1
2
B
C
Lottie
Well, did he come down1 on the price?
Tom
I knocked him down2 by £100 but he wouldn’t go any lower.
Lottie
Oh, so that’s why you slammed the catalogue down3
when you finished?
Tom
No, that was because I was distracted by the music and annoyed. Why didn’t you turn the volume down4? I could hardly hear a word he was saying!
suggest or agree to a lower price
persuaded him to reduce the price
3
4
put down with a lot of force
reduce the amount of sound
Down suggesting preventing or restraining
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
shout down sb or
shout sb down
shout in order to prevent someone who
you disagree with from being heard
I couldn’t hear what the prime minister
was saying because some people at the
front were shouting him down.
pin down sb or pin
sb down
force someone to stay in a horizontal
position by holding them
Two police officers pinned the robber
down while the third handcuffed him.
tie down sth/sb or
tie sth/sb down
use ropes to fasten someone or
something in a particular position
The tent is secure, but make sure you
tie down anything else that might blow
away in the storm.
tie sb down
(metaphorical meaning of the previous
verb) prevent someone from having the
freedom to do what they want to do
My brother prefers to take temporary
work because he hates the idea of being
tied down.
Other meanings of down
Not working
The computer system is always going down. We need a new one. [stopping working]
Don’t forget to save your documents before you shut the computer down. [turn off]
Depressed or sad
This rain is getting me down. [making me feel depressed]
On a list
Freya asked me to put her down for a copy of the report when it’s published. [put on a list to
arrange for her to have something]
You can put me down to organise the refreshments. [put on a list to arrange for me to do something]
Killed/injured
The terrorists mercilessly gunned down their victims. [shot and killed or seriously injured]
We had to have our poor old dog put down last week; she was very sick. [put to death]
Surviving through time
The legend has come down to us from the ancient records of the Quilhoa people. [passed from
generation to generation]
Be considered or remembered
This will go down in history as the most important event of the century. [be remembered]
My workshop went down really well. [was well-received]
24
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
10.1
Read these sentences and then answer the questions below by writing the correct name
in the box.
Harry Irving felt he had lost his freedom when he and Antonia had their first baby.
Oliver Reece was forced to the ground and held there by two security guards.
People protested so loudly that no one could hear what Heidi Knight had to say.
Mia Calvo persuaded the man to reduce the price by £500.
Lucas Hind was shot dead yesterday by terrorists.
1
2
3
4
5
10.2
Who was shouted down?
Who was gunned down?
Who felt tied down?
Who was pinned down?
Who managed to knock someone down?
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite
page. Make any other necessary changes.
1 The computer system suddenly stopped working this morning, so we’re doing everything
manually at the moment.
2 I’m sorry I’m so irritable. Things have been depressing me lately.
3 Shall I write your name on my list to sponsor me for the charity walk?
4 This event will be remembered in history as the worst catastrophe this country has ever suffered.
5 The company had to stop all their machines during the 24-hour strike at the factory.
6 The salesman agreed to a lower price, and after that we even managed to persuade him to reduce
the price by a further 10%.
7 Many everyday remedies for minor ailments have reached us over time from our ancestors.
10.3
Answer the following questions using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
10.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
What might someone do if they get very angry during a phone call?
What might you do to a very old and sick dog or cat?
What would you do to stop a tent from blowing away?
If work is making you depressed, what is it doing to you emotionally?
If your radio was too loud, what would you do?
Which of the meanings given are possible or likely interpretations of the phrasal verbs
in these sentences? More than one interpretation may be possible. Use a dictionary if
necessary.
1 I think you should take this down.
a) write it
b) drink it
c) dismantle it
2 The house has come down.
a) has been rebuilt
b) is for sale at a lower price
c) has been demolished
3 She turned it down.
a) reduced the heat
b) refused the offer
c) put the collar of her coat in its normal position
4 They watered it down.
a) extinguished a fire using water
b) added water to make a liquid less strong
c) made an idea, opinion or argument less strong
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
25
11
In
The particle in, when used with phrasal verbs,
keeps a lot of its basic meaning, often referring
to things which move towards being, or are
already, ‘within something’ or are ‘included in
something’.
Look at this transcript of a meeting at a
computer software company. Dominic, the Chief
Executive, who chairs the meeting, speaks first.
Note the phrasal verbs with in.
Chair
Well, I think we should begin. One of our colleagues from Manchester has been delayed,
but I’ve asked David to show her in when she gets here, so she’ll join us later, I hope. Now,
first item is the Musicmatch software suite, which, I like to think, has helped to usher in1 a
new era in music production. It’s been bringing in good profits, and we’ve certainly been
able to cash in on the recent crash of one of our major rivals, as we all know, but with an
economic recession setting in now, we may want to rethink our pricing so that it
fits in better with the rest of our range. We also need to factor in2 the loss of a major
client – we lost the Popmaster contract this year.
Grace
Can I come in here, Dominic? Ben and I are already looking at this and we’ll have
something to report next week. Basically we hope to build in an automatic upgrade
system so that customers will find it easier to stay with us. Ben’s looking at the
cost. I said I’d pitch in3 so that we can get it moving faster.
Chair
OK, well, maybe we can leave that. But I’d just like to say, remember, we need flexibility
– we don’t want to become boxed in4 by our own systems. We’ll come back to it.
David
Sorry to cut in, Dominic. Amy Peckham is here.
Chair
Ah, good. Our colleague from Manchester has arrived. Hello, Amy. You’re very welcome. Can
you squash in there somewhere? Sorry the room is a bit small. Amy Peckham, everyone.
Some of you know her already. Right, I suggest we move to Chloe’s presentation. I believe
you’re going to use the projector, Chloe?
Chloe
Yes. Could we close those blinds? Thanks. Oh dear, they’re still letting a lot of light in.
Never mind. I’ll begin. I’d like to use this presentation as a lead-in5 to our general
discussion about the future.
1
2
3
4
5
(formal) begin or cause a period in which new things or changes happen
include something when making a calculation or when trying to understand something
(informal) help with work that needs to be done
restricted
something that introduces something else
Tip
Take note of the context when you meet new phrasal verbs. For example, the context on this page is
a fairly informal business meeting. Spoken business English is often less formal than the spoken
language of business in some other languages and cultures. The same is often true for other contexts,
such as spoken academic language.
26
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
11.1
Find phrasal verbs or phrasal adjectives from the opposite page which mean the following:
1
2
3
4
5
11.2
6
7
8
9
10
introduction
take into consideration
find a space
include
start
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal verbs in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11.3
benefit from
interrupt (two answers)
help
introduce
unable to act freely
My new curtains are excellent – they don’t bring any light in.
Alba, can you pitch Mr Hill in as soon as he arrives, please?
Having the meeting on the 28th would squash in better with our plans than the 30th.
Our office in Buenos Aires has cashed in a lot of new business this year.
When you are planning the course, make sure you set in enough free time.
It’s rude to factor in when someone else is in the middle of speaking.
If everyone shows in, we’ll soon get the job done.
If I move up, then Rachel should be able to box in at the end of the bench.
Complete this paragraph with verbs from the opposite page.
My ten-year-old daughter Rosie had some friends
to sleep over last night. Eight of them managed
to sleep on her bedroom floor. I don’t know how
(1) themselves in as it is a
they
very small room. Rosie’s birthday had been the
previous week, but we had her party yesterday as
that
(2) in better with other plans.
In the evening we had a barbecue and we made
lots of different salads and puddings. Rosie and her
friends all
(3) in, and they enjoyed
helping as much as eating. Later in the evening rain
(4) in, so they went indoors and
watched a film. I was afraid the girls would wake up
ridiculously early, but we’ve had new blinds fitted
and they don’t
(5) any light in, so no
one stirred till half past eight.
11.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Cross out the item which does not normally collocate with the phrasal expression in bold.
Use a dictionary if necessary.
1
2
3
4
bring in customers / profits / a loss / business
a lead-in to a discussion / a bargain / a lesson
a recession / rain / a new product sets in
usher in a price increase / a new era / changes
Over to you
What other phrasal verbs with in do you have in your vocabulary notebook? Do they also have a
connection with the basic meaning of in? As you learn other new ones, think about how the idea
conveyed by in might help you remember the meaning of the phrasal verb.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
27
12
Off
A
Off suggesting get rid of
My feet were hot, so I kicked off my shoes. [removed with my feet]
The robbers drove faster and faster to try and shake off the police car. [lose]
I went for a long walk to work off my frustation. [get rid of a feeling (often unpleasant) by
doing something energetic]
Archie doesn’t worry about anything – he’ll shrug off any problem. [treat something as
unimportant]
B
C
Off suggesting separation
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
be cut off
be unable to see many other people
My office is in a different building from
my colleagues, so I am quite cut off.
cut off sth/sb or
cut sth/sb off
stop providing something, e.g. aid,
electricity, supplies
They cut off our electricity / cut us off
because we hadn’t paid the bill.
split off
form a separate group
Two of the climbers split off from the
group and went off on their own.
back off
(slightly informal) stop being involved in
a situation, especially in order to allow
other people to deal with it themselves
She was interfering, so I told her to back
off and let me deal with it on my own.
have sth off
spend time away from work
I had a week off last June.
cordon off sth or
cordon sth off
put something, e.g. a rope, a barrier,
around an area in order to stop people
from entering it
The police have cordoned off the area
the president will be visiting.
Off suggesting starting or finishing
I’ll fill in the first line of this spreadsheet to start you off, and then you can do the rest yourself.
[help you to start]
The weekly meeting usually kicks off around 2 p.m. [(informal) starts]
We rounded off the meal with freshly brewed coffee. [finished]
That boring meeting just finished me off. I think I’ll go home; I’ve had enough for one day.
[made me feel so weak, tired or unhappy that I couldn’t continue]
It’s nice to just switch off at the weekend and forget about work. [stop giving your attention
to someone or something]
D
Other verbs with off
Ben told his little brother to leave off playing his new guitar. [(informal) stop]
William told his younger sister to shove off out of his room. [(informal) something that you
say when you are angry to tell someone to go away.]
Layla wanted to show her new bike off to her friends. [show someone or something that you
are proud of to a group of people]
The boss gave the receptionist a ticking off for making private calls to friends. [telling
someone that you are angry with them because they have done something wrong]
28
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
12.1
Replace the underlined words in these statements with a phrasal verb from the opposite
page.
1 Eliza’s father to Eliza’s mother: Eliza’s 18 now and should make her own decisions.
I think we should stop getting involved and let her run her own life.
2 Newsreader: The prime minister has treated as unimportant leadership threats from within his
party, saying that they are only rumours.
3 Mother to father: I think we should let the kids run round in the garden for a bit and get rid of
some of their energy so that they sleep tonight.
4 Mother to Imogen: Imogen, you MUST pay your electricity bill. If you don’t, they’ll stop providing it
and you won’t have any heating.
5 Louis to Callum: Oh no! Seth wants to come back with us to Nikita’s house. He’s such a drag! How
can we get away from him?
6 Chairperson: I’d like to just conclude the meeting by giving a vote of thanks to the committee for
all their work this year.
7 The last 100 metres to the top of the hill just made me so tired I couldn’t continue. I had to sit
down and rest for an hour.
8 I don’t want you in my room any more, so just leave!
12.2
Cross out the five mistakes in this text and write the correct form in the box next to
that line.
off
When I come home from work, I love to just kick away my
shoes and relax for the evening. It’s great to let off worrying
1
about work and round up the day with a nice meal. If I
2
have off a couple of days it’s even better. I usually go off to
3
our country cottage. I can just light off completely. I love it.
4
I never stay there long because after a while I feel a bit stood
5
off from all my friends and social life back in the city.
12.3
Complete the word puzzle.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Across
1The boss
me off with a simple task to
get me used to the job.
3The police decided to
off the scene of
the crime.
4 What time does the meeting
off?
5She always loves to
off her latest
technological gadget.
6Look, just
off playing with my phone,
will you? You’re getting on my nerves.
Down
off for
2The director gave him a
arriving late at the meeting.
5A group of youths
off from the rest of
the demonstrators and started causing trouble.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
29
13
On
Some phrasal verbs with on share a meaning of dependence/reliance, e.g. depend on*, rely
on*, count on*, hinge on*, hang on*, ride on.
REFERENDUM RESULT CRUCIAL, SAYS PM
The prime minister said, ‘Everything hinges on the result
of next week’s referendum. The future prosperity of the
nation hangs on this crucial day of decision.’ Politicians of
all parties agree that everything rides on the government
securing a Yes vote.
On can also convey the idea of continuing in an irritating or boring way, for example, harp on
[talk repeatedly about something in a way that others find boring or irritating], keep on, go
on (and on), ramble on [talk or write for a very long time in a boring way] and drone on [talk
for a long time in a very boring way and in a monotonous voice].
Don’t keep on about the garden! I’ll mow the lawn tomorrow.
We had a tedious lecture from the boss. She just went on and on about punctuality.
He droned on for hours about ancient civilisations; everyone fell asleep.
Read on, press on, live on and dwell on* [think or talk about a particular subject for too long]
also emphasise continuation over time.
HOUSING MINISTER HONOURS
CHAMPION OF THE POOR
‘Her death is a great loss to society, but her memory will live
on’, said the minister.
Grouping verbs in this way can help you to remember them.
Now look at these news items which contain some of these and other examples of phrasal verbs with on.
headlines
The country has been 1
by the latest rail strike,
CURATOR FINDS LOSTwith
MEDIEVAL
MANUSCRIPT
no rail services
at all running today. The railway service
The curator, Mr Jackson Bedgrove, happened
on* the lost manuscript while searching the
2
some time,
but if today’s
has been
museum’s archives for some missing
18th century letters. As for
he focused
his attention
on* theaction
text,
3
tothe
theimportance
rail industry.
prolonged
it may As
prove
he said, he could hardly believeiswhat
he was reading.
he read on, he realised
of
what he’d found...
The Minister for Transport commented: ‘The country has been
suffering from a 4
of local strikes since the first
EDUCATION EXPERT EXPRESSES CAUTION ON HOME
SCHOOLING
5
and
one
one
in Nortown
lastfrowned
month. Iton*
was
Phoebe Garrett stated that home
schooling
was often
by politicians, and she
herself
6
pitch
strike led
to another.
Things
reached
had some doubts as to its effectiveness.
However,
to spring
a new
piece of legislation on parents
successfully educating their children
at home
was
right,
shehope
said. that
The education
secretary will
last week
and
wenot
can
only
this 7
insists that she will press on with plans to introduce a new law...
is that
come to an end soon.’ The minister’s 8
things will only start to improve once people appreciate the
CHILDREN’S PRANK TURNS
TO TRAGEDY
seriousness
situation.
A 13-year-old girl who stole a car
and took itofforthe
a joyride
admits that friends led her on. The
prank resulted in the serious injury of a 25-year-old mother of two...
The verbs marked with * on this page are all transitive.
30
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
13.1
In the following sentences, mark each phrasal verb according to whether it has
predominantly a dramatic feeling (write D), a negative feeling (N), a feeling of boredom (B),
or a feeling of irritation (I).
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
13.2
Professor Taylor was droning on about the Ancient Greeks in his lecture this morning.
The success of the peace talks hinges on both sides maintaining the present truce.
Uncle Alex goes on and on about his broken chair. I’ve told him a hundred times I’ll mend it.
Dwelling on the past all the time is no way to live your life. Think of your future.
If you ask Beatrice about beekeeping she’ll ramble on for hours.
I wish you wouldn’t keep on about money. Let’s just enjoy life.
The championship now rides on Saturday’s crucial game against Real Madrid.
Choose the correct word to complete these sentences. Sometimes there is more than one
possible answer.
1 You can always
on Daniel. He’s totally dependable.
a) rely
b) count
c) hinge
d) hang
2 I wish Georgia would stop
on about Kian. It’s so tedious!
a) riding
b) droning
c) going
d) harping
3 Do make up your mind soon. So much
on what you decide.
a) hinges
b) presses
c) rides
d) hangs
13.3
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal verbs in these sentences. There is one mistake in
each sentence.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
13.4
Try to focus what is really important on and to ignore what is not essential.
Now we’ve had a bit of a rest, it’s time to spring on again.
I’m hingeing on you to let me know when my talk has gone on for long enough.
Your grandmother will always happen on in your memory.
This is a quiet neighbourhood where noisy behaviour is counted on.
After the first few pages of the book, I decided I couldn’t be bothered to ride on.
Please stop focusing on about Lena. Your relationship is over, so just forget her.
I am worried about my son’s behaviour. He is so easily relied on by his friends.
Complete each sentence with a verb from the opposite page.
on the main points.
1 Don’t try to remember every sentence of the text. Just
2 Elizabeth is going to
the news on her parents over lunch. I hope they’ll be happy
for her.
3 Try to look to the future rather than
on the past.
4 We’ve got a lot of work to finish today so we’d better
on.
5 Julia’s not usually naughty herself, but her brothers tend to
her on.
6 In most schools, wearing big, colourful jewellery and dyeing your hair bright colours would be
on or even forbidden outright.
7 Whether we go for a picnic tomorrow or not will
on the weather.
8 I wish he’d stop
on and on about his ex-wife.
13.5
Rewrite these sentences using phrasal verbs from the opposite page.
1 James is a reliable person.
2 Dad will talk monotonously for hours about European history.
3 Many political reputations are about to be crucially affected by the outcome of next week’s
election.
4 Josh never stops complaining about the litter in the office car park. It irritates me.
5 While tidying my room, I found an old diary of mine from 2001.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
31
14
Out
A
Basic meanings of out in phrasal verbs
A very frequent meaning of out is the opposite of in.
I don’t want to leave my job but I suppose they may kick me out. [(informal) force me to leave]
I’ve had enough of working for such a difficult organisation and I want out. [want to leave]
Count me out! I’m far too tired to join the skiing trip today. [don’t include me]
Another meaning is when something or part of something extends from its surroundings.
The chalet roof juts out (over its walls) to help prevent snow
from blocking the doors. [sticks out beyond the edge]
The rocky peninsula juts out into the bay.
Another meaning is separate.
The woman picked out a kitten to take home. [chose one
from a large group]
We spread our wet clothes out on the grass so they could
dry in the sunshine.
Another meaning is distribute.
Don’t eat all the sweets yourself, Ollie. Share them out among
all the children. [give one to each person in the group]
B
32
Other meanings of out in phrasal verbs
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
go out
(of a fire) stop burning
When we woke up in the morning, the
campfire still hadn’t gone out.
clean out sb or
clean sb out
steal or take everything from a person
The burglars completely cleaned us
out.
test out sth or test
sth out
see how it works in a practical situation
or find out what other people think of it
(the out stresses testing something in the
environment in which it is intended to be
used, not, for example, in a laboratory)
We need to test the product out in the
market before launching it.
drop out
not do something that you were going to
do, or stop doing something
The runner dropped out halfway
through the marathon.
lash out (usually +
at sth)
criticise someone or something in an
angry way
Sofia lashed out at me yesterday for
wasting her time.
yell out sth or yell
sth out
suddenly shout something in a loud voice,
especially to get someone’s attention
As I walked past the room, I heard
someone yell out.
draw out sth or
draw sth out
make something continue for longer than
is usual or necessary
I wish Thomas wouldn’t always draw
meetings out by talking so much.
sort out sth or sort
sth out
solve a problem or restore order to
something which has become disordered
A management consultant was hired to
sort out the personnel problems in the
company.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
14.1
Answer the questions using phrasal verbs with out.
1 Naomi gave two apples to each of the four children. What did she do with the apples?
2 Clément took control of the situation and soon everything was OK and back to normal.
What did Clément do?
3 Evie looked at all the oranges on the stall and put the best ones in her basket. What did
she do with the oranges?
4 The manager forced Sam to leave the restaurant because he was behaving badly. What did
the manager do?
5 The roof extends over the terrace and provides a bit of shade from the midday sun. What does
the roof do?
14.2
The verb in each of these sentences sounds a little formal in the context. Find a phrasal
verb from the opposite page to replace the one-word equivalent in each sentence.
1
2
3
4
5
6
14.3
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb with out that
means the opposite of the underlined words.
1
2
3
4
5
6
14.4
I don’t have any money so you can exclude me from the shopping trip.
I distributed the mints among my friends in the car.
We need to resolve this mess about the misprinted tickets pretty soon.
He really criticised me when I suggested he’d got it wrong.
Look at those big rocks protruding from the sea.
Select the good strawberries and leave the rotten ones in the box.
I opened the door and heard somebody whisper from the staircase below.
My position as regards the committee is that I would like to continue as a member.
He always shortens the discussion with arguments about political ideology.
When we got back to our campsite, the campfire had started burning.
Put the leaflets together in one place on the table.
The burglars stole absolutely nothing at all from us.
Match the headlines 1–4 with the stories a–d below.
1
RECORD NUMBERS OF STUDENTS DROP OUT
2
DAVID BLAKE LASHES OUT AT CRITICS
3
GOVERNMENT TO TEST OUT NEW SPEED CAMERAS
4
WILSON SAYS COUNT ME OUT OF OLYMPIC TEAM
a) After a trial period of six months, a decision will be made as to whether they will be installed
throughout the country.
b) She said she did not wish to take part as she had found the pressure too great in the last Games.
c) More than 6,000 withdrew from a range of programmes, almost 1,000 more than last year,
according to the minister.
d) He said he was sick of the hypocrisy of people who had never done anything themselves to help
the poor.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
33
15
Up
A
Basic meanings of up in phrasal verbs
You are probably familiar with verbs such as eat up and write up, which carry a meaning of
completion. Here are some more examples:
Come on, children, finish up your breakfast. It’s time to go.
Well, let’s wrap up the discussion now and vote. [(informal) finish an activity]
Up can also carry the meaning of upward movement or relating to an upper position.
Could you lift the table up while I put the rug under it?
Teddy, pick all your toys up from the floor and put them in your toy box.
Another meaning of up in phrasal verbs is maintain in an upright position or strengthen,
prevent from falling down or failing.
Victoria was lying propped up on a pillow. [supporting herself in an upright position]
The minister announced new measures to shore up the economy. [strengthen or improve an
organisation or system that is not working effectively or that is likely to fail]
Up can also mean increase or improve.
This sauce is tasteless. I’ll add some garlic to pep it up a bit. [(informal) make something more
interesting, lively or energetic]
We jazzed up our all-white kitchen by adding red tiles and doorknobs here and there. [(informal)
make something more attractive or interesting]
B
Other phrasal verbs with up
Read these TV programme previews and note the phrasal verbs with up.
The Man Who Hated Dogs
Tuesday 9pm
DDC
atv
History File Thursday 8.30pm
The hero of this comedy, played by Nathan
Farr, finds himself playing daddy to three
homeless dogs, but lands up1 in trouble with
his girlfriend when the local press publishes
a story about him which is blown up2 to
make him look like a pitiless animal-hater.
An archaeologist notices some strange, pointed
stones sticking up from the surface of a lake during
a drought. Suspecting they may mark the site of an
ancient tomb, she takes infrared photographs from
the air. What shows up3 in the images deepens the
mystery. After a long investigation she concludes that
theories about the ancient Mosa people no longer
stand up4.
1
3
(informal) finally does something,
especially without having planned to
2
made to seem much worse than it is
Nation on the Move
Friday 10pm
becomes visible
appear correct when examined
4
Chips with everything
Friday 7.30pm
GlobalNews
TV
HNTV
Documentary-maker Elliot Warcross picks up on5
recent rumours in the press that an ultra-rich
business tycoon has attempted to buy up the
world’s supply of silicon, opening up the terrifying
possibility of a world monopoly in computer chips.
Warcross tries to set up an interview with the
mystery tycoon but receives death threats in return.
Phrasalia, once a country closed to the rest of the
world, has opened up since the death of its longtime ruler President Particulos. But will the newfound freedoms ultimately lead to the country
splitting up into chaotic, rival republics as tensions
emerge in its five provinces?
5
reacts to something that he has noticed
Error warning
We say ‘I went into the garden and picked some flowers.’ Don’t say ‘picked up some flowers’;
pick up is used for things which are on or have fallen to the ground.
34
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
15.1
Complete these sentences using a phrasal verb from A opposite. Put it in the correct
form and, if necessary, add a pronoun as object.
1 Zoe, if you don’t
your spinach, you can’t have any pudding.
2 We can
the asparagus with a nice oil and vinegar dressing.
3 The prime minister appointed three new ministers in an attempt to
his failing
administration.
4 You’ve just dropped some of your papers. Let me
for you.
5 I noticed Tim’s bicycle
against a wall outside Hannah’s apartment.
6 Your black dress is a little plain – why don’t you
a bit with a colourful scarf?
7 I think we should try and
the meeting by 4 p.m.
8 Can you
that plant pot? I need to put a saucer under it to catch the water.
15.2
Complete these dialogues using phrasal verbs from the opposite page so that the second
speaker agrees with and repeats more or less what the first speaker says.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
15.3
Aaron
I just don’t think his theory is correct when you look at it very carefully.
Leo
No, I agree. It just doesn’t
Salima
I think we should ask the students to form small groups.
Martha
Yes, we should
Keira
I think we should try to arrange a meeting with the whole team.
Zac
You’re right. We should try to
Nazir
I just knew Patrick’s son would get into trouble with the police one day.
Anna
Yes, it was inevitable he’d
Jake
She said they’d sold all the tickets for the concert in one go.
Ruby
Yes, apparently some mystery person
Sam
Oh look, Sebastian freckles are really visible in this photo, aren’t they?
Tyler
Yes, they really
Harvey
I think the newspapers have greatly exaggerated the story.
Aisha
Yes, they’ve
Megan
There’s a big nail protruding from that floorboard; be careful.
Fellix
Yes, I noticed one
up when you examine it closely.
them up into groups of two or three.
one up.
up in serious trouble.
them all up over the Internet.
up, don’t they?
it up out of all proportion.
up the other day but forgot to mention it.
Which phrasal verb fits into each of these sets of collocations?
1
to
2
to
a photo
3
a balloon to
a story
a political system
4
an ailing economy to
the foundations of a building
a business
an interview
a meeting
unlimited possibilities
an opportunity
a new line of investigation
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
35
16
Time
A
How time passes
1
2
3
4
5
B
Diana
The sales conference will be coming around1 soon. We’d better start hurrying
those sales reports along2.
Paul
I can’t believe that the conference is coming up3 again already. This last year seems
to have slipped away4!
Diana
I know! There’s an awful lot to do leading up to5 the conference, especially as it’s going
to be held in our branch this year.
Paul
Oh well, at least it breaks things up6 and makes life a bit more interesting, I suppose.
Diana
It hasn’t been that bad a year, surely. There was all the excitement over the new
marketing campaign.
Paul
Oh, that completely passed me by7. It didn’t really affect me in my department.
Diana
OK, Paul. Time’s getting on8 a bit now. I need to head home. Let’s talk about what we
need to do tomorrow.
6
(of a regular event) happening at its usual time
makes a period of time more interesting by
making someone do something more quickly, being different from what you are doing for
making something happen more quickly the rest of the time
7
will be happening soon
went unnoticed
8
passed very quickly
(mainly British and Australian informal) it’s
preparing in the period before an event begins getting late
Spending time
Right, I’m not going to spin this out1. I just have one thing to say. You only
have two weeks now till the exams start and you’re going to have to pull your
socks up2 if you want to pass. We’re going to set aside3 the next fortnight just
for revision. In other words, we’re going to free up4 some time by cancelling all
non-exam lessons like sport. All school sports matches will be held over5 until
the exams are finished. We felt that would be better than trying to fit revision
in6 around sport commitments. The sports staff agree that putting back7
these matches won’t cause any major problems, but we mustn’t set schedules
back8 by more than two weeks or we won’t be able to fit in all the matches before the end
of term. So now, put everything else out of your minds and concentrate on your revision.
No more frittering time away9 – get down to some serious work.
1
2
3
4
make something continue for longer than necessary
make an effort to improve, an idiom using a phrasal
verb (see Unit 8 for more)
use time for one purpose and no other purpose
make time or money available for a particular use
by not using it another way
5
6
7
8
9
delayed and arranged for a later date
do it between other activities
causing something to happen later than it should
happen
make something happen more slowly, or make
something happen later than it should
wasting time by using it for unimportant things
Tip
The following verbs can be used about money as well as time – free up and fritter away.
36
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
16.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
16.2
There was a lot of excitement
My birthday seems to be
The annual meeting will be
I’d better go as it’s
It’s getting late – can you start
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
getting on now.
hurrying people along?
leading up to the final match.
coming up some time next month.
coming around more quickly every year.
Read these remarks by different people and then answer the questions below.
Mary
I’m 63 and I’ve never had an interesting job or done anything exciting.
Jack
I feel I’m wasting a lot of time on useless and unimportant things.
Leah
I’m trying to improve my performance. I know I’ve been lazy and ineff icient.
Jude
I feel the days are passing very quickly and we need to solve the problem now.
Adriana I’m cancelling my meetings next week so I can take time off to decorate my flat.
1
2
3
4
5
16.3
Who is trying to free up some time?
Who feels that time is slipping away?
Who feels life is passing them by?
Who is trying to pull their socks up?
Who feels they are frittering away their time?
Complete this text with the correct particles.
(1) much longer than they need to so that they don’t
My staff often spin things
get asked to do any more work. As a result they sometimes set the schedules
(2)
by days or even weeks, and then I have to hurry them
(3) so that the work gets
done on time. And not only do I have to keep an eye on the staff, I also have to find time to
fit
(4) consultations with management and the unions, and inevitably meetings
have to be put
(5) because of some unexpected emergency, or important tasks
have to be held
(6) till the more immediate problems can be sorted out. I try to set
(7) at least one hour every day for planning, but it’s not easy. I like to take a proper
lunch break and get out of the office. I find that breaks the day
(8) nicely.
16.4
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal verbs in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
16.5
You’d get far more done if you didn’t fritter out so much time.
The children tried to spin their game off so they didn’t have to go to bed.
Cameron might lose his job if he doesn’t pull his collar up.
We must discuss what we need to do leading up the opening of the new branch.
Let’s try to make some time apart next month to discuss progress on the project.
Rewrite each sentence using a phrasal verb from the box in an appropriate form. Make
any other necessary changes. You may need to use a dictionary to help you.
eke out
dictionary.cambridge.org
1
2
3
4
5
drag out
bring forward
space out
creep up on
We’ve had to reschedule the meeting for this Tuesday as Austin will be away next week.
Francesca always makes any discussion last longer than necessary.
I think we should have longer intervals between our meetings.
I thought I had ages to prepare for my exams, but they have arrived in no time at all.
I think we should try to make the printing paper last as long as possible.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
37
17
Cause and effect
Many of the phrasal verbs in this unit are usually used in quite formal contexts. Using these
phrasal verbs will help you to improve your style when writing formal correspondence, giving
presentations and writing reports and essays.
Look at these formal letters to the editor of a newspaper and note the phrasal verbs connected
with cause and effect.
1
Reply
make it seem likely
that something is true
Forward
2
thought to be caused
by (used for problems
and bad experiences)
Dear Sir/Madam,
Recent events in Herean City point to1 a failure of central government to
control spending by local and regional authorities. This failure can be put
down to2 a long-standing reluctance to tackle local corruption, which has
resulted in a situation where certain powerful local politicians feel free to
act outside the law. This then contributes to a general atmosphere in which
all politicians are mistrusted.
Yours sincerely,
G. Johnson (Ms)
Reply
Forward
3
(slightly informal)
constitute a
reasonable or likely
explanation for
something
Dear Sir/Madam,
Arthur Power’s explanation for the growth of crime in our cities just does
not add up3. He attributes recent rises in crime to a decline in leisure
facilities for young people and the economic recession. But the problem in fact
stems from4 a longer-term neglect of the cities, and dealing with the problem
depends on accepting this fact first and foremost. We have been talking
about rising crime rates for decades and after the last general election the
government set up an inquiry into inner-city crime, but as yet nothing seems to
have come out of 5 this enquiry.
4
is caused by
5
if something comes
out of a process or an
event, it is one of the
results
Sincerely,
A. H. Lowe
6
Reply
Forward
Dear Sir/Madam
No one should be surprised that the recent education reforms have
rebounded on6 the government. The reforms were rooted in7 a deep-seated
elitism, which accounts for8 the fact that inequality has grown rather than
diminished, as your report showed (13 November). As always, the effects have
impacted most on9 poorer families, where the new system has led to parents
being unable to afford a good education for their children. It all adds up to10
more misery in our schools and fewer opportunities for our young people,
especially in the inner cities.
had a bad effect on the person
who did it with the result that
they did not achieve what they
were trying to achieve
7
based on, or caused by
8
explains the reason for
9
had a noticeable effect
on
10
results in
Yours sincerely,
D. Mitchell (Prof.)
Tip
Always make a note in your notebook if a phrasal verb is formal or informal.
38
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
17.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1 Aidan’s new job will undoubtedly impact
a)
2 How the situation develops will depend
b)
3 Isabelle’s behaviour may well rebound
c)
4 Freddie’s interest in botany stems
d)
5 Her attitude to foreigners is rooted
e)
6 It is impossible to point
7 The new education reform should result
f)
8 Professor Bukowsky attributes the crisis
g)
9 The situation in the country may lead
h)
i)
17.2
to one clear cause of the crisis.
from a childhood spent in the rainforest.
in ignorance.
in significant social change.
to the changes in the country’s
leadership.
on the reaction from the USA.
to a civil war.
on his family.
on her if she is not careful.
Correct the mistakes with the particles in these sentences. There is one mistake in each
sentence.
1 Theodore puts the problems down to the government, but I attribute them for the general world
economic situation.
2 To a large extent, how a person accounts for the problems in their lives seems to depend largely of
their own parents’ attitudes to difficult situations.
3 I believe the new legislation will contribute to a general improvement in the standard of living, but
Ben thinks it will result from increased poverty for most people.
4 The desire for reform has come off a general desire to improve the situation, but I suspect the
proposed changes may rebound on the government.
5 The proposals are rooted in an appropriate awareness of the problems that exist, but I do not feel
that what is proposed adds up a coherent programme of action.
17.3
Rewrite each sentence replacing the verb with a phrasal verb expression based on the
word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
17.4
The school’s rituals and traditions have originated from its long history. (root)
My mother attributes the problem to a decline in moral values. (put)
How do you think the changes will affect your business? (impact)
The economic recession inevitably led to increased unemployment. (result)
How would you explain the recent increase in violent crime? (account)
Joel’s criticism of Erica may have a bad effect on him now that she’s his boss! (rebound)
I do not feel that the writer’s analysis of the problem makes sense. (add)
Some unforeseen problems have resulted from the change in legislation. (come)
Answer these questions using full sentences.
1 What would you put global warming down to?
2 What do you think has led to the current increase in violent crime in most societies?
3 How would you account for the fact that teenage girls tend to do better at school than teenage
boys?
4 What would you attribute the success of social media sites to?
5 What would you point to as the main cause of social problems today?
6 What would you say your own interest in English stems from?
7 Do you think that mobile phones have resulted in more or less communication between people?
8 What do you think is the main thing that contributes to the difficulty of phrasal verbs?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
39
18
Memory
In this unit, some phrasal verbs can be grouped by the meaning given by the particle. For
example, up means uppermost in your mind in summon up, conjure up, call up and stir up.
Up in store up memories carries a different meaning in that it means gather or collect. Back in
come back, flood back and flashback carries a sense of a returning memory. Behind and out
occur with verbs which describe things we don’t want to remember (put something behind
somebody, block something out / block out something). Grouping the verbs by the meaning
carried by the particle will help you to remember them.
Look at this conversation on social media between Bethany and her two cousins about old
family photos.
Bethany Wells
When I look at these old photographs I’ve just found in our
grandmother’s desk, memories come flooding back1. This one
here, of Granny’s mother just before she died, stirs up2 sad
memories of how she suffered. It reminds me of how different
life was then. But we can’t let bad memories eat away at3 us; we
should put bad experiences behind4 us. It’s important to live in the
present and live for the future.
1
2
3
4
one suddenly remembers very clearly a lot of things about an experience or period
in the past
makes one remember events in the past, usually ones that make you feel sad
make us unhappy because we think about them too much
not think about them any more so that they do not affect our life
George Wells
We store up so many memories over the years, good ones and
bad ones. I associate this photo that you found with our early
childhood. Looking at the picture, it came back to me how we used
to feed the animals on our grandparents’ farm. It summons up5
lots of happy memories, and some sad ones, too, like when my
favourite old pony died. We tend to block out6 sad memories,
but sometimes you might get a flashback7 to an unpleasant
experience. The happy ones can stick with8 you forever. I still
remember the picnic we had on the farm for my sixth birthday.
5
6
7
8
makes you remember something or think about something
stop yourself from thinking about something unpleasant because it upsets you
an occasion when you suddenly remember something vividly that happened to you in the past
you remember them
Toby Wells
For me this photo you sent me that Granny took conjures up9 a series of crazy events.
I got this diploma, then fell down the steps as I left the stage. As
I fell, I grabbed the curtain and all the curtains came down on top
of me and the professor! Then all the lights went out! It’s amazing
how one picture can call up10 an event in such detail. When I look
at it, my thoughts always flash back11 immediately to that moment.
9
10
11
40
makes a picture, image, memory, etc. appear in my mind
make one remember or think about a particular memory or idea
get a sudden vivid memory of something
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
18.1
Choose the best word to complete each sentence.
1 I was sitting in a train looking out of the window, when my mind suddenly
back to
that amazing trip we made to India.
a) put
b) flashed
c) stirred
d) associated
2 Close your eyes and try to
up a picture of a place where you feel at peace.
a) store
b) eat
c) conjure
d) stick
3 Ivan has an excellent memory – he can
up precise details of things that happened
when he was a small child.
a) come
b) flood
c) flash
d) call
4 Please don’t talk about that day – I want to
it all behind me.
a) put
b) stir
c) block
d) summon
5 Pablo should try not to let his regrets for what he has done
away at him.
a) come
b) eat
c) stick
d) flood
18.2
Complete this dialogue with phrasal verbs from the opposite page.
18.3
18.4
Maya
I’ve just found this old dress at the back of my wardrobe. It
(1) me of
that party at Anna’s. Do you remember? It must be at least 20 years ago!
Rory
Goodness me! That certainly does
thought of it for years, but it’s all
those roses she had everywhere?
Maya
That’s right. I always
Rory
We spent all evening dancing together. We had such a lovely evening.
Maya
Actually, I don’t know if we did. It’s all
(5) back to me now. Don’t you
remember, as we were leaving the party, Anna’s brother came running out accusing you
of stealing his wallet? He got really violent and started pushing you.
Rory
Oh yes! That was awful. I’d just completely
Maya
Well, I’m glad you did. If you hadn’t
friends with him now.
Rory
That’s right. Anyway, it’s the good memories that you want to
you. Those are the ones to
(9) up for the future.
Maya
Well, we’ve got plenty of those we can
(2) up some memories. I hadn’t
(3) back now! Do you remember all
(4) the smell of roses with Anna.
(6) the memory out.
(7) it behind you, then we wouldn’t be
(8) with
(10) up when we need them.
Explain the play on words in these titles of newspaper articles.
1
COOK STIRS UP MEMORIES
OF 1950s SCHOOL DINNERS
2
MAGICIAN CONJURES UP MEMORIES
OF VICTORIAN ENGLAND
3
FILM CALLS UP OLD SOLDIERS’
MEMORIES OF CONSCRIPTION
4
HAPPY MEMORIES OF LIFE AT GLUE
FACTORY STICK WITH WORKERS
5
MEMORIES OF 1963 BURST PIPES
COME FLOODING BACK
Answer these questions using full sentences.
1 What colour do you associate with your childhood and why?
2 Is there any particular smell that reminds you of your childhood?
3 What music conjures up memories of your youth?
4 Is there any particular memory of your schooldays that you would like to block out?
5 Which makes memories come back to you more powerfully – music or smells?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
41
19
Making progress
A
Beginning and ending
phrasal verb with collocations
definition of phrasal verb
example
new businesses / political
movements / buildings spring
up
suddenly appear or begin
to exist
At the turn of the century, new left-wing
political movements sprang up.
new buildings / factories / cafés
sprout up
suddenly appear or begin
to exist
Pavement cafés have suddenly sprouted
up all over the town.
open up opportunities/
possibilities or opportunities/
possibilities open up
make possible or become
possible
The new shopping centre will open up all
sorts of job opportunities.
break up a meeting/party or a
meeting/party breaks up
end, people start to leave
I’m sorry to break up the party, but it’s
getting very late.
finish with magazine/
scissors/salt
no longer need
Can you let me have the magazine when
you’ve finished with it?
trend/business/price bottoms
out
reach a low level and stay
there
The share price fell steadily last year but
has now bottomed out.
game/match/anger/protest/
conflict peters out1
gradually become less
strong and then stop
completely
The crowd started shouting and protesting,
but the protests soon petered out when
they saw the armed police.
wind up a business/interview/
meeting
end
Jack intends to wind up his business soon.
1
an interesting phrasal verb in that, unusually, to peter does not exist as a verb on its own
B
Helping and hindering progress
We couldn’t continue when our cheap
supply of materials dried up1.
Things’ve been falling apart2 since
the new manager arrived.
We had some staffing problems but
the new HR person has magicked
them away4.
How’s progress with
your business?
We can’t do anything at the moment
because the money’s run out.
We’re pressing on3 though we’ve
had lots of problems. We can’t do
anything at the moment because
the money’s run out.
1
2
3
42
came to an end
not working well
continuing in a determined way
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
We got up to the third stage
of our plan but haven’t made
much progress since.
My PA has really improved
things recently, so I hope we
can hang on to5 her.
The CEO’s whittling away (at)6
the authority of middle managers.
4
5
6
made them disappear, as if by magic
keep
gradually reducing
Exercises
19.1
Answer these questions.
1 Would you be happy or unhappy if the exchange rate between your currency and the US dollar
bottomed out?
2 Which two verbs from the opposite page could you use to complete this sentence?
Wind farms seem to be
/
up all over the countryside these days.
3 Open up and break up can both be used with or without an object. True or false?
4 If someone whittles away your confidence, do you feel more or less confident?
5 If your anger peters out, does it become more or less strong?
19.2
Complete the film blurbs below, using the correct verb or particle from the opposite page.
MOVIES
The Polyard Murders
In the Net
(PG)
Leaving home and going off to college
(1) up new possibilities for
Nancy, a shy girl from a small town.
However, she soon finds that her life
starts falling
(2) when she
gets involved with a handsome
basketball player. Desperate to hang
(3) to her new love, she
embarks on a dangerous course of
action.
19.3
Rewrite these sentences to make them sound less formal using phrasal verbs instead of
the underlined words.
1
2
3
4
5
19.4
(18)
As the food, drink and conversation
dry
(4), a social gathering at
a large house in the town of Polyard
(5) up around midnight and
everyone heads home. However, two
couples vanish on the way home and
a murder hunt begins. Four more
murders take place, but the killer’s luck
finally runs
(6) when a new,
young detective from the city takes
over the case.
When you no longer need the scissors, could you pass them to me?
They terminated the business in 2014 after a year of low sales.
OK, so who’s made the bottle opener vanish? It was here a minute ago!
We’ve had some setbacks but we’ll continue undeterred.
I only reached page 12 of the book before I got bored and stopped reading it.
Explain the play on words with the phrasal verbs in these sentences.
1 Mr Bellamy decided to wind up his clock-making business after 35 years.
2 Three new greengrocers’ shops have sprouted up in the town centre recently.
3 Even though the dry cleaner’s was not getting much business, the owners decided to
press on.
4 A new trampoline factory has sprung up on the outskirts of the town.
5 The Speedyheels training shoe company has run out of money.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
43
20
Conflict and violence
A
Particles in phrasal verbs connected with conflict and violence
Some of the phrasal verbs in this unit have the particle up (smash up, flare up) where up
suggests extreme or complete. In come at and fly at at indicates the direction of the violent
action. Off suggests remove in bump off [(informal), kill] and fight off, and out suggests remove
completely in wipe out [completely destroy]. Thinking about the meaning the particle adds
will help you learn the verbs in groups and remember them better.
B
Talking about conflict and violence
Faisal
Why couldn’t you buy a ticket?
Emma The ticket office was closed and vandals had smashed up the machine on the platform.
Fatima What happened to you? Are you hurt?
Alex
A man pushed me over and tried to steal my bag. He came at me from behind.
Fatima Oh, that’s dreadful! Did he take your bag?
Alex
No, I managed to fight him off, then some people came and he ran off.
Camille What did the boss say when you all complained?
Albert
Well, he just flew at1 me and said I was irresponsible, then he rounded on2 the
others and ordered them to get back to work. I’ve never seen him flare up3 like that
before, you know, he just flew into 4 a rage as soon as I opened my mouth.
Camille So relations are not good now?
Albert
No. It’s the biggest bust-up5 we’ve ever had with him. But we’re not going to let him
push us around6.
1
4
suddenly spoke to me very angrily
suddenly turned and attacked them 5
or shouted at them angrily
3
6
suddenly become very angry
2
Jade
if someone flies into a particular state (e.g. rage,
panic), they are suddenly in that state
(informal) an angry argument
tell someone what to do in a rude or threatening way
I hear your neighbours have been fighting one another!
Ben
Yes, Luke said Arthur had stolen some plants from his garden, so he set his dog on7
him. Arthur kicked the dog, then punched Joss and almost knocked him out. The police
had to come and break it up!
7
attack someone, or make a person or animal attack someone
Eloise
What happened at the end of the film?
Maisie Well, they caught the man who’d been bumping everyone off, of course.
C
44
Metaphorical uses of phrasal verbs to suggest conflict or violence
The verbs in this group are particularly typical of newspaper language because they have
metaphorical meanings, which is good for word play.
The government promised to wipe out poverty. [make it disappear completely]
The minister is fighting off calls for her resignation.
Some newspapers are trying to drag the prime minister into the scandal. [talk about or bring
someone or something into a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially when that person or
thing is not seen as being connected with the situation]
He published an article in a national newspaper as a way of striking back at his critics.
[attacking someone who has attacked you (the literal meaning of striking is hitting)]
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
20.1
Complete these sentences by adding one word to the end of each one.
1 I couldn’t get anything from the vending machine because some hooligans had smashed
it
.
2 When Charlotte told her mother she had scratched her car, she flew into a
.
3 He’s terribly bossy, so make sure you don’t let yourself be pushed
.
4 Tom hit the man so hard that he knocked him
.
5 Don’t interfere in the fight yourself – wait for the police to come and break it
.
6 Robyn did her best, but she didn’t manage to fight her attacker
.
7 If someone criticises you unfairly, it is better to ignore them than to strike
.
8 My neighbour went to jail for trying to bump her boss
.
20.2
Correct the six mistakes with phrasal verbs in this paragraph.
There was a terrible bust-off at work today. The departmental
manager came into the office in a terrible temper. She flew on
her PA and when people tried to calm her down, she rounded at
them. I don’t know what had got into her. She pushes everyone
over a lot, but she’s not normally quite so aggressive. I tried not
to get dragged onto it at first, but she started shouting really
loudly at Jessica, so I stepped in to try to break things out.
20.3
Do the phrasal verbs in these sentences need an object? If so, add an appropriate object
in an appropriate place.
1
2
3
4
5
6
20.4
When I tried to enter the house, the dog flew at.
Ellis can seem quite happy one moment and then the next he’ll flare up.
They threatened to bump off if he told anyone about the robbery.
Because she had learned some judo as a child, Lauren found it much easier to fight off.
I was completely taken by surprise when someone suddenly came at from behind.
After only ten seconds in the ring, Henry’s opponent had knocked out.
Rewrite these sentences using the word in brackets.
1 Paul tried to involve me in the argument, but I managed to stay out of it. (drag)
2 The old man thought the boys were trying to break into his house, so he told his dog to attack
them. (set)
3 The aim of the organisation is to completely abolish cruelty to children. (wipe)
4 Although he is small, James is strong and he quickly managed to hit his attacker so hard that he
became unconscious. (knock)
5 Uncle Ronnie can lose his temper very quickly if you say the wrong thing. (flare)
6 The witness saw the thief attack the woman just as she was opening her car door. (come)
7 The robbers came running out of the bank, knocking down an old lady who was in their path.
(push)
8 Older people often find it harder to get rid of colds and other infections than younger people do.
(fight)
Over to you
Find a story in a newspaper dealing with conflict or violence in some way. Note down any phrasal
verbs that it contains in their context.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
45
21
Sound
A
Loud or unpleasant sounds
Reply
Forward
Hi Finn,
Thanks for your email.
I’ve more or less settled in to my new cottage. It’s lovely – except for the neighbours. They are just so
noisy! I can hear their sound system blasting out1 at all hours of the day and night and one of them plays
the trumpet – he’s belting out2 jazz most evenings. At least he plays well, so that noise doesn’t grate on3
me as much as it might! Much worse is the fact that one of them has a very loud voice and is also very
bad-tempered. When she’s angry she bangs things down4 and her voice booms out5 and sometimes the
arguments even drown out6 my own music. I’ve asked them nicely if they could keep the noise down a bit,
but they have ignored me. And I thought I was moving to a quiet village where the only loud noise would be
bells pealing out7 on a Sunday morning!
Hope all goes well with you.
Cheers,
John
1
2
3
4
B
5
producing a lot of noise, especially loud music
(informal) playing a musical instrument or singing very loudly
(of sound or behaviour) annoy
puts down with force because she is angry
6
7
makes a very loud noise
prevent from being heard
ringing loudly (of bells)
Sounds starting and finishing
Reply
Forward
Hi John,
Interesting to hear about your new cottage. I’m attaching an ad for some earplugs which claim to help you
shut anything out1!
I moved into a new flat a month or so ago, too. It’s next to the football stadium. I can’t see the matches, but
I can follow what’s going on from the sounds I hear. A cheer goes up2 whenever the home team shoots. But
the sound quickly dies down3 if the ball doesn’t go in. Every time there’s a match I find myself listening out
for4 the cheers. When I told my girlfriend that I wanted to stay at home to listen to the sounds of a football
match, she burst out5 laughing, thinking I was joking, and started talking about how we could decorate the flat.
When another cheer went up from the stadium, though, her voice trailed off 6 and she rushed to the window
in excitement. Then she stayed in the flat with me and spent all afternoon at the window watching spectators
going in and out of the stadium.
Cheers,
Finn
1
prevent a sound from being heard (can also be used about
preventing a sight from being seen)
2
if a shout (e.g. cheer, cry, groan) goes up, a lot of people make
that noise at the same time
3
becomes less loud or strong and then stops
4
making an effort to hear a noise which you are expecting
46
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
5
(of a sound) suddenly started
(collocates with laughing, crying, with
a comment/remark)
6
gradually became quieter and
then stopped
Exercises
21.1
Put these phrasal verbs into two groups, a ‘noisy’ group (making noise) and a ‘not noisy’
group (reducing noise).
belt out
making noise
21.2
boom out
die down
trail off
keep down
blast out
reducing noise
Complete these sentences with phrasal verbs from 21.1. Use each verb only once.
1 She was telling us about how angry Simon had made her, but her voice
off when he
entered the room.
2 As we entered the club, the singer was
out his latest song.
3 Rock music was
out from an open window as I passed the house.
4 Children, please
the noise down – Grandpa’s having a rest.
5 Major Frogshort’s voice
out across the square as he issued orders to his men.
6 At 6 p.m. the noise of the machines
down and the workers went home.
21.3
Choose the correct particle to complete these sentences.
as the president appeared on the balcony.
1 Suddenly a cheer went
a)
out
b)
up
c)
on
2 I’ll listen
for your call and come down to the street so you don’t have to park.
a)
with
b)
to
c)
out
3 Faye was so angry she banged her phone
.
a)
down b)
on
c)
away
4 These ear defenders shut
90% of external noise.
a)
down b)
away c)
out
5 When she heard how the story ended, she burst
laughing.
a)
into
b)
out
c)
in
6 I love to hear the bells pealing
at New Year.
a)
out
b)
on
c)
off
7 The noise of a plane passing overhead drowned
the radio and I missed the news.
a)
down b)
off
c)
out
8 She has such an awful voice; it just grates
me every time she sings.
a)
to
b)
at
c)
on
21.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Answer these questions. Use a dictionary if necessary.
1 If someone’s voice drones on, are you likely to enjoy listening to them or not?
2 If birds are chirping away and if a person is chattering away, away suggests a continuing sound.
True or false?
3 What particle would be best here?
to a roar as the runners approached the finish line.
The cheers of the crowd built
4 What particle would be best here?
The noise of the train died
as it headed towards the distant coast.
5 What phrasal verb with ring can be used for all of these things?
church bells
a cry
a shot
a shout
applause
6 What phrasal verb with come would fit in this sentence?
Suddenly an announcement
the public address system warning
everyone to evacuate the building.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
47
22
Supporting and opposing people or views
A
In these television interviews, Members of Parliament (MPs) are defending their positions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
B
Interviewer
Recently you seem to have come out against1 those in your party who want stronger
anti-terrorist laws. Why?
MP
I haven’t changed my position at all, and I stick by what I’ve always said. Those
who side with2 the terrorists or support them in any way must be opposed. But
we need a mature debate about the causes of terrorism.
stated publicly that you opposed an issue (opposite: come out in favour of)
support a person or group in an argument
Interviewer
You said you were determined to introduce higher fuel charges, but after the
opposition from the trucking companies you seem to have caved in3. Why?
MP
We are a listening party and we always defer to4 expert opinion. We were advised
that higher charges would have a negative economic effect in the long term, so
we have decided to go with5 that advice.
agreed to something that you were against before, because of persuasion or threats
(formal) accept someone else’s opinion because they know more or are more important
accept a plan or an idea
Interviewer
You seem to be leaning increasingly towards6 more conservative policies. Is there
any truth in the rumour that you are about to cross over7 to the Conservative Party?
MP
No. The values I stand for8 are liberal values, but I see no point in siding against9
the Conservative Party on those issues where I agree with them.
support or begin to support a particular set of ideas or a particular political party
start to support a different, often opposing, person or group
support
opposing a person or group in an argument
Note the phrasal verbs for supporting and opposing people or views in these newspaper extracts.
17-year-old boy claims he was egged on1 by his friends to steal cars.
1
encouraged to do something, often something that is wrong, stupid or dangerous
Cheered on2 by her supporters, Sadie Hinds beat the world record.
2
received encouraging shouts
Mrs Gilmore, who celebrated her 104th birthday, when asked what her secret was, said
she swears by3 a glass of hot milk with a little sugar every night before bed.
3
believes that something is very effective and that it will always work well
Mr West said the club would not hear of4 letting children attend the event.
4
not allow something, or not allow someone to do something (always in the negative)
The peace campaign was buoyed up5 recently by a donation of €1,000,000.
5
supported and made more successful
He was someone who always stuck up for6 the rights of the poor and the homeless.
6
48
(informal) defended or fought for something important
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
22.1
Look at A opposite. Complete these statements from a political manifesto.
This party
We do not hesitate to
for equality for all.
out strongly against any case of injustice.
We
by our principles at all times and never
or pressure from the opposition.
We
with the underdog and do not
wealthy and powerful.
22.2
in to threats
to those who are
Look at B opposite. Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.
1 runners / The / cheered / line / on / the / were / as / they / spectators / for / the / by /
finishing / headed
2 rely / sister / Tim / You / to / on / stick / little / can / his / for / up
3 grandfather / by / My / garlic / a / of / raw / himself / as / way / from / colds / protecting / swears /
catching
4 bungee / My / have / mother / would / tried / we / never / hadn’t / her / jumping / on /
egged / if
5 all-night / to / wanted / to / go / mother / party / an / it / her / wouldn’t / but / of / She / hear
6 of / discovery / the / years / British / gas / the / North / The / up / buoyed / in / economy /
Sea / some / for
22.3
Which word from the opposite page could fit into all the sentences in each set? Note any
new meanings of the word which you come across.
1 If a politician doesn’t
Don’t forget to
It is not always easy to
by what he has said, he will lose the voters’ trust.
a stamp on each of your postcards.
up for what you believe in if others are attacking you.
2 I cannot believe that you would
with the government on the issue of the war.
Peter was warned not to
against the minister if he wanted to have a successful
career in politics.
You will find a lot of interesting phrasal verbs on the left-hand
of the page.
3 Please come and
me on in the tennis match.
Josie is a bit miserable, so we really should go round and try to
A
went up as the prince entered the stadium.
her up.
4 Harry Carr’s investment should help to
up the company.
We always try to
each other up before giving important presentations.
You must try to sail the yacht round that red
.
22.4
Are these sentences correct? If not, correct them.
1 My preferred course of action would be to get with what Ivan has recommended.
2 He began his political life as a Conservative but crossed across to the Labour Party when he
realised that he would be more likely to get a seat in Parliament that way.
3 Many people start to lean more towards right-wing ideas as they become middle-aged.
4 Either side with the prime minister or against him – don’t abstain from voting.
5 I shall have to defer on your superior knowledge of the situation.
6 My mother promises by a daily spoonful of honey to keep healthy all year long.
7 Josh is not usually naughty himself but he is quick to egg others off.
8 The headteacher said she would not hear of pupils coming to school with hair dyed a bright colour.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
49
23
Agreeing
A
Coming to an agreement
1
2
3
4
B
Toby
So the first thing on the agenda today is
nailing down1 the plan for next month’s
launch party.
Magda
Well, what happened at the senior
management meeting? Did our budget request
go through2?
Toby
Yes, it did. A couple of them didn’t want to agree to it at first, so I had to explain about the
plans to invite local business leaders and other influential people. I had to leave before
the end, but apparently they arrived at a unanimous decision and approved the budget.
Kate
Great. Well, Jon and I have already hammered out3 a deal with a venue just down the
road. The boss at the Olive Bistro can give us a great price.
Magda
Shouldn’t it be somewhere a little more upmarket?
Kate
I don’t think you should rule it out4 until you see it. It doesn’t look like much from the
outside, but they have done a great job with the recent refurbishment.
Toby
We don’t have to settle on5 the venue right now. We just need to come to an
agreement by the end of the week. Maybe a couple of us should go and have a look at
the Olive Bistro tomorrow morning. Magda, can I count you in6?
Magda
Yes, OK. And what about entertainment? At the last meeting Nigel was very keen on
having a DJ. Do we all want to go along with7 that?
5
making a decision about all the details of something
be approved by an official authority
reached an agreement after a long discussion
say no to something
agree on
include a person in a plan or activity
(opposite: count someone out)
6
7
agree with someone’s idea or opinion
Agreeing after disagreeing
At first only Tania and I liked the blue design best, but we gradually won the others round¹.
Ben wasn’t sure about joining the special project team at the beginning, but I managed to talk him
round2 in the end.
It took a while to persuade my line manager to send me on the business management course, but
she gave in3 eventually!
When we first moved to an open-plan office, I didn’t really like it. But I’ve come round to⁴ it now, as
it has improved communication in the team.
The Board have finally backed down⁵ over their proposals to restructure the department.
The management had to bow to6 pressure from the unions and give the pay rise they promised.
She wanted to work in London originally, but in the end she had to settle for⁷ the regional office.
Two of the team had a big disagreement and weren’t talking to each other for a few days. Fortunately,
they seem to have smoothed things over⁸ this morning.
1
2
3
4
persuaded (can also be win over)
persuade
agree after initially refusing
changed my opinion
Tip
5
admitted they were wrong and changed their minds
do something you don’t want to do (another way to
say this is bend to)
7
agree to something which isn’t your first choice
8
made a problem less serious
6
If we persuade someone not to do something, we talk them out of something. He wanted to have a
party while his parents were away, but I talked him out of it.
50
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
23.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1 The Marketing Director refused to go
2 Although it’s very unlikely that we’ll
get the contract, I wouldn’t rule it
3 I’d like to settle
4 I really want to smooth things
5 The application for my credit card went
6 Lucy was very resistant at first, but
we eventually managed to win her
7 After a very difficult meeting with the
shareholders, the Board finally bowed
8 Dominic’s very good at talking people
23.2
a) through last week, and it arrived in the post this morning.
b) to pressure and agreed to increase the annual
dividend.
c) along with our suggestions about the new product
design.
d) round to his way of thinking. That’s why he’s such
a good negotiator.
e) on a date for the interviews as soon as possible.
f) over with Roger, as we have to work together every day.
g) out completely.
h) over. Now she loves the idea!
Choose the correct particle to complete these sentences.
1 We’ve booked the venue and the caterers. Now we just need to nail down / up / round the rest of
the details.
2 I’ve explained why we should update the website, but he just refuses to give up / in / back and let
me do it.
3 We spent ages discussing the new logo, and we eventually came to / through / up against an
agreement.
4 Can we settle on / for / down a paint colour for the walls first, and then start looking at furniture?
5 Polly agreed to / out / up the new schedule initially, but then realised that it didn’t give her enough
time to finish her work.
6 Despite the fact that Mark was clearly in the wrong, he refused to back up / round / down and apologise.
7 We need some volunteers to help organise the charity fundraiser. Can we count you on / in / into?
23.3
Rewrite each sentence using a phrasal verb based on the word in brackets in an appropriate form.
1 After two weeks of strikes, the company finally changed their mind and increased the overtime
rate. (give)
2 Our application for planning permission was approved without any problems, so we can start
building next month. (go)
3 We’ve got a general agreement, but it will take some time to work out the details. (hammer)
4 Chris always just agrees with what the manager says. He never thinks for himself. (go)
5 It’s going to be difficult to finalise all the details of the training day until we’ve chosen a date. (nail)
6 Charlie said he didn’t like the new website design, but I think he’ll change his opinion about it
when he sees the latest version. (come)
23.4
Answer these questions.
1 If someone says they’ll go along with you when you make a suggestion, do they mean a) they agree
b) they have changed their mind c) they disagree with you?
2 If someone gives in too easily to their children, are they a) very strict b) easily persuaded c) always
arguing with them?
3 If your boss rules out an idea you suggest, does that mean she a) wants to do it b) isn’t sure
whether to do it c) definitely doesn’t want to do it?
4 If you hear on the news that a government is bowing to international pressure, does it mean a) they
are keeping the same opinion b) they agree with other countries c) they are changing their mind?
5 If someone says they want to smooth things over after an argument, does it mean a) they don’t
want to talk to you again b) they want to make a problem less serious c) they want to agree
with you?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
51
24
Understanding and having ideas
A
Understanding
As a maths teacher I find it interesting to see how pupils cope with my
subject. Some pick up every new topic very quickly, while others take rather
longer to catch on1. Some have to grapple with2 the topic for a long time
but eventually understand it very well. Some find it goes in better if they are
presented with the whole picture right from the beginning, whereas others like
me to break a topic down into small bite-sized chunks. Then they gradually
piece it all together for themselves. Although some find it harder than others
to keep up3 with what I tell them, everyone usually cottons on4 in the end.
1
2
B
C
3
4
be able to understand something that is happening or changing fast
(informal) begins to understand
Having ideas
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
occur to sb
come into your mind
It suddenly occurred to me that he hadn’t told me
his name.
hit on (an idea)
have a good idea (especially one
that solves a problem)
We weren’t sure how to celebrate our anniversary
until James hit on the idea of spending the
weekend in Paris.
rough out
write or draw the outline of an
idea without going into details
The novelist said he always roughs out several
plots before he decides which one to use.
reflect on
(slightly formal) think very hard
about something
We all need to take some time to reflect on what
has happened.
think up sth or
think sth up
create an idea or plan using your
imagination and intelligence
Can you help me think up an idea for my
presentation?
play with (an
idea)
consider an idea but usually do
not do it
The headteacher played with the idea of
introducing compulsory lessons in good manners.
leap out at
be immediately obvious
I couldn’t solve the crossword clue last night, but
this morning the answer leapt out at me.
Discussing ideas
I have some great colleagues. Whenever I have a problem at work, I talk
it through1 with my supervisor. She always comes at2 problems from a
slightly different angle, and thrashing an issue out3 with her helps me
to see the problem more clearly and to find a solution. Then there is my
marketing team. I am very proud of them. In our regular meetings to
discuss new promotional activities, we bounce our ideas off4 each other
until we find something that we all like. We find that batting our ideas
around5 like this is really productive and results in great campaigns.
1
2
3
52
(informal) understand
try hard to deal with
4
discuss something in order to understand
it better
5
approaches
discussing something in order to find a solution
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
(informal) tell someone about an idea to
find out what they think of it
(slightly informal) discussing different
ways of dealing with an issue
Exercises
24.1
Complete this conversation using verbs from the box.
reflect break rough cotton thrash hit grapple occur piece bounce talk
Student
I’ve been
(1) with this idea you talked about in your lecture, that
written language is becoming more like spoken language these days, but I’m finding
it difficult. I’ve been trying to
(2) out some chapters for my dissertation
and I like this topic, but I think I need to
(3) it through with you first.
LecturerWell, why don’t I
(4) a few ideas off you? Then you can see if they make
sense. When you write emails to your friends, how formal are they?
Student
Pretty informal usually.
Lecturer Let’s just
Student
(5) on that for a moment. What makes them informal?
I suppose it’s grammar for one thing. I use contractions like ‘I’m’ or ‘it’s’ instead of
‘I am’ or ‘it is’. And slang words and so on.
LecturerYes, and hasn’t it
(6) to you that what you’re doing is sort of talking to
people rather than writing to them?
Student
Ah. I see. I think I’ve
(7) on now. Things like email and text messages and
chat rooms and so on are changing the way we write, is that it?
Lecturer Exactly. Go away and think about it a bit more and I’m sure you’ll
a few more ideas. Look at a few newspapers and magazines. Try and
the topic down into different themes, like grammar and vocabulary.
Student
OK, thanks. I’ll probably be able to
(8) on
(9)
(10) it all together now.
Lecturer Yes, and come back if you need more help and we can
and try and clarify it more. OK? Bye.
24.2
Choose the correct particle to complete these sentences.
24.3
Find phrasal verbs from the opposite page which
seem to treat ideas as if they are:
(11) it out together
1 I’ve been trying to think about / up / over a plan for a surprise birthday party for Theodore, but I
haven’t hit on / out / up the right idea yet.
2 I thought about the problem for ages, but then the solution just leapt over / away / out at me.
3 Some of the trainees are very good at picking on / over / up new techniques, while others take a
long time to catch on / across / in.
4 It’s hard to keep up to / with / for all the reading for my literature course.
5 We formed a committee to bat a few ideas over / up / around for the college open day.
6 For a while we played with / on / at the idea of making all the courses compulsory, but we dropped
it because it would be so unpopular.
7 I think we should try and come into / on / at the problem from a different angle.
8 I tried to explain it to him, but new information takes a long time to go on / in / off sometimes!
1 balls that can be played with
2 parts of a puzzle
3 things that you need physical strength to deal with
Max stared at the crossword for ages, but
then the answer suddenly leapt out at him.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
53
25
Arranging things
A
A group of students are organising things for a college open day. Note how they use phrasal
verbs to talk about arranging things.
Ben
We need something to prop up1 the video camera. Maybe we could use that big box?
Anna
Or we could rest it on the bookcase. That could double up as2 a camera support.
1
make something stay in a particular position by putting something underneath or against it
also be used as
2
3
4
5
6
Tim
Let’s gather up all those brochures and stack them up in one pile over here.
Elodie
OK, then I’ll have to see about3 an extra table; we’ve got too much stuff.
deal with something, or arrange for something to be done
Sacha
We need to space out the tables a bit; they’re too close together at the moment.
Lizzie
Yes, and we should line them up a bit better too so that it all looks neat.
Paul
Why don’t we separate off4 all the student work displays and put them all together in
the other room?
Jake
Yes, OK. I’ll round up5 some more helpers; it’s going to be quite a big job.
Paul
Yes, and then separate out6 the first-year students’ work, the second-year students’ work and
the third- and fourth-year students’ work and make a special display of it. That would be nice.
Jake
OK, but how will I know the first-year stuff from the rest?
Paul
The name and the year are on the back of each piece of work.
remove something from a large group of things
find and gather together a group of people or animals
divide a group of people or things into smaller groups
Kelly
Hey everyone, if you could pile up all your rubbish in the corner there, I’ll get someone
to take it all away at once.
Paul
OK, but I think we should sift through7 everything before we throw it away in case we’re throwing away things we should keep.
7
examine a large collection of something, especially papers, usually in order to discover something or to decide
what is important
B
Other verbs connected with organising and arranging things
We hoarded away dozens of bottles of water as we knew there would be a shortage in the hot
weather. [put a supply of something in a safe place so that it can be used in the future]
I’ve been trying to fix up a meeting with our local MP so we can get to know her better. [(informal)
arrange]
He folded up the scarf, wrapped it in gold wrapping paper and did it up with a red bow, ready
to give to his grandfather on his birthday. [fasten or tie something]
The headteacher geared his speech more towards the parents than the pupils. [designed
something so that it was suitable for a particular purpose, situation, or group of people]
Norton College ranks among the best in the country. [has a particular position in a list
arranged in order of quality]
54
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
25.1
Answer these questions about the verbs in A.
1
2
3
4
5
25.2
What other things can someone round up, apart from people?
What might you prop your head up with if you’re reading on the sofa?
Which other verb in A is close in meaning to stack up?
If you sift through papers, what are you doing?
Does the particle up seem to have any similar meanings in the verbs in A?
Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete these sentences.
1 We had to stick up / stock up / stack up the chairs after the meeting and lock the hall.
2 Could you round in / round up / round off some people to help move the furniture?
3 Let’s separate off / separate away / separate out the blue forms, the green forms and the white
forms so that they don’t all get mixed up together.
25.3
Complete the gaps in the texts with a particle from B opposite.
My nine-year-old son is so untidy. I’m tired of trying to get him to
fold his clothes
(1) and put them neatly into drawers. The
trouble is, his drawers are full of other things – toys and games,
stones and pieces of wood that he has hoarded
(2) for
some reason or another.
I’ve just done a presentation of our company’s products with a major
firm we’d like to do business with. It’s ranked
(3) the biggest
in the country, so we could make a lot of money if they agree to let us
supply them with our boxes. I geared my presentation
(4) the
quality of our boxes, and at the end of it I presented their team with
one of our boxes done
(5) in specially-designed paper in their
company colours and filled with information about our company. I
think they may be interested. They’ve certainly agreed to fix
(6)
another meeting.
25.4
Answer these questions using a phrasal verb based on the verb in brackets in your answer.
1 What would you do if you wanted to discuss a business idea face-to-face with your bank
manager? (fix)
2 If students are taking an important written exam, what are schools usually required to do with
the desks where they sit to write their exams? (space)
3 If one leg of a table is shorter than the others, how might you use a book? (prop)
4 If you recycle your rubbish, why might you need several different containers? (separate)
5 For a school photo, how does the photographer typically arrange the pupils? (line)
6 If you are a student living in one room and you often have friends and family to stay with you,
why might it be useful to have a large sofa? (double)
7 If you have a lot of papers on the floor and you want to tidy your room, what do you do with the
papers? (gather)
8 If you are going to meet someone who you’ve never met before at a crowded café, why might you
each agree to wear something distinctive? (know)
9 You are arranging a party and want to ask an artistic friend to deal with decorating the room
where the party is to be held. What could you say to your friend? (see)
10 You have a pile of papers that you think it may be all right to throw away, but what is it a good
idea to do with them first? (sift)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
55
26
Talking about size and number
A
Increasing and totalling
1
B
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
build up (sth) /
build (sth) up
increase in amount, size or strength,
or make something increase
Paula has been doing a lot of long-distance
running to try to build up her stamina.
bump up sth /
bump sth up
(informal) increase the size or
amount of something, e.g. price, by
a large amount
Hotels in this town always bump their prices
up when the film festival is on.
round up sth /
round sth up1
increase a number to the nearest
whole number
The taxi fare came to £29.25, but we rounded it
up and gave the driver £30.
push up sth /
push sth up
increase the amount, number or
value of something
The TV series about Caitlin Cliff’s pottery
pushed up the value of her work.
put on sth / put
sth on
if a person or animal puts on weight,
they become heavier
Bobby’s put on six kilos since he stopped
playing football.
amount to sth
become a particular amount
When we added living costs to the fees, the
cost of the course amounted to £34,000.
add up
(informal) increase and become a
large number or amount
Bringing up children is an expensive business.
Clothes, shoes, food, toys, – it all adds up!
(opposite: round down sth / round sth down = reduce to nearest whole number)
Decreasing
Ice cream sales are high in summer but tail off as winter approaches. [decrease in amount]
Since they employed a new chef, the quality of the food has really fallen off. [become smaller
or lower]
We’ll never be able to get out of the car park now. Let’s wait till the football crowds thin out a
bit. [become fewer in number]
Laura was so keen to get rid of her old car that I was able to get her to knock the price down a
bit. [(informal) reduce]
I’m afraid we have no choice but to slim the business down and some redundancies will be
announced next week. [make it smaller in size, often by employing fewer people]
C
Staying the same
Exam results out: Differences narrowing between boys and girls
This year 16-year-old girls have again done much better than boys in their school
exams. However, the differences in grades between the sexes now seem to be
levelling off1 by the time pupils reach 18. At 18, boys’ results now average out at
66% per exam, whereas the equivalent figure for girls is 67%. Several years ago
there was concern at the rapidly rising rate of academic success among girls in
comparison with boys, but this rate has clearly now flattened out2. It is believed
that greater use of technology in the classroom is helping to balance things out3,
reviving boys’ interest in their schoolwork.
1
2
3
56
becoming more similar (can also be level out)
stopped increasing or decreasing and begun to stay at the same level
make things equal
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
26.1
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal verbs in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
26.2
The total cost of our holiday amounted at nearly £500.
The bill came to £22.20 each, so we rounded it over to £25 to include a tip.
Helena has pushed on a lot of weight recently.
It will take Joe some time to build on his strength again after such a long illness.
The college hoped that the advert would push off enrolments for its new course.
The new fertiliser claims to dump up agricultural yields considerably.
Match the statements 1–6 with the illustrations a–f.
a
b
c
d
1 Sales levelled out at £600.
2 The prices averaged out at £600.
3 The price was rounded down.
26.3
e
f
4 They knocked the price down.
5 Sales tailed off later in the week.
6 The price was bumped up.
Answer the questions.
1 The new manager has decided to slim the business down.
What does the new manager intend to do?
2 We picnicked in the forest in a place where the trees were beginning to thin out.
Why might this have been a good place for a picnic?
3 The graph showing hits on our website begins to flatten out in May.
How many hits did the website get in June?
4 Interest in politics seems to be falling off now, particularly among young people.
Are young people more or less interested in politics than they used to be?
5 Joseph’s lack of interest in housework is balanced out by his love of gardening.
How does the speaker probably feel about Joseph and what he does at home?
26.4
Complete this email with phrasal verbs from the opposite page.
Reply
Forward
Dear Gordon,
Sorry I haven’t been in touch for a while. I’m not finding it so easy running my own business. We’ve
had to
(1) our prices because of strong competition, so our profits are
beginning to
(2). They still
(3) a pretty
sizeable sum, but even so, it’s a bit worrying to see them
(4). I’m planning
to close one of our factories. I hope that by
(5) the business in this
way, I may be able to
(6) our profits again. All the worry has made me
(7) a lot of weight too because I tend to eat snacks to make me feel
better. And as you know, it all
! (8)
Esther
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
57
27
Talking about success and failure
A
The chief executive of a company is making a speech to the staff. Note the phrasal verbs
connected with success and failure.
This year has been an eventful one. We’ve been able to
capitalise on­1 the publicity we got in the new year with the
launch of our new lines, and we’ve come out stronger than ever,
despite strong competition. We’ve succeeded in reversing the
downward trend we were suffering last year. What’s more, we’ve
managed to win back customers from the competition. We had
been losing out to2 international players, but now we can pride
ourselves on3 being able to offer better quality products at lower
prices. In the middle of the year, we faced a hostile takeover
bid from Diotecnics. We fought hard against it and finally won
through4, as I knew we would. That bid fell through5 and we
are now stronger than ever. So I want to thank you all.
1
2
3
B
Two students are talking on the phone about studying for exams.
1
2
3
4
5
C
4
use a situation in order to achieve something
succeeded after trying hard to achieve
good for yourself something
5
being less successful than
failed to happen
be proud of
Harry
I don’t think I’ll get through1 the end-of-term exam this time.
Libby
Oh, really? Why?
Harry
Well, I’ve been really busy with the drama club, that’s the problem. I wish I could be one of those people who sail through2 exams and still
manage to pack in3 a huge amount in their spare time.
Libby
Yes, me too. But never mind, you did your presentation the other day
and you managed to carry that off4 quite well.
Harry
I managed to fool everyone, you mean! I got by5 only because I found
some useful stuff on the Internet the night before.
Libby
Well, that’s OK. That’s what the Internet’s for. As long as you didn’t just
copy it!
pass
easily pass
(informal) manage to do a lot of activities in a period of time
succeed in doing or achieving something difficult
(informal) had just enough or knew just enough of something to deal with a difficult situation
Other verbs connected with succeeding and failing
I couldn’t really afford the time to go to a lecture on bees, but my curiosity won out and I
went. [(informal) was stronger than other, competing emotions]
The general lack of enthusiasm doomed the plan to failure. [made it sure to fail]
The support of my friends and family helped to pull me through a very difficult time.
[succeed in dealing with a difficult period of your life, or to help someone else to do this]
You have to learn to rise above negative criticism if you want to succeed. [not allow something bad
that is happening or being done to you to upset you or to affect your behaviour]
Did you see the match on Saturday? We’ve fallen behind Liverpool by three points
now. [failed to score as many points as another team or player in a competition]
58
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
27.1
Rewrite each sentence using a phrasal verb based on the word in brackets in an appropriate form.
1 Some people were going to buy our flat, but at the last moment the sale failed to happen. (fall)
2 Steve is very proud of his organisational skills. (pride)
3 The company was able to take advantage of the unusually wet weather by promoting its
inexpensive umbrellas. (capitalise)
4 The England team lost the trophy in 2014 but regained it the following year. (win)
5 It’s been a difficult year for us, but we have emerged from it with renewed vigour. (come)
6 Leila managed to pass her driving test at her first attempt. (succeed)
7 Hassan was beaten by his brother in the finals of the tennis tournament. (lose)
8 They had a long battle in court to prove their innocence, but finally they succeeded. (win)
27.2
Complete the text below using the correct verbs.
Home
About
Blog
Contact me
A French Adventure
13 MARCH
Richard was very pessimistic about my plans to ride my bike
from the very north of France to the south. He was convinced the
(1) to failure despite all my attempts to
project was
persuade him that I would be able to
(2) it off. He
said I would never be able to
(3) in so many miles
in the short period of time I had at my disposal. I knew I’d be
(4) through the trip without any problems,
unlikely to
but I made a great effort to
(5) above all his negative
comments. I am so glad I did! It wasn’t an easy ride, and my
(6) by using
French isn’t great, but I managed to
gestures and a translation app. My determination
(8) in reaching
(7) me through, and in the end I
my destination just one day later than planned. I’m glad to say
Richard was there to congratulate me.
27.3
Say whether the people in these sentences (a) succeeded in doing something, (b) succeeded in
doing something but only in the face of difficulty or (c) failed to do something.
1
2
3
4
5
6
27.4
He was so nervous when he stood up to sing, but I think he carried it off rather well.
She sailed through the interview and was offered the job immediately.
I lost out in the job interview to another woman who had more experience than me.
I’d hoped to go to Peru in March but the trip fell through.
We packed in such a lot on our trip to Korea – we saw all the main cities and sights.
The college authorities ignored our protests at first, but we won through in the end.
Correct the ten mistakes with phrasal verbs in this paragraph.
Oliver has always wanted to become an engineer, but it was quite difficult for him to get a place at college. He
didn’t get in at his first attempt, losing off to applicants with better exam grades. However, at his second try he
succeeded to win a place. He then sailed over all his first-year exams but failed some of his exams in the second
year, as he started spending a lot of time on the rugby pitch, playing for the college first team, rather than in
the library. Then his team fell back in the college league after three games, so he wasn’t too happy and did even
less work, and as a result he failed three exams. However, he’s always prided himself for being able to revise
very efficiently when he’s really under pressure, and in the third year he did enough to pull himself across. His
friends were amazed that he managed to carry it out, as they were sure he could not have packed up enough
study in such a short time to get by the exams. But Oliver knew that he had only just got over and he resolved to
organise his life much better after leaving college.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
59
28
A
Discussing problems
Describing problems
1
2
3
4
5
B
Rosie
How’s life with you, Kate? Is everything going OK?
Kate
Not really. They’re threatening to make some redundancies at work, so that’s hanging
over1 me. All because senior management botched up2 and lost the company millions of
pounds last year! My daughter’s relationship with her boyfriend of five years has broken
down3 because pressures they were both having at work began to spill over4into their
private lives and they just couldn’t cope. Then my son, the journalist, was in Phrasalia and
got caught up in5 the revolution there – he ran into6 difficulties when he was trying to
leave and we don’t know when he’ll get home. He even landed in7 prison for a few days.
Rosie
Oh dear! And how are you bearing up8?
Kate
Oh, it’s hard, but I’m OK. But how about you, what’s going on in your life?
Rosie
It’s quite stressful, too, as we’ve just learned Leo’s sister is riddled with9 cancer …
making us worry about what is going to happen
(informal) spoiled something by doing it badly
failed
have an unpleasant effect on another situation
involved in an activity or situation which
prevented him from moving
6
7
8
9
began to experience
found himself in a difficult situation or
unpleasant place
dealing with a sad or difficult situation
full of something unpleasant or bad
Dealing with problems
We must all resign ourselves to1 the fact that we will encounter
problems throughout our lives. We cannot safeguard against2 all
unpleasant events. Nor can we walk away3 from every difficult
situation that comes along. We have to find ways of living with4 the
bad situations that we inevitably face from time to time and find ways
of ironing out5 difficulties. We should not be too proud to fall back
on6 our parents for advice – we may be surprised at how helpful they
can be. If the problem is a disagreement, then we may be able to
Annette Berg,
smooth things over7. Explaining how we feel will sometimes be all
Therapist and
that is needed to clear up8 a misunderstanding. If we have behaved
agony aunt
badly, then we should apologise and find a way to make up for9 our
10
actions. The important thing is not to resort to behaviour that we
know is wrong even if it seems to offer a temporary solution. Don’t just grasp at11
the first chance of an easy way out – it may not be the right thing to do.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
60
accept that something we do not want to happen
will happen
do things to stop something unpleasant happening
stop being involved in a situation that is difficult to
deal with
accepting a difficult situation and continuing with
our life while it exists
doing something to resolve a problem
use something when other things have failed, or
when there are no other choices
make a disagreement or problem seem less serious
or easier to deal with, especially by talking to the
people involved in it
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
8
9
10
11
give or find an explanation for, or deal with, a
problem or disagreement
do something good so that the bad thing seems
less important and does not cause a problem any
more
do something that you do not really want to
because you cannot find any other way of
achieving something
quickly use or accept an opportunity to do or have
something, especially because you are unhappy
with the present situation
Exercises
28.1
Complete these emails between Isabella and Nicole using phrasal verbs from the opposite page.
Reply
Forward
Hi Nicole,
Life’s never easy, is it? I’ve had a big misunderstanding with my colleague Blake and I want to
(1) it up, but I’m not sure how. It’s been
(2) over me for a week now,
and I don’t want relations to
(3) down between me and him as I have to meet with him
once a week. He thinks I told people he took time off when he wasn’t really sick and as a result
he
(4) in trouble with the boss. All I had said was I was glad to hear it wasn’t anything
serious. What should I do? Advice greatly appreciated!
Isabella
Reply
Forward
Dear Isabella,
(5) away from the situation. It’s bound
Well, you’re right not to try to
to
(6) over into your professional dealings with him. It sounds like you’ve got
(7) up in some malicious office gossip. Invite him out to lunch, explain, and
apologise for causing him any problems. That should
(8) things over a bit.
Tell him what a wonderful colleague he is. At moments like this you have to
(9) to
flattery! It’s usually the only way to
(10) up for saying or doing something you wish
you hadn’t. Most people can’t resist being flattered!
Hope that helps.
Love,
Nicole
28.2
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
Make any other necessary changes.
1 When the doctors examined the dead man, they found his body was full of disease.
2 I just quickly accepted the first opportunity to get out of my boring job and do something more
exciting. I wasn’t prepared to just continue to accept it; I had to make a change.
3 I was forced to use my knowledge of map reading from my days as a scout to help us find a way
out of the valley.
4 I’m sorry, I’ve done things the wrong way and caused a lot of problems for everyone.
5 A healthy diet and plenty of exercise is the best way to protect yourself from heart disease.
6 His life is difficult. His parents died last year when he was only 16. Now he just has to be brave and
determined and try to carry on as best he can.
7 I’m afraid we just have to reluctantly accept the fact that we are going to have to sell the house.
8 She tried very hard to resolve the misunderstandings between the two groups.
Over to you
Look at the problem page of any English language magazine or newspaper and see how many phrasal
verbs are used to talk about problems. Make a note of any you find, especially any not practised in this
unit. There are also many problem pages in English on the Internet. Try doing a search for ‘problem page’.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
61
29
Deciding and influencing
A
Note the phrasal verbs for making decisions and influencing people and events.
For a long time I’ve been toying with3 the idea of
doing something completely different with my life. The
opportunity has finally come, but I need to size up4 the
situation before I make my decision.
It’s time for me to decide on that interesting offer I had last
week. I’ve mulled it over1, but I still don’t know whether to say
yes or no and the deadline is tomorrow. I just want to be careful
not to tie myself down2 to something I might regret later.
1
thought carefully about something for a
long time
2
stop yourself from being free to do what
you want to do
Have you heard the rumours about the changes that
are going to be pushed through5 at work? I know
you’ve been singled out6 for praise recently, but so
has your rival for promotion and I get the feeling that
management are trying to play you off against7 each
other. I’m worried that the changes may result in her
doing you out of 8 the promotion you deserve.
5
made officially accepted
chosen from a large group of people or things,
usually in order to criticise or praise them
7
encourage you to compete/argue with another to
get some advantage from this situation
8
(informal) stopping you from getting or keeping
something, in a dishonest or unfair way
6
B
3
considering (doing) something, but not very
seriously and without making a decision
4
carefully examine a situation or person in
order to make a judgement
I’m sorry to hear about your disagreement with your
colleague. It’s clear that it’s very difficult to reason with
her, but don’t let her play on9 your good nature and don’t
give in. Do your best to try and work things out10 with
her, but if you can’t, I think you should consult your boss.
9
use your fears/weaknesses to make you do what
they want, often in an unfair way
10
think carefully about how you are going to do
something and make a plan or decision
In these dialogues the second speaker uses a phrasal verb to paraphrase what the first speaker says.
Ahmed
I might say no to the Berlin trip and go to Moscow instead, but I’m not sure.
Julian
So you’re tending towards the Moscow trip? I thought you might.
Lucy
I think I now agree with you that we should postpone the new product launch.
Stan
Ah-ha! So you’ve finally come round to my way of thinking.
Ryan
That’s it. I’ve decided. I’m going to take the job in Madrid.
Daniela Good! I’m glad you’ve arrived at a decision at last. You won’t regret it.
Dan
So who’s going to have the extra ticket? I’ve got a coin, if you like.
Evan
OK, let’s toss for1 it. ‘Heads’ – you get it, ‘tails’ – I get it.
1
throw a coin into the air to see which side lands facing upwards. For British coins, ‘heads’ means the side with
the Queen’s head on it; ‘tails’ is the other side.
Manon
We need to encourage people to join the campaign and work with us.
Charles Yes, we need to drum up more support.
Tip
Do sb out of sth is not the only informal phrasal verb with do. We also find it in do in sb [kill], do out
sth [decorate], do yourself up [make yourself look more attractive] and do without [manage without
something]. Where verbs form groups like this, record them together.
62
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
29.1
Find phrasal verbs in A that match these definitions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
29.2
play with an idea, consider it but not very deeply
try to discuss something rationally with someone
consider something carefully over a period of time
make up your mind about something
unfairly deprive someone of something
evaluate someone or something
restrict or limit someone
select one person from a large group
Answer these questions about the verbs in B.
1 What do you need if you and a friend agree to make a decision by tossing for it?
2 If someone is tending towards something, have they made a definite decision?
3 What is a drum and why do you think it is used metaphorically in collocations like drum up support
or drum up business?
4 If someone comes round to a decision, how quickly did they arrive at that decision?
29.3
Complete these sentences with a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
1 If we talk about the problems between us properly, I’m sure we’ll be able to
things
.
2 I thought it was very unfair of Mrs King to
you
for criticism in front
of everyone else like that.
3 Although the redevelopment plans are unpopular, the government is determined to
them
.
4 Clara is very keen that her daughters should not
themselves
by
getting married too young.
5 I hope it won’t take you too long to
a decision.
6 If we don’t manage to
some more business soon, we may have
to close down.
7 Sometimes children seem to be able to sense a new teacher’s weakness and they
it to their own advantage.
8 If you can’t agree on which film to go and see, we’ll have to
it.
9 You don’t need to made a decision immediately – take time to
it
.
10 Saif is only two, but he is already very good at
his father
his mother.
29.4
Correct the mistakes in these sentences. If there are no mistakes, put a tick at the end of
the sentence.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Everyone is trying to dissuade me from taking the job, but I’m tending for accepting it.
You’ll need to take time to shape up the situation before you decide what to do.
Wicked Uncle Fred succeeded in making his brother out of his rightful inheritance.
Erica is toying with the idea of going to live in Australia, but I don’t think she’ll do it.
It took Lily ages to get her father to go round to the idea of her training as a bus driver.
The careers teacher helps pupils in their final year decide on a career.
The advert plays off people’s desire to appear young and attractive.
I don’t want to do the washing-up either. Get a coin and we’ll throw about it.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
63
30
Exclamations and warnings
The exclamations on this page are all informal. Be careful with the ones marked * as you risk
insulting the person you are speaking to.
A
Encouraging others
Take it away!
Eat up!
Can I look at
your paper?
1
Drink up!
Sure, go ahead!
Go on then!
1
B
Keep it up!
a command used in musical contexts, meaning ‘Start playing/singing!’
Expressing impatience
expression
possible context
you say this in order to …
Roll on
(Friday)!
You are in the middle of a very busy week at
work.
show that you are looking forward to a
time or event
Dream on!
A not very musical friend is telling you about
their plans to become a famous rock star.
tell someone that what they hope for is
not possible and will not happen
Grow up!*
A member of your family refuses to speak
to you.
tell an older child or an adult to stop
acting like a small child
Hang on!
A friend is telling you about a problem when
you suddenly think of something that might
solve their problem.
tell someone to stop doing or saying
something, to wait a minute
Go on!
A friend has just told you that he’s been invited
to appear in a Hollywood film.
tell someone that you do not believe
what they just said (Note: spoken with
a falling intonation)
Come on!
A friend is claiming he plays better chess than
you – and you pride yourself on your play.
tell someone you don’t believe them or
disagree or are angry with them
Wake up!
You are telling someone how to do something
but they are clearly daydreaming.
tell someone not paying attention to
listen to what you say
Shut up!*
Your two brothers are arguing when you are
trying to concentrate.
tell someone to stop talking
Hang about!
Come off it!
64
Go for it!
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
30.1
Using exclamations from the opposite page, what could you say to a family
member who …
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
30.2
was about to start a race in the hope of breaking a record?
was acting in a childish way which was annoying you very much?
told you a very surprising bit of news?
told you he/she had just seen a flying saucer? (give two possible answers)
was in a long-distance race and who was looking very tired and about to give up?
was daydreaming and had not listened to something important you just said?
said he/she intended to be an astronaut?
Complete these sentences with a verb from the opposite page.
1
2 Oh,
3
the film!
4
on the end of term! I’m sick of studying.
on! I’ve just found her number; we can ring her straightaway.
up, everyone! Your glasses are still half-full. We have to leave now if we’re to catch
Tim
Can I print something out on your printer?
Mariam
Of course, go
! You don’t need to ask!
5 (Older brother to younger brother)
maths problem.
6 (Emma is standing at the side of the pool)
Emma
Mum, watch me dive in!
Mum
OK,
up Tom, will you! I’m trying to work out this
on then, but be careful, darling!
7 Come on,
up, children! Grandma has cooked us a delicious meal.
8 (Singer to guitarist) OK,
it away! One, two, three!
30.3
Which exclamations from the list would fit these situations? Use a dictionary
if necessary.
Get off!
dictionary.cambridge.org
Hurry up!
Watch out!
Calm down!
Hold on!
Go easy on them!
1 You think a teacher should treat some students less severely. What might you say?
2 Someone is starting to lose their temper. What might you say?
3 A child is pulling at the clothing of another child, who is getting annoyed. What might the second
child say?
4 Someone is about to cross a busy road without looking. What might you say?
5 You are waiting for a friend to arrive to go to the cinema, but he calls you to say he is running late.
What might you say?
6 A friend calls with some important information that you need to write down, but you don’t have
a pen. What might you say to the caller while you find one?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
65
31
Work
Read these statements by different people talking about their jobs.
I’ll be retiring next year. I already find that I can farm out1 tasks I
used to do myself. I’m slowly easing off 2 now so that I can step
aside3 next year knowing I’ve left everything in good hands.
The boss
1
give work to other people instead of doing it yourself
starting to work less or do things with less energy
3
leave a job or position, especially so that someone else can do it
2
e never like to call people out4 on strike, but when we do, we
W
have to be determined to see it through5 to the end. We have to
keep talking constructively and try not to get bogged down6 in
lengthy negotiations which only prolong the strike.
The union
representative
4
order workers to strike
continue doing a job until it is finished, especially when it is difficult
6
(informal) become so involved in the details of something that you
cannot achieve anything
5
y job is monotonous. I just slog away7 day after day. People
M
like me get passed over8 for promotion, so we’re not
motivated. I often feel like packing this job in9 and finding
something else. One day I’ll just hand in my notice and go.
The assembly-line
worker
7
(informal) keep working very hard, usually for a long time
are not given a higher position because it is given to someone else
9
(informal) stopping doing something, especially a job
8
10
IIn this job you just have to fling yourself into your work and beaver
11
away to get things done each day. I spend a lot of time running
round helping other people. It’s not a bad job, and sometimes I’m
allowed to get off12 early if I’ve stayed late the day before.
The administrative
assistant
10
start to spend a lot of your time and energy doing something
(informal) work hard at something for a long time, especially
something you are writing
12
leave the place where you work, usually at the end of the day
11
I decided to go in to research, as I wanted to do something exciting.
I don’t think I’m cut out for13 teaching. University was fun, but
now I’ve got to knuckle down14 and build my career.
The scientist
13
have the right qualities for something, especially a job
start to work or study hard, especially if you have not been working
very hard before canlt find ‘buckle down’
14
ell, in this job you just plug away15 and hope the day will
W
pass quickly. If I have to write a report, I do what I can to cobble
something together16, but I don’t ever feel that I achieve anything
worthwhile. Most people in my position just coast along17 and
dream of the summer holidays.
The office worker
66
15
(informal) work hard at something for a long time
make something quickly and not very carefully
17
do only the things that you have to do without trying to go faster or
be more successful
16
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
31.1
Answer these questions about the phrasal verbs in this unit.
1
2
3
4
5
6
31.2
Which verb focuses on working with enthusiasm?
Which three verbs focus on stopping work?
Which two verbs focus on working without using too much energy?
Which four verbs focus on working hard?
Which verb is based on an animal metaphor?
Which two verbs are based on metaphors connected with the land?
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using the word in brackets in an
appropriate form. Make any other necessary changes.
1 Louise always approaches her work with great enthusiasm. (fling)
2 I really think that it is time you applied yourself much more seriously to your studies. (knuckle)
3 As a research scientist, you just have to keep working hard at your experiments over a long period
of time and eventually you’ll get results. (plug)
4 If this morning’s meeting goes smoothly, I should be able to leave work by 1 p.m. (get)
5 The meeting was going well until we got really involved with the details of the sales conference
party. (bog)
6 I’m not sure exactly what I’m going to say in my speech, but I’m sure I’ll be able to get something
ready by tomorrow morning. (cobble)
7 There comes a time when it is best for an older manager to withdraw and let a younger person
take over. (step)
8 I always say that if you start a job, you should make sure you finish it. (see)
31.3
Correct the six mistakes with particles in this paragraph.
I’d hate a job where I could just coast about without needing to think about what I was doing.
I’d far rather keep busy and really don’t mind how much I have to slog off each day. I’d soon
pack off any job that didn’t keep me working hard. I fling myself onto everything I do. Even
when I was at school, I used to beaver up at my homework as soon as I got home from school.
My sister certainly never used to knuckle into work in the way I did.
31.4
Complete these sentences using verbs from the box and the correct particles. Put the
verbs in the correct form and make any other necessary changes.
call cut ease farm go hand pass run
1 I can’t stand the sight of blood, so I’m not really
nursing.
your notice?
2 If you hate your job so much, why don’t you just
3 When several workers were unfairly dismissed, the trade union official decided it was time to
on strike.
4 As a PA I spend most of my time
after my boss.
5We’ve had a very busy few months at work, but things are beginning to
now.
6 Liam is very good at his job, so I can’t understand why he always gets
while less
able people get promoted.
7 Our company has started doing a lot of outsourcing, which means that we
jobs that
we previously used to do ourselves.
8 Ever since she was a child she has wanted to
medicine.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
67
32
Study
A
Going through college
Sam and Ben are twin brothers. They have a very rich grandfather who offered to put them
through1 university. Sam sailed through2 his exams at school and easily got into3 a good
university. Ben wanted to go to the same university, but it was harder for him to get in.
However, in his last few months at school, he managed to get through4 all the necessary
exams. Both brothers wanted to major in5 law. Sam had worked in a law firm in several
summer holidays and this experience was able to count towards6 his degree. Ben spent his
holidays playing sport. Sam continued to study hard and soon left most of the other students
in his group behind7. At the end of six months, the professor creamed off8 the best students
and moved them up to the next class. Sam was in this group but Ben was not. The professor
felt he was more interested in rugby than law and this counted against9 him. He was marked
down10 for careless mistakes in a number of his essays and by the end of the year he had fallen
behind11 the rest of his year. His tutor says he’ll be lucky if he even scrapes through12 his
exams. His grandfather has arranged to come and visit him and Ben is feeling a little nervous.
1
7
pay for them to study at university
8
easily passed
3
succeeded in getting a place (at a school,
9
college or organisation)
4
10
succeed (in an examination or competition)
5
11
(US, Aus) study something as their main
subject at university
6
12
be part of what was needed in order to
complete something
2
B
made much faster progress than others
separated the cleverest or most skilful people
from a group and treated them differently
contributed to his bad marks
given a lower mark
failed to remain level with a group of
people that was moving forwards
(informal) passes but only just
In the library
Let me try to describe this scene in a university library. A girl with long hair is poring over1
a map. Next to her a boy is skimming through2 some books, looking for some information on
wind energy for his thesis. At the same table is a girl with short hair, who has buried herself
in3 a journal. Next to her a boy is ticking/checking off4 names on a list – he’s crossed off5
one of them. There is a busy and studious atmosphere in this library and I hope this has come
across6 in my description.
1
2
3
4
68
5
studying carefully
reading quickly without studying the details
6
given all her attention to
writing something next to each item on a list in order to make sure that everything or
everyone on it is correct, present, or has been
dealt with
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
removed a word (e.g. name) from a list by
drawing a line through it
been expressed clearly enough for the reader
to understand it
Exercises
32.1
Match each sentence on the left with a sentence which follows logically on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
32.2
He took three weeks off in the middle of term.
He didn’t read the book thoroughly.
He searched the manuscript carefully.
He was very successful at college.
He didn’t keep to the set topic for his essay.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
He got through all the exams.
He was marked down.
He just skimmed through it.
He fell behind with his work.
He pored over it for hours.
Complete these sentences using the correct particles.
1 It cost Oscar and Nina a huge amount of money to put three children
college.
2 Artem sailed
all his exams at school but found things much harder at university and
his final accountancy exams.
only scraped
3 I’m afraid you’ll have to cross my name
the list for the trip next Saturday.
4 The college basketball team always seems to cream
the best athletes and other
sports suffer as a result.
5 She was so brilliant, she left all the other students
.
6 The end-of-semester marks in each year all count
your final degree.
7 I like Professor Watson’s lectures; they’re so clear. His ideas don’t come
nearly as
well in his books.
8 He was on the borderline between pass and fail, but his poor attendance on the course counted
him and they failed him in the end.
32.3
Rewrite each sentence using a phrasal verb based on the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
32.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
32.5
As each person arrived she asked their name and put a tick on her list. (check)
She picked up her favourite novel and became completely absorbed in it. (bury)
He decided to take economics as the main subject for his degree. (major)
His tutor transferred him to a higher class. (move)
What sort of grades do you need to be given a university place in your country? (get)
I applied to Oxford University but I wasn’t accepted. (get)
Make suitable questions which could come before these answers. Use a dictionary
if necessary.
1
2
3
4
I’d like to go on to university.
I just wanted to take up a new subject; that’s why I gave it up.
No, she dropped out at the end of the first year.
I can’t – I’m snowed under. I’ve got two essays to do for tomorrow.
Answer these questions about your own experience of study.
1
2
3
4
At school did you usually sail through or scrape through your exams?
Have you ever fallen behind with your work?
Do you think a teacher has ever marked down your work unfairly?
What other things apart from exam results can count towards getting into a good university in
your country?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
69
33
Lectures and seminars
A
In a lecture
In today’s lecture, I’d like to look at¹ Sonda’s explanation of this
phenomenon.
To start with², I think we need to consider the importance of
geographical location.
Hanes has an interesting theory about the relationship between culture
and language which draws on³ the results of Kaminsky’s research.
Traynor set out⁴ to test the theory using a range of new technologies
which were not previously available.
Because the results are based on a very small sample, we have to allow for⁵ a significant margin of error.
A study was carried out6 with 152 diabetic patients over a three–year period.
I want to round off⁷ my talk by returning to the question I asked at the beginning.
To finish off⁸ today, I’d like to spend some time looking at a couple of previous exam questions.
Finally, I want to point out9 that there is a list of additional sources on this topic on the
second page of your handout.
If you didn’t get down10 all that information, don’t worry. I’ll be emailing the list of assignments
to you later today.
1
2
3
4
5
B
focus on
begin
uses information from
intended to
take into consideration
6
done
finish in a satisfactory way
8
end, complete
9
highlight
10
manage to write down
7
Seminars
University help: what you need to know before you go
Campus
Freshers Week
Student Union
Personal Tutor
Seminars
Seminars are classes with small groups of students and give you the
opportunity to look into¹ a topic in detail. You can also bring up2
any questions you might have and discuss them with the tutor and
other students. Seminars often involve weighing up3 different ideas
that were mentioned in your lectures, so it’s a good idea to go over4
your lecture notes and other research just before you attend.
Sometimes a student will be asked to put together5 a short
presentation, which will be used to start the discussion. If you are
presenting, then it’s important to carefully think through6 the points
you want to make. You don’t want to end up7 with nothing to say!
However, it’s always better to sketch out8 your ideas with rough
notes, rather than writing out9 every word of the presentation.
If you are not presenting, you should still try to read up on10 the
subject before the seminar in order to get the most out of11 it.
During the presentation, try to jot down12 any new ideas or key
points. And don’t forget to type them up13 later. You might also
make a note of any questions that you want to follow up14 later,
either during the seminar or through research afterwards.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
70
investigate
start to talk about
thinking about something carefully, comparing
study again
prepare (by collecting together different elements)
plan carefully
be in a situation (at the end)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
8
roughly plan
write (or rewrite) in full
10
do background reading on
11
take benefit from
12
make a note of
13
rewrite in full (on a computer)
14
find out more
9
Seminars
Exercises
33.1
Look at A opposite. Complete the sentences using the verbs from the box and the correct
particles. Put the verbs in the correct form.
allow carry draw finish point set start
1 Zeyneb’s experiments were mostly
in the 19th century using much less sophisticated
equipment than is available today.
2 This theory
research from several well-known scientists.
3 I thought we could read Hayder’s research for the seminar tomorrow, but my tutor
that the original research paper is over 700 pages long!
4 Alexander Fleming didn’t
to discover penicillin when he started experimenting with
bacteria, but it was one of the most important discoveries of its time.
5 He spoke for 50 minutes and then
the lecture with a question and answer session.
6 Firstly, I’d like to
an introduction to the subject of quantum physics, before moving
on to some key definitions.
7 If we
variations caused by weather conditions, the results are broadly in line with
our predictions.
33.2
Choose the correct alternative to complete these sentences.
Our tutor asked us to put away / together / off a report based on what we’d discussed in the seminar.
The handout had a list of references so we could read to / along / up on the topic before the next lecture.
I always jot down / type up / write out the key points during a lecture even if there’s a handout.
When I sketch out / jot down / type up my notes later, it helps me remember what I learned.
I’m just going to sketch out / bring up / follow up my initial ideas for the essay tonight, and then
I can work on it in more detail next week.
6 Think through / Get out of / Follow up the essay question carefully and identify the issues you need
to talk about.
7 It’s really important to end up / follow up / weigh up all the evidence before presenting your final
argument.
8 After a long discussion, we got out of / ended up / went over agreeing that the character of Becky
Sharp was not likeable, but very interesting.
9 We’re going to end up / go over / get out of the solutions to the problems in last week’s exam and
discuss any questions.
10 If you want to think through / go over / follow up on the question Jemma asked about game
theory, I can recommend a couple of interesting books on the subject.
1
2
3
4
5
33.3
Rewrite each sentence using a phrasal verb based on the word in brackets in an appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
33.4
This morning we’re going to focus on Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. (look)
The lecturer highlighted the fact that this research is still in its very early stages. (point)
To begin, I want to talk about the background to the research. (start)
In order to make the most of the seminar, it’s a good idea to do the suggested reading beforehand. (get)
Can I borrow your lecture notes? I didn’t manage to write down the last few points. (get)
Don’t worry about writing every word; just make a note of the key points. (jot)
For next week’s seminar, I’d like you all to research one aspect of this theory. (look)
I’d like to finish the lecture today with a short video. (round)
Correct the mistakes with the particles in these sentences.
1 The biology department needs undergraduates to help carry through research on plant cells over
the summer, and I’m going to apply.
2 The department has just received some funding to look through the links between diet and certain
types of cancer.
3 He spent most of the summer working on his thesis but ended out having to change it when some
new research came out.
4 The discussion we had last week brought into some very interesting questions about US foreign
policy in the 1950s.
5 As you read for on the subject for your essay, don’t forget to make a note of useful sources as you go.
6 A group of engineering students from Bristol have set off to prove the strength of plastic by
building the largest Lego structure in the world.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
71
34
Writing essays
This unit contains phrasal verbs which are all suitable for use in formal essays.
A
Read Rebecca’s notes for an essay she is going to write on the subject of ‘Globalisation’.
Her notes contain useful phrasal verbs for essay-writing.
Plan:
Devote a paragraph each to opposing arguments
Mention how globalisation often deprives workers of their rights
But also mention how poorer countries can profit from global markets
Relate globalisation to other changes (mobility, Internet, etc.)
Refer to recent international gatherings (G8 etc.)
Cater for non-technical readers as well as specialists
What best sums up1 the present situation – give examples/quotes
Things to remember!
l Aim at being neutral
l Base opinions on sound evidence
2
l Don’t let irrelevant details detract from the main argument
1
2
B
represents the most typical qualities of something (Note that this is the only verb on this page where
the particle can come either before or after the object.)
make something seem less good than it really is or than it was thought to be
Look at these extracts from essays where phrasal verbs have been used successfully, helping
to create a good written style.
Furthermore, it is a quiet village and basically consists of families with very young children.
Democracy is founded on the ideal of equality for all citizens. [(always passive) based on a
particular idea or belief]
The people have many difficulties to contend with: poor soil, inadequate roads and lack of
investment. [have to deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation]
Government economic policies have resulted in an improved standard of living in the region.
We need to find ways to improve on the current system of distribution of goods. [do something
in a better way or with better results than when it was done before]
Efforts to interest young people in the political process often fail. We need to invest more
thought in finding ways of involving young people in politics.
Many people object to their leaders treating them as if they were not capable of running their
own lives. (Note the -ing form of the verb after object to.)
The university has always insisted on a high standard of teaching and research.
72
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
34.1
Look at A. Complete this paragraph with the correct particles.
In this essay I intend to discuss
thehas
advantages
and disadvantages
The country
been 1
by the latestof
railthe
strike,
information revolution. I shall
relate
technological
change
(1)
other
with no rail services at all running today. The railway service
changes in society, referring
extensively
(2)some
the literature
the field.
2
for
time, but ifintoday’s
action
has been
I shall consider how some
people,
particularly
those
in
wealthier
countries,
to the rail industry.
is prolonged it may prove 3
have profited enormouslyThe Minister
(3) the
information
revolution.
I been
for Transport
commented:
‘TheHowever,
country has
shall also devote considerable
attention
(4)
the
way
in
which
some
of local strikes since the first
suffering from a 4
people in poorer societies
suff
er
by
being
deprived
(5) accessand
to one
the
one in Nortown last month. It was 5
information which othersstrike
enjoy.
I
shall
then
present
the
mobile
phone
as
pitch
led to another. Things reached 6
the device which seems last
to sum
(6)
the
essence
of
the
7 information
will
week and we can only hope that this
the The
evidence
I have
presentedis and
revolution, basing my opinions
8
that
come to an end(7)
soon.’
minister’s
aiming always
(8) things
objectivity.
will only start to improve once people appreciate the
34.2
seriousness of the situation.
Complete these sentences using the correct particle and an appropriate ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The research team consists
Immigrants to the UK have to contend
The headteacher would like to interest more pupils
The examinations board insists
It is essential that society should invest
The change in the law resulted
The government is keen to improve
The writer’s philosophy is founded
Some critics have objected
34.3
Find the only example sentence on the opposite page where the particle could be in a different
place. Rewrite that example sentence putting the particle in the alternative position.
34.4
Rewrite each sentence using a word from the box so that it keeps the same meaning.
Use each word only once.
aimed
cater
consists
deprived
detract
devoted
objected
refers
resulted
sum
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
The teaching materials will bear historians as well as economists in mind.
The recent problems in the company are bound to make its reputation less favourable.
The policy of clearing the hillsides of trees appears to have led to an increased danger of flooding.
There are three players from France, one from Sweden and two from Russia in the football team.
Many people did not like being moved from their houses to high-rise flats.
Having your freedom taken away from you is a very difficult punishment to endure.
In her article, the writer frequently quotes a research study carried out in Canada in 2015.
The book has been written for undergraduate students who have little previous knowledge
of the subject.
9 For me, this song captures the atmosphere in rural England in the 1980s.
10 Much of the book deals with the writer’s experiences in the United States.
Over to you
Choose a subject that you specialise in or are particularly interested in and write a paragraph relating to
that subject. Use as many of the phrasal verbs from this unit as you can in your paragraph.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
73
35
Business
A
Structuring a business
Business News in Brief
1
2
3
4
B
n
Howard Green of M and Q is moving to Paris to head up1 the company’s
new French operations. Green will also be looking after2 M and Q’s
interests in Francophone Africa.
n
There are growing rumours, as yet unconfirmed, that Scottish Mobiles is
planning to buy out3 its rival Celtic Telecom.
n
20-year-old pop star Anastasia is reported to have set her parents up4 with
the restaurant business they have always dreamed of.
be in charge of (or, simply, head)
responsible for
buy a company (or part of a company) so that you own all of it
given them the money they need to start a business
Doing business
Here are some useful business collocations or common word combinations using phrasal verbs.
phrasal verb
collocating words
definition of phrasal verb
aim sth at sb
a product / programme / magazine
at women / young people / students
intend something to influence someone, or be
noticed or bought by someone
break into sth
a new market / work in the media /
Hollywood
become involved in a type of business or
activity that is difficult to become involved in
bring in sb/sth or
bring sb/sth in
customers / clients / new business
attract people, encouraging them to buy
products or services
bring out sth or
bring sth out
a new product / a book
produce something to sell to the public
deal in sth
art / shares / drugs
buy and sell particular goods as a business
firm up sth or
firm sth up
arrangements / prices / details
make something more definite or precise or
less likely to change
sign up sb or
sign sb up
a new employee / a model / a film
star / a basketball player
get someone to sign a document stating they
will work for you
turn out sth or
turn sth out
cars / films / computers
make or produce something for sale
turn over sth or
turn sth over
$6 million / £100,000
generate a specific amount of money in a
particular period of time
Tip
When you come across a new phrasal verb in a business context – or indeed in any context – it can
be useful to note it down with two or three collocating nouns.
74
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
35.1
Complete this radio interview using words from the box. Use each verb in the correct
form only once, unless otherwise indicated.
aim
deal
firm
set
break
head
turn (use twice)
look
bring (use twice)
buy
Interviewer Welcome to our weekly spot ‘The two-minute interview’. My guest this week is
Gordon Flockheart, chairman and CEO of the Kiros group. Gordon Flockheart,
you’ve
(1) up several major companies during your long career, most
recently the Kiros empire, which
(2) over more than £500 million last
year. What’s the secret of your success?
Flockheart Well, first and foremost, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my grandfather, who
(3) me up in business at the young age of 24. Since then I have been
very fortunate in getting the right people to
(4) after my interests.
Secondly, we
(5) in high-value, luxury personal goods and we’ve
succeeded in
(6) into markets where other companies thought they
had a monopoly. We’ve
(7) out new products at the right time and at
the right price, and we’ve
(8) them at the higher end of the market.
Interviewer There are rumours that you would like to
rivals, Lasaque. Any truth in that?
(9) out one of your main
Flockheart We are in negotiations with Lasaque, there’s no secret about that, but nothing has
been
(10) up yet. The markets will just have to wait and see.
Interviewer There have also been rumours that you are considering selling off your clothing
range and focusing on accessories and electronics. Is that true?
Flockheart No, that’s just a silly rumour! We’re actually
(11) out more clothing
items than ever and have
(12) in a lot of new customers thanks to
our latest range of menswear.
Interviewer There we must leave it. Gordon Flockheart, thank you.
35.2
Complete each of the sentences below with an object from the box. Put it in the correct
place or places in the sentence.
10,000 pairs of shoes
the new department
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
35.3
a new sports car
modern art
the USA
arrangements
a young Brazilian footballer
the lower end of the market
Our business has had lots of success in Europe, but now we’d like to break into.
Have you heard? Latifa has been asked to head up.
Arsenal has signed up.
Her father made his fortune by dealing in.
Get your people to call my people to firm up.
The new factory is already turning out a week.
The Alpha model is aimed at.
The company is planning to bring out soon.
Many phrasal verbs can have different meanings in other contexts. Write two sentences illustrating
two different ways in which each of these phrasal verbs can be used. Use a dictionary if necessary.
set up
break into
bring in
bring out
turn out
dictionary.cambridge.org
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
75
36
Money
A
Coping with money
Reply
Forward
Hi Sara,
How are you coping financially this term? My parents had to bail me out1 last week. I’d run through2
a huge amount of money without realising it and I couldn’t pay my fees. But they coughed up3 without a protest. I
guess I’ll have to work off 4 the debt in the holidays. Expensive being a student, isn’t it?
Freyda
1
help a person or organisation to get out of
difficulty by giving them money
spent a lot very quickly
2
3
4
(informal) provided money, often unwillingly
reduce the size of a debt by earning money
to pay for it
I can’t believe my mobile phone bill. It gobbles up5 a large part of my salary every
month. And I’ve had so many other bills! I’ve had to break into6 my savings and use
money I’d put by7 for the holidays.
5
(informal) uses a lot of something, especially
money
6
7
start to use an amount of money that you
have been saving
saved in order to use it later
Reply
Forward
Hi Matthew,
Just back from my trip to South America, which was fantastic, but it set me back8 €8,000 and cleaned me
out9 completely. I was just wondering if you could lend me a couple of hundred euros? I’ll square up10 with
you when I get my next pay cheque.
Robert
8
9
10
(informal) cost a particular amount of money, usually a large amount
(informal) you used all the money you had on it
(informal) pay somebody the money that you owe them
I came into11 some money recently. My great aunt died and left me a
very generous sum and I got a big bonus at work last month, too, so
the money’s been rolling in! 12 I’m seriously considering buying a flat
and renting it out.
11
12
B
got money from someone who died
(informal) arriving in large amounts
Financial services
If you are unable to pay everything in the same
month, we’ll arrange for your payments to be
carried forward to the next month.
1
What are the best ways of ploughing back1
profits into a small business? Call us for
advice.
putting money that you have earned into a business in order to make the business bigger or better
If your aim is to put aside2 money regularly, our monthly savings plan
enables you to pay a regular sum into your bank account each month.
2
76
save money for a particular purpose
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
36.1
Answer these questions about the verbs on the opposite page.
1 Which five verbs in A suggest that a large amount of money is being spent or received?
2 Which three verbs suggest that someone is putting money into a bank account or saving it in
some other way?
3 Which two verbs in A suggest that someone is paying back a debt in some way?
4 Which verbs are more informal ways of saying:
a) settle a debt
c) make someone spend all their money
b) give someone money to help them
d) use a lot of money rapidly
5 Which verb relates to earning money from property?
36.2
Complete these sentences using phrasal verbs from the opposite page.
1 My parents told me not to rely on them to
me out if I got into debt.
2 I couldn’t pay everything this month, but I’ve been allowed to carry the remainder
to next month.
3 The burglars took everything I had; they totally
me out.
4 Have you managed to
any money by for the holidays?
5 My car is terribly expensive – it seems to gobble
all the money I earn.
6 If you can lend me £100, I’ll
up with you when I get paid.
7 Buying property and then
it out is supposed to be a very good investment.
8 Every birthday, Grandpa gives me some money to
into my savings account.
9 For the first couple of years, we ploughed our profits
into the business.
36.3
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending, completing each sentence with
the correct particle.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
36.4
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
more than I had anticipated.
some money on your gran’s death.
my student debts.
my savings for as long as I can.
enormous sums of money.
enough money for me to buy a car.
all our profits into the business.
each month for a rainy day.
Here are some more phrasal verbs relating to money. Work out from the context what
they mean and rewrite the sentences replacing the underlined verbs with a word or
phrase that means the same.
1
2
3
4
5
36.5
It is going to take me ages to work
For the first few years, we ploughed
Do try to put a little bit of money
I’m grateful to my mum for coughing
You will certainly come
Buying a car unfortunately set me
I want to put off breaking
Chris started gambling and he ran
I never had much money when I was a student but I managed to scrape by somehow.
If everyone chips in, then we should be able to afford a nice leaving present for Beth.
Rashid’s been raking in money ever since he had that brilliant idea for a website.
At the bakery it was Amanda’s job to cash up at the end of every day.
Jason staked a ridiculous amount on a horse race and, needless to say, he lost it all.
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
How much did your last holiday set you back?
What kinds of things do people usually put money aside for?
What, apart from a flat, might gobble up your money?
What do you think it is worth breaking into savings for?
Who would you ask to bail you out if you had financial problems?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
77
37
At home
A
Moving house
Reply
Forward
Hi Freddie,
I’m just settling in1 to the new house now and beginning to enjoy it. There were so many things that
needed doing in the first few days. I had to chuck away2 some old bits of furniture that belonged to the
previous owner, put up3 my bookshelves in the study, smarten up4 the living room with a coat of white
paint, wash down the kitchen walls and units, put away all the kitchen things that were still in boxes,
mop up5 a pool of oil in the garage, block up6 a suspicious-looking hole that could have been a mouse
hole (aargh!) and put all the empty boxes out7 in the rubbish. I thought I’d never finish! As I’m writing
this I’ve got the TV on and one of those home-improvement programmes is just about to start. I’m going
to switch it off – I can’t take any more!
Once I’ve got the place straightened up8, I’ll invite you over for a meal.
Love,
Abigail
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
B
becoming relaxed and happy in new surroundings
(informal) get rid of something that is not needed any more (also chuck out)
fasten a piece of furniture (e.g. shelves, cupboard) to a wall or assemble something
make a place (or a person) look tidier
use a cloth or a mop to remove a liquid that has been dropped or that has spread
fill a hole so that nothing can pass through it
(common collocation: put the rubbish out)
made tidy
At home
Pull up a chair and come and sit next to me. I want to show you something. [move a piece of
furniture (especially a chair) near to something or someone]
The last person to leave has to lock up. [lock all the doors and windows of a building when you leave it]
We were sorry to part with our old sofa, but our son needed one for his flat. [give something
away, usually when you do not want to]
Pull/push the door to, will you? It’s cold in here. [only used of doors and windows: close or
almost close a door or window by pulling it towards you / pushing it]
Here, let me plump up this cushion; then you can rest your head on it and relax. [make
something (e.g. cushion, pillow) rounder and softer, especially by shaking it]
We’ll have to move those bags and shoes; they’re just cluttering up the hallway. [fill
something in an untidy or badly organised way]
We’ve had the bedroom done out in pale green. It’s a nice relaxing colour. [decorated (also done up)]
This morning I forgot to clear away the breakfast things before leaving the house. [remove in
order to make a place tidy]
I’m fed up with having to clean up after / clear up after my flatmates. [remove dirt someone
has made / make the place tidy by putting things back where they belong]
Tip
Associating a set of phrasal verbs with a place or a situation (e.g. your house or flat) will help you
remember them better.
78
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
37.1
Look at the pictures and complete the descriptions below with verbs from the opposite page.
1 She’s
things.
2 She’s
.
5 He’s
a chair.
6 He’s
some spilt milk.
a hole.
What do you do with the cups and plates after you have washed them up?
What do you do if a child has put greasy fingerprints all over your walls?
What do you do if someone spills some juice on your kitchen floor?
What should you do with your old newspapers? (give two possible answers)
What might you do if you want to display your favourite ornaments in your room?
What would you do if you noticed a small hole at the bottom of the wall?
Match the phrasal verbs on the left with their definitions on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
37.4
the pillow.
Answer the questions using one of the verbs from A opposite.
1
2
3
4
5
6
37.3
4 He’s
the door
3 She’s
37.2
the breakfast
settle in
do out
pull to
chuck away
stop up
clutter up
pull up
smarten up
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
move something nearer
discard
improve the appearance of something
close
feel at home
fill
decorate
make a mess somewhere
Complete these sentences in an appropriate way. Use one of the phrasal verbs from the
opposite page and any other words that you need.
rather loud.
1 I didn’t hear you come in because I’d
2 My flatmate tends to make a mess when she’s cooking and leaves me to
her.
3 When you go to bed, please don’t forget to
.
4 The bookcase was too big for our new flat, so we had to
.
5 Erica is untidy. There are always lots of things
her room.
6 Our hall hasn’t been decorated for years – it’s time we
.
7 Living in a student hostel was odd for Khalifa at first, but he soon
.
8 If I lay the table, you can
after the meal.
9 You’ll make the sofa look more comfortable if you
.
10 It took me all day to
those wild, crazy kids and get the place
(Use two phrasal verbs.)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
again.
79
38
A
Clothing and appearance
Actions connected with clothing and appearance
roll up one’s sleeves
zip up a jacket
The trousers are too short,
so let them down.
tie back your hair
B
Dressing up to go out
The trousers are too long,
so take them up.
The children love dressing up.
Lottie is telling Alice about a party she went to.
Lottie
Most people looked really smart – there were some amazing designer outfits – but there was
one man in a weird getup1 with a red wig. It looked as if he thought it was a fancy-dress party!
Alice
(laughs) What did you wear?
Lottie Well, to tell you the truth, it was rather a disaster. I wanted to wear my little black dress, but I had trouble getting into2 it. I didn’t realise how much weight I’ve put on over the past few months. I’ll have to let it out3 or else lose some weight! When I’d finally squeezed into it, I looked so awful in the mirror I just took it straight off again and
pulled on4 my boring old brown dress. You know, the wool one with the full skirt that I’ve worn a million times.
Alice
Oh, I like that dress.
Lottie Well, so do I, but it was all creased and I didn’t have time to iron it, so I just smoothed it down5 with my hands and hoped for the best. I was so late by this time, I didn’t realise till I got to the party that I had the wrong colour shoes on. I was still wearing my
sister’s cast-offs6, which go perfectly with my black dress but not with my brown one! But it didn’t really matter because when the music started, I flung my shoes off7 to
dance anyway.
1
4
the particular clothing, especially when strange
5
or unusual, that someone is wearing
2
be thin enough to be able to put your clothes on
3
6
make a piece of clothing wider by removing
the sewing from the side edges and then
7
sewing closer to the edge of the material
put on clothes quickly
press with your hands in order to make
something flat
clothes which have been given to somebody else
because the first owner cannot use them any more
removed very quickly
Tip
Remembering a story and the verbs used to describe the events is a good way of learning a series of
verbs at the same time.
80
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
38.1
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
What other item of clothing can you roll up apart from your sleeves?
What else can you zip up apart from a jacket?
Do you know the opposite of zip up? (Clue: it is not a phrasal verb.)
Can you think of anything else you might tie back apart from hair? (Clue: don’t think of clothing –
think of something that might hang down or grow too much.)
5 What other things apart from trousers can be let down or taken up?
6 What do you think you are doing to trousers if you (a) let them out or (b) take them in?
7 What sort of clothes do people put on when they dress up, for example as a famous person, or as
someone from another historical age?
38.2
Choose the correct word to complete these sentences.
1 I had no time to think about what I looked like, so I
on my old jeans.
a) rolled
b) pulled
c) let
d) took
2 Come on – time to
up your sleeves and get down to work.
a) pull
b) zip
c) roll
d) tie
3 Sienna stood up,
down her skirt and began to address the audience.
a) smoothed b) got
c) tied
d) zipped
4 To my embarrassment I suddenly realised that I
my T-shirt on backwards.
a) took
b) had
c) got
d) let
5 I ate so much on holiday that I had difficulty
into my suit today.
a) pulling
b) dressing
c) getting
d) zipping
6 Do we need to
up for the party tomorrow?
a) zip
b) fling
c) tie
d) dress
7 I was so tired that I just
off my clothes and fell into bed.
a) rolled
b) got
c) flung
d) let
8 When I was a child I always hated wearing my older brother’s
-offs.
a) let
b) cast
c) get
d) zip
38.3
Complete these sentences with the correct phrasal verb expression from the
opposite page.
1 We were surprised when we arrived at the party because the host was wearing a kind of
with a mask, cape and blue bodysuit.
Superman
2 My ten-year-old daughter loves getting
in my dresses and high-heeled shoes.
3 Now that I’m pregnant I can’t
any of my clothes.
4 Those trousers look a little tight around the waist. Shall I
a bit for you?
5 (Father to young child) You’d better
your jacket
. It’s cold outside.
38.4
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Who do children often get cast-offs from?
Have you ever gone out with the wrong shoes on?
Have you ever had difficulty getting into something you haven’t worn for a long time?
Do you think a lot about what to put on or do you just pull on the first thing you find?
If your jeans needed to be taken up, would you do it yourself or get it done for you?
Have you ever had to dress up in fancy dress for a party? If so, who or what did you dress up as?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
81
39
Relationships
A
Getting to know someone
Daisy You and Lucas have been going out together1 for ages now, haven’t you?
Isabelle Yes, we have. Longer than I’d ever have imagined when we first met.
Daisy Why, didn’t you like him much at first?
Isabelle No, I warmed to2 him at once – it was just the odd way we met.
Daisy Oh, how was that? At a club or at work?
Isabelle No, we got stuck together in a lift that broke down. That’s what brought us together3!
We were the only people there, so we soon struck up4 a conversation. We discovered
we’d got a mutual friend – Martha Gordon. You know her, don’t you?
Daisy
I know of5 her. I’ve heard of6 her because my brother used to talk about her a lot, but
I’ve never actually met her. She went to work in Australia, didn’t she?
Isabelle That’s right. Lucas had just heard from her, so he told me all her news and then we got
on to all sorts of other things. Anyway, I thought he was really nice.
Daisy So, you flirted with7 him, no doubt!
Isabelle Just a little, perhaps. Anyway, by the time they’d repaired the lift he’d asked me
to go out with him. And that was six months ago!
1
6
having a romantic relationship
know a little about her because of being told
started to like about her
3
7
caused us to be friendly with each other
talked and behaved in a way which shows
4
started (collocates with conversation, someone that you are sexually attracted
friendship) to them
5
have heard of her but don’t know her personally
2
B
Relationship problems
Advice: Relationships
I really like a girl in my English class. I’d love to ask her to come out for a coffee, but
should I wait for her to make the first move? – Alfie, London
I am worried about my partner. He got mixed up with some untrustworthy people when
he started a new job six months ago. Should I say anything to him? – Grace, Dundee
I have been happily married for ten years. However, lately, my wife has been getting more
and more distant with me. I now suspect she may be cheating on1 me. What should I do? –
Connor, Belfast
Last week I made the mistake of telling my daughter−in−law that she fusses too much over2
her children. I didn’t mean to upset her, just to help. But it has caused a major bust−up3 in
our relationship and it’s come between4 me and my son too. How can I patch things up5?
– Isla, Glasgow
My best friend is always sucking up to6 our lecturer. I think she’s trying to butter her up7 so
she gets better grades. It’s annoying and unfair. Should I say anything? – Megan, Cardiff
1
5
(informal) having a sexual relationship
6
with someone else
2
pays too much attention to
3
7
(informal) break (in a relationship)
4
spoilt the relationship
82
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
improve the situation
(informal) trying to make the lecturer like her
by doing and saying things that will please her
(informal) be very nice to someone so they
will do what you want
Exercises
39.1
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using a phrasal verb from A opposite. Make
any other necessary changes.
1
Marwa Do you know the novelist Madeleine Parker?
Alex
2
Robert I was surprised to hear Nick and Polly have got engaged.
Anna
3
No, but I know a bit about her from what one or two people have told me.
I wasn’t. They’ve been having a romantic relationship for two years.
Max Did you see Tim talking to that American girl at the party?
Will Yeah, he was chatting to her and behaving in a way which showed he
was attracted to her all evening.
4
Harriet Did you have any success getting to know that dark-haired guy?
Katie No. I tried to start a conversation with him, but he wasn’t very friendly.
5
Jason
You seem to like the new boss, anyway.
Andrew Yes, I started to like him straight away in fact. He’s very nice.
6
Sara
Did you and Liam first meet at the tennis club?
Amber Yes, you could say it was tennis that caused us to be friendly with each other.
39.2
Correct the mistakes with the particles in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
39.3
I’ve never met Antonia Goff, but I know with her because Charles works with her.
I had an email last month from Dominic, but I haven’t heard to him since then.
I think Joe is cheating to me. Somebody saw him out with another girl.
Mrs Butler fusses ever so much on her two sons, even though they’re adults.
Daria spent all evening flirting to her friend’s brother.
I’m afraid my son is getting mixed up of some bad company at university.
Majid struck off a conversation with the person sitting next to him, and the flight passed quickly.
Rosa told me about your bust-out with Sebastian.
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Michael and Ella are trying to patch things up. Are things good or bad between them at the moment?
If you warm to somebody, do you feel (a) anger towards them, (b) in love with them, (c) a liking for them?
If a discussion about money comes between two people, what does it do to them?
If you suck up to your teacher, do you (a) say things to annoy him/her, (b) say things to please
him/her, (c) respect him/her?
If you want someone to do something for you, what could you do to encourage them?
If you have a bust-up with someone, do you have (a) a big party to celebrate something, (b) a
match or competition to see who’s best, (c) an argument causing a break in your relationship?
If someone says ‘Mary got mixed up with some guy from London’, do they think Mary was in a
good relationship or an undesirable one?
Which is correct in this sentence, go or come, or both?
I really like Josh; I wish I had the courage to ask him to
out with me.
Over to you
Find an example of an article about relationships in a magazine. Make a note of any phrasal verbs
that you find in the article and write them down in their context.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
83
40
Character and personal qualities
A
Talking about negative qualities
Leah
What do you make of Natasha’s new boyfriend? He’s getting on1 a bit, isn’t he?!
Naomi Yes. He must be at least 20 years older than her. I must say I didn’t like him very much.
His eyes were boring into2 me and it made me feel uncomfortable.
Leah
I’m glad you felt like that too. He really scared me.
Naomi Scared you? You need to toughen up3 a bit! You shouldn’t let anyone scare you. It’s not
just his eyes, though, is it? He’s so outspoken4! In fact, he’s rude.
Leah
He swore at me the other day. I didn’t answer back though. I wouldn’t descend to5 his
level. And how about the way he speaks about his sister?
Naomi No wonder she’s a bit odd. Having a brother like that would screw me up6!
Leah
I’m amazed Natasha’s so keen on him. I had her down as7 a sensible person.
Naomi You know, sometimes I think she’s like a teenage girl who needs to grow out of8
needing a father figure. I mean, she’s 30, not 13!
1
2
3
4
5
B
6
(informal, always continuous) becoming old
(informal) make someone feel confused and
looking very hard at unhappy about their life
7
become stronger and more able to deal with
(informal) thought that they were a particular
problems (also transitive: toughen sb up)type of person (especially when they are not
having a tendency to express opinions even in fact like that)
8
though they may offend people
stop doing something as you get older
behave so badly
Talking about positive qualities
Look at this speech by a company manager at a party for a colleague who is retiring.
Jack is leaving us today and I want to wish him a happy retirement. Having worked closely with him,
I can personally vouch for1 his unswerving loyalty to the company over the last 21 years and his
extraordinary skills as a personnel manager. Right from the beginning, his ability to handle people
shone through2. He prided himself on3 the good relations he enjoyed with junior staff; he knew that
good relationships mean everything in the workplace. It was always such a pleasure to see how his face
would light up4 whenever he managed to solve a tricky personnel issue; for him, resolving a difficult
situation was its own reward. Jack was also excellent at drawing out5 younger, less experienced
members of staff, and he showed that rare talent for bringing out6 the best in all his colleagues. I’m
sure everyone would agree that he always came across7 as calm, professional and committed to his
staff. His departure will be a great loss to the company.
1
2
3
say that you know someone and that you
can promise that they have a good
character or good skills
became apparent
took pride in
4
5
6
7
look very happy
helping people to feel more confident
making qualities more noticeable
appeared to be
Tip
Note how the meaning of a phrasal verb can sometimes vary depending on whether it is used with
an object or not. For example, come across (see above), when it is used with an object means ‘find
or meet something/somebody by chance’: I came across an old photo of us when we were at
university the other night. Make a note of any verbs whose meanings change in this way.
84
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
40.1
Look at these pages from Georgia’s private diary, where she writes about people she knows
and works with. Complete the text using phrasal verbs or adjectives from A opposite.
MORE BAD NEWS FOR SHELL-SHOCKED
MON 17
INVESTORS
Investors, who are already suffering from
Thefinancial
affair with
Chloe
have
the
crisis,
areseems
feelingto
nervous
(1)
Hugo
up
quite
today as Southern Bank preparesbadly
to
– he seems
so unhappy high
and confused.
announce
unexpectedly
losses.
He’ll have to
(2) up
if he’s to cope with life and all the
horrible things that can happen when
you’re in love. Poor man.
MORE BAD NEWS FOR SHELL-SHOCKED
TUE 18
INVESTORS
Investors, who are already suffering from
Spent the evening with Victoria and her
the financial crisis, are feeling nervous today
new partner. I don’t know how old Simon
as Southern Bank prepares to announce
is, but he’s definitely
(3) on
unexpectedly high losses.
a bit and his hair’s going grey.
Bad day at the office – some documents
got lost. The boss suspected me and Evie.
His eyes just
(4) into us in a
very accusing way and he questioned us for
a long time.
40.2
WED 19
(5) Ava down as
Funny, I
(6) person, but
a fairly
she’s actually the complete opposite,
quite shy and quiet when you get to
know her better. The good thing is she
(7) out of
seems to have
her girlish infatuation with that stupid
man Henry at last. I guess she’s more
mature now she’s turned 30!
THU 20
Lydia and I almost had a serious
row last night. She insulted me a
couple of times and I felt furious, but
I refuse to
(8) to her
level, even though it would be easy
enough!
Complete these annual appraisal summaries, written by a personnel manager, with the
correct particles.
1 Zoe sometimes comes
as a little aggressive, but in general she has good relations
with her colleagues and seems to bring
the best in the staff she manages.
2 Elizabeth has had to overcome a great deal due to her physical disability, but her determination
and will to succeed always shine
despite the difficulties.
3 Luke prides himself
his ability to cope with huge amounts of stress and to meet
deadlines. He has always met deadlines, though I can’t personally vouch
his ability
to deal with a major crisis.
4 It’s always so nice to see how Cameron’s face lights
whenever he is praised for
his achievements, and he has had some notable successes in the last 12 months. Let’s hope it
continues that way.
5 Louis is very good at drawing
the shyer and less confident members of staff. He
seems like an excellent candidate for promotion in the next round.
Over to you
Try and find some job advertisements in English. Job descriptions often refer to personal qualities
needed for the job. Note any phrasal verbs you find.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
85
41
Feelings
A
Note the phrasal verbs connected with feelings.
Reply
Forward
Reply
Hi Francesca
I don’t know what I’d do without your support. At
the moment, I’m finding it hard to summon up1
the energy to get out of bed in the morning. I don’t
know if I’ve gone off2 the idea of making a career
as a singer or if I just don’t care for3 the type of
music the band is playing now. I feel as if the band
leader has got something against4 me and is trying
to turn the other members of the band against5 me
too. I know I need to loosen up6 and that I mustn’t
work myself into7 a state about it – staying calm
and confronting him is the only way to resolve the
situation – but I feel so low, I can’t face it.
Love Phoebe
1
Hi Phoebe
I understand just how low you’re feeling,
but you can snap out of8 it and not give
in to 9 all these negative thoughts! I know
you, and I know you can get through this.
I think you’re secretly hankering after10
a change and perhaps leaving the band
would be a good idea. If you do decide
that’s the best way forward, I’m sure
you’ll soon perk up11 and be your usual
self, brimming with12 enthusiasm for
everything!
Love Francesca
8
find (used about someone trying hard to
find a quality that is needed)
2
(UK, Aus) stopped liking
3
don’t like
4
dislikes for some reason
5
make others dislike
6
relax mentally
7
make myself feel very upset
B
Forward
(informal) force yourself to stop feeling sad or upset
if you give in to an emotion, you stop trying not to
feel it and you allow your actions to be controlled
by that emotion
10
wanting very much
11
become happier or more energetic
12
filled to capacity with
9
Note how the second speaker uses a phrasal verb to paraphrase the first.
Erica
Bella was very angry. She was almost crying.
Julian Yes, it was obvious she was choking back1 her anger and fighting back 2 the tears.
1
forcing herself not to show her feelings
2
trying hard not to show an emotion
Will
Armand looked so surprised when he received his leaving gift, didn’t he?
Paula
Yes, I think he was bowled over by everyone’s generosity.
Zara
Molly suddenly started talking uncontrollably about her emotions.
Luke
Yes, she let it all spill out, didn’t she?
Ellie
You didn’t look physically and mentally able to tolerate such a long meeting.
Rosie
No, I wasn’t feeling up to it. I’d had a cold and was feeling tired and weak.
Aisha
I was very sorry to hear that Isaac’s mother has died.
Natalie Yes, poor man. My sympathies go out to him and his family.
Salim
I think the news shocked Imogen and really upset her.
Ollie
Yes, it obviously shook her up a lot.
Ruby I felt so sad as I stood at the War Memorial.
Evelyn Yes, an overwhelming feeling of sadness came over everyone.
Emma We should stay calm and not do or say anything stupid.
Jack Yes, we mustn’t let our emotions run away with us.
86
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
41.1
Complete these sentences with a verb from A.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
41.2
Which verb in B matches each definition?
1
2
3
4
5
6
41.3
When you came for the job interview, you were
with self-confidence.
I just couldn’t
up the courage to tell my boss I wanted a pay rise.
Please try to
up and look a bit more cheerful before our visitors arrive.
Mia has a nervous disposition but usually manages not to
in to her fears.
She’s
after a major career change, so she might go back to university.
Try not to
yourself into a state about everything; calm down.
I’ve really
off football recently. I used to love it, but now it just bores me.
Stop being so bad-tempered. Just
out of it!
He was very nervous at the beginning of his presentation, but he
up after a
minute or two.
force yourself not to show some feeling
begin to affect
surprise or please a lot
make someone feel shocked or upset
encourage us to do foolish things
feel physically and mentally strong enough to do something
Which phrasal verb from the opposite page fits each set of collocations?
1
to
anger
3 an easy life
tears
to
(a) change
disappointment
a fast car
2
charm
4
excitement
to be
by someone’s beauty
to
enthusiasm
generosity self-confidence
41.4
Read the remarks about different people and then answer the questions below.
Keira doesn’t care for her boss.
Felix can’t snap out of his bad mood.
Joel was quite bowled over by the news.
Hannah tried her best to choke back her tears.
Harvey ought to perk up a bit.
Sofia is turning people against the boss.
Poppy is brimming with anticipation.
Aaron has something against his teacher.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
41.5
Who is feeling down?
Who is finding it hard to change how he feels?
Who is feeling dislike?
Who is making people dislike someone?
Who wanted to cry?
Who dislikes someone for a reason that is not apparent? Who was very surprised about something?
Who is really looking forward to something?
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Layla let her feelings become very obvious. (spill)
Grandma doesn’t think she could manage a long flight. (feel)
We must not allow our feelings to make us do something we’ll regret. (run)
You mustn’t let those feelings of insecurity take over. (give)
Everyone suddenly felt very tired. (came)
We extend our sympathies to all the victims of the disaster. (go)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
87
42
A
Social life
Social and emotional commitments
Reply
Forward
Hi Nicholas,
What did you get up to1 at the weekend, anything exciting? We had quite a nice weekend here.
It was my mum’s birthday, so my sister and I treated her to2 a night out. We took her out for
dinner on Saturday, and then we went on to a jazz club because she’s a great jazz fan.
Mansour
1
(informal) do
2
paid for her to do something pleasant
Reply
Forward
Hi Mansour,
Glad to hear you had a nice weekend. I did too. I was passing by an old friend’s place on Sunday, so
I called in on3 him. Luckily he was at home. We didn’t do anything special, just hung out4 and chatted.
Nicholas
3
visited for a short time, usually
on your way to somewhere else
4
spent time together not doing anything special
Reply
Forward
Hi Holly,
It’s just one big letdown5 after another in my love life at the moment. The day after we had
that terrible row, Kian dropped by6 and persuaded me to agree to him taking me out7 for
a meal last night. I thought it would be a chance for us to forget everything, you know, and
move on8. I should have refused, but I said yes, and then he stood me up again. He phoned
afterwards and gave some feeble excuse and now he’s all romantic again and wants to meet
up. I know what you’re going to say – it’s your fault, deal with it, and say no. Is that right?
Flora
5
disappointment
made a short visit to someone,
usually without arranging it
6
B
7
going somewhere and doing something with someone,
usually something you have planned or paid for
8
go forward in one’s life and not look back to the past
Other aspects of social life
We’re having a small get-together at our place on Saturday night. Would you like to
come? [informal social gathering]
Shall I call Amelia and see if we can hook up with her and Nancy and go clubbing? [(informal) meet
someone for a particular purpose]
It’s six o’clock. I’d better shoot off or I’ll be late for dinner. [(informal) leave]
Wow, that was a fantastic meal. I’ll need a couple of days to sleep it off now, though! [sleep until
you feel better, especially after too much alcohol or food]
Loads of people rolled up to see Theo’s band at Zino’s last night. [arrived at a particular place or
event – when people roll up somewhere, they often arrive late] They had to turn people away as there
wasn’t enough room. [refuse to allow them to enter]
I’m really getting into snowboarding. It’s amazing. [becoming involved in an activity]
Let’s invite Dan too. We mustn’t forget him just because he’s moved away from the village.
88
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
42.1
Complete the phrasal verbs or phrasal expressions in the second speaker’s answers.
1
2
Mark
Do you still find it difficult living on your own?
Jules
Well, I’ve just got to
4
5
42.2
No, it was a big
. Very poor. A complete disappointment.
Maksim Can’t you stay for dinner? We’ve got loads of food.
Archie
No, I’d better
Eliza
Seth, how nice to see you! I wasn’t expecting a visit!
Seth
Well, I was just
David
How was Henry’s birthday celebration?
Rachel
Well, we all
up expecting a big party, but there were only a few members of his family there.
off now; I’ve got a report to do for tomorrow morning.
by so I thought I’d come and say hello.
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
42.3
on. It’s no good living in the past.
Hamza Was the concert as good as you expected?
Steve
3
with it and
If someone says they’ve been getting seriously into bird-watching, what do they mean?
If someone asks you what you got up to over the summer, what do they want to know?
If someone said they were having a family get-together, what would be happening?
If someone says to you, ‘Let’s just hang out’, what do they want to do?
If someone said they wanted to take you out, is it likely they want to (a) kill you, (b) go out with
you and pay for you, (c) go with you to show you the way out of a building?
Read these remarks by different people and then answer the questions below.
Hessa
Alexander dropped by the other day.
Lara
It would be nice to hook up with Jake and Liam.
Amy
Mum and Dad treated me to a wonderful weekend in Paris.
Callum I’ll need a week to sleep off that dinner!
Ivy
I got turned away from that restaurant once.
Thomas I moved away from Hobblethorpe because I needed a change.
Jessica It’d be nice to call in on Alejandro when we’re in town.
Ronnie After the meal we went on to a really great club.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Who had far too much of something?
Who was not allowed to enter somewhere?
Who wants to visit someone?
Who went to live in a different place?
Who was visited by someone?
Who was already out somewhere and then went somewhere else?
Who wants to meet someone?
Who had a nice time and didn’t have to pay?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
89
43
A
Health and symptoms
Talking about how you are
Mrs Smith How are you these days? Have you managed to throw off1 that cold you had when we last met?
Mr Jones
Well, yes, it cleared up after a couple of days,
but I’d no sooner got over that than I picked up another one. It’s horrible. I keep breaking out in2
a sweat and my nose is completely bunged-up3.
Mrs Smith
Well, I hope you don’t pass it on to me. I’m feeling bad enough as it is. My arthritis has
flared up4 again. And you know I fell and cut my hand a week ago? It’s only just started
to heal up5 and the swelling hasn’t gone down6 yet.
Mr Jones
1
2
3
B
I think we should both go to the doctor’s again, don’t you?
(informal) get rid of a slight illness
(of sweat, spots, rash) suddenly appears
on the skin
(informal) blocked
4
5
6
(of illness) returned
become covered by new skin
returned to its normal size
Feeling tired
There are a lot of phrasal verbs in English relating to the idea of sleep and feeling tired. For example,
drop off and nod off are both informal and both mean fall asleep, but nod off is used particularly
about situations when you did not intend to fall asleep.
Here are some more phrasal verbs relating to being very tired.
C
phrasal verb
phrasal adjective/noun
definition of phrasal verb
example
wear out sb or
wear sb out
worn out
make someone very tired
tire out sb or
tire sb out
tired out
Going round the shops all day has
worn/tired/wiped me out / done
me in.
do in sb or do
sb in (informal)
done in (informal)
wipe out sb or
wipe sb out
(informal)
wiped out (informal)
burn out
burnt-out
(noun = burnout)
become so ill or tired that
you can’t work creatively,
because of overwork
Don’t work too hard – or you’ll burn
out before you’re 30!
washed out
tired, pale and ill
What’s the matter with Kay? She
looks washed out.
What a day I’ve had! I am
worn out / tired out / done in /
wiped out!
At the doctor’s
Don’t worry. There’s a lot of it going around1. I’ll put you on some tablets to
help you sleep. They should knock you out2. Keep taking them for at least a
fortnight – you shouldn’t come off them until I say so. This particular bug takes
a lot out of3 you, so when you begin to feel better, make sure you eat lots of fruit
and vegetables to build yourself up4.
1
2
90
a lot of people are complaining of this
make you sleep heavily
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
3
4
makes you feel very weak
make yourself stronger
Exercises
43.1
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb or phrasal expression
from the opposite page. Make any other necessary changes.
1
Doctor
So, how can I help you today?
Patient I think I’ve caught a chest infection. I’m coughing and wheezing a lot.
2
Doctor
When did you first notice the problem?
Patient Well, a rash suddenly appeared on my neck about a week ago.
3
Doctor
And what’s troubling you, Mrs James?
Patient
Well, I had an ear infection about a month ago. It seemed to disappear when I took
the antibiotics you gave me but now it’s returned again.
4
Doctor
Mr Kelly, hello, how are things?
Patient Well, OK, but my nose is blocked all the time. Can you give me something for it?
5
Doctor
Miss Peters, what can I do for you?
Patient
Well, I sprained my ankle a week ago, but the swelling hasn’t diminished and it’s still
painful.
6
Doctor
Right, Mr Troy, what’s troubling you?
Patient
Well, I just feel absolutely exhausted all the time. I have no energy at all.
43.2
Read the remarks about different people and then answer the questions below.
Bethany I just can’t seem to throw off this cold.
Natasha This bronchitis is taking a lot out of me.
Teddy
I hope Bethany doesn’t pass on her cold
to me.
Elliot
I know I look really washed out.
Harry
I feel totally burnt out.
Daniel
I keep nodding off and missing parts
of the TV show.
Grace
I’m getting over the flu now.
William My scar is healing over nicely now.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
43.3
Who is feeling weak because of an illness?
Who is ill but getting better?
Who is feeling sleepy?
Who is finding it difficult to get better?
Who is completely exhausted from overwork?
Who is pale, ill and tired?
Whose skin is looking better?
Who is keen not to catch someone else’s illness? Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1 The doctor put me
a) out and I slept deeply.
2 I’ve come
b) out from all that work.
3 The tablet knocked me
c) off the antibiotics.
4 I found it difficult to
d) myself up a bit.
5 There’s a lot of flu going
e) on a course of antibiotics.
6 I’m quite weak, so I need to build
f) drop off last night.
7 I feel worn
g) around right now.
Over to you
Find a magazine article on a health issue and make a note of any phrasal verbs that are used in it.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
91
44
The body
A
Phrasal verbs referring to actions or positions of the body
It was very cold and we huddled
up together to keep warm.
During the dance we had
to spread our arms out
and go round in a circle.
The cat curled up on the
sofa and went to sleep.
B
She stretched out her hand to
try to reach the fruit.
Molly bent down to
pick up the puppy.
More phrasal verbs connected with the body
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
loosen up /
warm up
prepare your muscles for a physical activity
by stretching and doing simple exercises
We always do exercises to loosen up /
warm up before playing tennis.
swing around/
round
suddenly turn around so that you can see
someone or something behind you
I swung round when I heard my name
and saw Jude running towards me.
tense up
if you tense up, your muscles stiffen because
you are not relaxed
‘Relax! Don’t tense up and you’ll float!’
said the swimming instructor.
thaw out
(slightly informal, metaphorical) become
warmer after getting very cold
‘Oooh! It was freezing outside! Turn the
heater on! I need to thaw out.’
waste away
gradually get thinner and weaker, usually
because of illness
Poor old Mrs Jones is just wasting
away. She’s been so ill, poor woman.
pick yourself up
stand up again after you have fallen
(Parent to child who has just fallen)
‘Come on, pick yourself up! Don’t cry!
You’re OK.’
double up
suddenly bend your body forwards because
you are laughing a lot or in a lot of pain
When she told me, it was so funny
I just doubled up laughing.
turn so that you are facing the opposite
direction, or make someone or something
do this
(to somebody who is trying on a skirt)
‘Turn around, let me see it from behind.’
double over
turn around/
round (sb/sth)
or turn (sb/sth)
around/round
92
Dylan stuck his head
out of the window to
see what was happening
in the street below.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
He turned the car around and drove
back home.
Exercises
44.1
Look at A. Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
44.2
If you all huddle up together
If you stretch out your arm
Spread out your arms
Now bend down
If you stick your head out of the window
You can curl up in the armchair
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
the horse will take the carrot from your hand.
you’ll be able to see our car.
and go to sleep if you like.
you’ll feel a bit warmer.
and move them in circles.
and touch your toes.
Answer these questions using one of the phrasal verbs from B.
1 What do you normally need to do before starting on an exercise routine?
2 If you have been outside for a long time on a very cold day, what may it take you some time to do
when you go indoors again?
3 What do you have to do if you fall over?
4 What do you do if you hear a sudden noise behind you?
5 What happens to your muscles if you are feeling very anxious?
6 What happens if someone doesn’t eat enough over a long period of time?
7 If you suddenly have an excruciating pain, what may you do?
44.3
Correct the five particle mistakes in this paragraph.
I’m rather worried about my neighbour. I saw her the other day in the garden and she was
doubled out in pain. She also looks as if she is wasting off. I asked her about it and she said
she was just trying to lose some weight, but she clearly didn’t like my talking about it and
I could sense her tensing in. I think she’s probably been doing far too much exercise. She
spends hours outside bending away to touch the ground or spreading off her arms and
swinging them in circles. I can see that she’s in pain and I long to tell her to relax a bit.
44.4
Rewrite each sentence using the verb in brackets in an appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
6
44.5
You must be freezing – do come inside and get warm. (thaw)
Look at me – now face in the opposite direction. (turn)
Their daughter was lying in a little ball on her bed with her thumb in her mouth. (curl)
He put his arm out of the window and waved at us. (stick)
If you don’t eat more, you’ll get far too skinny. (waste)
The stand-up comic was so good that we spent the evening in fits of laughter. (double)
Explain the play on words in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
The twins doubled up laughing.
The rubbish collectors were wasting away.
The grammar teacher tensed up when Maria said ‘writed’ instead of ‘wrote’.
The taxi driver picked himself up after he tripped over the suitcase.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
93
45
How people speak
A
In these dialogues, the second speaker uses a phrasal verb in their response.
1
Parent
Go and study! You haven’t done any revision yet this week! Did you hear me?
Child
OK, OK! Don’t go on at1 me! I’ll do some work after supper.
criticise someone continuously
Jackson Can you explain to me what we have to do at the meeting?
Paul
2
3
OK, I’ll just run through2 the main points.
explain or read something to someone quickly
Austin
You can have two hours for your presentation.
Maya
Two hours is far too long! I’d bore everyone stupid. I wouldn’t want to listen
to anyone holding forth3 for that long.
talking about a particular subject for a long time, often in a way that other people find boring
Archie
How do you think we should present our case to the committee?
Eloise
I think we should emphasise the good things and perhaps just gloss over4 the difficult bits.
4
avoid discussing something, or discuss something without talking about the details in order to make it
seem unimportant
5
B
Albert
How can we distract Richard while I bring in his present?
Lauren
Well, I’ll engage him in conversation5 and you can leave the room discreetly.
try to start a conversation with him
Look at these sentences with more phrasal verbs connected with speaking.
Mr Holroyd reeled off a list of names. [(informal) said a long list of things quickly and without stopping]
The detectives tried to wring the truth out of the suspect. [force or persuade someone to give you
money or information]
The reporters bombarded the minister with questions. [directed a lot of something at one person]
Somebody raised their hand to put a question to the speaker.
I didn’t really have a conversation with her. She just talked at me for an hour. [talked to someone
without listening to them or allowing them to speak]
Without thinking, he blurted out the name of the hotel where the star was staying. [said something
suddenly and without thinking, especially because you are excited or nervous]
I’ll introduce the plan in general and then you can expand on it.
In the middle of my welcome speech I just dried up. [stopped speaking, especially because you
suddenly forget what to say next]
The teacher kept asking him questions but he was nervous and he just clammed up.
[(informal) became silent or refused to speak, usually because of shyness or fear]
I’d like to get a flat of my own but I’ll have to sound my parents out first. [talk to someone to
discover what they think about an idea or plan]
We were talking about the Olympics and that led into a discussion about drugs.
Are you going to tell the truth or do I have to drag it out of you? [make someone tell you something
that they do not want to tell you]
94
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
45.1
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence, using one of the phrasal verbs in A.
1
2
3
4
5
45.2
It’s so boring listening to Uncle Ed lecturing us about the problem with the youth of today.
I’ll try to get into a conversation with your father so he won’t notice you leaving.
I wish my parents would stop criticising me all the time.
OK, before everyone starts working, I’d like to quickly remind you of the instructions.
The personnel manager said very little about salary progression during our interview.
Read the sentences and then answer the questions.
1 After Josie got back from the party, her flatmates bombarded her with questions.
Did Josie’s flatmates ask her a lot of questions or a few questions?
2 Towards the end of the play, one of the main actors suddenly dried up.
Would the actor have been pleased with his performance or not?
3 Nathan reeled off the names of all 50 states of the USA.
Did Nathan have to pause and think of the name of each state?
4 Jensen clammed up as soon as Bobby came in the room.
Did Jensen speak more or less after Bobby arrived?
5 The detective eventually managed to wring his attacker’s name out of the boy.
How easy was it for the detective to get the boy to tell her the truth?
6 Matt decided to sound out the editor before he started to write the article.
What do you think Matt talked to the editor about?
7 Blake has a dreadful habit of talking at people.
Why is this habit of Blake’s dreadful?
8 Daniela glossed over the accident when she was telling her parents about her trip.
What did Daniela tell her parents about the accident?
45.3
Complete these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
the first question to our guest speaker?
1 Now, who’d like to
2 In this essay I shall first outline three key issues. I shall then expand
each of these
in turn.
3 Our discussion of modern education soon
into an argument about whether schools
are better now than they used to be.
4 I’d love to join your expedition to the North Pole, but I should
my boss out first.
5 My son doesn’t tell us much about school. We have to drag things
of him.
6 The children were so interested in the topic that they
their teacher with questions.
7 Sadie just
up whenever I tried to get her to talk about her work.
8 During the press conference, she was nervous and unintentionally
out the name of
the secret agent.
45.4
Here are some more phrasal verbs connected with ways of speaking. Can you work out what
they mean and rewrite the sentences, replacing the underlined verbs with your own words?
1 Finn was so rude – he cut in on the conversation I was having with Faye about her new job and
started to ask her questions about her daughter.
2 I don’t know how you’ll manage to explain away the scratch on your mother’s car.
3 I wish he’d stop wittering on about the weather – it’s so boring.
Over to you
Look up the verbs from exercise 45.4 in a good dictionary. Write down some more examples of how
they are used.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
95
46
How people move
A
Coming and going
The boy stole away while his parents were sleeping.
[left quietly without anyone knowing]
I’m sorry! I only crept up on you for a joke. I didn’t mean to
frighten you. [approached someone so quietly they did not
know you were there till the last moment]
My landlord told us that if we didn’t clear out of the flat by the
end of the week, he’d contact his lawyer. [(informal) leave]
I’m terribly sorry for walking in on your private meeting! [going into a room and seeing what
someone is doing when they do not want to be seen]
B
C
Moving with other people
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
drop back
move to a position nearer the back
Joseph started out in the lead in the race
but soon dropped back to fifth place.
hang back
not move forwards with other people,
usually because you are shy or afraid
The others rushed forward to see the tiger
but I hung back.
pile into / out
of
(informal) enter/leave a place or vehicle
quickly and not in an organised way
The schoolchildren piled into / out of the
bus.
squash up
(informal) move closer together in order to
make space for someone else
If you squash up, there’ll be room for Tim
on the sofa too.
gain on
sb/sth
get nearer to someone or something that
you are chasing
The helicopter could see that the police car
was gaining on the robbers’ car.
A long walk
Reply
Forward
Hi Gemma!
We’re having a great holiday. Yesterday we went for a long walk in the hills. It was longer
than it needed to be because Ivan misread the map. We walked quite a long way but then
came to a big cliff and had to double back1. We saw lots of wildlife. In the early evening we
stumbled on2 some deer. At first they were startled and drew back3 from us into the forest,
but we stood well back so as not to frighten them and they soon relaxed and went back to
their grazing. We stood still and watched them for some time. We suddenly realised that it was
starting to get dark and that we’d better push on4. We were zipping along5 until I tripped
over6 a fallen branch. I thought I might have sprained my ankle, but we managed to get back
to our cottage in time to have a late supper and it’s fine today.
Seb
1
2
3
96
4
go back in the direction we’d come from
5
found/met by chance
6
moved away because they were surprised
or afraid English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
continue on our walk
(informal) moving very quickly
fell because I accidentally hit my foot
against something while walking
Exercises
46.1
Complete these sentences using the correct particles.
1 I accidentally walked
Max and Isla the other day at the office, and
they were having a terrible row about something!
2 They stole
in the middle of the night; nobody knew they had left.
3 I looked in the rear-view mirror and saw that the mysterious motorcyclist was gaining
me.
4 We all piled
the car, but we had to squash
as it was only small and
there were five of us.
5 Oh! I didn’t realise you were there! You shouldn’t creep
me like that!
46.2
Complete these sentences with a verb from the opposite page.
into the taxi and headed off to a club to end our perfect night out.
1 We all
2 Old Mrs Gifford
over the edge of the carpet and fell and hurt her ankle.
3 I don’t think we have time to stop for lunch; we’d better
on if we want to get there
before it gets dark.
4 The fire chief told everyone to
well back as there was the risk of an explosion.
5 The message warned them to
everyone out of the building as quickly as possible.
6 When I was putting some books in the attic, I
on an old picture I hadn’t noticed
before.
7 Crossing the valley, we were
along, but then the car suddenly broke down as we
went up a hill.
8 I suddenly realised I’d left my wallet in the café where we’d stopped for breakfast, so we had to
back.
46.3
Explain the play on words in these sentences. Use a dictionary if necessary.
1 When he had finished his painting, the artist drew back to see his work from a distance.
2 The children’s jackets were all undone as they stood in a row waiting for the photographer, so she
zipped along the line to fasten them.
3 Squash up, kids, and when you’re all sitting down, I’ll give you some juice.
4 The twins set off in one direction but then doubled back to try to lose their pursuers.
5 The robbers stole away as soon as they heard the police car outside the bank.
46.4
Complete the chart with four verbs which can be used with back to match the meanings
in brackets. Then make four sentences using one of the verbs in each.
1
(not move
forwards with other
people)
2
(move
nearer the back)
BACK
3
4
(move away
if afraid or surprised)
(go back in the
direction you came from)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
97
47
Nature
A
Animals and plants
Elephants feed on plants.
By pulling down trees
to eat leaves, breaking
off branches and pulling
up plants, they create
clearings in which new
vegetation can grow to
provide nutrition in the
future. However, their
destructive habits have
meant that a number of
plants are in danger of
dying out1.
1
2
3
4
B
98
The cherry laurel requires
consistently moist soil;
do not allow it to dry
out. In favourable areas
it is very invasive; if you
cut the tree down, it will
still send out limbs from
the root and offshoots2
from the bottom of the
stem. Very hard to dig
up. The cherry laurel
has small flowers which
come out in late spring.
The South African
secretary bird preys on3
insects, snakes, tortoises
and rats. Small prey are
picked up in the bill
and swallowed. Larger
prey are first stamped to
death and then eaten.
The secretary bird also
stamps its feet on the
ground to flush out4
prey.
becoming more and more rare and eventually disappearing completely
plants which have developed from a larger plant
catches for food
force an animal to come out of its hiding place
Water and sky
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
dry up
disappear (used about water)
The river is in flood now – it’s hard to believe it
completely dried up six months ago.
freeze over
become covered with ice
In the far north, the sea freezes over for
several months each year.
go out / come
in
move further away from the beach /
nearer the beach
When the tide goes out, we can look for
shellfish. But we’ll have to be careful as the
tide comes in quickly here.
come out
appear in the sky (used of the sun,
moon or stars)
It is spectacular here at night when the stars
come out.
go in
become hidden by a cloud
Let’s go indoors now – the sun has gone in and
it’s getting chilly.
overcast
grey, covered in cloud (used about
the sky)
I don’t want to go to the beach today as it is
so overcast.
wash away
carry away by water
An old boat abandoned on the beach was
washed away by the unusually high tide.
eat away at
gradually destroy by taking little bits
at a time
The sea is eating away at the cliff, and houses
close to the edge are at risk.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
47.1
Complete these commentaries from television nature documentaries with the correct
phrasal verbs. You are given the first letter each time.
Here in this cold landscape of cliffs and stony beaches, these birds f
(1)
(2) the abundant fish
the many fish which are found offshore. Seals also p
stocks. It is hard to imagine that if global warming increases, these wonderful creatures may
(3) and never be seen again at this latitude. Sea levels will rise and
d
(4) the cliffs and rocky shores, w
(5) their
e
natural habitats forever. And, paradoxically, as the temperature and sea levels rise, some of the
(6) altogether, leaving an arid landscape.
inland lakes may d
These elegant creatures p
(7) the higher branches
of trees and eat the succulent leaves. In the course of their feeding,
the branches
(8) causing damage to
they often b
(9) the youngest
the trees, and even more so by p
saplings altogether. Fortunately, nature always revives, and the destroyed
(10) new o
(11) so
and damaged trees s
that, in time, the forest renews itself. Only humans are the real enemy,
(12) the trees and d
(13)
c
the most precious plants to collect specimens, denuding the forest
forever, and all for commercial gain.
47.2
Answer these questions using phrasal verbs or phrasal adjectives from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
47.3
Rewrite these sentences using phrasal verbs or phrasal adjectives from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
47.4
What would happen to a pond if the temperature dropped to –10°C?
What might happen to a shallow lake if the weather is very hot and there is no rain for a long time?
What adjective can describe the sky when it is grey and covered in cloud?
Why is the sea not always at the same place on a beach?
If the police suspect that bank robbers are hiding in a forest, what might dogs help them to do?
As night fell, the stars appeared.
The sun became hidden by a cloud and the temperature fell suddenly.
Cats (both large and small) lift their young with their teeth to move them around.
It was lovely and sunny this morning but now the sky is grey.
Many wild animals and plants are on the verge of becoming extinct.
Complete these encyclopaedia entries using phrasal verbs from the box in the correct form.
Use a dictionary if necessary.
watch over
take over
move in
bring up
fend for
chase out
dictionary.cambridge.org
In many places, grey squirrels have
red squirrels
(2). They have then
Many animals
parents,
young to
(1) and
the native
(3) their territory.
(4) their young in a similar way to human
(5) them till they are mature; others leave their
(6) themselves shortly after birth.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
99
48
Weather
A
B
Rain and snow
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
beat down
come down in large amounts
with force
Lying in bed, I could hear the rain beating
down.
pelt down
(informal) fall very heavily
The rain was pelting down by the time we
got to the top of the mountain.
hold off
not start, although you expect it to
Fortunately the snow held off until we had
got safely home.
freeze up
become blocked with ice and
stop working
It was a very hard winter last year and many
people had problems with pipes freezing up.
Sun and clouds
If the sun breaks through (the clouds), it starts to appear from behind the clouds.
If the sun beats down, it shines very strongly and makes the air hot.
If some kind of bad weather such as clouds or fog rolls in, it appears in a large amount.
If cloud or smoke blots out the sun, it covers it and prevents it from being seen.
If windows or glasses fog/mist/steam up, they become covered with small drops of water and
you can’t see through them.
C
Metaphors
I suspected there would be trouble at the office as soon as the new
boss breezed in1 on his first day. He was very competent and he’d
breezed through2 the job interview, but he had no patience at all
for anyone less able and he had a very sharp tongue. I noticed that
as soon as he spoke to his PA, her face clouded over3 in anger. He
asked the sales manager to explain some contradictory figures in
such an aggressive manner that she froze up4 and couldn’t say a
word. I could see her eyes misting over5. By the end of that first
day, his PA had stormed out6, saying she would never return. The
rest of us got together after work and decided that we had no
choice but to try to freeze him out7. We agreed only to speak to
him if we absolutely had to.
1
5
walked in quickly and confidently
6
(breeze = light wind)
2
7
(slightly informal) succeeded very easily
3
suddenly looked unhappy
4
became so afraid she couldn’t do or
say anything
100
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
filling with tears
left in an angry way
make him feel that he is not welcome by
being unfriendly
Exercises
48.1
Complete the text below using the correct particles from A opposite.
The weather forecast said that there would be rain later on, but we were all hoping that it
would hold
(1) until Julia’s birthday barbecue was over. When we first arrived,
the sun was beating
(2) and some people were too hot. But then grey clouds
appeared and the rain started. At first it was quite light but then it began to pelt
(3).
We had to cook indoors but Julia wasn’t too disappointed.
48.2
Mark these sentences with a if you are happy in this situation or a if you are not
happy in this situation. Explain your answers.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
48.3
Your pipes at home freeze up while you are on a skiing holiday.
You receive a letter that makes your face cloud over.
You are walking by the sea when fog rolls in.
You can hear the rain beating down outside as you sit by a big log fire.
You are on a long country walk and the rain holds off.
You have to give a speech at a friend’s wedding and you freeze up.
You breeze through an important exam.
You storm out of a meeting.
A group of friends start to freeze you out.
You are sitting on the beach and the sun is beating down.
Write a sentence about each picture using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
1
4
1
2
3
2
5
4
5
3
48.4
6
6
Complete these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite page in an appropriate
form. Add any other words that are needed.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Ellis arrived an hour late but he didn’t seem worried; he just
It was such a sad film. When the hero died I could feel my eyes
Whenever I go from a cold street into a heated shop, my glasses
I can see a little bit of blue sky. I think the sun is trying to
We’re going to an open air concert tonight. I hope the rain
I think the weather’s changing for the worse. Look at those clouds
Don’t worry about your driving test. I’m sure you’ll
I always get really nervous before oral exams. I’m afraid I’ll
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
101
49
Places
A
Travel websites
Destination of
the week
Steeple Bunting
The unspoilt little market town of Steeple Bunting stretches out along
the winding River Tare. The town is steeped in1 history, and great care
has been taken to ensure that modern buildings blend in2 well and do
not encroach on3 the 16th-century centre. A particularly well-preserved
building from that period is Elderflower Cottage, a delightful halftimbered house set back4 from the High Street. The beauty of this whitewalled cottage is set off5 by the colourful flower gardens which surround
it, and visitors must also not miss the walled herb garden which opens
off the rose garden. There are many other must-see sights in Steeple Bunting and the town is dotted with6 pleasant
cafés where you can relax if you just want to sit and soak up7 the atmosphere. The town is bursting with8 tourists
at the weekend, so visitors who prefer to avoid crowds are advised to come during the week.
1
2
3
4
B
has a lot of (collocates strongly with history,
also with tradition)
look similar, do not seem very different
advance beyond proper limits
a little distance from
5
6
7
8
made to look even more attractive
has many, all over the place
enjoy an experience
very full with (only used in continuous
form)
Improving houses and towns
Kingsmill renovations to begin next week
The run-down1 Kingsmill area near the city’s football ground is at last about to be done up2.
Signs have gone up3 around the area indicating that work will start next Monday. The first stage
of the the work will affect the buildings which back onto the football ground, and Stadium Road
will be closed off from Monday morning while the area is reduced to rubble4. Drivers wishing
to access the stadium car park will need to approach it by Grant Lane, which branches off
Rampart Street just after the petrol station.
Local resident Maisie James (74) told us, ‘I’ll be glad to see the back of the boarded-up5
windows in the area. It’s very dangerous – a ceiling fell in once when some children got into
one of the abandoned buildings.’
Local architects Taylor and Summers have been employed to design the reconstruction, and
readers can visit their office or look online to see the plans showing how the area will be
laid out6 and a large-scale mock-up7. Richard Taylor commented, ‘The renovations will
inevitably be expensive, but we hope that the costs will to some extent be offset8 by the use
of reclaimed sandstone and slate, and also the reclaimed rubble.’
1
2
3
4
shabby, in disrepair
repaired, improved
been fixed into position
made into a pile of bricks and stones
(a strong collocation but note also: Toby was
reduced to tears = Toby started crying)
5
6
7
8
covered with pieces of wood
arranged, structured
model showing how something will look
when it is built
compensated for
Tip
If you notice a phrasal verb in a text, it may be useful to copy out the whole sentence. This can help
you to be able to use it as well as understand it.
102
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
49.1
Complete these two emails using phrasal verbs or adjectives from the opposite page.
Reply
Forward
Hi Charlotte,
Here we are in our new home. It’s in an old house
(1) back from the road
in a big garden, on the top of a hill. The town
(2) out below us. It’s an old
town,
(3) in history, but
(4) with all the excitement of
a big modern city. Sometimes we just stroll through the streets
(5) up the
atmosphere.
(6) with
From the back of the house, we look up into the hills, which are
little white houses. The road that runs past our house branches
(7) down to
the river, so it’s a nice place to go for a walk. I hope you can come and see us.
All the best,
Javier
Reply
Forward
Hi Javier,
Now you’ve left university you can live in luxury, but I’m still a poor student. Jade and I have moved
into our accommodation for this year. It’s in a rather
(8) part of town which was
rich and prosperous years ago, but now there are lots of
(9) shops and cheap
restaurants. We’re in a house that backs
(10) an old factory whose roof has
fallen
(11), and next to that was another building which has been completely
(12) to rubble and the area is all closed
(13). So it couldn’t
be more different from your view! The flat itself is OK. There’s a living room and a small kitchen
which opens
(14) it, two bedrooms and the bathroom. We’ve talked to the
landlord and he’s going to let us do it
(15) a bit. He said he’ll pay for the
paint and stuff. It may not be the Mediterranean, but it’s home.
Love,
Charlotte
49.2
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal verbs in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
49.3
New housing developments are encroaching against the countryside on the edge of town.
Those climbing red roses really set that old white cottage out, don’t they?
The architects made a large-scale mock-on of the new shopping centre.
The plain lines of the marble walls are upset by the ornate windows; together they produce a
harmonious building.
This plan shows how the area will be lied out when it is redeveloped.
Signs have gone out round the area to be demolished warning the public to keep away.
The 1990s buildings do not blend on very well with the older houses around them.
The whole area is steeped with history.
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
Can you name a modern building that blends in well with older surroundings?
What is the nearest place to you that is sometimes bursting with tourists?
To what extent do you think that the place you live in is steeped in tradition?
What does your own home back onto?
Over to you
Look at tourist brochures or websites written in English for any city or town you are interested in.
Note any phrasal verbs you find.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
103
50
Transport
A
Driving
Read about Freddie’s nightmare car journey and note the phrasal verbs.
The whole journey was a complete nightmare. I’d only
been going five minutes on the motorway when somebody
cut in1 on me and I had to brake really quickly to avoid an
accident, but that was only the start of it. A bit further on I
pulled out2 to overtake a big lorry, but as I did, my engine
just died. I tried revving the engine and after a couple of
seconds it started again, but I had to change down3 and get
back into the slow lane and go very slowly indeed. Because
I was so slow, I was flagged down4 by a police officer who
checked the car and told me that one of my tyres was worn.
He said it wasn’t illegal and let me continue but warned
me to get it changed. The car started again without any
problems, so I set off again, picked up speed5 and drove
a couple of miles before, guess what, the worn tyre blew
out6! So I changed the tyre, which was another half hour wasted. Then I picked up7 a hitchhiker –
I felt sorry for him. After a while we branched off8 the motorway, and I left him where he wanted
to be and went to a nearby café for a cup of tea. When I came out, the rain was pelting down and
someone had blocked me in9. Then to cap it all, I realised the hitchhiker had taken my waterproof
jacket from the back seat!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
B
suddenly drove in front of me, not leaving enough space between the two vehicles
drove onto a road or onto a part of the road where the traffic is moving faster
put a vehicle into a lower gear, usually in order to go slower
made to stop by waving at the driver
started to go faster
suddenly burst
to let someone get in your car with the purpose of taking them somewhere
turned onto a smaller road
put a car or other vehicle so close to another vehicle that it cannot drive away
Other phrasal verbs connected with transport
Five planes were stacked up over the airport waiting for permission to land. [flying over an
airport at different heights waiting to be told they can land]
Two young men had stowed away on the ferry, hoping to enter the country illegally. Police said
they had already arrested more than 20 stowaways at the port this year. [hidden on a ship,
aircraft or other vehicle in order to travel secretly or without paying; person who does this]
There’s a popular programme where celebrities pretend they have been cast away on a
desert island and have to survive. [left on an island with no other people after swimming
from a ship that is sinking]
She was knocked over by a cyclist and broke her arm. [hit by a vehicle and injured or killed]
A police car pulled us over to the side of the road and two police officers searched the car.
The traffic lights were very slow to change and all around me impatient drivers were revving
up. [make a car’s engine work faster while the car is not moving]
104
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
50.1
Look at A. Choose the correct word to complete these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
50.2
Look at these pictures, and then complete the sentences about them below using phrasal
verbs from the opposite page.
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
50.3
The police officer is
The driver is
The aeroplanes are
The tyre has
The car is
The car has been
Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.
1
2
3
4
50.4
The train started slowly but soon revved / picked / pulled up speed.
I hate drivers who cut / block / flag in on you when you’re driving on a motorway.
You pull / blow / change down when you want to reduce your speed.
I wish my neighbour wouldn’t rev / blow / change up outside my window early in the morning.
Take care when you blow / change / pull out to overtake.
down / The / flagged / on / a / police / ten / found / lorry / board / stowaways / and
bedroom / car / was / a / I / woken / revving / by / window / up / outside / my
car / on / caused / cutting / an / by / nearly / accident / in / us / That
very / blew / motorway / out / when / I / was / frightened / the / tyre / my / on
Complete these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
1 The boy managed to
on a plane to Australia and was only discovered when
he arrived in Sydney.
2 The old man was
by a car that was speeding away from a burglary.
3 I couldn’t get out of the car park – someone had
me
.
4 A police officer
Elodie
and fined her for driving too fast.
5 Robinson Crusoe is about someone who was
on a desert island.
6 Take that narrow road that
the main road just after the railway bridge.
7 I’m taking my car to work tomorrow so I can
you
on the way.
8 I hate it when your plane has to spend ages
waiting to land.
Over to you
People often talk about journeys they have made. Write sentences about your journey to work or
college or about any other interesting journeys you have made using some of the phrasal verbs on
this page, together with any other phrasal verbs connected with travel that you know.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
105
51
The news
A
How journalists get the news
Some news comes from press releases that are put out by companies or organisations. However,
journalists also pick up1 stories from their contacts. Occasionally a story gets out2 when a politician or
film star confides in3 someone who is not discreet. Sometimes a rumour starts and journalists sound out4
people in the know to check its truth. It may sometimes be difficult for them to root out5 the information
they want, but journalists get very good at worming stories out of 6 people who don’t want to talk to
them. Sometimes they may stake out7 their potential subject’s house until they get the story they want. In
fact, the ability to ferret out8 a story may be as important for a journalist as the ability to write it up well.
1
6
learn by chance
becomes known (of something secret)
3
7
tells something private or secret to someone
4
8
get an opinion from
5
search for and find something that is difficult to find
2
B
Political news
Pensions protest
A major protest took place yesterday
after news leaked out1 about the
government’s plans to raise the
retirement age further. Workers of all
ages walked out from factories and
offices to join in public demonstrations.
Police attempts to head off the main
protest march failed, but fortunately all
the demonstrations passed off without
any major incidents. The government
has denied that it is planning to use force
to put down any future protests.
1
C
106
getting information from someone who does
not want to give it
watch continuously
find out something after searching for it
Brookes joins influential committee
Tim Brookes has been voted on to the
Environmental Committee. Brookes has
been an MP since his party first got in
in 1997, and he claims that his main
ambition has always been to get onto
this important committee. There were
a number of powerful contenders for
the place, but Brookes succeeded in
whipping up considerable support and
won the coveted place. Brookes’ critics
say that he has a tendency to dumb
down complex issues, but he argues that
anything that gets people talking about
the environment is worthwhile.
became known
The police and the army in the news
sentences from newspapers
meaning of phrasal verb
If there are not enough volunteer recruits, the
government will have to call people up.
order people to join the armed forces
The new general joined up when he was 21.
joined the army
The enemy continues to hold out in the south.
defend itself against attack
The army is to be sent in to help earthquake victims.
(of people with special skills) sent to an area
Troops are expected to pull out before May.
move out of an area
Two planes were shot down last night.
destroyed by enemy fire
The kidnapper gave himself up last night.
allowed the police to catch him
The police will move in if the situation escalates.
go to a place to deal with a difficult situation
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
51.1
An experienced journalist is talking to a new young reporter. Complete his advice below
using phrasal verbs from A. You are given the first letter of each phrasal verb.
A lot of your time will be spent trying to r
(1) information, and that can be
boring – going to record offices, surfing the Internet, reading press releases p
(2) by
government departments, and that sort of thing. It’s also important to hang out with other journalists
and see what you can p
(3) from them. You might discover a story that has
l
(4). The secret with celebrities is to get them to c
(5) you.
If they just think you’re trying to w
private information
(6) them
to create a scandal, they won’t give you anything. And they hate it when journalists s
(7) their homes. With politicians, it’s best to s
them
(8) about various
topics to find out what they want to talk about; don’t be aggressive – that won’t get you anywhere.
Just like celebrities, if they think you’re trying to f
(9) a story that’s going to
g
(10) and cause them embarrassment, they’ll keep quiet and you’ll get nothing.
And take your time w
your stories
(11). Don’t rush the process.
51.2
Match each headline 1–7 with an extract from the article a–g.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
OIL PROTEST PASSES OFF PEACEFULLY
UN TROOPS TO PULL OUT OF PHRASALIA
ARMY MOVES IN TO QUELL DISTURBANCES IN NORTHERN PROVINCE
RESERVISTS CALLED UP AS SITUATION WORSENS
PAINTSHOP WORKERS WALK OUT AT AUTO PLANT
SPECIAL FORCES ATTEMPT TO HEAD OFF REBELS IN QUESA REGION
UNIVERSITIES ACCUSED OF DUMBING DOWN ENTRANCE EXAMS
a) 5,000 men have been ordered to report to local bases for immediate posting to the front.
b) The aim is to push back the advance and to restore government control.
c) 2,000 people assembled calmly outside the ministry and chanted slogans.
d) The riots had reached a level which could no longer be tolerated, the defence minister said.
e) Their work was now complete and had been a success, a spokesperson said.
f) Pass rates have increased by a huge 50% this year.
g) 250 downed tools and started an unofficial strike this morning.
51.3
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences, using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
Make any other necessary changes.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The conservatives won the election in 2015.
A helicopter was destroyed by enemy fire whilst in flight yesterday.
My great-great-grandfather became a soldier when he was only 16.
The kidnappers surrendered to the police just after midday.
The rebels successfully defended themselves for six weeks.
The government has ordered a group of experts to go to assess the flood damage.
The government crushed the rebellion using massive force.
Mr Fleet is trying to arouse some enthusiasm for the concert he is trying to organise.
Hundreds of people participated in the celebrations outside the palace.
Theodore got a place on the party’s national committee.
Over to you
Phrasal verbs are very common in newspaper headlines – perhaps because they are often short and
dramatic words. See how many you can find in any one copy of a newspaper. Make a note of any
interesting ones.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
107
52
A
Secrets and lies
News headlines
INVESTIGATION BEARS OUT1 FRAUD CLAIM
1
proves that something that someone has said or written is true, or say that someone is telling the truth
COMPANY HUSHED UP2 FINANCIAL SCANDAL
2
stopped the public from finding out about something bad that had happened
GOVERNMENT URGED TO LEVEL WITH3 PUBLIC OVER HEALTH RISKS
3
(informal) tell the truth about something
PRIME MINISTER ACCUSED OF PAPERING OVER4 CABINET DISAGREEMENT
4
hiding a difficulty to try to make people believe that there is no problem
MINISTERS TRIED TO COVER UP5 ARMS SCANDAL, SAYS OFFICIAL REPORT
5
stop people from discovering the truth about something bad
AGENTS SPIED ON6 UN DIPLOMATS: FORMER SPY BREAKS SILENCE
6
B
watched secretly in order to discover information about them
Email gossip
Reply
Forward
Hi Nicole,
I wasn’t at all surprised to hear that Dylan and Maria are getting engaged, were you? The way they’ve been
looking at each other was a real give-away1, wasn’t it? And Maria almost let the secret out a couple of
weeks ago anyway, even though they continued to make out2 that they were just good friends. They seem to
be crazy about each other!
Esther
1
2
(informal) something that makes you aware of a fact that someone else was trying to keep secret
claim falsely that something is true
Reply
Forward
Dear Aidan,
I need to confide in3 you. I’ve been suspecting for a long time that one of my employees, George, has been
stealing from the till at work, so I actually hired a private detective. He dug up4 a few unpleasant facts, I’m
afraid. George has had a number of convictions for theft already. But the detective hasn’t managed to prove
that he is stealing from us. So I’ve decided to just play along5 and pretend I don’t know, to see if I can catch
him out6 – you know, just see if he gives anything away7 without realising it. Am I doing the right thing, do
you think, or should I confront him?
Oscar
3
4
5
6
7
108
tell someone things that you keep secret from other people
discovered new facts about a person or situation after a lot of searching
(informal) pretend to agree with someone, or to do what someone wants for a short time, in order to get
something from them or to avoid making them angry
discover that someone is lying or doing something wrong
lets someone know something that should be kept secret, often by mistake
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
52.1
Answer these questions about the headlines in A opposite.
1
2
3
4
5
6
52.2
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
52.3
What was the aim of the investigation and what did it discover?
Why might the company have wanted to hush up the scandal?
What is the third headline implying about the government?
Why might the Prime Minister want to paper over what was happening in the Cabinet?
Does it sound as if the report supports or condemns the ministers’ behaviour?
What has the former spy just admitted?
Fortunately, my research bore
Please just play
I wish I could confide
Journalists love to dig
I’m so sorry I let
We did all we could to hush
My friend begged me to level
Libby accused Charles of spying
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
in someone.
up a good scandal.
out your secret.
on her.
with her.
out my original hypothesis.
along with the story I tell Mary.
up the scandal in the company.
Correct the ten mistakes with particles in this paragraph.
As journalists, it is our job to try to dig off stories that dishonest people
are trying to cover over. Sometimes we are accused of spying at innocent
people, but surely it is our duty not to allow people to paper up their
scandals. Often it is not at all difficult to learn secrets. People are often
eager to confide with someone who is willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
Or they let off a secret without realising it. Little things like a blush or
a quick glance at someone else can be a real give-out to an experienced
reporter. Of course, sometimes people try to make over that they have
nothing to hide, and then it can be a good idea to play on with them
up to a certain point. Then you suddenly take them by surprise with an
unexpected question and in this way you can often catch them across.
52.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Which word could fit into all the sentences in each set? Look in your dictionary for any
new meanings.
1 The lawyer tried to
the accused out in a lie.
Be aware of exam questions designed to
you out.
Every year unexpected snowstorms
people out.
2 Isabella likes to
Can you
Who should I
out that she has a very important job.
out that small yacht on the horizon?
this cheque out to?
my secret out.
3 Please take care not to
This skirt is too tight – I’ll have to
it out.
Don’t forget to
the cat out before you go to bed.
away his nervousness.
4 The way his hands were shaking
The company
away six new cars as part of their advertising campaign.
It was meant as a surprise but Kate
the game away.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
109
53
Rules and laws
A
Obeying rules and laws
Police off icer Well, Mr Smith. I am pleased to say we
have caught up with1 you at last.
Mr Smith
But, I’m innocent, sir. Breaking the law
would be going against my principles.
Police off icer Well, several of your fellow criminals
have informed on2 you.
Mr Smith
Just wait till I see them!
Police officer They say you make a habit of persuading old ladies to sign over3 their property to you.
Mr Smith
But they did it of their own free will.
Police off icer The court is going to have to impose a substantial sentence on4 you this time.
Mr Smith
But what if I promise to abide by5 the law in the future?
Police off icer Well, you will certainly need to do that, and who knows, if you adhere to6 the
rules in prison, you might be let out early, but I’m certain the judge will give you a
prison sentence – you won’t be let off again.
1
2
3
B
managed to catch
given information to the police about
someone who has done something wrong
give someone else legal rights to something
4
5
6
give someone a punishment
(formal) obey
(formal) obey
Describing rules and laws
NEWS
Progress on tax evasion
The government has long been anxious to introduce a new law relating to tax
evasion. The intention is to toughen up1 the existing legislation, bringing all
crimes related to the non-payment of taxes under the authority of the Financial
Crimes Agency, giving the FCA considerable new powers and providing for2
the imprisonment of serious offenders. The initial proposals for the law were
thrown out3 at the committee stage. However, some modifications were made
and the new proposals went through the committee stage last week. The next
step is for them to be voted on in Parliament. It is expected that they will get
through without difficulty, as there is general cross-party agreement that the
current laws have too many loopholes and should be tightened up4. Once
passed, the new regulations will be rolled out5 gradually over the coming year.
1
2
3
make more limiting and difficult to avoid
(formal) allowing to happen
rejected
4
5
made stricter
introduced
Tip
Write sentences using phrasal verbs on small cards, missing out the preposition or particle. Write the
missing word on the back of the card. Test yourself regularly using the cards.
110
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
53.1
Are you a good citizen? Complete this questionnaire and then answer the questions.
HOW LAW-ABIDING
ARE YOU?
Work out your score
and then turn to page
157 to find out if you
are a good citizen.
53.2
1 Have the police or a court ever
(1) a fine on you?
Yes: 0 No: 2
(2) to speed limits?
2 Do you
Rarely or never: 0 Mostly: 1 Always: 2
3 Would it go
(3) your principles to take items from
your place of work for your own private use?
No: 0 Yes: 2 Depends on value: 1
(4) parking laws?
4 Do you abide
Rarely or never: 0 Mostly: 1 Always: 2
5 If you knew that a friend or family member had committed a crime,
(5) on them?
would you
No: 0 Depends on how serious: 1 Yes: 2
6 If you park illegally in a foreign country because you genuinely
don’t understand the rules, do you think you should be
(6) off or punished?
Not punished: 0 Punished: 1
Correct the mistakes with the phrasal verbs in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The new act went across Parliament last week and will become law on 1 January.
The anti-litter laws should be tightened in; as it is now, nobody is ever prosecuted.
He went on a two-year crime spree before the police finally caught up to him.
She avoided tax by signing out her property to her two sons.
The new law provides with jail sentences of up to ten years for repeat offenders.
Building regulations come by local government rather than national or European law.
The bill was passed by the Lower Chamber but was thrown away by the Senate and never
became law.
8 The bill will be voted to in Parliament next week, and the government hopes it will get across
without too much opposition. [two mistakes]
9 If trials prove successful, the government intends to roll in the scheme across the whole country
next year.
10 He was sentenced to three years in prison, but he’ll probably be let off in 18 months.
53.3
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
Make any other necessary changes.
1 The former CEO of Wilson & Wallace has been released from prison after serving a ten-year
sentence.
2 If you don’t follow the health and safety regulations, you will be punished.
3 The government plans to make the existing laws more strict.
4 The law reforming the Health Service was passed by Parliament with a large majority.
5 Evan’s criminal activity was discovered when his neighbours told the police about him.
53.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Here are some more phrasal verbs connected with rules and laws. Work out from the context
what they mean (or look them up in a dictionary) and rewrite the sentences, replacing the
underlined phrasal expressions with a word or phrase that means the same.
1
2
3
4
He was tried last week, found guilty and sent down for five years.
This government has brought in more new laws than any other in the last 50 years.
The new law will come into force in March.
The military authorities put out an order banning demonstrations in the area around the
parliament buildings.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
111
54
Technology
A
Computers
Several verbs related to computers are based on the verb go, meaning access or use something.
You can go on a computer, the Internet, a website.
You can go to a menu, an item on a menu, a particular web page or part of a page, or a link.
Note how phrasal verbs are used in these extracts from an online computer helpline.
Query 17:02
How do I stop pop-up adverts1 from coming up every time I go on the Internet?
Answer 17:03
Go to the tools menu on your browser and click ‘disable pop-ups’.
Query 19:35
When I try to print off more than one copy of a document, a warning light comes on on the printer
or the printer just goes off altogether and I have to switch it on again.
Answer 19:40
Try re-installing the printer driver. You can call up the information you need for your printer by
opening the control panel, going to ‘printers’ and then clicking ‘help’.
Query 9:18
I want to set up a drop-down menu2 on my website. How do I do it?
Answer 9:25
Go to our tutorial page, type in your query and follow the instructions.
Query 11:57
How can I get my photos to fade in and fade out3 when I show them on my computer?
Answer 11:59
Just right-click on the folder and choose ‘Slide show’. They’ll fade in and out automatically.
Query 14:10
There was a power cut the other day while I was working on my computer and a whole
load of data got wiped off 4 the hard drive. How can I avoid this in future?
Answer 14:14
You can buy a piece of equipment which will automatically provide back-up power.
1
2
3
4
B
unwanted advertisements which suddenly appear on the screen when you are online
a list of choices which appears on a computer screen
become gradually louder or brighter (fade in) or quieter or darker (fade out)
removed
Other technical equipment
When the battery is low, simply plug the
unit into the mains supply to recharge.
Developments in technology mean that
scanners no longer need to warm up2.
2
Tune into any radio station anywhere in the
world with our free app. You can pick up
hundreds of thousands of stations 24 hours
a day.
Spending hours wiring everything up1 is
a distant memory. All you have to do is
switch on and connect!
1
112
connecting something to a piece of electrical
equipment by using electrical wires
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
start working so that it becomes
warm enough to work well
Looking for a printer that never seizes
up3? The new Jentra 850 has a unique
paper feed.
3
stop moving or working in the normal way
Exercises
54.1
Complete these sentences with phrasal verbs from A opposite.
1
2
3
4
At the end of a scene in a radio play, the actors’ voices often
.
When you bought your new laptop, did you find it easy to
?
Could you
three copies of the document, please?
The network crashed and the information I’d just added got
the
system.
5 When using this program, you can instantly
the figures you need.
6 If you click on the icon, a
menu appears on your screen.
7 All you have to do to get an instant answer is
your question.
54.2
Choose the correct word to complete these sentences.
far more stations than I used to be able to get.
1 With my new radio I can
a) tune in
b) pick up
c) set up
2 If a machine stops moving or working normally, you can say that it has
.
a) cut off
b) wiped off
c) seized up
3 OK, If you want to create a template, go
the Tools menu.
a) on
b) in
c) to
4 I’m going to have to get my printer repaired – it keeps going
for no apparent reason.
a) on
b) off
c) out
5 Please could you help me
my new computer?
a) set up
b) tune in
c) pick up
6 Whenever Mohammed is abroad, he
the BBC World Service to listen to the news.
a) seizes up
b) tunes into
c) calls up
54.3
Are these sentences true or false about the computer that you usually work on?
1
2
3
4
5
6
54.4
Pop-ups come up every time you go on the Internet.
You create bullet points by going to the Format menu and clicking on ‘Bullets’ and ‘Numbering’.
Your printer plugs into the back of your monitor.
You can pick up radio stations from all over the world.
It takes less than a minute for your machine to warm up.
It makes an automatic back-up of files on a regular basis.
Complete each sentence in an appropriate way using one of the phrasal verbs from the
opposite page and any other words that you need.
1 The advantage of a wireless connection is that you don’t
.
2 You can print a document by selecting the print icon or by
3 It’s quite easy to
instructions.
4 Whenever I switch on my computer, it takes time
a website with these step-by-step
.
.
5 I can use this cable to listen to my MP3 player in the car by
.
6 If the printer is beginning to run out of ink, a warning light
.
Over to you
Find an article online about a computer, camera, mobile phone, MP3 player or other piece of technology
that you are interested in. Does it contain any examples of phrasal verbs? If so, note them down in
their context.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
113
55
Food and drink
A
Eating
Six easy ways to eat a healthy diet
1.
It’s better to have three proper meals a day rather than just pick at1 things
all day.
Don’t gobble your food down2 – take your time, enjoy it. If you wolf it
2.
down3, you won’t even taste what you’re eating and you’ll eat more.
3.
Don’t just eat in4 every day; spoil yourself at least once a week by having
a meal in a good wholefood restaurant. Or if you feel like staying at home,
send out for5 something nutritious.
4.
Have friends round and serve up a special vegetarian dish. For an easy
meal, just buy lots of vegetarian pizzas, slice them up and let everyone help
themselves to6 what they want.
5.
Make sure you’re aware of what foods agree with you and what don’t. Avoid
anything that disagrees with7 you – even if it tastes good. You’ll regret it later.
6.Cut out8 fry-ups9 and eat more salads – you’re bound to feel healthier.
Eat lots of fruit and raw vegetables – they will fill you up10 without making you
put on weight.
1
6
eat small amounts
7
(informal) eat very fast
3
8
(informal) eat very fast
4
9
eat at home
5
phone a restaurant and ask for food to be 10
delivered to you
2
B
put on a plate for oneself
makes you feel slightly ill or uncomfortable
stop eating
(UK, informal) quick meal made of
fried food
make you feel that you’ve eaten enough
Drinking
phrasal verb
definition of phrasal verb
example
wash down sth or
wash sth down
help you swallow it
Have a drink of milk to wash down the tablet.
drink to sb/sth
hold up your glass before drinking
from it in order to wish someone
success or happiness
Let’s raise a glass and drink to the happy
couple!
dip sth in (sth)
quickly put it in and take it
out again
She loves dipping carrot sticks in soft blue
cheese.
soak up
absorb
Cook the lentils until they soak up half the liquid.
water down sth or
water sth down
make it less strong by adding
water or other liquid
You should water down fruit juice for your child
until he or she is five years old.
spill over
flow over the edge
Alfie, hold your juice properly. It’s spilling over
the edge of your glass.
Tip
A number of the words in B can also be used metaphorically. Anger can spill over, you can soak up an
atmosphere and plans or suggestions can be watered down. Learning the literal and metaphorical
uses together may help you to remember these expressions.
114
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
55.1
Complete these dialogues using phrasal verbs from the opposite page so that the second
speaker agrees with and repeats more or less what the first speaker says.
1
Mariam
The kids eat so fast! I’m sure it can’t be good for them.
Ronnie Yes, they do tend to
/
possible answers.)
2
3
their food
Clara
Polly just eats tiny amounts – no wonder she’s so thin.
Ed
Yes, she just
Julian
Those prawns made me feel a bit sick.
her food like a bird.
Rebecca Yes, they
4
5
6
55.2
. (Give two
me too. I don’t feel too good either.
Arthur
I think we should stop eating burgers; they’re not good for us.
Pippa
You’re right. We should
Michael
These trousers don’t fit me any more. They must have shrunk.
Louise
No, I’m afraid you’ve
Tim
Shall we eat at home tonight? We could order something from a takeaway.
Harriet
Yes, let’s
pizza or something.
them
and eat more salads.
a bit of weight.
. We can
for a
Read the remarks by different people and then answer the questions below.
Rory
I enjoyed it, but I couldn’t eat one bit more.
Lizzie
We toasted Matthew and wished him well in his new job.
Grace
The smoked salmon made me feel unwell. I shouldn’t have eaten it.
Oliver
She gave me some raw fish. It was the first time I’d ever tasted it.
Khadijah I took a big slice of cake.
1
2
3
4
5
55.3
Who ate something that didn’t agree with them? Who helped themselves to something?
Who ate something that filled them up?
Who was served up something new?
Who drank to someone?
Complete the word puzzle.
Across
your biscuits in tea?
2 Do you ever
3 We
the meal down with lemonade.
6 She’s put
a lot of weight.
7
the cake up and give everyone a piece.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Down
7
1 Stop pouring! The water’s going to
over the top of the jug!
3 This juice is too strong. I’ll
it down.
4 Have some bread to
up the rest of the sauce.
5 Particle that goes with water and wash.
55.4
Name a food or drink that …
1 often disagrees with people.
2 can be sliced up.
3 you often serve up.
4 fills you up.
5 you should cut down on.
6 people often send out for.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
115
56
Come
A
Typical meanings of come in phrasal verbs
You may have already met some phrasal verbs with come in this book or elsewhere. For
example, come in [start speaking during a discussion (Unit 11) or, for the sea, come nearer to
the beach or coast (Unit 47)], come at somebody [move towards someone in order to attack
them (Unit 22)], come at something [think about something in a particular way (Unit 24)],
come down [pass from one generation to another so that it continues (Unit 10) or, for a price
or level, become lower (Unit 10)].
Come typically expresses movement and the particle shows the direction of the movement.
Come in above suggests a person ‘entering’ a discussion. Come at someone suggests directing
oneself at/towards someone and come at something suggests directing one’s thoughts to a
particular subject. Come down suggests moving through time (from the more distant past
towards the present).
B
More phrasal verbs with come
Look at these extracts from two interviews for Policy and Finance magazine.
Interviewer You are often seen as a survivor. How did you survive your difficult second term in government? Was it just luck?
Politician
1
2
3
4
Luck? No, luck doesn’t come into it1. You have to work in politics. As you know,
the party came in for2 a lot of criticism on its tax policy and was also coming
under3 attack from pensioners’ groups. We were coming across 4 as insensitive to
ordinary people’s needs and problems, so we needed new ideas. I came up
against5 critics in my own party, and it was a difficult period, but we came through6 it because we were strong and determined to succeed.
5
(usually negative) have an influence
faced
6
received (collocates with criticism or praise)
managed to get to the end of a difficult
getting a lot of situation
being seen by others
Interviewer
You once came out with1 a famous remark that surprised everyone: ‘Capitalism
is dead.’ Do you still believe that?
Economist
I was misquoted. What I said was that in a period when new technology was
coming in and replacing traditional employment patterns in the workplace, we
needed to rethink our basic economics. Other economies which have combined
capitalism with a caring social framework have come off 2 better in the long term.
If our standards of employment and social care are to come up to3 those of our
neighbours, then we need something other than a traditional form of capitalism.
And this is where a more cooperative approach comes in4. Our workers’ general
life skills have come on5 a long way since the days of mass manual labour, and we
have to involve them and their skills in a more democratic way. A new era has to
come into6 being or we will simply be left behind.
1
4
2
5
suddenly said
ended up in a good position (come off better) or bad position
(come off worse) because of an argument or some kind of struggle
3
reach
6
is involved
improved
begin
Tip
Look at the units which deal with the meanings conveyed by the particles (Units 9–15). These may
help you learn the meanings of the phrasal verbs in Units 56–60.
116
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
56.1
Complete these sentences with phrasal verbs from A opposite.
1 Originally stories
from one generation to the next through the spoken word
rather than in writing.
2 The tide
and goes out twice a day.
3 Prices tend to
when the economy is experiencing a recession.
4 Surrealist artists
their work very differently from artists of previous
generations.
5 In a formal meeting you should wait until you catch the eye of the chairperson before
to join a discussion.
6 The Russian revolutionary Trotsky died when someone
him with an ice axe.
56.2
Complete these sentences with the correct particles.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
56.3
Rewrite the underlined parts of these sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite
page. Make any other necessary changes.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
56.4
a certain amount of opposition at first.
Any original idea is bound to come
I prefer not to argue with Caitlin because she usually comes
best.
The new licensing laws will come
force on 1 January.
The Chancellor is bound to come
attack for putting forward such a controversial
proposal.
Small children say the funniest things – you never know what they are going to come
next.
Sometimes your brother comes
as being a bit unfriendly.
I gave up football because I wanted a change. Age doesn’t come
it.
Now I’d like to discuss the next stage of the project and this is where your plans come
.
Álvaro’s English has improved a lot since he met Flora.
Most people think Hugo is confident and extrovert.
The Prime Minister has received a considerable amount of criticism lately.
Ellen makes some very strange comments sometimes.
This history homework does not meet the standards we expect from our students.
We’ve had a difficult year but we’ve survived and are looking forward to the future now.
At this point I should like to invite Anastasia Snow to enter the discussion.
I was afraid the dog was going to attack me.
Which phrasal verb with come fits each set of collocations? Use a dictionary to help you
if necessary.
1
dictionary.cambridge.org
2
to not
standard
expectations
scratch
3
to
competition
a problem
prejudice
4
to
scrutiny
attack
pressure
to
effect
being
force
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
117
57
Get
A
Phrasal verbs with get
B
Phrasal verb collocations with get
C
There are many phrasal verbs with get, some of which you may have already met in this book
or elsewhere. For example, get your act together [become more organised (Unit 8)], get
around [travel, of news or rumours (Unit 9)], get by [have just enough money to pay for the
things you need but no more (Unit 6)], get someone down [make someone depressed
(Unit 10)] and get off [finish work (Unit 31)].
collocation
meaning
The children are very quiet. I hope they’re not getting up to mischief.
doing something naughty
Now we’re all here, let’s get down to business.
start our work
I wish my parents would get off my back! I’m studying as hard as I need to.
stop nagging me
The football coach decided it was time for his team to get back to basics.
start again at the beginning
The business was a little slow to get off the ground, but it’s doing very
well now.
get started
I just can’t get the situation with Tom out of my mind.
stop thinking about
Doctors try to get the message across that too much salt is bad for you.
make people understand
You are far too soft on Holly. You let her get away with murder.
behave badly and not be
criticised or punished
What happened between Kian and Daisy? We must try to get to the bottom
of it.
understand properly, not
superficially
They’ve seen how popular the product is and now other companies want to
get in on the act.
become involved
Getting down to a good gossip
Alice H
i, Beth! Haven’t seen you for ages. What have you been getting up to1 recently? Anything
interesting?
Beth Well, I’ve been getting around2 quite a lot actually, mainly for work. I’ve been to Italy a couple
of times and Ireland, visiting our offices. But I’ve also been getting into3 golf recently and I
managed to get in4 a few rounds between meetings.
Alice That’s great. It’s good if you can get something out of 5 the trips for yourself as well as for work.
Beth That’s right. In fact, I’m finding it quite hard to get back into6 the ordinary office routine now.
Alice Well, let’s get together one evening soon and catch up properly on all the news.
1
2
3
doing
travelling to different places
becoming keen on
4
5
6
find time for
get benefit from
return to (after some time)
Tip
Many phrasal verbs have a whole range of different meanings. If you come across a phrasal verb and it
doesn’t make sense with any meaning that you know, look it up online at http://dictionary.cambridge.org
to see if it has a different meaning in that context.
118
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
57.1
Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
57.2
she got / together / her act / It’s time / a job / found / and
not looking / always / to mischief / The children / when / get up / I’m
the bottom / of that / I must / strange letter / get to / I received
down / We / business / to / got / immediately
is too / Modern / complicated / life / to basics / should / get / We / back (two sentences)
Complete these dialogues using phrasal verbs from the opposite page so that the second
speaker agrees with and repeats more or less what the first speaker says.
1
2
Anna
Sienna always wants to be part of anything that involves publicity.
Ella
Oh yes, if publicity’s involved she always wants to
.
Alex
We’ll just have to survive on less money now that I’ve lost my job.
Ameena Yes, don’t worry I’m sure we’ll
3
Zara
.
Everyone soon found out about Harry’s divorce. I’m amazed.
Victoria Oh yes, the story soon
4
Lily
.
It’s often difficult to make people understand how important it is to protect the
environment.
Callum Yes, it’s hard to
5
Adam
.
Sarah always seems to behave badly and never get criticised by anyone.
Antonia Yes, she seems to be able to
6
57.3
5
6
7
8
I just can’t stop thinking about Lucía.
Sergio
I know. It’s the same for me. I just can’t
.
Studying so hard really got me
so I took a break to cheer myself up.
Look, just get
my back, will you! I’m sick of you finding fault with me.
The project took a long time to get
the ground, but we’re moving now.
I hope I get something
that summer course I’ve registered for;
it’s quite a lot of money to pay.
I’d like to get
a game of tennis later today. Are you free around five?
Hi there. What have you been getting
since I last saw you?
Ryan has got
photography recently; he spends all his time editing pictures on
his computer.
Let’s get
for lunch one day. I’ve got loads to tell you.
Rewrite these questions, replacing the phrasal verbs with a word or phrase that means
the same.
1
2
3
4
5
6
57.5
Emma
Complete these sentences using the correct particles.
1
2
3
4
57.4
.
When do you normally get off work?
Do you get around a lot?
Is there any time of the year when you find it hard to get back into the routine of your daily life?
What have you been getting up to recently?
What sorts of things get you down?
Where do you usually get together with your friends?
Now answer the questions in 57.4.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
119
58
Go
A
Typical meanings of go in phrasal verbs
Look at these meanings of go down which you may have already met. Note that what they have
in common is change from a bigger or more positive state to a smaller or more negative state.
phrasal verb
go down
meaning
unit
if a computer system goes down, it stops working
10
become worse in quality
58
if part of your body that is bigger than usual because of an illness or injury goes
down, it starts to return to its usual size
43
As these examples show, go typically carries meanings connected with movement, change or
things happening. Here are some more examples:
We should go back over these figures. I think there’s a mistake somewhere. [examine again]
The house went for €900,000, which was more than we expected. [was sold for]
The festival will go ahead despite the bad weather. [happen]
I’ve been going over in my mind what happened the other day. I think we have a big
problem. [thinking about something that happened or that was said]
Lucas has decided to go into politics. I’m not sure I would vote for him! [become involved in]
Who would want to go after/for such a boring job? [try to get]
B
Other phrasal verbs with go
Look at the verbs with go in these short news clips.
The event went off1 as planned and
£5,000 was raised for charity.
Mr Drake said he had decided to go
over to2 the Green Party as he was
disillusioned with his own party’s
policies on the environment.
Youths who go around3 vandalising
property should be forced to repair
the things they have damaged.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
120
The young parents went through4 agony
before their missing child was found.
Going by5 the government’s own
statistics, they have failed to stop
the rise in drug addiction
Three candidates will go forward to the
next round in the election for party leader.
The newspapers are really going for6 Ben
Rone. They seem determined to go after7
him and destroy his career.
happened in a particular way
leave one group or organisation and join another competing group or organisation
spend time (used about doing something that is unpleasant for other people)
experienced (used about an unpleasant or difficult situation or event)
using as a reference
attacking
to chase or follow someone in order to catch them
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
58.1
Look at A. Complete the text below using particles from the box.
after
ahead
down
for
into
over
It’s been a terrible week. As you know, I’m planning to go
(1)
teaching. On Monday I went
(2) a trainee teacher position
that was advertised at a school in town, but I didn’t get it. I’m not sure
why. I’ve been going
(3) the interview in my mind, but I don’t
think I said anything too stupid. Then on Tuesday I fell off my bike and
managed to twist my ankle. It was terribly swollen for a day or two, but
it’s beginning to go
(4) now. It’s my birthday party tomorrow.
I hope you can come. Plans are still going
(5) for that, of
course, although I don’t suppose I’ll be able to dance very much. I’m
probably going to sell my bike, though. I hope it’ll go
(6) at
least £300, which will help me out till I manage to find a job.
58.2
Match the beginning of each question with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
58.3
dictionary.cambridge.org
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
when they finally managed to sell it?
over our business accounts?
yet?
in the school hall as usual this year?
to the semi-final?
to a different political party?
the boss’s job when he leaves?
as well as you’d hoped?
Correct the mistakes with particles in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
58.4
Are you planning to go after
Is the end-of-term concert going ahead
Why did you decide to go over
How much did their house go for
Did your anniversary party go off
Could you help me go back
Has the swelling on your knee gone down
Which teams are going forward
Lara has been promised that her name will go over for a place on the board of directors next year.
Going for the weather forecast, there’ll be snow tomorrow.
They went on a terrible time during their daughter’s illness.
You really mustn’t go across telling such terrible lies.
Cameron has always wanted to go on law.
The journalists went into her wherever she went.
Which particle fits in each of these sets of sentences? Use a dictionary if necessary.
me in the office today.
1 Elsa really went
much.
They are selling their old car but don’t expect it to go
Please be quiet, children – and that goes
you too, Seth.
2 The standard of school-leavers’ English is going
.
The office computer system has gone
again.
The bump on the boy’s head looked alarming, but it quickly went
.
3 Let’s go
our plan of action for tomorrow again.
I keep going
what I said to him, wishing I could take my words back.
He started his political life as a Republican but later on went
to the Democrats.
4 I was nervous about playing in the concert, but everything went
very well.
I didn’t wake up when my alarm clock went
this morning.
Don’t drink this milk – I think it’s gone
.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
121
59
Keep
A
Phrasal verbs with keep
B
Describing problems
In this book or elsewhere, you may have already met keep in with someone [be friendly with
someone because they can help you (Unit 5)], keep up with something [be able to understand
or deal with something that is developing very fast (Unit 24)] and keep it up [don’t stop doing
(Unit 30)]. This unit presents more of the many other phrasal verbs with keep.
After our son had to be kept in1 hospital
overnight after suspected appendicitis
several months ago, the doctors explained
that they thought his stomach pain was
stress related. His school have always
kept us informed about any concerns
they have, and until recently, everything
seemed to be going really well. But now
I’m sure our son is keeping something to2
himself. He normally tells us about all his
worries and doesn’t keep anything back.
We’ve asked him what the problem is,
but he won’t tell us anything. We’ve got
a meeting with his teacher next week, so
should I keep out of 3 it until then and not
make a fuss?
1
2
3
C
made to stay somewhere
keep something secret
not become involved
I’m a medical student and up till now I’ve
managed to keep ahead of the other students
in my year. I really want to do well in my
exams. However, now I have a problem with
my flatmate. She always wants to spend hours
discussing her problems with me and this is
keeping me from my studies. On top of that,
she keeps on4 inviting her friends to come and
stay. We’ve only got two small bedrooms so they
have to sleep on the sofa and they keep me up5
chatting until the early hours of the morning. It’s
not so bad at the weekend, but they often come
during the week when I’ve got nine o’clock
lectures. I really need to speak to her about
everything that is annoying me, but I don’t want
to add to her problems. What should I put first –
work or friendship?
4
5
continues doing something repeatedly
made to stay up late
Some advice
n Keep off sugary drinks if you want to stay slim.
n If you are on a diet, or on a budget, a bowl of homemade soup is a good
and inexpensive way to keep your strength up1.
n Keep your music down late at night or you’ll annoy your neighbours.
n When answering an exam question, you will get better marks if you keep to2
the point.
n When you buy a house, remember to budget for its upkeep3 as this can be
very costly.
1
2
3
not allow something that is at a
high level to fall to a lower level
don’t start writing about other topics
keeping a building in good condition
Keep at it and you’ll get on top of those phrasal verbs.
122
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
59.1
Complete these emails using the correct particles.
Reply
Forward
Hi Georgia,
Keep this
(1) yourself, but I heard something very interesting the other day. You know
how Lydia is always trying to keep
(2) with the boss and you know how she just tells
everyone EVERYTHING (she can never keep anything
(3), can she?)? Well, she told
me she’s actually getting married to him! Can you believe it?
Megan
Reply
Forward
Hi there Andrew,
Thanks for the invitation to the week in France, but I think you’re trying to keep me
(4)
my studies! Seriously, I really shouldn’t take any more time off. My new year’s resolution is to
keep
(5) with my studies, so I’m trying to do five hours a day, five days a week.
If I had a week off, I think I’d find it hard to keep
(6) the momentum.
Madeleine
Reply
Forward
Dear Max,
Katie’s had a row with Archie and she wants me to help sort it out. I think I should keep
(7) it. What do you think? I find it hard to keep
(8) all the ups and
downs of their love life. I think they should solve their own problems, don’t you?
Naomi
59.2
Look at these brief notes giving people advice or warnings. Rewrite the underlined parts of the
sentences using a phrasal verb from the opposite page. Make any other necessary changes.
1 Please play your music, TVs and radios at a minimum volume during the exam period.
2 Every household will be asked to contribute £10 a month towards the maintenance of the village
recreation ground.
3 All team members are strongly advised to refrain from eating fatty foods during the training
period. It is important to maintain your fitness to the highest level.
59.3
Which particle could fit into all the sentences in each set?
1 There is one rule which we ask all club members to keep
.
I wish the lecturer would stop digressing and keep
the point.
Before your exams, make a revision timetable and try to keep
it.
2 I wish my parents wouldn’t keep
at me about getting my hair cut.
Keep
going until you reach the T-junction and then turn left.
My grandma kept
working until she was in her 80s.
3 Why don’t you go to bed now? I really don’t want to keep you
.
At university Jack did a course on ornithology, but I don’t think he’s kept
his interest in birds.
Things change so quickly in Faye’s life – it’s hard to keep
with what’s going on.
59.4
Answer the following questions.
1 What sort of thing has kept you up late at night?
2 Have you ever been kept in hospital overnight? If so, why?
3 What are you going to do to keep up your knowledge of phrasal verbs?
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
123
60
Take
A
Typical meanings of take in phrasal verbs
Take often carries a meaning of ‘remove’, as in:
We hope you will take many happy memories away from your stay here.
Phil’s boss has agreed to take him off the night shift.
Helena took her parents out for a meal. (Unit 42)
Take also sometimes carries a meaning of doing something quickly or something happening
quickly or abruptly, for example Take it away! (Unit 30), take aback [surprise], take off (of a
plane) and take out [kill or destroy in a military battle].
B
Organising a charity concert
I must say I was taken aback1 when I saw the cost involved, but I wanted
it to be a memorable experience for people. A huge amount of time was
taken up2 with phone calls persuading sponsors to be involved. The
uptake3 was slow at first, but bit by bit we managed to persuade local
companies and individuals to support us. The work didn’t end when the
concert was over. We spent a whole day taking down4 the stage set and
lighting and so on, but none of that took away from5 the pleasure we
got from organising it. And I think the audience took away6 something
that will stay with them for a long time. Overall it was worth it – a great
experience for all involved.
1
2
3
4
5
6
C
very surprised
used
number of people who committed themselves
removing by separating into pieces and taking the pieces away
made it seem less good or successful
remembered [used about e.g. a memory, an impression, a message]
Other phrasal verbs with take
phrasal verb/noun
definition of phrasal verb/
noun
example
take sb away
take to a different place
He took his mum away for a week to the coast.
remove from a job
He was put in charge of security, but he was taken
off the job after a week as he was not strict enough.
stop giving someone a
particular type of medicine
The doctor took her off the pills as they were
making her sick.
take up sth or
take sth up
discuss something or deal
with something
The tutor promised to take the problem up with the
Head of Department.
take along sb/sth or
take sb/sth along
take with you
I’d advise you to take along an umbrella.
intake
number of people that are
accepted at a particular time
by an organisation, especially
a college or university
This year’s intake have higher exam grades than
last year’s.
take-off
imitation
She does a brilliant take-off of Adele.
take sb off sth
124
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Exercises
60.1
Which of the phrasal verbs on the opposite page can have the following meanings?
1
2
3
4
60.2
surprise someone
detract from something
leave an airport (of a plane)
destroy a military target
Complete these sentences with the correct particles.
1 My Spanish cousin is coming to stay next week, so I plan to take her
when I visit my
daughter at university.
2 Personally, I took
a very good impression of France when I went there.
3 Joel was quite taken
to learn that his application had been unsuccessful.
4 Much of Jason’s time is taken
with dealing with customer complaints.
5 Grandma asked the doctor to take her
those tablets as she thought they were making
her feel sick.
60.3
Rewrite the sentences using a phrasal verb or noun based on take. Remember to make
all the changes to the sentences that are necessary.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
60.4
Martin does the best imitation of the Prime Minister that I have ever seen.
A ridiculous amount of my time is occupied by dealing with emails.
Even the rain could not detract from the beauty of the scene.
I was very surprised when I was told that I was no longer allowed to park in front of my own
house.
Would you like me to raise your concerns with the manager?
We are expecting a particularly large group of students to arrive next week.
We decided it would be nicer to invite our aunt for a weekend in a hotel with us rather than having
her stay with us.
The number of people wanting a place at the weekend seminar has been rather disappointing.
Rewrite these sentences so that the underlined words have the opposite meaning. Make
any other changes that are necessary.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Let’s put up the decorations tomorrow.
The doctor has agreed to put my elderly uncle on some pills for his arthritis.
Her parents brought her back to their holiday home.
My favourite part of a flight is when the plane lands.
Robert’s being there added to our enjoyment of the evening.
After Stan had been working in the kitchens for a week, he was put on washing-up duties.
Over to you
If you have now finished all the units in this book, congratulations! Remember to regularly revise the
new phrasal verbs you have studied and try to use them in your own speaking and writing of English.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
125
Key
Unit 1
1.1
1 I decided to take up gardening, so I took out a subscription to a gardening magazine and read up
on the subject. I found out so many interesting things, such as the best time to plant flowers out
for the summer and how to grow vegetables. I’ve really got into it now and spend hours in the
garden every weekend.
2 The other day we went off on a hike in the mountains. We put our wet-weather gear on as the
weather forecast wasn’t good. We set off early to avoid the rush hour and soon reached the
starting point for our walk. The whole walk took about four hours and when we got back we were
exhausted.
3 I have to catch up on my coursework this weekend as I’ve fallen behind a bit. I worked on it
till midnight last night, but I still have loads to do. I have to hand one essay in on Tuesday and
another one on Friday. I’m not sure whether I’ll make it, but I’ll try.
1.2
1.3
1 out of 2 down 3 out 4 in
1.4
1
2
3
4
5
intake
breakout
off-putting
outspoken
broken-down
1 d 2 e 3 a 4 b 5 c
Unit 2
126
2.1
1 no object needed
2 object needed: If you’re ready to leave now, I can drop you off at your office. Remember, without
an object, drop off means ‘fall asleep’.
3 no object needed
4 object needed: My son is so good at English that I think the teacher should move him up to the
advanced class.
5 object needed: I associate this music / that perfume / Juliet with that evening we spent together
in Rome.
6 no object needed
2.2
1 I can pick you up from work and then drop you off at the airport. Or I can pick you up from the
airport and then drop you off at work.
2 The teacher said that she would not put up with such rudeness from her class.
3 The floods have cut off several villages in the mountains. Or (but less likely as it is quite a long
object) The floods have cut several villages in the mountains off.
4 If your spelling doesn’t improve, the examiners will mark you down.
5 Margot always seems to cope cheerfully with all her problems. Or Margot always seems to cope
with all her problems cheerfully.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
2.3
1 I’ll have to ask my daughter to sort my Internet connection out. Or … to sort out my Internet
connection.
2 I was so tired after work that I dropped off in the train on the way home.
3 I was marked down because my essay was over the word limit.
4 Jason has no right to look down on me – he’s no better than I am.
5 Lara doesn’t get on (well) with one of her flatmates.
6 You have to face up to the fact that you will probably never see each other again.
7 Maria has got a new job looking after an old lady.
8 If you deprive the children of sleep, they won’t be able to concentrate at school.
9 In Lapland we had to contend with some difficult driving conditions.
10 The road to our house branches off (the main road) just after the service station.
2.4
Possible answers:
1 I’m looking forward to visiting my aunt in New York for a couple of weeks.
2 I’ve got to catch up on some maths I missed when I was off school on Monday.
3 My mother picks me up.
4 My favourite album is Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and I like it because I associate
it with being a student.
5 I feel stressed when I have too many different things to contend with at the same time.
6 I usually drop off as soon as my head touches the pillow.
Over to you
This is how the Cambridge Advanced Learners’ Dictionary deals with these verbs:
associate sth with sth phrasal verb
deprive of verb [T] [T = transitive]
contend with sth phrasal verb
face up to sth phrasal verb
Collocations highlighted by examples in Cambridge Advanced Learners’ Dictionary:
risks associated with smoking
deprive someone of freedom/rights/sleep
contend with problems / someone’s death
face up to the fact that
Unit 3
3.1
1
2
3
4
onset
overkill
back-up
input
3.2
1
2
3
4
5
The police opened the container and arrested two stowaways.
There was a breakdown in negotiations with union members (after a couple of hours).
There was a management buyout of the company in 2014.
There was a walkout (by the workers) last night and the factory was forced to close.
The military build-up is continuing on both sides of the border.
5 warm-up
6 letdown
7 standby
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
127
3.3
1 There has been a stand-off for several days now in the talks between the government and the
rebels. Neither side will make any concessions.
2 Last year there were 15,000 new Internet business start-ups, most of which only survived for a
few months.
3 After years without releasing an album, Madeleine Flame has staged a comeback with her new
collection of love songs.
4 Holly: Have you decided where you’re going this summer?
Flora: Not really. It’s a toss-up whether it’ll be Italy or Greece.
5 I met Nasser and we just had a knockabout on the college football pitch for half an hour.
3.4
1 Output
2 lookout
3 downpour
4 outbreak
5 Lift-off
6 a break-in
Unit 4
128
There was a worn-out carpet on the stairs.
The newsletter has a list of forthcoming activities at the tennis club.
What’s happened? You’re looking very downcast!
Unlike her sister, Emily is very outgoing.
I find the cover of this novel very off-putting, don’t you?
It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, Polina always looks tired out. Or ... worn out.
We are not in the habit of going to such overpriced restaurants.
When you meet my boss I think you’ll find her surprisingly outspoken. Or ... outgoing.
4.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4.2
4.3
1 a fold-up chair 2 a broken-down car 3 a built-in oven 4 a foldaway bed
Possible answers:
1 An advantage of having a live-in nanny might be that the children look on her as one of the family;
a disadvantage might be that the parents do not get much privacy.
2 A foldaway bed would be particularly useful in a small room, especially one that is also used for
entertaining visitors.
3 A job requiring tact might not be suitable for a very outspoken person – a diplomat, for example,
or a beautician.
4 You might want to give a watered-down version of something that happened to you to your
parents if you think they might not like the whole truth.
5 A job in show business requires you to be outgoing – an actor, singer or TV presenter, for example.
6 A difficult social problem would tend to be ongoing – for example, the problem of poverty or
of discrimination.
7 If you are having a meal in a restaurant, you might find it off-putting if someone at the next table
talks very loudly.
8 You might think that meals, clothes or cosmetics are often overpriced.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
4.4
broken-down
not working
candid
outspoken
continuing
ongoing
diluted
watered-down
downcast
miserable
dynamic
go-ahead
exhausted
tired out
extrovert
outgoing
forthcoming
future
obsolete
outdated
off-putting
repellent
shabby
worn out
Note that worn out can also mean exhausted.
4.5
Possible answers:
1 If the union doesn’t accept our terms, what should we have as the position that we will agree to
if we cannot get our main aim?
2 Clara always feels ignored / lonely when her brother’s friends come round to play.
3 Julian is usually chatty but his sister is not very talkative / communicative.
4 You shouldn’t get so upset / in such a state about every little thing.
5 Zack met me at the airport with arms open wide ready to embrace me.
Unit 5
5.1
1
2
3
4
5
5.2
1 appropriate
2 appropriate
3 not appropriate – hit on is used about good ideas; in this context it would be better to say
‘You can always rely on Joseph to come up with an idea that will never work.’
4 appropriate
5 not appropriate – though it would be appropriate to talk about the need to keep in with your
bank manager
5.3
1
2
3
4
Collocation means the way words combine with each other.
a, c and e
They are things that are written.
Because it will help you to be able to use them appropriately in your own speaking and writing.
You might want to note down:
whether it collocates with positive or negative things or both
whether it collocates with people or things as objects
whether it collocates with people or things as subjects
whether it collocates with particular types of situation
after
into; off
through
with
5 off
6 off / up
7 in with
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
129
5.4
Helena sailed through her driving test.
I’ve really gone off coffee.
The wind is easing off/up now. Or The wind has eased off/up now.
If I have a problem, I find a walk by the sea often helps me to hit on a solution.
Masses of people streamed into the shop as soon as it opened, hoping to find a bargain in
the sale.
6 His argument is riddled with holes.
1
2
3
4
5
Unit 6
6.1
Dear Mr Janes,
Thank you for your letter of 23 May complaining about the bad service you experienced at this
hotel. I promise you we will investigate the problem at once and respond to you as soon as
possible. We always try to achieve/meet the highest standards of service, and if we have failed
to meet/achieve those standards we will immediately seek to remedy the situation. Meanwhile
we hope you will continue making Miromana Hotels your first choice for all your business and
leisure travel.
Yours sincerely,
G. H. Logan (General Manager)
6.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6.3
6.4
130
1
2
3
4
5
Will you look after Aunt Jessie while I go and get the children’s supper ready?
He went into the subject in great detail in his lecture.
When the president died his son took on the title of Great Leader.
I like her. Do you think I should ask her out?
During the war he went over to the enemy side and was killed in action.
She bought up all the shares in the company last year.
The local newspaper put out a story about a strange animal seen in the city park.
I think I’ll call in on my grandfather on the way home from work.
The deal fell through at the last minute.
I managed to get by on about €70 a day when I was travelling.
computers and technology
academic lectures/writing
money and business
back up, hack into, log in, print
off, scroll down
base on, gloss over,
put forward, sum up
bail out, carry forward, sell up,
square up, take over, turn over
Despite his family’s poverty, Alfie never wants for anything.
You must inform the police if you have evidence which bears on the case.
Jack will have to call on all his ingenuity to resolve the situation.
The president ascribes his party’s victory to his leadership.
The manager will attend to your enquiry without delay.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Unit 7
7.1
Possible answers:
1 later than expected
2 They’ve risen.
3 aggressively
4 He wants to read the agenda and make sure it is correct. Perhaps also prepare what they are
going to say.
5 more
6 go straight into the proposal without any planning
7 not pay any attention to them, not consider their proposal
7.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
It’s not good for children to spend too much time glued to a screen.
Choosing a university course boils down to deciding what you want to do with your life.
I arrived at the stadium early and watched the other spectators flooding in.
Laura dragged herself away from the window and returned to her desk.
Sam was staring at Megan, drinking in every word she said.
George brushed off / swept aside all objections to his plan, saying they were unimportant.
7.3
1
2
3
4
stands by
soldier on
fished out
nosing around
7.4
Possible answers:
1 If someone warms up an audience, they make it more receptive and friendly, more relaxed
(perhaps by telling some jokes). Coldness in English equates with unfriendliness and warmth
with friendliness. Warming up people and warming up food both have the idea of making
something pleasanter.
2 If someone falls into a job, they get it very easily and without making any effort. So both falling
into a hole and falling into a job have the idea of something happening by chance.
3 If you climb down in an argument, you admit that you were wrong. So both uses of climb down
suggest moving back to the level of other people from a position in which you were separated
from others.
5
6
7
8
eat into
brushed off or swept aside
struck out
sandwiched between
Unit 8
8.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
the baby
get on like a house on fire
let off steam
to spite their face
take the sting out of something
run rings round somebody; go round in circles
8.2
1
2
3
4
off; nose; spite; face
put; roots
ran rings
sting; of
5
6
7
8
round; circles
throw; baby
get; house
letting off
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
131
8.3
After a year of travelling, I decided to put my act together and get
a job. A friend who worked for a bank put in some good words
for me. In fact he pushed in all the stops and arranged for me to
have lunch with the CEO. I got on the wrong feet by saying I wasn’t
ready to plant down roots yet; I think they were looking for
1 get
2 a good word
3 pulled out
4 off on the
wrong foot
5 put
someone to make a long-term commitment. I should have kept quiet!
8.4
1 her heels in
2 for lost time
3 to the fact
4 his own
5 the heat
6 your mind
Unit 9
9.1
1
2
3
4
banging
floating
run
switched
9.2
1
2
3
4
5
ask around
lying around/about
gets around/about
bosses; about/around
clowns around/about
9.3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ask
fly
lying
clowning
lying/pottering/playing/clowning around/about; lying around/about; switched around
play/clown/run around/about; bossing us around/about; run around/about
work around
skirt around (Note that skirt around can also be used to describe physical movement,
e.g. We decided to skirt around the city centre to avoid the rush-hour traffic.)
5 banging around/about; flying around/about. (Note that it would also be possible to say that
all sorts of rumours have been going around/about among the neighbours.)
Over to you
Possible answers:
132
phrasal verb
meaning
example
crowd around
surround someone or something,
standing close together
Please don’t crowd around the desk.
Stand in an orderly queue.
knock sth about/
around / knock
about/around
if people knock a ball about, they hit or
kick it to each other for fun
We knocked a ball about in the park
after work.
turn around
turn so that you are facing the opposite
direction
I saw him walk up to the door, but then
he hesitated, turned around and walked
away again.
turn sth around
make something unsuccessful (e.g. a
business) become successful
Paul has made a very successful
career out of turning failing
businesses around.
roll about/around
laugh a lot
Kathy is very funny. Her stories had us all
rolling around.
blunder about/
around
move in an awkward way (often because
you can’t see where you’re going)
When the lights went off, we were all
blundering around in the darkness.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Unit 10
10.1
10.2
1 Heidi Knight 2 Lucas Hind 3 Harry Irving 4 Oliver Reece 5 Mia Calvo
Suggested answers:
1 The computer system suddenly went down this morning, so we’re doing everything manually at
the moment.
2 I’m sorry I’m so irritable. Things have been getting me down lately.
3 Shall I put you down (on my list) to sponsor me for the charity walk?
4 This event will go down in history as the worst catastrophe this country has ever suffered.
5 The company had to shut down all their machines during the 24-hour strike at the factory.
6 The salesman came down on the price, and after that we even managed to knock him down by
a further 10%.
7 Many everyday remedies for minor ailments have come down to us from our ancestors.
10.3
1
2
3
4
5
10.4
1 a and c 2 b and c 3 a, b and c 4 b and c
slam the phone down
have it put down (rather than put it down, since you would probably not do it yourself)
tie it down
getting you down
turn it down
Unit 11
11.1
1
2
3
4
5
11.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
11.3
11.4
1 squashed 2 fitted 3 pitched 4 set 5 let
cash in on
come in / cut in
pitch in
usher in
boxed in
6
7
8
9
10
lead-in
factor in
squash in
build in
set in
My new curtains are excellent – they don’t let any light in.
Alba, can you show Mr Hill in as soon as he arrives, please?
Having the meeting on the 28th would fit in better with our plans than the 30th.
Our office in Buenos Aires has brought in a lot of new business this year.
When you are planning the course, make sure you build in enough free time.
It’s rude to cut in when someone else is in the middle of speaking. (Note that come in does not fit
as well in this context as it does not sound so abrupt and potentially rude as cut in.)
7 If everyone pitches in, we’ll soon get the job done.
8 If I move up, then Rachel should be able to squash (fit is also possible here) in at the end of
the bench.
1
2
3
4
bring in customers / profits / a loss / business
a lead-in to a discussion / a bargain / a lesson
a recession / rain / a new product sets in
usher in a price increase / a new era / changes
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
133
Unit 12
12.1
1 Eliza’s father to Eliza’s mother: Eliza’s 18 now and should make her own decisions. I think we
should back off and let her run her own life.
2 Newsreader: The prime minister has shrugged off leadership threats from within his party, saying
that they are only rumours.
3 Mother to father: I think we should let the kids run round in the garden for a bit and work off
some of their energy so that they sleep tonight.
4 Mother to Imogen: Imogen, you MUST pay your electricity bill. If you don’t, they’ll cut you off and
you won’t have any heating.
5 Louis to Callum: Oh no! Seth wants to come back with us to Nikita’s house. He’s such a drag! How
can we shake him off?
6 Chairperson: I’d like to just round off the meeting by giving a vote of thanks to the committee for
all their work this year.
7 The last 100 metres to the top of the hill just finished me off. I had to sit down and rest for
an hour.
8 I don’t want you in my room any more, so just shove off!
12.2
When I come home from work, I love to just kick away my
off
shoes and relax for the evening. It’s great to let off worrying
1 leave
about work and round up the day with a nice meal. If I
2 off
have off a couple of days it’s even better. I usually go off to
3 have a couple of days off
our country cottage. I can just light off completely. I love it.
4 switch
I never stay there long, because after a while I feel a bit stood
5 cut
off from all my friends and social life back in the city.
12.3
1
s
2
t
a
r
t
e
d
o
r
d
o
n
s
h
o
w
e
a
v
i
3
4
k
i
c
c
k
i
5
n
g
p
6
l
i
t
134
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
e
13.1
13.2
13.3
Unit 13
1 B 2 D 3 I 4 N 5 B 6 I 7 D
1 a or b 2 b, c or d 3 a, c or d
1 Try to focus on what is really important and to ignore what is not essential.
2 Now we’ve had a bit of a rest, it’s time to press on again.
3 I’m counting/depending/relying on you to let me know when my talk has gone on for
long enough.
4 Your grandmother will always live on in your memory.
5 This is a quiet neighbourhood where noisy behaviour is frowned (up)on.
6 After the first few pages of the book, I decided I couldn’t be bothered to read on.
7 Please stop harping/going/droning on about Lena. Your relationship is over, so just forget her.
8 I am worried about my son’s behaviour. He is so easily led on by his friends.
13.4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
13.5
Suggested answers:
1 You can count/rely/depend on James.
2 Dad will ramble/drone on for hours about European history.
3 Many political reputations are hanging on / riding on the outcome of next week’s election.
4 Josh never stops going on (and on) / harping on about the litter in the office car park.
It irritates me.
5 While tidying my room, I happened on an old diary of mine from 2001.
focus
spring
dwell
press
lead (Note that egg on has a similar meaning.)
frowned
depend
going/droning/harping
Unit 14
14.1
She shared the apples out / shared out the apples among the four children.
He sorted things / the situation out. Or He sorted out the situation.
She picked out the best ones / picked the best ones out.
He kicked Sam out of the restaurant. (Note that He threw Sam out of the restaurant is also
possible.)
5 It juts out over the terrace.
14.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
I don’t have any money so you can count me out from the shopping trip.
I shared the mints out / shared out the mints among my friends in the car.
We need to sort out this mess about the misprinted tickets pretty soon.
He really lashed out at me when I suggested he’d got it wrong.
Look at those big rocks jutting out from the sea.
Pick out the good strawberries and leave the rotten ones in the box.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
135
14.3
1 I opened the door and heard somebody yell out from the staircase below. (Note that (shout out /
cry out / scream out are also possible.)
2 My position as regards the committee is that I want out.
3 He always draws out the discussion / draws the discussion out with arguments about
political ideology.
4 When we got back to our campsite, the campfire had gone out.
5 Spread the leaflets out on the table.
6 The burglars cleaned us out (completely).
14.4
1 c 2 d 3 a 4 b
Unit 15
15.1
1
2
3
4
finish up or eat up
pep up/jazz up
shore up
pick them up
5
6
7
8
propped up
jazz it up
wrap up
lift up
15.2
1
2
3
4
stand
split
set
land
5
6
7
8
bought
show
blown
sticking
15.3
1 blow up 2 shore up 3 set up (Note that fix up is also possible.) 4 open up
Unit 16
136
16.1
16.2
16.3
1 c 2 e 3 d 4 a 5 b
1
2
3
4
out
back
along (Note that up is also possible.)
in
16.4
1
2
3
4
5
You’d get far more done if you didn’t fritter away so much time.
The children tried to spin their game out so they didn’t have to go to bed.
Cameron might lose his job if he doesn’t pull his socks up.
We must discuss what we need to do leading up to the opening of the new branch.
Let’s try to set some time apart next month to discuss progress on the project.
16.5
1 We’ve had to bring the meeting forward to this Tuesday as Austin will be away next week.
2 Francesca always drags out any discussion. Or Francesca always drags any discussion out.
(Note draw out is also possible.)
3 I think we should space our meetings out a bit more. Or I think we should space out our meetings
a bit more.
4 I thought I had ages to prepare for my exams, but they have crept up on me in no time at all.
5 I think we should try to eke out the printing paper. Or I think we should try to eke the printing
paper out.
1 Adriana 2 Jude 3 Mary 4 Leah 5 Jack
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
5
6
7
8
back (Note that off is also possible.)
over
aside
up
Unit 17
17.1
17.2
1 h 2 f 3 i 4 b 5 c 6 a 7 d 8 e 9 g
17.3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
17.4
Author’s answers:
1 I’d put global warming largely down to increased air and road travel.
2 I think a dramatic change in social values has led to the current increase in violent crime in
most societies.
3 I’d account for it by saying that teenage girls tend to be more inclined to work harder at school
than teenage boys – though of course there are plenty of exceptions.
4 I’d attribute the success of social media sites to the fact that they are convenient, fast
and efficient.
5 I’d point to the prevalence of materialistic attitudes as one main cause of social problems today.
6 My own interest in English stems from the fact that I had very good English teachers when I was
at school.
7 I think that mobile phones have resulted in more communication between people – it’s so much
easier to keep in touch with friends and family.
8 For me the main thing that contributes to the difficulty of phrasal verbs is the fact that one verb –
like, say, make out – can have so many different meanings.
1 Theodore puts the problems down to the government, but I attribute them to the general world
economic situation.
2 To a large extent, how a person accounts for the problems in their lives seems to depend largely
on their own parents’ attitudes to difficult situations.
3 I believe the new legislation will contribute to a general improvement in the standard of living, but
Ben thinks it will result in increased poverty for most people.
4 The desire for reform has come out of a general desire to improve the situation, but I suspect the
proposed changes may rebound on the government.
5 The proposals are rooted in an appropriate awareness of the problems that exist, but I do not feel
that what is proposed adds up to a coherent programme of action.
The school’s rituals and traditions are rooted in its long history.
My mother puts the problem down to a decline in moral values.
How do you think the changes will impact on your business?
The economic recession inevitably resulted in increased unemployment.
How would you account for the recent increase in violent crime?
Joel’s criticism of Erica may rebound on him now that she’s his boss!
I do not feel that the writer’s analysis of the problem adds up.
Some unforeseen problems have come out of the change in legislation.
Unit 18
18.1
18.2
1 b 2 c 3 d 4 a 5 b
1
2
3
4
5
reminds
conjure/stir/summon/call
flooding/coming
associate
coming/flooding
6
7
8
9
10
blocked
put
stick (Note that stay is also possible.)
store
conjure/summon/call
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
137
18.3
In each case the play on words depends on the literal meaning of the basic verb in the
phrasal verb.
1 To stir up memories means to make memories, often unpleasant ones, appear in your mind.
A cook stirs ingredients, e.g. the ingredients for a cake or batter for pancakes.
2 To conjure up memories means to make you remember things from the past. A magician
traditionally conjures a rabbit out of a hat.
3 To call up memories means to evoke memories or make someone remember something. Another
meaning of call up is to require young men to become soldiers.
4 If a memory sticks with you, then you don’t forget it. Glue is used to stick something to something
else. The first meaning of stick here is metaphorical and the second is literal.
5 If memories come flooding back, you suddenly remember a lot of things very clearly. When pipes
burst – this typically happens if they freeze and then the ice melts – then there will be a flood.
18.4
Author’s answers:
1 I associate my childhood with the colour green because I spent so much time playing in the
garden at home.
2 The smell of lavender reminds me of my childhood because we had a lot of lavender growing in
our garden.
3 The pop music of the 1970s always conjures up memories of my youth.
4 I would like to block out the memory of school dinners, particularly of the awful macaroni cheese
we were forced to eat.
5 I think that music makes memories come back to me more powerfully, although smells can also
be very potent.
Unit 19
19.1
1 If your currency bottoms out, then it will become expensive to buy things in dollars, or to travel
to the USA. But more tourists might come to your country because it's cheaper for them. So you
might be happy or unhappy depending on your circumstances.
2 sprouting or springing
3 True. See the left-hand page, section A.
4 You begin to feel less confident.
5 It becomes less strong.
19.2
19.3
1 opens 2 apart 3 on 4 up 5 breaks 6 out
19.4
138
1 When you’ve finished with the scissors, could you pass them to me? (Note the change to present
perfect tense.)
2 They wound up the business in 2014 after a year of low sales.
3 OK, so who’s magicked the bottle opener away / magicked away the bottle opener? It was here a
minute ago!
4 We’ve had some setbacks but we’ll press on.
5 I only got up to page 12 of the book before I got bored and stopped reading it.
1 Wind up means to finish/terminate something. It is also what you do to a non-electric clock or
watch to make it work.
2 Sprout up means to suddenly appear. A Brussels sprout is also a vegetable.
3 Press on means to continue in a determined way. Dry cleaners also press clothes (remove creases
by using an iron or a pressing machine).
4 Spring up means to appear suddenly. A trampoline has springs, which contract and expand,
making it possible for a person to bounce up and down on it.
5 Training shoes are worn by athletes when running. To run out of money means to have no
money left.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Unit 20
20.1
1
2
3
4
20.2
There was a terrible bust-up at work today. The departmental manager came into the office in
a terrible temper. She flew at her PA and when people tried to calm her down, she rounded on
them. I don’t know what had got into her. She pushes everyone around* a lot, but she’s not
normally quite so aggressive. I tried not to get dragged into it at first, but she started shouting
really loudly at Jessica, so I stepped in to try to break things up.
up
rage
around
out (Note over is also possible.)
5
6
7
8
up
off
back
off
* push over would mean literally push people onto the floor
20.3
20.4
Possible answers:
1 When I tried to enter the house, the dog flew at me.
2 No object required
3 They threatened to bump him off if he told anyone about the robbery.
4 Because she had learned some judo as a child, Lauren found it much easier to fight off her
attacker / to fight her attacker off.
5 I was completely taken by surprise when someone suddenly came at me from behind.
6 After only ten seconds in the ring, Henry’s opponent had knocked him out.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Paul tried to drag me into the argument, but I managed to stay out of it.
The old man thought the boys were trying to break into his house, so he set his dog on them.
The aim of the organisation is to wipe out cruelty to children.
Although he is small, James is strong and he quickly managed to knock his attacker out.
Uncle Ronnie can flare up (very quickly) if you say the wrong thing.
The witness saw the thief come at the woman just as she was opening her car door.
The robbers came running out of the bank, pushing over an old lady who was in their path.
Older people often find it harder to fight off colds and other infections than younger
people do.
Unit 21
21.1
21.2
21.3
21.4
making noise
reducing noise
belt out
die down
boom out
trail off
blast out
keep down
1 trailed 2 belting 3 blasting 4 keep 5 boomed 6 died
1 b 2 c 3 a 4 c 5 b 6 a 7 c 8 c
1
2
3
4
5
6
You would not enjoy it: droning on means continuing for a long time in a boring, monotonous way.
True
up
away
ring out
came over
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
139
Unit 22
22.1
This party stands for equality for all.
We do not hesitate to come out strongly against any case of injustice.
We stick by our principles at all times and never cave in to threats or pressure from the
opposition.
We side with the underdog and do not defer to those who are wealthy and powerful.
22.2
1 The runners were cheered on by the spectators as they headed for the finishing line.
2 You can rely on Tim to stick up for his little sister. Or You can rely on little Tim to stick up for
his sister.
3 My grandfather swears by raw garlic as a way of protecting himself from catching colds.
4 My mother would never have tried bungee jumping if we hadn’t egged her on.
5 She wanted to go to an all-night party but her mother wouldn’t hear of it.
6 The discovery of gas in the North Sea buoyed up the British economy for some years. Or The
discovery of gas in the North Sea for some years buoyed up the British economy.
22.3
22.4
1 stick 2 side 3 cheer 4 buoy
1 My preferred course of action would be to go with what Ivan has recommended.
2 He began his political life as a Conservative but crossed over to the Labour Party when he realised
that he would be more likely to get a seat in Parliament that way.
3 correct
4 correct
5 I shall have to defer to your superior knowledge of the situation.
6 My mother swears by a daily spoonful of honey to keep healthy all year long.
7 Josh is not usually naughty himself but he is quick to egg others on.
8 correct
Unit 23
23.1
1 c
2 g
3 e
4 f
5a
6h
7b
8d
23.2
1 down
2 in
3 to
4 on
5 to
6 down
7 in
23.3
1 After two weeks of strikes, the company finally gave in and increased the overtime rate.
2 Our application for planning permission went through without any problems and so we can start
building next month.
3 We’ve got a general agreement, but it will take some time to hammer out the details.
4 Chris always just goes along with what the manager says. He never thinks for himself.
5 It’s going to be difficult to nail down all the details of the training day until we’ve chosen a date.
6 Charlie said he didn’t like the new website design, but I think he’ll come round when he sees the
latest version.
1 a
2b
3 c
4 c
5b
23.4
Unit 24
140
24.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
grappling
rough
talk
bounce
reflect
occurred
24.2
1
2
3
4
up; on
out
up; on
with
7
8
9
10
11
5
6
7
8
cottoned
hit
break
piece
thrash
around
with
at
in
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
24.3
Possible answers:
1 bounce off, bat around, play with, hit on an idea
2 piece together
3 thrash something out, grapple with, break something down
Unit 25
25.1
1 The basic meaning is collecting up animals who have ranged over a wide area of land, e.g. a
sheepdog rounds up sheep or a cowboy rounds up cattle. With a different meaning, round up
(a number / a total) also refers to raising a number or total to the nearest whole number, e.g.
The bill was £9.20, so we rounded it up to £10 and gave the waiter a £10 note. See Unit 26.
2 a cushion
3 pile up
4 looking for something important among things which are not so important
5 Some of the uses of ‘up’ do have similar meanings. In prop up, pile up and stack up the particle
suggests up rather than down. In gather up, round up and line up, the particle suggests ‘together’.
25.2
25.3
1 stack up 2 round up 3 separate out
25.4
Possible answers:
1 You would fix up a meeting.
2 They are required to space out the desks.
3 You might put a book under the short leg to prop up the table.
4 You might need to separate out paper, glass, food waste, etc. into different containers.
5 The photographer usually lines the pupils up before taking a school photo.
6 A sofa could double up as a bed if someone stays over.
7 You gather all the papers up and then throw or tidy them away.
8 You might agree to wear something distinctive so you will know each other from all the other
people in the café.
9 Could you see about decorating the room, perhaps, while I get the food prepared?
10 It might be sensible to sift through the papers first to ensure that nothing important is
thrown away.
1 up
2 away
3 among
4 towards
5 up
6 up
Unit 26
The total cost of our holiday amounted to nearly £500.
The bill came to £22.20 each, so we rounded it up to £25 to include a tip.
Helena has put on a lot of weight recently.
It will take Joe some time to build up his strength again after such a long illness.
The college hoped that the advert would push up enrolments for its new course.
The new fertiliser claims to bump up agricultural yields considerably.
26.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
26.2
26.3
1 e 2 b 3 a 4 c 5 f 6 d
1 The new manager intends to cut costs by making the business smaller in some way – very possibly
by sacking some staff.
2 It was a good place for a picnic because there were fewer trees there, so there might have been a
bit of sunlight, more space to sit down, etc.
3 The number of hits on the website in June must have been much the same as the number of hits
in May.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
141
4 Young people are now clearly less interested in politics than they used to be.
5 The speaker seems reasonably happy about Joseph and what he does at home in that Joseph
seems to do more than his share of the gardening even if he does less than his share of the
housework.
26.4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
knock down
fall off / tail off
amount to
tail(ing) off / fall(ing) off
slimming down
push up / build up
put on
adds up
Unit 27
142
27.1
1 Some people were going to buy our flat, but at the last moment the sale fell through.
2 Steve prides himself on his organisational skills.
3 The company was able to capitalise on the unusually wet weather by promoting its
inexpensive umbrellas.
4 The England team lost the trophy in 2014 but won it back the following year.
5 It’s been a difficult year for us, but we have come out of it with renewed vigour.
6 Leila succeeded in passing her driving test at her first attempt.
7 Hassan lost out to his brother in the finals of the tennis tournament.
8 They had a long battle in court to prove their innocence, but finally they won through.
27.2
1
2
3
4
27.3
27.4
1 b 2 a 3 c 4 c 5 a 6 b
doomed
carry
pack
sail
5
6
7
8
rise
get
pulled
succeeded
Oliver has always wanted to become an engineer, but it was quite difficult for him to get a
place at college. He didn’t get in at his first attempt, losing out to applicants with better exam
grades. However, at his second try he succeeded in winning a place. He then sailed through
all his first-year exams but failed some of his exams in the second year, as he started spending
a lot of time on the rugby pitch, playing for the college first team, rather than in the library.
Then his team fell behind in the college league after three games, so he wasn’t too happy and
did even less work, and as a result he failed three exams. However, he’s always prided himself
on being able to revise very efficiently when he’s really under pressure, and in the third year
he did enough to pull himself through. His friends were amazed that he managed to carry it
off, as they were sure he could not have packed in enough study in such a short time to get
through the exams. But Oliver knew that he had only just got by/through and he resolved to
organise his life much better after leaving college.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
Unit 28
28.1
1
2
3
4
5
28.2
1 When the doctors examined the dead man, they found his body was riddled with disease.
2 I just grasped at the first opportunity to get out of my boring job and do something more exciting.
I wasn’t prepared to just live with it / resign myself to it; I had to make a change.
3 I fell back on / had to resort to my knowledge of map reading from my days as a scout to help us
find a way out of the valley.
4 I’m sorry, I’ve botched things up and caused a lot of problems for everyone.
5 A healthy diet and plenty of exercise is the best way to safeguard against heart disease.
6 His life is difficult. His parents died last year when he was only 16. Now he just has to bear up and
try to carry on as best he can.
7 I’m afraid we just have to resign ourselves to the fact that we are going to have to sell the house.
8 She tried very hard to clear up / iron out the misunderstandings between the two groups.
clear
hanging
break
landed
walk
6
7
8
9
10
spill
caught
smooth
resort
make
Unit 29
29.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
29.2
1 You need a coin.
2 No, they haven’t.
3 A drum is a musical instrument that is beaten. In the past the drummer in an army used to play
rousing military music to encourage soldiers to fight, and this may be the origin of drum up
meaning attract support or business.
4 It took them some time to arrive at that decision – often they were originally against the idea and/
or they had to be persuaded to it.
29.3
1
2
3
4
5
29.4
1 Everyone is trying to dissuade me from taking the job, but I’m tending towards
accepting it.
2 You’ll need to take time to size up the situation before you decide what to do.
toy with something
reason with someone
mull something over
decide on something / work something out
do someone out of something
size up someone or something
tie someone down
single someone out
work; out
single; out
push; through
tie; down
arrive at
6
7
8
9
10
drum up
play on
toss for
mull; over
playing; off against
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
143
3
4
5
6
7
8
Wicked Uncle Fred succeeded in doing his brother out of his rightful inheritance.
correct
It took Lily ages to get her father to come round to the idea of her training as a bus driver.
correct
The advert plays on people’s desire to appear young and attractive.
I don’t want to do the washing-up either. Get a coin and we’ll toss for it.
Unit 30
30.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Go for it!
Grow up!
Go on!
Come off it! / Come on!
Keep it up!
Wake up!
Dream on!
30.2
1
2
3
4
Roll
hang
Drink
ahead
30.3
1 Go easy on them!
2 Calm down!
5
6
7
8
Shut
go
eat
take
3 Get off!
4 Watch out!
5 Hurry up!
6 Hold on!
Unit 31
144
31.1
1
2
3
4
5
31.2
1 Louise always flings herself into her work.
2 I really think that it is time you knuckled down to your studies.
3 As a research scientist, you just have to keep plugging away at your experiments and eventually
you’ll get results.
4 If this morning’s meeting goes smoothly, I should be able to get off by 1 p.m.
5 The meeting was going well until we got bogged down in the details of the sales
conference party.
6 I’m not sure exactly what I’m going to say in my speech, but I’m sure I’ll be able to cobble
something together by tomorrow morning.
7 There comes a time when it is best for an older manager to step aside and let a younger
person take over.
8 I always say that if you start a job, you should see it through.
fling yourself into something
step aside, pack something in, get off
ease off, coast along
slog away, beaver away, plug away, knuckle down
beaver away (a beaver is an animal with sharp teeth and a large flat tail – it lives in a dam which it
builds across a river)
6 farm out and get bogged down (a bog is a piece of very wet land – if you step in a bog, it can be
easy to get stuck there so that you cannot move out)
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
31.3
I’d hate a job where I could just coast along without needing to think about what I was doing.
I’d far rather keep busy and really don’t mind how much I have to slog away each day. I’d
soon pack in any job that didn’t keep me working hard. I fling myself into everything I do.
Even when I was at school, I used to beaver away at my homework as soon as I got home
from school. My sister certainly never used to knuckle down to work in the way I did.
31.4
1 I can’t stand the sight of blood, so I’m not really cut out for nursing.
2 If you hate your job so much, why don’t you just hand in your notice?
3 When several workers were unfairly dismissed, the trade union official decided it was time
to call everyone/people out on strike.
4 As a PA I spend most of my time running round after my boss.
5 We’ve had a very busy few months at work but things are beginning to ease off now.
6 Liam is very good at his job, so I can’t understand why he always gets passed over
(for promotion) while less able people get promoted.
7 Our company has started doing a lot of outsourcing, which means that we farm out jobs
that we previously used to do ourselves.
8 Ever since she was a child she has wanted to go in to medicine.
Unit 32
32.1
32.2
1 d 2 c 3 e 4 a 5 b
1
2
3
4
through
through; through
off
off
5
6
7
8
behind
towards
across
against
32.3
Suggested answers:
1 As each person arrived she (asked their name and) ticked/checked them off on her list.
2 She picked up her favourite novel and buried herself in it.
3 He decided to major in economics (for his degree).
4 His tutor moved him up to a higher class.
5 What sort of grades do you need to get into university in your country?
6 I applied to Oxford University but I didn’t get in.
32.4
Possible answers:
1 What would you like to do when you leave/finish school?
2 Why did you give up / stop studying French/law (or the name of any other subject)?
3 Did your sister finish/complete her degree/course?
4 Do you fancy going to see a film this evening? (Or anything else suggesting a leisure activity.
Note that snowed under is an informal way of saying that you have a huge amount of work
to do.)
32.5
Possible answers:
1 I usually sailed through my exams – apart from maths!
2 I fell behind with my work in my final year at school when I broke my leg badly playing
football.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
145
3 Yes, teachers often used to mark me down for bad handwriting. I used to think this was
really unfair and that they should just think about the content of my work. However, now
I am a teacher and have to mark badly written work, I understand why they marked me
down!
4 In the UK, taking part in extra-curricular activities, such as sport or music, having work
experience and good references, showing you have good organisational or leadership skills,
possibly also having good contacts can count towards getting into some universities.
Unit 33
146
33.1
1 Zeyneb’s experiments were mostly carried out in the 19th century using much less sophisticated
equipment than is available today.
2 This theory draws on research from several well-known scientists.
3 I thought we could read Hayder’s research for the seminar tomorrow, but my tutor pointed out
that the original research paper is over 700 pages long!
4 Alexander Fleming didn’t set out to discover penicillin when he started experimenting with
bacteria, but it was one of the most important discoveries of its time.
5 He spoke for 50 minutes and then finished off the lecture with a question and answer session.
6 Firstly, I’d like to start with an introduction to the subject of quantum physics, before moving on
to some key definitions.
7 If we allow for variations caused by weather conditions, the results are broadly in line with our
predictions.
33.2
1 together
2 up
33.3
Suggested answers:
1 This morning we’re going to look at Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’.
2 The lecturer pointed out that this research is still in its very early stages.
3 To start with, I want to talk about the background to the research.
4 In order to get the most out of the seminar, it’s a good idea to do the suggested
reading beforehand.
5 Can I borrow your lecture notes? I didn’t get down the last few points.
6 Don’t worry about writing every word; just jot down the key points.
7 For next week’s seminar, I’d like you all to look into one aspect of this theory.
8 I’d like to round off the lecture today with a short video.
33.4
1 The biology department needs undergraduates to help carry out research on plant cells over
the summer, and I’m going to apply.
2 The department has just received some funding to look at/into the links between diet and
certain types of cancer.
3 He spent most of the summer working on his thesis but ended up having to change it when
some new research came out.
4 The discussion we had last week brought up some very interesting questions about US
foreign policy in the 1950s.
5 As you read up on the subject for your essay, don’t forget to make a note of useful sources
as you go.
6 A group of engineering students from Bristol have set out to prove the strength of plastic
by building the largest Lego structure in the world.
3 jot down
4 type up
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
5 sketch out
6 Think through
7 weigh up
8 ended up
9 go over
10 follow up
Unit 34
34.1
34.2
1 to 2 to 3 from 4 to 5 of 6 up 7 on 8 at
34.3
34.4
What best sums the present situation up – give examples / quotes.
Possible answers:
1 The research team consists of two Americans, two Russians and a Swede.
2 Immigrants to the UK have to contend with a whole range of problems.
3 The headteacher would like to interest more pupils in studying maths at university.
4 The examinations board insists on its instructions being followed to the letter.
5 It is essential that society should invest in the education of its future citizens.
6 The change in the law resulted in a more efficient welfare system.
7 The government is keen to improve on the country’s system of transportation. (Note that
it is also possible to say to improve the country’s system of transportation without any
preposition. Adding on makes the writing a little more formal and also suggests that the
system of transportation is already reasonably good.)
8 The writer’s philosophy is founded on a firm belief in socialist principles.
9 Some critics have objected to the poet’s occasionally coarse use of English.
1 The teaching materials will cater for historians as well as economists.
2 The recent problems in the company are bound to detract from its reputation.
3 The policy of clearing the hillsides of trees appears to have resulted in an increased
danger of flooding.
4 The football team consists of three players from France, one from Sweden and two from
Russia.
5 Many people objected to being moved from their houses to high-rise flats.
6 Being deprived of your freedom is a very difficult punishment to endure.
7 In her article, the writer frequently refers to a research study carried out in Canada in
2015.
8 The book is aimed at undergraduate students who have little previous knowledge of the
subject.
9 For me, this song sums up the atmosphere in rural England in the 1980s. (Note that up
would not be put after the object in a sentence like this becuse the object is very long.)
10 Much of the book is devoted to the writer’s experiences in the United States.
Over to you
Possible answer:
Soviet education was founded on the belief that all children could succeed given the right
support. The school system was based on the teachings of Marx and Lenin, and it aimed at
providing the best education possible for all pupils regardless of their social background. It
must be remembered that, at the beginning, Soviet education had many problems to contend
with. As well as widespread illiteracy and a low level of resources, there were plenty of people
who objected to the new Soviet regime, saying that citizens were being deprived of basic
freedoms. Although many people are critical of other aspects of Soviet society, it cannot be
denied, however, that the authorities invested a great deal in the education system. This
catered well for Soviet youth, most of whom profited from the education they received.
Teachers were respected professionals who devoted themselves to their pupils, doing all they
could to interest them in their lessons and insisting on high standards in the classroom. To
summarise, if we refer to most contemporary accounts of the Soviet education process, we
find that it resulted in a well-educated population.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
147
Unit 35
35.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
35.2
1 Our business has had lots of success in Europe, but now we’d like to break into the USA.
2 Have you heard? Latifa has been asked to head up the new department.
3 Arsenal has signed up a young Brazilian footballer. Or Arsenal has signed a young
Brazilian footballer up.
4 Her father made his fortune by dealing in modern art.
5 Get your people to call my people to firm up arrangements. (Note that ‘Get your people
to call my people to firm arrangements up’ is also possible, though less frequent. We are
more likely to use this structure when we are saying a time afterwards, e.g. We’ll firm the
arrangements up next week.)
6 The new factory is already turning out 10,000 pairs of shoes a week. Or The new factory is
already turning 10,000 pairs of shoes out a week.
7 The Alpha model is aimed at the lower end of the market.
8 The company is planning to bring out a new sports car soon. Or The company is planning
to bring a new sports car out soon.
(Note that when the object phrase is quite long, e.g. in 3 and 6, the phrasal verb is more likely
to be kept together rather than separated.)
35.3
Possible answers:
We must set up a meeting early in the New Year. [make arrangements for]
Can you help me set up the apparatus for the experiment? [get the equipment ready]
A good breakfast sets you up for the whole day. [prepares you]
headed
turned
set
look
deal
breaking
7
8
9
10
11
12
brought
aimed
buy
firmed
turning
brought
Someone broke into my car last night and stole the radio. [forcibly entered]
When James caught sight of the bus approaching, he broke into a run. [started]
I don’t want to break into my savings unless I really have to. [start using]
The government is hoping to bring in some new legislation relating to education. [introduce]
When you’re writing your essay, try to bring in some good phrasal verbs. [include]
They brought in a consultancy firm to help sort out the business. [hired/involved]
That blue dress brings out the colour of your eyes. [makes more noticeable]
Her new friends have certainly succeeded in bringing her out of herself. [helping her to
behave in a more confident, less shy way]
I think my new face wash is bringing me out in spots. [causing spots to appear on my skin]
A lot of people turned out to the concert. [came to]
It turned out that he had known the truth all the time. [happened]
His father turned him out when he heard what he’d done. [made him leave home]
Unit 36
36.1
148
1
2
3
4
5
run through, gobble up, set back, clean out, roll in
put by, put aside, pay in
work off, square up
a) square up b) bail out c) clean out/cough up d) gobble up
rent out
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
36.2
1
2
3
4
5
bail
forward
cleaned
put
up
36.3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
c – off my student debts.
g – back all our profits into the business.
h – aside/by each month for a rainy day.
f – up enough money for me to buy a car.
b – into some money on your gran’s death.
a – back more than I had anticipated.
d – into my savings for as long as I can.
e – through enormous sums of money.
36.4
Possible answers:
1 I never had much money when I was a student but I managed to live (spending as little as
possible) somehow.
2 If everyone contributes, then we should be able to afford a nice leaving present for Beth.
3 Rashid’s been receiving large quantities of money ever since he had that brilliant idea for
a website.
4 At the bakery it was Amanda’s job to count the money taken by the shop at the end of
every day.
5 Jason risked/gambled a ridiculous amount of money on a horse race and, needless to say,
he lost it all.
36.5
Possible answers:
1 It probably set me back about €1,000.
2 They put money aside for a big expense such as a car, a house, a holiday or for a rainy day,
i.e. when they might need money unexpectedly.
3 A car typically gobbles up money because you have to pay for petrol, repairs, taxes, etc.
4 I think it’s worth breaking into savings for a really good holiday.
5 I’d probably ask my parents or my brother to bail me out if I had financial problems.
6
7
8
9
square
renting
pay
back
Unit 37
37.1
1 clearing away
2 pushing; to
3 blocking up
37.2
1
2
3
4
37.3
37.4
1 e 2 g 3 d 4 b 5 f 6 h 7 a 8 c
4 plumping up
5 pulling up
6 mopping up
You put them away.
You wash them down.
You mop it up.
You should chuck them away or put them out in the rubbish (in the recycling bin,
of course).
5 You might put a shelf up / put up a shelf / put some shelves up / put up some shelves.
6 You’d block up the hole / block the hole up.
Possible answers:
1 I didn’t hear you come in because I’d got the TV / radio / my music on rather loud.
2 My flatmate tends to make a mess when she’s cooking and leaves me to clean / clear up
after her.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
149
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
When you go to bed, please don’t forget to lock up / put the rubbish out.
The bookcase was too big for our new flat, so we had to part with it / chuck it away.
Erica is untidy. There are always lots of things cluttering up her room.
Our hall hasn’t been decorated for years – it’s time we did/smartened it up.
Living in a student hostel was odd for Khalifa at first, but he soon settled in.
If I lay the table, you can clear away/clear up after the meal.
You’ll make the sofa look more comfortable if you plump up the cushions.
It took me all day to clear up after those wild, crazy kids and get the place straightened
up again.
Unit 38
38.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
38.2
38.3
1 b 2 c 3 a 4 b 5 c 6 d 7 c 8 b
38.4
Possible answers:
1 from older brothers or sisters or cousins
2 Once I went out with one black shoe on and one brown shoe on.
3 I’m afraid I have, especially in the spring as I often seem to put on weight in the winter.
4 It depends, but I’m probably more inclined to pull on the first thing I find.
5 I’d get them taken up because I’m not much good at sewing myself.
6 Yes, I have. Once I dressed up as a woman from the Middle Ages and once I dressed up as a
character from a Chekhov play.
trousers
trousers, a dress, a skirt
unzip
a plant, perhaps
a coat, a skirt, a dress
a) making them looser b) making them tighter
fancy dress
1 We were surprised when we arrived at the party because the host was wearing a kind of
Superman getup with a mask, cape and blue bodysuit.
2 My ten-year-old daughter loves getting dressed up in my dresses and high-heeled shoes.
3 Now that I’m pregnant I can’t get into any of my clothes.
4 Those trousers look a little tight around the waist. Shall I let them out a bit for you?
5 (Father to child) You’d better zip your jacket up. It’s cold outside. Or You'd better zip up your jacket ...
Unit 39
150
39.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Alex: No, but I’ve heard of her.
Anna: I wasn’t. They’ve been going out together for two years.
Will: Yeah, he was flirting with her all evening.
Katie: No. I tried to strike up a conversation with him, but he wasn’t very friendly.
Andrew: Yes, I warmed to him straight away in fact. He’s very nice.
Amber: Yes, you could say it was tennis that brought us together.
39.2
1
2
3
4
5
I’ve never met Antonia Goff, but I know of her because Charles works with her.
I had an email last month from Doninic, but I haven’t heard from him since then.
I think Joe is cheating on me. Somebody saw him out with another girl.
Mrs Butler fusses ever so much over her two sons, even though they’re adults.
Daria spent all evening flirting with her friend’s brother.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
6 I’m afraid my son is getting mixed up with some bad company at university.
7 Majid struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to him, and the flight passed quickly.
8 Rosa told me about your bust-up with Sebastian.
39.3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
bad
c
It spoils or damages their relationship.
b
butter them up
c
an undesirable one
Both are possible.
Unit 40
40.1
1
2
3
4
40.2
1 across; out
2 through
3 on; for
screwed
toughen
getting
bored
5
6
7
8
had
outspoken
grown
descend
4 up
5 out
Unit 41
41.1
1
2
3
4
5
41.2
1 choke back or fight back
2 come over
3 bowl over
4 shake up
5 run away with
6 feel up to
41.3
1 choke back or fight back
2 bowled over
3 hanker after/for
4 brim with
41.4
1
2
3
4
Harvey
Felix
Keira
Sofia
41.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
Layla let it all spill out / her feelings spill out.
Grandma isn’t feeling up to a long flight.
We must not allow our feelings to run away with us.
You mustn’t give in to those feelings of insecurity.
A feeling of tiredness suddenly came over everyone.
Our sympathies go out to all the victims of the disaster.
brimming
summon
perk
give
hankering
6
7
8
9
5
6
7
8
work
gone
snap
loosened
Hannah
Aaron
Joel
Poppy
Unit 42
42.1
1 deal; move
2 letdown
3 shoot
4 passing
5 rolled
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
151
42.2
1
2
3
4
5
That they have become very involved in bird-watching and do it a lot.
What you did.
Members of the family would all come to one place and meet each other socially.
Just spend time together doing nothing special.
(b) go out with you and pay for you. Take someone out can mean to kill them in a military context,
of war etc. If you go with someone to show them the way out of a building, you show them out.
1
2
3
4
Callum
Ivy
Jessica
Thomas
5
6
7
8
Hessa
Ronnie
Lara
Amy
Unit 43
43.1
1 Patient: I I think I’ve picked up a chest infection. I’m coughing and wheezing a lot.
2 Patient: Well, I broke out in a rash on my neck about a week ago.
3 Patient: Well, I had an ear infection about a month ago. It seemed to clear up when I took the
antibiotics you gave me but now it’s flared up again.
4 Patient: Well, OK, but my nose is bunged-up all the time. Can you give me something for it?
5 Patient: Well, I sprained my ankle a week ago, but the swelling hasn’t gone down and it’s
still painful.
6 Patient: Well, I just feel absolutely tired out / worn out / wiped out / done in all the time. I have
no energy at all.
43.2
1
2
3
4
43.3
1 e 2 c 3 a 4 f 5 g 6 d 7 b
Natasha
Grace
Daniel
Bethany
5
6
7
8
Harry
Elliot
William
Teddy
Unit 44
152
44.1
44.2
1 d 2 a 3 e 4 f 5 b 6 c
44.3
I’m rather worried about my neighbour. I saw her the other day in the garden and she was
doubled up in pain. She also looks as if she is wasting away. I asked her about it and she
said she was just trying to lose some weight, but she clearly didn’t like my talking about it
and I could sense her tensing up. I think she’s probably been doing far too much exercise.
She spends hours outside bending down to touch the ground or spreading out her arms and
swinging them in circles. I can see that she’s in pain and I long to tell her to relax a bit.
Possible answers:
1 You need to loosen up / warm up.
2 It may take you some time to thaw out.
3 You have to pick yourself up.
4 You turn around (or swing around perhaps if you do it very quickly).
5 They tense up.
6 They waste away.
7 You may double up (in pain).
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
You must be freezing – do come inside and thaw out.
Look at me – now turn round/around.
Their daughter was (lying) curled up on her bed with her thumb in her mouth.
He stuck his arm out of the window and waved at us.
If you don’t eat more, you’ll waste away.
The stand-up comic was so good that we spent the evening doubled up (laughing).
44.4
1
2
3
4
5
6
44.5
In each case the play on words depends on another meaning of the base verb.
1 Double means two or twice and obviously there are two twins.
2 The noun waste means rubbish.
3 Tense is a grammatical term which you are certainly familiar with as a student of English.
4 A taxi driver picks people up to drive them somewhere.
Unit 45
45.1
1 It’s so boring listening to Uncle Ed holding forth/going on at us about the problem with the
youth of today.
2 I’ll try to engage your father in conversation so he won’t notice you leaving.
3 I wish my parents would stop going on at me all the time.
4 OK, before everyone starts working, I’d like to quickly run through the instructions (again).
5 The personnel manager glossed over salary progression during our interview.
45.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
45.3
1
2
3
4
45.4
1 Finn was so rude – he interrupted the conversation I was having with Faye about her new job and
started to ask her questions about her daughter.
2 I don’t know how you’ll manage to give a reason for (make it appear that it was not your fault)
the scratch on your mother’s car.
3 I wish he’d stop talking endlessly about the weather – it’s so boring.
They asked her a lot of questions.
He would not have been pleased with his performance.
He didn’t have to stop and think. He spoke very quickly, almost without pausing for breath.
He spoke less after Bobby arrived.
It was difficult for the detective to get the boy to tell her the truth.
He wanted to find out if the editor thought it would be a good idea to write the kind of article he
had in mind.
7 It’s dreadful because he just talks without listening to others or even giving them much chance
to speak.
8 She told them a little about it but did not give them too many details, probably in case it
worried them.
put
on
led
sound
5
6
7
8
out
bombarded
clammed
blurted
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
153
Unit 46
46.1
1 in on
2 away
3 on
4 into; up
5 up on
46.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
46.3
1 Draw back means to move away because you are surprised or afraid, and artists ‘draw’ pictures.
2 Zip along means to move very quickly, and the phrasal verb for fastening a jacket which has a zip
is ‘zip up’.
3 Squash up means to move closer together in order to make space for someone else, and ‘squash’
can also be a kind of juice drink.
4 Double back means to turn and go back in the direction you came from; identical twins could be
called ‘doubles’.
5 Stole is also the past tense of ‘steal’ meaning to take something without the owner’s permission.
The robbers were probably stealing money from the bank.
46.4
1 hang 2 drop 3 draw 4 double
Possible sentences:
1 I think we should hang back and let the family guests go into the reception first.
2 I was walking with my sister and chatting to her, but then I dropped back to talk with my
grandfather, who was a bit behind everyone else.
3 We approached the man to help him but then drew back as he looked very aggressive.
4 As the mist came down, we decided it would be best to double back and abandon the walk.
piled
tripped
push
stand
clear
stumbled
zipping
double
Unit 47
154
47.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
feed on
prey on
die out
eat away at
washing away
dry up
pull down
47.2
1
2
3
4
5
It would freeze over.
It might dry up.
overcast
Because the tide comes in and goes out.
Dogs might help them to flush the robbers out.
47.3
1
2
3
4
5
As night fell, the stars came out.
The sun went in and the temperature fell suddenly.
Cats (both large and small) pick up their young with their teeth to move them around.
It was lovely and sunny this morning but now the sky is overcast / it is overcast.
Many wild animals and plants are on the verge of dying out.
8
9
10
11
12
13
break; off
pulling up
send out
offshoots
cutting down (Note chopping down is also possible.)
digging up
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
47.4
1 moved in
2 chased; out
3 taken over
4 bring up
5 watching over
6 fend for
Unit 48
48.1
48.2
1 off 2 down 3 down
How you mark these sentences will in some cases be a matter of personal preference.
1 Your pipes at home freeze up while you are on a skiing holiday.
You are likely to be unhappy about this as pipes that freeze up will probably later burst and
cause a lot of damage.
2 You receive a letter that makes your face cloud over.
You are likely to be unhappy.
3 You are walking by the sea when fog rolls in.
Most people probably don’t like it when it becomes foggy because it spoils the view, but
some people may enjoy it.
4 You can hear the rain beating down outside as you sit by a big log fire.
You are probably happy because you are warm and cosy when it is wet outside, but you may
feel unhappy if – say – you know you have to go out later on.
5 You are on a long country walk and the rain holds off.
You are probably happy – unless you are the kind of person who enjoys rain.
6 You have to give a speech at a friend’s wedding and you freeze up.
You are unhappy because you have become too nervous or anxious to give your speech.
7 You breeze through an important exam.
You are happy because you very easily manage to do well in the exam.
8 You storm out of a meeting.
You are likely to be unhappy because you left the meeting in an angry manner.
9 A group of friends start to freeze you out.
You are likely to be unhappy because your friends seem to want to exclude you from their
group.
10 You are sitting on the beach and the sun is beating down.
Most people probably like this, but I for one don’t like sitting in very hot direct sunshine.
48.3
Possible answers:
1 The sun is breaking through the clouds.
2 The rain is pelting down (and that person will get very wet).
3 The windscreen has fogged/misted up.
4 The lock has frozen up.
5 The sun is beating down.
6 The smoke from the chimney is blotting out the sun.
48.4
Possible answers:
1 breezed in (as if nothing had happened)
2 misting over
3 mist/fog/steam up
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
155
4
5
6
7
8
break through (the clouds)
holds off
rolling in (from the sea/hills/moors)
breeze through (it)
freeze up
Unit 49
49.1
1
2
3
4
5
49.2
1 New housing developments are encroaching on the countryside on the edge of town.
2 Those climbing red roses really set that old white cottage off, don’t they? Or ... set off that
old white cottage, don't they?
3 The architects made a large-scale mock-up of the new shopping centre.
4 The plain lines of the marble walls are offset by the ornate windows; together they produce
a harmonious building.
5 This plan shows how the area will be laid out when it is redeveloped.
6 Signs have gone up round the area to be demolished warning the public to keep away.
7 The 1990s buildings do not blend in very well with the older houses around them.
8 The whole area is steeped in history.
49.3
Possible answers:
1 I think the Palace of Congresses in the Kremlin in Moscow blends in very well with the
cathedrals and other old buildings there.
2 I live in Cambridge and the old city centre is often bursting with tourists, particularly
in summer.
3 Cambridge, particularly the ancient university there, could certainly be said to be steeped
in tradition.
4 My house backs onto a primary school.
set
6
stretches/is stretched 7
steeped
8
bursting
9
soaking
10
dotted
off
run-down
boarded-up
onto
11
12
13
14
15
in
reduced
off
off
up
Unit 50
156
50.1
50.2
1 picked 2 cut 3 change 4 rev 5 pull
50.3
1
2
3
4
50.4
1 stow away
2 knocked over
Possible answers:
1 The police officer is flagging a car down / flagging down a car.
2 The driver is picking up a hitchhiker / picking a hitchhiker up.
3 The aeroplanes are stacked up over an airport.
4 The tyre has blown out.
5 The car is branching off the main road.
6 The car has been blocked in.
The police flagged down a lorry and found ten stowaways on board.
I was woken by a car revving up outside my bedroom window.
That car nearly caused an accident by cutting in on us.
I was very frightened when my tyre blew out on the motorway.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
5 cast away
6 branches off
3 blocked; in
4 pulled; over / flagged; down
7 pick; up
8 stacked up
Over to you
Author’s answer:
I had a wonderful holiday once driving down the Rhone Valley with a friend and her husband.
We set off from Switzerland, where they were living at the time, in their British car which
had the steering wheel on the right-hand side. The problem was that her husband, the only
driver among us, couldn’t stand having another car in front of him. If a car picked up enough
speed to pass us, he insisted on immediately pulling out to overtake it. Yet, because he was
on the right-hand side of the car, he didn’t have a clear view of the road ahead, so he’d cut
in ahead of the car he’d overtaken in an alarming way to avoid crashing into the oncoming
traffic. In the end we were flagged down by a policeman, who told him off for driving in such
a dangerous way. Although we saw some great places, I was quite relieved when we got back
to Switzerland without having had any serious accidents.
Unit 51
51.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
51.2
51.3
1 c 2 e 3 d 4 a 5 g 6 b 7 f
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
root out
put out
pick up
leaked out
confide in
worm; out of
7
8
9
10
11
stake out
sound; out
ferret out
get out
writing; up
The conservatives got in in 2015.
A helicopter was shot down yesterday.
My great-great-grandfather joined up when he was only 16.
The kidnappers gave themselves up just after midday.
The rebels held out for six weeks.
The government has sent in a group of experts to assess the flood damage.
The government put down the rebellion using massive force.
Mr Fleet is trying to whip up some enthusiasm for the concert he is trying to organise.
Hundreds of people joined in the celebrations outside the palace.
Theodore got onto the party’s national committee.
Unit 52
52.1
Possible answers:
1 Its aim was to find out whether claims of fraud were correct or not – and it discovered that the
claims were justified.
2 By hushing up a scandal, the company is trying to keep it secret – which suggests that it is a
scandal which might harm the reputation of the company in some way.
3 It is implying that the government is not being entirely honest with the public about possible
health risks.
4 Because he/she does not want knowledge of the internal disagreements to become public in case
the government loses public support. In other words, he/she is trying to hide this information in
the same way in which wallpaper is sometimes used to paper over cracks in a wall.
5 It sounds as if it condemns their behaviour – this is suggested by ‘cover up’.
6 The spy has given information about the way in which secret agents spied on diplomats.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
157
52.2
52.3
1 f 2 g 3 a 4 b 5 c 6 h 7 e 8 d
52.4
1 catch
2 make
3 let
4 gave
(Note that give the game away (= tell someone something that should be kept secret)
is slightly different from the other examples in this set in that it is a fixed expression or
an idiom.)
As journalists it is our job to try to dig up stories that dishonest people are trying to cover up.
Sometimes we are accused of spying on innocent people, but surely it is our duty not to allow
people to paper over their scandals. Often it is not at all difficult to learn secrets. People are
often eager to confide in someone who is willing to lend a sympathetic ear. Or they let out a
secret without realising it. Little things like a blush or a quick glance at someone else can be
a real give-away to an experienced reporter. Of course, sometimes people try to make out
that they have nothing to hide, and then it can be a good idea to play along with them up to
a certain point. Then you suddenly take them by surprise with an unexpected question and in
this way you can often catch them out.
Unit 53
158
53.1
1 imposed
2 adhere
3 against
4 by
5 inform
6 let
[You may be curious to know how the scores were judged in the original magazine article:
0 – 3 Call yourself an outlaw!; 3 – 6 You’re good, but not very good; 7 – 10 You’re a model
citizen. Congratulations!]
53.2
The new act went through Parliament last week and will become law on 1 January.
The anti-litter laws should be tightened up; as it is now, nobody is ever prosecuted.
He went on a two-year crime spree before the police finally caught up with him.
She avoided tax by signing over her property to her two sons.
The new law provides for jail sentences of up to ten years for repeat offenders.
Building regulations come under local government rather than national or European law.
The bill was passed by the Lower Chamber but was thrown out by the Senate and never
became law.
8 The bill will be voted on in Parliament next week, and the government hopes it will get through
without too much opposition.
9 If trials prove successful, the government intends to roll out the scheme across the whole
country next year.
10 He was sentenced to three years in prison, but he’ll probably be let out in 18 months.
53.3
1
2
3
4
5
53.4
Suggested answers:
1 He was tried last week, found guilty and sent to prison for five years.
2 This government has introduced / made more new laws than any other in the last
50 years.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The former CEO of Wilson & Wallace has been let out after serving a ten-year sentence.
If you don’t abide by / adhere to the health and safety regulations, you will be punished.
The government plans to toughen up / tighten up the existing laws.
The law reforming the Health Service got through Parliament with a large majority.
Evan’s criminal activity was discovered when his neighbours informed on him.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
3 The new law will become official / take effect in March.
4 The military authorities issued / made public an order banning demonstrations in the area
around the parliament buildings.
Unit 54
54.1
1
2
3
4
54.2
54.3
1 b 2 c 3 c 4 b 5 a 6 b
54.4
fade out
set up
print off
wiped off
5 call up
6 drop-down
7 type in
These statements are all true for the writer, but whether they are for you will depend on your
own computer – and on how you have set it up.
Possible answers:
1 The advantage of a wireless connection is that you don’t have to wire everything up.
2 You can print a document by selecting the print icon or by going to the File menu and
choosing Print.
3 It’s quite easy to set up a website with these step-by-step instructions.
4 Whenever I switch on my computer, it takes time to warm up.
5 I can use this cable to listen to my MP3 player in the car by plugging it into the car radio.
6 If the printer is beginning to run out of ink, a warning light usually comes on.
Unit 55
55.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
55.2
55.3
1 Grace 2 Khadijah 3 Rory 4 Oliver 5 Lizzie
gobble/wolf; down
picks at
disagreed with
cut; out
put on
eat in; send out
1
2
d
i
7
s
s
3
p
w
a
4
s
h
e
5
d
6
o
i
a
o
l
t
a
w
e
k
n
l
i
c
n
r
55.4
Possible answers:
1 Shellfish often disagree with people.
2 A tart can be sliced up.
3 I often serve up roast chicken at the weekend.
4 Rice or potatoes fill you up.
5 I should cut down on cakes and biscuits.
6 In Britain people often send out for a curry or for a pizza.
Unit 56
56.1
1 came down
2 comes in
3 come down
4 came at
5 coming in
6 came at
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
159
56.2
1
2
3
4
up against
off
into
under
56.3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Álvaro’s English has come on a lot since he met Flora.
Hugo comes across as confident and extrovert.
The Prime Minister has come in for a considerable amount of criticism lately.
Ellen comes out with some very strange comments sometimes.
This history homework does not come up to the standards we expect from our students.
We’ve had a difficult year, but we’ve come through (it) and are looking forward to the future now.
At this point I should like to invite Anastasia Snow to come in.
I was afraid the dog was going to come at me.
56.4
1 come up to 2 come up against 3 come under 4 come into
5
6
7
8
out with
across
into
in
Unit 57
57.1
1
2
3
4
5
It’s time she got her act together and found a job.
The children always get up to mischief when I’m not looking.
I must get to the bottom of that strange letter I received.
We got down to business immediately. / We immediately got down to business.
Modern life is too complicated. We should get back to basics.
57.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
get in on the act
get by
got around
get the message across
get away with murder
get her out of my mind
57.3
1
2
3
4
down
off
off
out of
57.4
Possible answers:
1 When do you normally finish work?
2 Do you travel a lot and do things away from home or from your normal place of work?
3 Is there any time of the year when you find it hard to return to the routine of your daily life?
4 What have you been doing recently?
5 What sort of things make you feel depressed?
6 Where do you usually meet your friends socially?
57.5
Possible answers:
1 I normally get off work at about 5 o’clock in the evening.
2 I get around quite a bit – particularly in the summer months.
3 I find it hard to get back into the routine of my daily life after my summer holiday.
4 I’ve been away on a trip to the Czech Republic.
5 Grey, damp days get me down.
6 My friends and I usually get together at a café in town.
5
6
7
8
in
up to
into
together
Unit 58
160
58.1
1 into
2 after/for
3 over
58.2
1 g 2 d 3 f 4 a 5 h 6 b 7 c 8 e
4 down
5 ahead
6 for
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
58.3
1 Lara has been promised that her name will go forward for a place on the board of directors
next year.
2 Going by the weather forecast, there’ll be snow tomorrow.
3 They went through a terrible time during their daughter’s illness.
4 You really mustn’t go around telling such terrible lies.
5 Cameron has always wanted to go into law.
6 The journalists went after her wherever she went.
58.4
1 for 2 down 3 over 4 off
Unit 59
59.1
1
2
3
4
59.2
1 Please keep your music, TVs and radios down during the exam period.
2 Every household will be asked to contribute £10 a month towards the upkeep of the village
recreation ground.
3 All team members are strongly advised to keep off fatty foods during the training period. It is
important to keep your fitness up to the highest level.
59.3
59.1
1 to 2 on 3 up
to
in
back
from
5
6
7
8
ahead
up
out of
up with
Possible answers:
1 Noisy neighbours have occasionally kept me up.
2 I was once kept in hospital after being hit on the head by a football.
3 I’m going to regularly revise the units in this book and am also going to make a point of noting
down any examples of phrasal verbs I find when I’m reading English.
Unit 60
60.1
1
2
3
4
60.2
1 along
2 away
3 aback
60.3
Martin does the best take-off of the Prime Minister that I have ever seen.
A ridiculous amount of my time is taken up with dealing with emails.
Even the rain could not take away from the beauty of the scene.
I was taken aback when I was told that I was no longer allowed to park in front of my own house.
Would you like me to take up your concerns with the manager? Or Would you like me to take
your concerns up with the manager?
6 We are expecting a particularly large intake of students next week.
7 We decided it would be nicer to take our aunt away for the weekend rather than having her stay
with us.
8 The uptake of places for the weekend seminar has been rather disappointing.
60.4
1
2
3
4
5
6
take someone aback
take away from
take off
take out
4 up
5 off
1
2
3
4
5
Let’s take down the decorations tomorrow.
The doctor has agreed to take my elderly uncle off those pills for his arthritis.
Her parents took her away to their holiday home.
My favourite part of a flight is when the plane takes off.
Robert’s being there took away from our enjoyment of the evening.
After Stan had been working in the kitchens for a week, he was taken off washing-up duties.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
161
Mini dictionary
This Mini dictionary includes the definitions of the phrasal verbs and related noun and
adjective forms that are practised in this book. Note that many of the phrasal verbs have
other meanings which do not appear here. Refer to a good dictionary such as the Cambridge
Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs for a full list of English phrasal verbs.
The numbers in the Mini dictionary are Unit numbers not page numbers.
abide by sth to accept or obey an agreement,
rule, or decision 53
accede to sth formal to agree to something that
someone has asked for [e.g. request, demand],
often after disagreeing with it 6
account for sth to explain the reason for
something or the cause of something 17
add up to be a reasonable or likely explanation
for something 17
add up to increase and become a large number
or amount 26
add up (sth) or add (sth) up to calculate the
total of two or more numbers 1
add up to sth to have a particular result or
effect 17
adhere to sth formal to obey a rule or principle 53
agree to both sides accept something 23
(not) agree with sb if a type of food or drink
does not agree with you, it makes you feel
slightly ill 55
aim at sth/doing sth to intend to achieve
something, or to be intended to achieve
something 34
aim sth at sb to intend something to influence
someone, or to be noticed or bought by
someone 35
allow for sth to take something into
consideration 33
amount to sth to become a particular amount 26
arrive at sth to achieve an agreement or
decision, especially after thinking about it or
discussing it for a long time 29
ascribe sth to sth formal to believe or say that
something is caused by something else 6
ask around to ask several people in order to try
to get information or help 9
be asking for sth informal to behave stupidly in
a way that is likely to cause problems for you 6
couldn’t ask for sb/sth if you say that you
couldn’t ask for someone or something better,
you mean that that person or thing is the best
of their kind 6
162
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
ask out sb or ask sb out to invite someone to
come with you to a place such as the cinema
or a restaurant, especially as a way of starting
a romantic relationship 6
associate sth with sth to connect someone
or something in your mind with someone or
something else 2, 18
attend to sb/sth to deal with a situation or
problem 6
attribute sth to sth slightly formal to believe or say
that something is the result of something else 17
average out at sth to have as the average
number 26
back off to stop being involved in a situation,
especially in order to allow other people to
deal with it themselves 12
back onto sth if a building backs onto
something, its back faces that thing 49
back up (sth) or back (sth) up to make a copy of
computer information so that you do not lose it 6
back-up n support, help or something that
you have arranged in case your main plans or
equipment go wrong 3, 54
bail out sb/sth or bail sb/sth out to help a person
or organisation by giving them money 6, 36
balance out to make things equal 26
bang about/around to move around a place,
making a lot of noise 9
bang down sth or bang sth down to put
something down with force, often because you
are angry 21
base sth on sth if you base something on
particular facts or ideas, you use those facts or
ideas to develop that thing 6, 34
bat around sth or bat sth around to talk about
a plan or idea and to discuss different ways of
dealing with it 24
bear on sth formal to be directly connected
to something 6
bear out sth/sb or bear sth/sb out to prove
that something that someone has said or
written [e.g. claim, theory] is true, or to say
that someone is telling the truth 52
bear up to deal with a very sad or difficult
situation in a brave and determined way 28
beat down if the sun beats down, it shines
strongly and makes the air very hot 48
beat down if the rain beats down, it comes
down in large amounts with force 48
beaver away informal to work hard at
something for a long time, especially
something you are writing 31
belt out sth or belt sth out informal to sing or
to play a musical instrument very loudly 21
bend down to move the top part of your body
towards the ground 44
bend to sb/sth to do something you don’t
want to do 23
blast out (sth) or blast (sth) out to produce a
lot of noise, especially loud music 21
blend in/into sth if something or someone
blends in, they look or seem the same as the
things or people around them and so you do
not notice them 49
block in sb/sth or block sb/sth in to put a car
or other vehicle so close to another vehicle
that it cannot drive away 50
block out sth or block sth out to stop
yourself from thinking about something
unpleasant because it upsets you 18
block up sth or block sth up to fill a hole so
that nothing can pass through it 37
blot out sth or blot sth out if smoke or a
cloud blots out the sun, it covers it and
prevents it from being seen 48
blow out if a car tyre blows out, it suddenly
bursts 50
blow up sth or blow sth up to make
something seem much worse or much better
than it really is 15
blunder about/around to move in an
awkward way, usually because you cannot
see where you are going 9
blurt out sth or blurt sth out to say something
suddenly and without thinking, especially
because you are excited or nervous 45
boarded-up adj covered with pieces of wood 49
be bogged down to become so involved in
the details of something that you cannot
achieve anything 31
boil down to sth slightly informal if a situation
or problem boils down to a particular thing,
that is the main reason for it 7
bombard sb with sth to direct a lot of something
[e.g. questions, letters] at one person 45
boom out (sth) to speak in a loud voice, or to
make a loud noise 21
bore into sb if someone’s eyes bore into you,
they look at you very hard and make you feel
nervous 40
boss about/around sb or boss sb about/
around to tell people what they should do
all the time 9
botch up sth or botch sth up informal to
spoil a piece of work by doing it badly 28
bottom out if a situation, level, or rate that
is getting worse bottoms out, it reaches the
lowest point and remains at that level or
amount, usually before improving 19
bounce sth off sb informal to tell someone
about an idea or plan in order to find out
what they think of it 24
bow to sb/sth to do something you don’t
want to do 23
bowl over sb or bowl sb over to surprise or
please someone a lot 41
box in sb or box sb in to prevent someone
from doing what they want to do 11
branch off if a road or path branches off, it
goes in another direction 2, 49
branch off to leave a main road by turning
onto a smaller road 50
breakaway adj a breakaway group is a group of
people that stop being part of another group,
often because they disagree with them 1
break down if a machine or vehicle breaks
down, it stops working 4
break down if a discussion, system or
relationship breaks down, it fails because of
a disagreement or problem 28
break down sth or break sth down to divide
information or a piece of work into smaller
parts so that it is easier to understand or
deal with 24
breakdown n when talks between two groups
of people fail because of a disagreement or
problem 3
break-in n when someone manages to get in
a building by using force, usually in order to
steal something 3
break into sth to become involved in a type
of business or activity that is difficult to
become involved in 35
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
163
break into sth to start to use an amount of
money or food that you have been saving 36
break off sth or break sth off to separate a
part from a larger piece 47
break out in/into sth if you break out in a
sweat, it suddenly appears on your skin 43
breakout n when someone escapes from
prison 1
breakout n when something dangerous
and unpleasant, like war, disease or fire,
suddenly starts 3
break through (sth) if the suns breaks
through or breaks through the clouds, it
starts to appear from behind the clouds 48
break up sth or break sth up if an event
breaks up a period of time, it makes it more
interesting by being different to what you
are doing for the rest of the time 16
break up (sth) or break (sth) up if an
occasion when people meet [e.g. meeting,
party] breaks up, or if someone breaks it up,
it ends and people start to leave 19
break up (sth) or break (sth) up if a fight
breaks up, or if someone breaks it up, the
people in it stop fighting or are made to stop
fighting 20
breeze in/into swh to walk in quickly and
confidently 48
breeze through sth slightly informal to succeed
in something [e.g. exam] very easily 48
brim with sth to have or show a lot of a good
emotion or good quality 41
bring forward sth or bring sth forward to
change the date or time of an event so that
it happens earlier than planned 16
bring in sb/sth or bring sb/sth in if
something, for example a company, brings
people or business in, it attracts people,
often encouraging them to buy products or
services 35
bring in sth or bring sth in to earn or make a
particular amount of money 11
bring in sth or bring sth in if a government
or organisation brings in something new
[e.g. law, rule], they make it exist for the
first time 53
bring out sth or bring sth out to produce
something to sell to the public 35
bring out sth or bring sth out to make a
particular quality more noticeable 40
164
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
bring together sb or bring sb together to
cause people to be friendly with each other,
especially people who have argued with
each other or who would not usually be
friendly with each other 39
bring up sb or bring sb up to look after a
child and educate them until they are old
enough to look after themselves 47
bring up sth or bring sth up to start to talk
about something 33
broken down adj if a machine or vehicle is
broken-down it no longer works 4
brush down/off sb/sth or brush sb/sth
down to use a brush or your hand to
remove something 7
brush off sb/sth or brush sb/sth off to refuse
to listen to what someone says, or to refuse
to think about something seriously 7
build in sth or build sth in to include
something as part of a system 11
build up (sth) or build (sth) up to increase
in amount, size, or strength, or to make
something increase in amount, size, or
strength 3, 26
build up sb or build sb up to make someone
healthier and stronger after an illness,
especially by making sure that they eat a lot 43
build-up n when something increases in
amount, size or strength 3
built-in adj if something is built-in, it is made
so that it fits into part of a wall or room 4
bump sb off or bump off sb informal to kill
someone 20
bump up sth or bump sth up informal to
increase the size or amount of something
[e.g. price] by a large amount 26
bunged-up adj slightly informal blocked nose 43
buoy up sth or buoy sth up to support
something and help to make it more
successful 22
burn out or burn yourself out informal to have
to stop working because you have become ill or
very tired from working too hard 43
burst out sth if you burst out laughing or
crying, you suddenly start to laugh or cry 21
be bursting with sth to be very full with
something 49
bury yourself in sth to give all your attention
to something 32
bust-up n informal an angry argument 20
bust-up n informal a break in a relationship 39
butter up sb or butter sb up informal to be
very nice to someone so that they will do
what you want them to do 39
buy out sb/sth or buy sb/sth out to buy part
of a company or building that belonged to
someone else so that you own all of it 3, 35
buyout n the buying of a company, especially
by the people who previously managed it or
worked for it 3
buy up sth or buy sth up to quickly buy a lot
of something, often all that is available 6, 15
call in (on) British & Australian to visit a place
or person for a short time, usually while you
are going somewhere else 6, 42
call on sth formal to use something,
especially a quality that you have, in order to
achieve something 6
call out sb or call sb out to order workers
to strike (= to refuse to work because of an
argument with an employer) 31
call up sb or call sb up to order someone to
join the army, navy, or airforce 51
call up sth or call sth up if something calls
up a memory or an idea, it makes you
remember or think about it 18
call up sth or call sth up to find and show
information on a computer screen 54
calm down (sb) or calm (sb) down to stop
feeling upset, angry, or excited, or to make
someone stop feeling this way 30
capitalise on sth to use a situation in order to
achieve something good for yourself 27
not care for sth/sb formal to not like
something or someone 41
carry forward sth or carry sth forward to
include an amount of money in a later set of
calculations 6, 36
carry off sth or carry sth off to succeed in
doing or achieving something difficult 27
carry out sth or carry sth out to complete a
task 33
cash in on sth to make money from an event
or situation, or to get some other advantage
from it, often in an unfair way 11
cash up British & Australian to count all the
money taken by a shop or business at the
end of the day 36
be cast away to be on an island with no other
people after swimming from a ship that is
sinking 1, 50
cast-offs n clothes which have been given
to somebody else because the first owner
cannot use them any more 38
catch on slightly informal to understand
something, especially after a long time 24
catch out sb or catch sb out to discover that
someone is lying or doing something wrong 52
catch up on/with sth to do something you
did not have time to do earlier 2
catch up with sb if someone in authority [e.g.
police, tax officials] catches up with you, they
discover that you have been doing something
wrong and often punish you for it 53
be caught up in sth to become involved in an
activity or situation which prevents you from
moving or making progress 28
cater for sb/sth to provide all the things that
people need or want in a particular situation 34
cave in to agree to something that you were
against before, after someone has persuaded
you or threatened you 22, 23
change down British and Australian to put a
vehicle into a lower gear (= part of a machine
that controls the speed of a vehicle), usually
in order to go slower 50
chase sb/sth off/out or chase off/out sb/sth to
run after a person or an animal in a threatening
way in order to make them leave 47
chatter away to talk continuously 21
cheat on sb informal to behave in a dishonest
way towards your husband, wife, or
usual sexual partner by having a sexual
relationship with someone else 39
check off sth or check sth off to look at each
item on a list, or to write something next to
each item on a list, in order to make sure
that everything or everyone on it is correct,
present, or has been dealt with 32
cheer on sb or cheer sb on to shout
encouraging words at someone, especially a
person or team in a race or competition, or
to receive encouraging words or shouts 22
chip in (sth) or chip (sth) in slightly informal
to give an amount of money, especially
when a group of people are giving money to
pay for something together 36
chirp away if a bird chirps away, it sings
continuously 21
choke back/down sth or choke sth back/
down to force yourself not to show your
feelings 41
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
165
chuck away/out sth or chuck sth away/
out informal to get rid of something that is
not needed anymore 37
clam up informal to become silent or to refuse
to speak about something, usually because
you are shy or afraid 45
clean out sb or clean sb out informal if
someone cleans you out, they take or use
all the money you have, or if something
expensive cleans you out, you spend all the
money you have on it 36
clean out sth or clean sth out to steal
everything from a place 14
clean up after sb to remove dirt someone
has made, or to make a place tidy by putting
things back where they belong 37
clean up your act to start to behave better 8
clear sth away or clear away sth to remove
things in order to make a place tidy 37
clear out informal to leave a place 46
clear up if an illness clears up, or if medicine
clears an illness up, the illness goes away 43
clear up sth or clear sth up to give or find an
explanation for something, or to deal with a
problem or disagreement 28
clear up after sb to remove dirt someone has
made, or to make a place tidy by putting
things back where they belong 37
climb down to admit that you are wrong 7
climb down if you climb down from a tree,
you go back down to the ground 7
close off sth or close sth off to put something
across the entrance to something, in order to
prevent people from entering it 49
cloud over if someone’s face clouds over, they
suddenly look unhappy or worried 48
clown about/around to act in a silly way 9
clutter up sth or clutter sth up to fill
something in an untidy or badly organised
way 37
coast along to do only the things that you
have to do without trying to go faster or be
more successful 31
cobble together sth or cobble sth together
to make something quickly and not very
carefully 31
come across if an idea or an emotion comes
across in writing, film, music, or when
someone is speaking, it is expressed clearly
and people understand it or notice it 32
166
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
come across to behave in a way which makes
people believe that you have a particular
characteristic 40, 56
come across sth/sb to discover something by
chance, or to meet someone by chance 1
come along to start to exist, happen, or be
available 1
come around/round if a regular event comes
around, it happens at its usual time 16
come around/round to agree to a plan
or idea that you were against, or to stop
having a bad opinion about something, after
thinking about it for a long time or being
persuaded by other people that it is good 29
come at sb to move towards someone in
order to attack them 20, 56
come at sth to think about something in a
particular way 24, 56
come back if something comes back to you,
you remember it 18
come between sb if an argument or other
problem comes between two or more
people, it spoils their relationship 39
come down if you come down when you
are suggesting a price for something, you
suggest or agree to a lower price 10
come down if a story or tradition comes
down, it is passed from older people to
younger people so that it continues 10, 56
come down if a price or level comes down, it
becomes lower 56
come in to start speaking during a
discussion 11, 56
come in if the tide (= the regular change in
the level of the sea) comes in, the sea comes
higher up the beach 47, 56
come in for sth if someone comes in for
criticism or praise, they are criticised or
praised for something they have done 56
come into sth to get money from someone
who has died 36
come into sth to begin to exist or happen, or
to begin to be fashionable 53
come into (being) to begin 56
come into it if you say that a particular emotion
or quality [e.g. pride, love, luck] comes into it
when you are describing a situation, you mean
that it influences the situation 56
come into one’s own to be very successful 8
come off sth to stop using medicine or
drugs 43
come off better/worse to end up in a good
or bad position because of an argument or
some kind of struggle 56
Come off it! something that you say in order
to tell someone that you do not believe
them or that you disagree with them or are
angry with them 30
come on if something [e.g. lights, heating] or
a supply of something [e.g. water, electricity]
comes on, it starts working 54
come on to improve in a skill, or to make
progress 56
Come on! something that you say in order to
tell someone that you do not believe them
or that you disagree with them or are angry
with them 30
come out if you describe how something or
someone comes out at the end of a process
or activity, you describe what condition they
are in or what they have achieved 27
come out to go somewhere with someone for
a social event 39
come out if the sun, the moon, or a star
comes out, it appears in the sky; also applies
to flowers and leaves which appear on
plants in spring 47
come out against to state publicly that you
are opposed to an issue 22
come out in favour of to state publicly that
you support an issue 22
come out of sth if something comes out of a
process or an event, it is one of the results 17
come out with sth to say something
suddenly 56
come over sb if a feeling comes over you, you
suddenly experience it 41
come over sth if an announcement comes
over a public address system, people can
hear the announcement 21
come round to to agree with somebody else’s
idea or opinion after a long time thinking
about it or discussing it 23, 29
come through sth to manage to get to the
end of a difficult situation 56
come to (an agreement) to agree on
something after discussion 23
come under sth to be controlled or dealt with
by a particular authority 53
come under sth if something or someone
comes under a particular action by other
people [e.g. attack, criticism, scrutiny, review,
pressure], that thing is done to them 56
come up if an event is coming up, it will
happen soon 16
come up if information comes up on a
computer screen, it appears there 54
come up against sth/sb to have to deal
with a difficult situation or someone who
disagrees with you or tries to stop you doing
what you want to do 56
come up to sth to reach an acceptable or
expected standard 56
comeback n when a performer gives a
performance he hopes will make him
popular again 3
confide in sb to tell someone things that you
keep secret from other people 51, 52
conjure up sth or conjure sth up to make
something [e.g. picture, image, memory]
appear in someone’s mind 18
consist of sth to be formed from two or more
things 34
contend with sth to have to deal with a
difficult or unpleasant situation 2, 34
contribute to sth to be one of the causes of
an event or situation 17
cope with sth to deal successfully with a
problem or difficult situation 2
cordon off sth or cordon sth off if people in
authority [e.g. police] cordon off an area,
they put something around it in order to
stop people from entering it 12
cotton on informal to begin to understand a
situation or fact 24
cough up (sth) or cough (sth) up informal
to provide money for something, especially
when you are not very willing to do this 36
count against sb/sth to make someone or
something more likely to fail 32
count sb in to include a person in a plan or
activity 23
count on sth to expect something to happen,
and make plans which depend on this thing
happening 13
count out sb or count sb out informal to not
include someone in an activity 14, 23
count towards sth to be part of what is
needed in order to complete something or
achieve something 32
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
167
cover up (sth) or cover (sth) up to stop
people from discovering the truth about
something bad 52
cover-up n if someone stops people from
discovering the truth about something bad 1
cream off sb or cream sb off to separate the
cleverest or most skilful people from a group
and treat them differently 32
creep up on sb if a date or an event creeps
up on someone, it seems to come or happen
sooner than they were expecting 16
creep up on sb to move closer to someone,
usually from behind, without being seen by
them 46
cross off sth or cross sth off (sth) to
remove a word from a list by drawing a
line through it 32
cross over to start to support a different,
often opposing, person or group 22
crowd around/round (sth/sb) to surround
something or someone, standing very close
to them 9
cry out (sth) or cry (sth) out to suddenly
shout something in a loud voice, especially
to get someone’s attention 14
curl up to lie or sit with your back curved and
your knees close to your stomach 44
cut down sth or cut sth down if you cut
down a tree or bush, you make it fall to the
ground by cutting it near the bottom 47
cut in to suddenly drive in front of someone,
not leaving enough space between the two
vehicles 50
cut in (on) (sth) to interrupt what someone
is saying by saying something yourself 11, 45
cut off sth or cut sth off to stop the supply
of something such as electricity, gas or
water 2, 12
cut off (from) swh to be in a separate space
or area and unable to communicate with
people in a different space or area 12
cut off your nose to spite your face to do
something because you are angry, though it
may cause you more problems 8
cut out sth or cut sth out to stop eating
or drinking something, usually in order to
improve your health 55
be cut out for sth to have the right qualities
for something, especially a job 31
dash off informal to leave a place quickly 5
168
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
deal in sth to buy and sell particular goods as
a business 35
deal with sth to take action in order to achieve
something, or in order to solve a problem 42
decide on sth/sb to choose something or
someone after thinking carefully 29
defer to sb/sth formal to accept someone
else’s opinion because they know more than
you or are more important than you 22, 23
depend on sth/sb to need the help or support
of something or someone in order to survive
or continue as before 13
depend on sth/sb if something depends on
a particular situation, condition, or person,
it is influenced by them or cannot change
without them 17
deprive sb/sth of sth to take something
important away from someone 2, 34
descend to sth/doing sth to behave badly in
a way that other people would not expect
you to 40
detract from sth to make something seem
less good than it really is or than it was
thought to be 34
devote sth to sth/doing sth to use all of
something, for example your life or your
time, for a particular purpose 34
die away if something, especially a sound,
dies away, it gradually becomes less strong
or clear and then stops 2
die down if something, especially noise or
excitement, dies down, it gradually becomes
less loud or strong until it stops 21
die out to become more and more rare and
then disappear completely 47
dig up sth or dig sth up to take something
out of the ground by digging 47
dig up sth or dig sth up to discover new facts
about a person or situation after a lot of
searching 52
dig your heels in to refuse to do what others
try to persuade you to do 8
dip sth in (sth) to quickly put something into
something else and then take it out again,
especially biscuits in tea or coffee 55
disagree with sb if a type of food disagrees
with you, it makes you feel slightly ill or
uncomfortable 55
dive in/into sth to start doing something
suddenly without thinking about it 7
do in sb or do sb in informal to attack or kill
someone 29
do in sb or do sb in informal to make
someone extremely tired 43
do out sth or do sth out British & Australian
to decorate or clean a room 37
do sb out of sth informal to stop someone
from getting or keeping something, in a
dishonest or unfair way 29
do up sth or do sth up to wrap something
[esp. present] in paper 25
do up sth or do sth up to repair something,
or to improve the appearance of something,
especially a building 49
do yourself up to make yourself look more
attractive 29
do without (sth/sb) to manage without
something or someone 29
doom (sb/sth) to sth to make someone or
something sure to fail or suffer in a particular
way 27
dot sth with sth if a place is dotted with
something, it has many of them, all over the
place 49
double back to turn and go back in the
direction that you have come from 46
double (sb) over/up to suddenly bend your
body forwards because you are laughing a
lot or you are in pain 44
double up as sth if something designed for one
purpose can double up as something else, it
can also be used for something else 25
downcast adj sad and depressed 4
downpour n a sudden, heavy fall of rain 3
drag sb away from informal to make
somebody stop doing something, so that
they can do something else 7
drag sb/sth into sth to talk about or bring
someone or something into a difficult or
unpleasant situation, especially when that
person or thing is seen as being connected
with the situation 20
drag out (sth) or drag (sth) out to continue
for longer than is necessary, or to make
something do this 16
drag sth out of sb to make someone tell you
something that they do not want to tell you 45
draw back to move away from someone
or something, usually because you are
surprised or afraid 46
draw on sth to use information from
somewhere 33
draw out sb or draw sb out to help someone
who is shy to feel more confident 40
draw out sth or draw sth out to make
something continue for longer than is usual
or necessary 14
Dream on! something that you say in order to
tell someone that what they are hoping for is
not possible and will not happen 30
dress up (sb) or dress (sb) up to put on
someone else’s clothes to make yourself
look like someone else, or to make someone
do this, usually as a game 38
drink in to look at, listen to, or experience
something with all your attention and to
enjoy it very much 7
drink to sb/sth to hold up your glass before
drinking from it in order to celebrate something
or to wish someone success or happiness 55
drink up (sth) or drink (sth) up to completely
finish your drink 30
drive off to leave in a vehicle 5
drone on to talk for a long time in a very
boring way 13, 21
drop back if you are moving forward in a
group of people and you drop back, you
move to a position nearer the back 46
drop by British & Australian informal to make
a short visit to someone in their home,
usually without arranging it before 42
drop-down menu a list of choices which
appears on a computer screen 54
drop off to fall asleep 2, 43
drop off sb/sth or drop sb/sth off to take
someone to a place that they want to go to, or
to deliver something to a place, usually in a car,
often when you are going somewhere else 2
drop out to not do something that you were
going to do, or to stop doing something 14
drop out if a student drops out, they stop
going to classes before they have finished
their course 32
drown out sth or drown sth out if a loud
noise drowns out another noise, it prevents
it from being heard 21
drum up sth to increase interest in something
or support for something 29
dry out (sth) or dry (sth) out to make
something dry, or to become dry 47
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
169
dry up if a supply of something dries up, it
ends 19
dry up to stop speaking when you are acting
or making a speech, especially because you
suddenly forget what to say next 45
dry up if an area of water [esp. river, lake]
dries up, the water in it disappears 47
dumb down sth or dumb sth down to make
something [e.g. textbook, curriculum]
simpler and easier to understand 51
dwell on sth to think or talk about a
particular subject for too long 13
ease off/up to gradually stop or become less 5
ease off/up to start to work less or to do
things with less energy 31
eat away at sb if a memory or bad emotion
[e.g. bitterness, shame] eats away at
someone, they think about it a lot and it
makes them very unhappy 18
eat away at sth to gradually destroy
something by continuously damaging it or
taking little parts of it away 47
eat in to have a meal at home, not in a
restaurant 55
eat into sth to use or take away a large part
of something valuable [e.g. savings, profits,
leisure time, business] 7
eat up sth or eat sth up to eat all the food
you have been given 15
Eat up! something that you say to someone,
especially a child, in order to tell them to eat
their food 30
egg on sb or egg sb on to encourage
someone to do something, often something
that is wrong, stupid, or dangerous, or to be
encouraged to do something 22
eke out sth or eke sth out to use something
slowly or carefully because you only have a
small supply of it 16
encroach on sth to gradually cover more and
more of an area of land 49
end up to finally be in a situation 33
engage sb in conversation if you engage
someone in conversation, you try to start a
conversation with them 45
expand on sth to give more details about
something you have said or written 45
explain away sth or explain sth away to
give a reason for something bad happening
which makes other people think that it is not
so bad or that it is not your fault 45
170
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
face up to sth to accept that a difficult or
unpleasant situation exists 2
factor in sth or factor sth in to include
something when making a calculation or
when trying to understand something 11
fade in if the sound or picture of a film or
recording fades in, or if you fade it in, it
becomes gradually louder or brighter so that
you can hear it or see it clearly 54
fade out if the sound or picture of a film or
recording fades out, or if you fade it out, it
gradually becomes quieter or less clear until
you cannot hear or see it any more 54
fall apart if an organisation, system, or
agreement falls apart, it fails or stops
working effectively 19
fallback adj a fallback position is something
you use when other things have failed, or
when there are no other choices 4
fall back on sth to use something when other
things have failed, or when there are no
other choices 28
fall behind (sb) to fail to remain level with a
group of people that is moving forwards 32
fall behind (sb) to fail to score as many
points as another team or player in a
competition 27
fall in if a structure [e.g. roof, ceiling] falls in,
it drops to the ground because it is weak or
damaged 49
fall off if the amount, rate, or quality of
something falls off, it becomes smaller or
lower 26
fall through if a plan or agreement falls
through, it fails to happen 6, 27
farm out sth or farm sth out to give work to
other people instead of doing it yourself 31
feed on sth if an animal feeds on a particular
type of food, it usually eats that food 47
feel up to sth/doing sth to feel physically and
mentally strong enough to do something 41
fend for yourself to take care of yourself
without needing help from other people 47
ferret out sth or ferret sth out to find
something after searching for it 51
fight back sth or fight sth back to try hard
not to show an emotion, or to try hard not to
let your emotions control what you do 41
fight off sb/sth or fight sb/sth off to use
violence so that something or someone goes
away 20
fill up sb or fill sb up if food fills someone
up, it makes them feel as if they have eaten
enough 55
finish off sb or finish sb off to make
someone so tired, weak, or unhappy that
they are unable to continue what they
were doing 12
finish up (sth) or finish (sth) up to eat or drink
all of what you are eating or drinking 15
finish with sth to stop using or needing
something 19
firm up sth or firm sth up to make
something [e.g. agreement, details, prices]
more definite or less likely to change 35
finish off to end or complete something 33
fish out sth or fish sth out informal to pull
or take something out of a bag or pocket,
especially after searching 7
fit in to be able to be done between other
activities 16
fit in with sth if one activity or event fits in
with another, they exist or happen together
in a way which is convenient 11
fix up sth or fix sth up to arrange something
[esp. meeting] 25
flag down sth or flag sth down to make a
vehicle stop by waving at the driver 50
flare up if someone flares up, they suddenly
become very angry 20
flare up if a disease that you had before flares
up, you suddenly get it again 43
flash back if your mind or thoughts flash
back to something that happened to you
in the past, you suddenly remember that
thing 18
flashback n an occasion when you suddenly
remember something vividly that happened
to you in the past 18
flatten out if the rate of something flattens
out, or if something flattens it out, it stops
increasing and decreasing and begins to stay
at the same level 26
fling off sth or fling sth off to remove very
quickly 38
fling yourself into to start to spend a lot of
your time and energy doing something 31
flirt with sb to talk and behave towards
someone in a way that is sexually attractive
and which shows that person that you are
sexually attracted to them 39
be floating about/around if you say
something is floating around, you mean that
you have seen it somewhere but you do not
know exactly where it is 9
flood back if memories flood back, you
suddenly remember very clearly a lot of things
about an experience or period in the past 18
flood in/into sth to arrive or enter somewhere
in very large numbers or amounts 7
flush out sb/sth or flush sb/sth out to force
a person or animal to come out of the place
they are hiding in 47
fly about/around (swh) if rumours fly around,
they are made in a way which makes people
excited 9
fly at sb to attack someone suddenly and
violently 20
fly into sth if someone flies into a particular
state [e.g. rage, temper, panic] they are
suddenly in that state 20
focus (sth) on sth to give a lot of attention to
one particular activity, situation or idea 13
fog up if something made of glass [e.g.
windscreen, glasses] fogs up, or if something
fogs it up, it becomes covered with small
drops of water and you cannot see through it
any more 48
foldaway adj a foldaway bed has parts that
can be folded so that it is smaller and can be
stored somewhere 4
fold up (sth) or fold (sth) up to make something
[e.g. cloth, paper, chair] into a smaller, neater
and usually flatter shape by folding it, or to be
able to be folded in this way 25
fold-up adj a fold-up chair can be made into a
smaller, neater and flatter shape by folding it 4
follow up sth or follow sth up to find out
more about something 33
forthcoming adj a forthcoming event, action,
or product is one which will happen or
become available soon 4
be founded on sth to be based on a
particular idea or belief 34
free up sth or free sth up to make time or
money available for a particular use by not
using it in another way 16
freeze out sb or freeze sb out to make
someone feel that they are not part of a
group by being unfriendly towards them, or
to stop someone from being included in an
arrangement or activity 48
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
171
freeze over if water freezes over, it becomes
covered with ice 2, 47
freeze up become so afraid you cannot move
or do anything 48
freeze up if something [e.g. pipe, lock] freezes
up, it becomes blocked with ice and stops
working 48
fritter away sth or fritter sth away to waste
something [esp. money, time] by using it in a
careless way for unimportant things 16
frown on sth to believe that something is
wrong and that you should not do it 13
fry-up n a quick meal made of fried food 55
fuss over sb/sth to pay too much attention to
someone or something, especially because
you want to show that you like them 39
gain on sb/sth to get nearer to someone or
something that you are chasing 46
gang up informal to form a group to act
against someone else 6
gather up sth or gather sth up to collect
several things, especially from different
places, and put them together 25
gear sth to/towards sth/sb to design something
so that it is suitable for a particular purpose,
situation, or group of people 25
get across sth or get sth across to successfully
communicate an idea to other people 57
get around if news or information gets
around, a lot of people hear about it 9, 57
get around to travel to a lot of different
places 57
get away with sth/doing sth to succeed
in not being criticised or punished for
something wrong that you have done 57
get away with murder to succeed in not
being criticised or punished for something
wrong that you have done 57
get back into sth to begin doing something
again after not doing it for a period of time 57
get back to basics to start again at the
beginning 57
get by to have or know just enough of
something to be able to deal with a
particular situation but not have or know as
much as you would like 1, 27
get by to have just enough money to pay for the
things that you need, but nothing more 6, 57
get down or get sth down to manage to write
down a series of spoken points 33
172
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
get down to sth/doing sth to start doing
something seriously and with a lot of your
attention and effort 57
get sb down to make someone feel
unhappy 10, 57
get in to succeed in getting a place at a
school, college, or organisation 32
get in if a political party or a politician gets in,
they are elected 51
get in sth or get sth in to manage to do
something even though you do not have
much time because you are busy doing other
things 57
get in on sth informal to start to become
involved in an activity that other people
are already doing, often without being
invited to 57
get into sth to succeed in getting a place at a
school, college, or organisation 32
get into sth informal to be thin enough to be
able to put your clothes on 38
get into sth to become interested in an
activity or subject, or to start being involved
in an activity 42, 57
get off to leave the place where you work,
usually at the end of the day 31, 57
Get off (sb/sth)! something that you say
in order to tell someone to stop touching
someone or something 30
get off on the wrong foot to start something
badly 8
get off sb’s back to stop nagging someone 57
get off the ground to get started 57
be getting on mainly British & Australian informal
when time is getting on, it is getting late 16
be getting on informal if someone is getting
on, they are old 40
get on like a house on fire to immediately
like each other 8
get on to/onto sth to be elected as a member
of an organisation 51
get on (with sb) to like someone, and enjoy
spending time with them 1, 2
get out if news or information gets out,
people hear about it even though someone
is trying to keep it secret 51
get sth out of sth/doing sth to enjoy something
or think that something is useful 57
get sth out of your mind to stop thinking
about something 57
get over sth to feel better after having an
illness 43
get (sb) through sth to succeed in an
examination or competition, or to help
someone or something do this 27, 32
get (sth) through (sth) if a law or proposal
gets through, or if someone gets a law or
proposal through, it is officially accepted by
a government or organisation 53
get the most out of sb/sth to take maximum
benefit from something 33
get to the bottom of sth to understand
something properly, not superficially 57
get together if two or more people get
together, or if someone gets two or more
people together, they meet in order to do
something or spend time together 57
get-together n an informal meeting or
party 42
get up to stand up 1
get up to sth to do something, especially
something that other people think is
wrong 42, 57
get up to sth to reach a particular place in
something that you are doing and to stop
there 19
getup n informal the particular clothing,
especially when strange or unusual, that
someone is wearing 38
get your act together to organise yourself
more efficiently 8, 57
give away sth or give sth away to let
someone know something that should be
kept secret, often by mistake 52
give-away n something that makes you
aware of a fact that someone else was trying
to keep secret 52
give in to sth if you give in to an emotion or
desire, you stop trying not to feel it and you
allow your actions to be controlled by that
emotion or desire 41
give in to sth iwhen someone spends a long
time trying to persuade you to do or agree
to something, and you finally agree to it 23
give up (sth /doing sth) or give (sth) up to
stop doing an activity or piece of work
before you have completed it, usually
because it is too difficult 32
give yourself up to allow the police to catch
you 51
gloss over sth to avoid discussing something,
or to discuss something without talking
about the details in order to make it seem
unimportant 6, 45
be glued to sth to be watching something
[esp. television] with all your attention 7
go after sb to chase or follow someone in
order to catch them 58
go after / for sth to try to get something that
you want [e.g. job] 58
go against sth if something goes against a
rule or something you believe in, it does not
obey it or agree with it 53
go ahead slightly informal something that you
say to someone to give them permission to
start to do something 30
go ahead if an event goes ahead, it happens 58
go-ahead adj using new methods and ideas to
succeed 4
go along with sth/sb to agree with someone’s
idea or opinion 23
go around (swh) if an illness goes around, a
lot of people get it 43
go around doing sth if someone goes around
doing something, they spend their time
behaving badly or doing something that is
unpleasant for other people 58
go back over sth to examine or think about
something again or after it has happened 58
go back to sth if a situation goes back to a
particular state, it returns to that state 20
go by sth to use information or experience
that you have of someone or something in
order to help you decide what to do or what
to think about that person or thing 58
go down if a computer system goes down, it
stops working 10, 58
go down to become worse in quality 58
go down if part of your body that is bigger than
usual because of an illness or injury goes down,
it starts to return to its usual size 43, 58
go down to be remembered as part of
something 10
go down well-received 10
go easy on sb to treat someone in a gentle
way, especially when you want to be or
should be more severe 30
go for sb to attack someone 58
go for sth if something goes for a particular
amount of money, it is sold for that amount 58
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
173
Go for it! something that you say to encourage
someone to try and achieve something 30
go forward if someone’s name goes forward,
it is suggested that that person should
compete for an elected position or a job 58
go in informal if a fact or piece of information
goes in, you understand it and remember it 24
go in if the sun or moon goes in, it becomes
hidden behind a cloud 47
go in to sth to choose a particular type of
work as your job 31
go into sth to describe, discuss, or examine
something in a detailed way 6
go into sth to start an activity, or start to be in
a particular state or condition 58
go off if a light or machine goes off, it stops
working 54
go off to happen in a particular way 58
go off sb/sth to stop liking someone or
something 5, 41
go on to continue to exist or happen 4
go on to talk in an annoying way about
something for a long time 13
Go on! something that you say to tell
someone that you do not believe what they
have just told you 30
go on sth to use a computer or the Internet,
or to visit a website 54
go on at sb to criticise someone continuously 45
Go on then! something that you say to
encourage someone to do something 30
go on to sth to start to do something after
you have finished something else 32
go on to swh to go to a particular place after
going somewhere else 42
go out if something which is burning [e.g. fire]
goes out, it stops burning 14
go out if the sea or the tide (= movement of
the sea in and out) goes out, it moves away
from the beach 47
go out to sb if your thoughts or sympathies go
out to someone, you feel very sorry for them
when they are in a difficult situation 41
go out together to have a romantic
relationship 39
go out with sb to have a romantic
relationship 39
go over sth to think about something that has
happened or something that was said 33, 58
174
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
go over to sth to leave one group or
organisation and join a group or organisation
that is competing against them 6, 58
be going round in circles to use a lot of time
and effort with no results 8
go through if a law, plan, or deal goes through,
it is officially accepted or approved 23, 53
go through sth to experience an unpleasant
or difficult situation or event 58
go to (swh) to click on a menu, a menu item,
a particular web page or part of a page, or a
link when using a computer 54
go up if a shout [e.g. cheer, cry, groan] goes
up, a lot of people make that noise at the
same time 21
go up if a building or sign goes up, it is built or
it is fixed into position 49
go with sth to accept a plan or an idea, or to
support the person whose ideas you agree
with 22, 23
gobble down/up sth or gobble sth down/
up informal to eat very quickly 55
gobble up sth or gobble sth up informal to
use a lot of something, especially money 36
grapple with sth to try to deal with or
understand a difficult problem or subject 24
grasp at sth to quickly use or accept an
opportunity to do or have something,
especially because you are unhappy with the
present situation 28
grate on sb/sth if something, especially
someone’s voice or way of behaving, grates
on you, it annoys you 21
grow out of sth if a child grows out of an
interest, way of behaving, or illness, they
stop having or doing it because they have
become older 40
Grow up! informal something that you say
to an adult in order to tell them to stop
behaving stupidly 30
gun down sb or gun sb down to shoot someone
and kill or seriously injure them, often when
they cannot defend themselves 10
be gunning for sb informal to try to harm
someone or cause trouble for them 6
hack into sth to get into someone else’s
computer system without permission in order
to look at information or do something illegal 6
hammer out sth or hammer sth out to reach
an agreement after a lot of argument or
discussion 23
hand in sth or hand sth in to tell your boss
officially that you do not want to do your job
anymore 31
Hang about/on! something that you say to tell
someone to stop doing or saying something 30
hang about/around/round with sb informal
to spend time with someone 6
hang back to not move forwards, usually
because you are shy or afraid 46
hang on sth to depend on something 13
hang on to/onto sth/sb to keep someone or
something 19
hang out informal to spend a lot of time in
a particular place, or to spend a lot of time
with someone 42
hang over sb/sth if a problem or threat hangs
over a person or situation, it exists and
makes people worry about what is going to
happen 28
hanker after/for sth to want something very
much, especially something you know you
should not want 5, 41
happen on sb/sth to find something or meet
someone without planning to 13
harp on to talk continually about something
in a way that other people find boring or
annoying 13
have sth against sb/sth to dislike or disagree
with someone or something for a particular
reason 41
have sb down as sth to think that someone is
a particular type of person, especially when
they are not in fact like that 40
have off sth or have sth off to spend time
away from work 12
have on sth or have sth on if you have an
electrical device [e.g. television, radio, iron]
on, it is operating so that you can use it 37
have on sth or have sth on if you have clothes
or shoes on, you are wearing them 38
head off swh to begin a journey or to leave 5
head off sth or head sth off to prevent a difficult
or unpleasant situation from happening 51
head up sth or head sth up to be in charge of
an organisation 35
heal up if a wound heals over, new skin grows
over it 43
hear from sb to receive news or information
from someone, usually by letter or
telephone 39
have/had heard of sb/sth to know a little
about someone or something because you
have read, seen, or been told something
about them before 39
not hear of sth or not hear of sb doing sth to
not allow something, or not allow someone
to do something 22
help sb to sth to put food onto a plate for
yourself 55
hinge on sth to depend on something or be
very influenced by it 13
hit on sth to have a good idea, especially one
that solves a problem 5, 24
hit out to strongly criticise something or
someone 7
hoard away sth or hoard sth away to put a
supply of something in a safe place so that
you can use it in the future 25
hold back sb/sth or hold sb/sth back to
prevent something from working effectively,
or to prevent someone or something from
making progress 1
hold down sb or hold sb down to limit the
freedom of a group of people 1
hold forth to talk about a particular subject
for a long time, often in a way that other
people find boring 45
hold off to not start, although you expect
it to 48
Hold on! to tell someone to stop doing
something for a very short while 30
hold out to continue to defend yourself
against an enemy or attack 51
hold out for sth to wait until you get what
you want and to refuse to accept anything
less 1
hold over sth or hold sth over to delay
something and to arrange to do it at a later
time 16
hook up US informal to meet someone for a
particular purpose 42
huddle up to move closer to other people,
or to hold your arms and legs close to
your body, usually because you are cold or
frightened 44
hurry along to make someone do something
more quickly, or to make something happen
more quickly 16
Hurry up! informal to tell someone to move
more quickly or do a task more quickly 30
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
175
hush up sth or hush sth up to stop the public
from finding out about something bad that
has happened 52
impact on sth/sb slightly formal to have a
noticeable effect on 17
impose sth on sb formal to force a group
of people to accept something, or to give
someone a punishment [e.g. fine, ban] 53
improve on sth to do something in a better
way or with better results than when it was
done before 34
inform on sb to give information about
someone who has done something wrong to
a person in authority, especially the police 53
input n contribution to a system to help it
operate 3
insist on sth/doing sth to demand something
and to make it clear that you will not accept
anything else 34
intake n the number of people who begin
to study at a school, or who join an
organisation at a particular time 60
interest sb in sth to try to persuade someone
that they want something 34
invest sth in sth to use a lot of time or effort
trying to achieve something or trying to
make something successful 34
iron out sth or iron sth out to find a way of
solving small difficulties or problems, or to
find a way of ending a disagreement 28
jazz up sth or jazz sth up to make something
more attractive or interesting 15
join in (sth) to become involved in an activity
with other people 51
join up to join the army, navy, or airforce 51
jot down sth or jot sth down to write something
down quickly (so that you remember it) 33
jut out to stick out from a surface or beyond
the edge of something 14
keep (sb) ahead to continue to be more
advanced and successful than other people,
or to make sure that someone is more
advanced or successful than other people 59
keep at sth to continue to do something
(until it is finished) 59
keep back sth or keep sth back to not tell
someone everything you know about a
situation or an event that has happened 59
keep down sth or keep sth down if you keep
the noise of something [e.g. music, voice] down,
you stop it from becoming too loud 21, 59
176
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
keep sb/sth from doing sth to prevent
someone from doing something, especially
work, by spending time with them 59
keep sb in to make a child stay at school or at
home, especially as a punishment 59
keep in with sb British & Australian to
continue to be friendly with someone,
especially because they can help you 5, 59
keep (sb) off sth to not eat, drink or use
something that can harm you 59
keep on slightly informal to talk in an annoying
way about something for a long time 13
keep on doing sth to continue to do something,
or to do something again and again 59
keep out of sth to not become involved in
something 59
keep to sth if you keep to the point, you do
not write or talk about other topics 59
keep sth to yourself to keep something
secret 59
keep up to be able to understand or deal with
something that is happening or changing
very fast 24, 59
keep it up to continue to do something,
especially to work hard or to do good
work 30, 59
keep sb up to make someone go to bed later
than they usually do 59
keep up sth or keep sth up to not allow
something that is at a high level to fall to a
lower level 59
kick off (sth) informal to start 12
kick off sth or kick sth off to remove your
shoes by shaking your feet 12
kick out sb or kick sb out to force someone
to leave a place or an organisation 14
knock sb about/around informal to hit or
kick someone several times 9
knock sth about/around informal to consider
an idea 9
knockabout n British informal when two
or more people kick or hit a ball to each
other for pleasure but not in a serious way,
sometimes to warm up before a game 3
knock down sb or knock sb down to cause
someone to fall to the ground by pushing or
hitting them 2
knock down sb/sth or knock sb/sth
down informal to reduce a price, or to
persuade someone to reduce the price of
something that they are selling 10, 26
knock down sth or knock sth down to
destroy and remove a building or part of a
building [esp. wall] 2
knock out sb or knock sb out to make
someone become unconscious or to make
someone fall asleep 20, 43
knock over sb or knock sb over to hit someone
with a vehicle and injure or kill them 50
know sth from sth to know the difference
between something and something else, so
that you can recognise either of them 25
know of sb/sth to have heard of someone
or something and to be able to give some
information about them, but not very much 39
knuckle down to start to work or study hard,
especially if you have not been working very
hard before 31
land (sb) in sth to be in a difficult situation, or to
cause someone to be in a difficult situation or
an unpleasant place [e.g. prison] 28
land up informal to finally be in a particular
place, state, or situation, especially without
having planned it 15
lash out to criticise someone or something in
an angry way 14
lay out sth or lay sth out to design the way
in which a house, city, or garden is built or
created 49
lead into sth if a subject you are talking about
or a discussion leads into another subject
or discussion, it is the reason why you start
talking about the second subject or start the
second discussion 45
lead-in something that introduces something
else 11
lead on sb or lead sb on to make someone
do something bad by encouraging them or
annoying them until they do it 13
lead to sth if an action or event leads to
something, it causes that thing to happen or
exist 17
lead up to sth if a period of time or a series
of events leads up to an event or activity, it
happens until that event or activity begins 16
leak out if secret information leaks
out, people who should not know this
information find out about it 51
lean towards sth/doing sth to support, or
begin to support, a particular set of ideas or
a particular political party 22
leap out at sb if something leaps out at you,
you notice it immediately 24
leave behind sb or leave sb behind to make
progress much faster than someone else 32
leave off (sth/doing sth) to stop, or to stop
doing something 12
left out adj if someone feels left out, they
are unhappy because they have not been
included in an activity or conversation 4
let in if something lets in water, air, or light, it
allows water, air, or light to enter it through
a hole or opening 11
let off sb or let sb off to not punish someone
who has committed a crime or done
something wrong, or to not punish someone
severely 53
let off steam to talk or act in a way that helps
get rid of strong feelings 8
let out sb/sth or let sb/sth out to allow a person
or animal to leave somewhere, especially by
opening a locked or closed door 53
let out sth or let sth out to make a piece of
clothing wider by removing the sewing from
the side edges and then sewing closer to the
edge of the material 38
let out sth or let sth out to tell someone
about something which was supposed to be
a secret 52
let down sth or let sth down to make a piece
of clothing longer by removing the sewing
from the bottom folded edge and then
sewing closer to the edge of the material 38
letdown n something which is not as good as
you thought it would be 3, 42
level off/out if a rate or amount levels off,
it stops rising or falling and it stays at the
same level 26
level with sb informal to tell the truth about
something 52
lie about/around (swh) if things are lying
around, they are untidily left in places where
they should not be 9
lift-off n the moment when a spacecraft
leaves the ground 3
lift up sth or lift sth up to move something
from a lower to a higher position 15
light up (sth) or light (sth) up if your face
or eyes light up, or if something [e.g. smile]
lights them up, you suddenly look very
happy or excited 40
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
177
line up sth or line sth up to move something
in order to make it straight or level with
something else 25
listen out for sth to make an effort to hear a
noise which you are expecting 21
live-in adj a live-in nanny lives at the home of
the children she cares for 4
live on to continue to exist 13
live with sth to accept a difficult or unpleasant
situation and continue with your life while it
exists 28
lockout n when workers are prevented from
entering their place of work until they agree to
particular conditions given by the employer 1
lock up (sth) or lock (sth) up to lock all the
doors and windows of a building when you
leave it 37
log in/into sth to connect a computer to a
system of computers by typing your name
or password, usually so that you can start
working 6
look after sb/sth to take care of someone or
something by doing what is needed to keep
them well or in good condition 2, 6
look after sth to be responsible for dealing
with something 35
look at sb/sth to focus on somebody/
something 33
look down on sb/sth to think that someone
is less important than you, or to think that
something is not good enough quality for
you to use 2
look for sth/sb to try to find something or
someone, either because you have lost them
or because you need them 2
look forward to sth/doing sth to feel pleased
and excited about something that is going to
happen 1, 2
look into sth to investigate or find out about
something 33
lookout n a person who looks at what
is happening in the area around them,
especially in order to watch for any danger 3
loosen up to relax mentally 41
loosen up (sth) or loosen (sth) up to prepare
your body muscles for a physical activity by
stretching and doing simple exercises 44
lose out to to be less successful than 27
magic away sth or magic sth away to make
something disappear so quickly that it
seems as if you have used magic 19
178
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
major in sth US & Australia to study something
as your main subject at university 32
make out sth to claim falsely that something
is true; to pretend 52
make up for sth if someone makes up for
something bad that they have done, they do
something good so that the bad thing does
not cause a problem any more 28
make up for lost time to do something to
compensate for not doing it previously 8
make up your mind to make a decision about
something 8
mark down sb or mark sb down to give
someone a lower result in an exam or
competition because they have made a
mistake or done something wrong 2, 32
mist over if your eyes mist over, they become
filled with tears which stop you from seeing
clearly 48
mist over/up if something made of glass
[e.g. windscreen, glasses] mists up, or if
something mists it up, it becomes covered
with small drops of water and you cannot
see through it any more 48
be mixed up with sb to be involved with
someone who has a bad influence on you 39
mock-up n a model showing how something
will look when it is built 49
mop up (sth) or mop (sth) up to use a cloth
or a mop to remove a liquid that has been
dropped or that has spread 37
move away to leave the place or area where
you live and go and live in another place 42
move in to begin living in a new house or
area 47
move (sb) in/into (swh) to go to a place to
deal with a difficult situation 51
move on to move forward in one’s life and not
look back to the past 42
move up (sb) or move (sb) up if a student
moves up, or if a teacher moves them up,
they are put in a higher level or class 2, 32
muck up sth or muck sth up informal to do
something very badly 6
mull over sth or mull sth over to think
carefully about something for a long time,
often before making a decision 29
nail down informal to make a decision about
all the details of something 23
nod off informal to fall asleep when you do
not intend to go to sleep 43
nose about/around (swh) informal to look
around a place, often in order to find
something 7
object to sb/sth/doing sth to feel or say that you
oppose or dislike something or someone 34
occur to sb if a thought or idea occurs to you,
it comes into your mind 24
off-putting adj slightly unpleasant or
worrying so that you are discouraged from
getting involved in any way 4
offset adj if something is offset by something
else it is compensated for 49
offshoot n plant which has developed from a
larger plant 47
ongoing adj if a problem is ongoing, it
continues to be a problem 4
onset n the moment at which something
unpleasant starts 1, 3
open off sth if an area opens off another area,
you can enter one from the other directly 49
open up (sth) or open (sth) up if a country or
area opens up, or is opened up, it becomes
easier to travel around it or sell things to it 15
open up (sth) or open (sth) up to create a
new opportunity or possibility 15, 19
outbreak n a sudden beginning of something,
especially something unpleasant 3
outdated adj old-fashioned and therefore not
as good or as fashionable as something that
is modern 4
outgoing adj if someone is outgoing, they are
friendly and energetic and find it easy and
enjoyable to be with others 1, 4
outlook n the likely future situation 3
output n an amount of something, produced
by a person, machine, factory or country 3
outspoken adj if someone is outspoken, they
express their opinions even though other
people might be offended by them 4, 40
outstretched adj if someone’s arms are
outstretched they are held out in front of
the person’s body, often in order to greet
someone 4
overcast adj if the sky is overcast, it is grey
and covered in cloud 47
overkill n when there is more of something
than is needed 3
overpriced adj too expensive 4
pack in sth or pack sth in informal to manage
to do a lot of activities in a period of time 27
pack in sth or pack sth in informal to stop
doing something, especially a job 31
paper over sth to hide a disagreement or
difficulty and try to make people believe that
there is no problem 52
part with sth to give something away, usually
when you do not want to 37
pass by (swh) British to visit somewhere for
a short time, usually while you are going
somewhere else 42
pass sb by if an event or opportunity passes
you by, you do not notice it or you do not get
any advantage from it 16
pass off British & Australian if an event passes
off in a good way, it happens in that way 51
pass on sth or pass sth on to give a disease
to another person or animal 43
pass over sb or pass sb over to not give
someone a job or a higher position and give
it to someone else who is younger or less
experienced 31
patch up sth or patch sth up to try to
improve your relationship with someone
after an argument 39
pay sth into sth to put money into a bank
account, often to save money for a particular
purpose 36
peal out when bells ring loudly, they peal out 21
pelt down informal to rain very heavily 48
pep up sth/sb or pep sth/sb up informal
to make something more interesting or
attractive, or to make someone feel more
active or energetic 15
perk up (sb) or perk (sb) up to suddenly
become happier or more energetic, or to
make someone feel this way 41
peter out if an energetic activity or a strong
emotion peters out, it gradually becomes less
energetic or strong until it stops completely 19
pick at sth to eat only a small amount of a
meal because you are not hungry or because
you are feeling ill 55
pick out sth/sb or pick sth/sb out to choose
one thing or person or several things or
people from a large group 14
pick up if the wind picks up, it becomes
stronger 1
pick up if something [e.g. business, economy,
trade] picks up, it improves or increases after
a bad period 1
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
179
pick up to lift something by using a bill
(birds) 47
pick up (sth) or pick (sth) up to start
something again [e.g. story, relationship]
from the point where you had stopped 1
pick up sth if you pick up speed, you suddenly
start to go faster 50
pick up sth or pick sth up to buy something
cheaply 1
pick up sth or pick sth up to learn a new
skill or language by practising it rather than
being taught it 1
pick up sth or pick sth up if a device picks up
a signal or programmes broadcast by a radio
station, it receives them 1, 54
pick up sth or pick sth up to learn interesting
or useful information [e.g. idea, tip, gossip]
from someone or something 24, 51
pick up sth or pick sth up to get an
infectious illness from someone or
something 43
pick up sth/sb or pick sth/sb up to collect
someone who is waiting for you, or to collect
something that you have left somewhere or
that you have bought 1, 2, 50
pick up sth/sb or pick sth/sb up to lift
something or someone by using your
hands 1, 15
pick up on sth to react to something that
you have noticed or something that has
happened 15
pick yourself up to stand up again after you
have fallen 44
piece together sth or piece sth together to
try to understand a situation or to try to
discover the truth about something by
collecting different pieces of information
and considering them at the same time 24
pile into swh to enter a place or vehicle
quickly and not in an organised way 46
pile out (of) to leave a place or vehicle
quickly and not in an organised way 46
pile up (sth) or pile (sth) up to become a
pile, or to make a lot of things into a pile by
putting them on top of each other 25
pin down sb or pin sb down to force
someone to stay in a horizontal position by
holding them 10
pitch in to help with work that needs to be
done 11
180
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
play along to pretend to agree with someone,
or to do what someone wants for a short
time, in order to get something from them or
to avoid making them angry 52
play about/around to behave in a stupid way 9
play sb off against sb to encourage one
person or group to compete against or argue
with another, hoping that you can get some
advantage from this situation 29
play on sth if someone plays on your fears or
weaknesses, they use them to try and make
you do what they want, often in a way that is
unfair 29
play with sth if you play with the idea of
doing something, you consider it, but usually
do not do it 24
plough back sth or plough sth back to put
money that you have earned into a business, in
order to make the business bigger or better 36
plug away informal to work hard at
something for a long time 31
plug into sth if a piece of electrical
equipment plugs into a supply of electricity
or another piece of electrical equipment, it
works by being connected to that supply of
electricity or that piece of equipment 54
plump up sth or plump sth up to make
something [e.g. cushion, pillow] rounder and
softer, especially by shaking it 37
point to/towards sth if one thing points to
something else, it makes it seem likely that it
is true 17
point out sb/sth or point sb/sth out to
highlight 33
pop-up adverts n advertisements that open
quickly on a computer screen in front of
what you are working on 54
pore over sth to study or look carefully
at something, especially a book or a
document 5, 32
potter about/around (swh) British & Australian
to spend time in a pleasant, relaxed way, often
doing small jobs in or around the house 9
predispose sb to/towards sth formal
predisposing someone to something makes
it more likely that that thing will happen 6
preside over sth formal to be in charge
of an event or situation and have official
responsibility for it 6
press on to continue doing something in a
determined way 13, 19
prey on sth to catch for food 47
pride yourself on sth/doing sth (always
reflexive) to be proud of a quality you have
or of something you do 27, 40
print off sth or print sth off to print a particular
number of copies of something 6, 54
profit from sth/doing sth to get an advantage
from something 34
prop up sth or prop sth up to make something
stay in a particular position by putting
something underneath or against it 25
prop yourself up to support yourself by
leaning on or against something 15
provide for sth formal if a law or agreement
provides for something, it allows it to
happen or exist 53
pull down sth or pull sth down to destroy a
structure because it is not wanted anymore 47
pull on sth to put on clothes quickly 38
pull out to drive to a different part of the
road, usually a part where the vehicles are
travelling faster 50
pull out all the stops to do everything you
can 8
pull out to move military troops to a different
area 51
pull over sb/sth or pull sb/sth over if the
police pull someone who is driving a car
over, they order them to drive the car to the
side of the road and stop 50
pull (sb) through (sth) to succeed in dealing
with a difficult period of your life, or to help
someone else to do this 27
pull sth to to close a door or window by
pulling it towards you 37
pull up to move a piece of furniture [esp.
chair] near to something or someone 37
pull up sth or pull sth up to remove something
from the ground 47
pull your socks up to make an effort to
improve 16
push sb about/around/round to tell someone
what to do in a rude or threatening way 20
push on to continue travelling somewhere 46
push over sb/sth or push sb/sth over to push
someone or something so that they fall to
the ground 20
push through sth or push sth through to
make a plan or suggestion be officially
accepted 29
push sth to to close a door or window by
pushing it 37
push up sth or push sth up to increase the
amount, number, or value of something 26
put aside sth/sb or push sth/sb to save
money for a particular purpose 36
put away sth or put sth away to put
something in the place where it is usually
kept 37
put back sth or put sth back to change the
date or time of an event so that it happens
later than planned 16
put sth behind sb if you put an unpleasant
experience behind you, you forget it so that
it does not affect your life 18
put by sth or put sth by to save an amount of
money in order to use it later 36
put down sb or put sb down to put
someone’s name on a list or document,
usually in order to arrange for them to do
something 10
put down sth or put sth down to kill an
animal because it is very old or very ill 10
put down sth or put sth down to use force to
stop people opposing the government 51
put down roots to settle down and make a
relationship more permanent 8
put sth down to sth to think that a problem or
bad experience is caused by something else 17
put forward sth or put sth forward to state
an idea or opinion, or to suggest a plan, so
that it can be considered or discussed 6
put in a good word for someone to say good
things about someone to people in authority 8
put on sth or put sth on if a person or animal
puts on weight, they become heavier 26, 55
put sb on sth to give someone a particular
type of medical treatment or food 43
put out sth or put sth out to produce
information [e.g. statement, warning, press
release] and make it available for everyone
to read or hear 6, 51, 53
put out sth or put sth out to put something
outside the house, especially so that it can
be collected 37
put sb through sth to pay for someone to
study at college or university 32
put sth to sb to ask someone a question, or
to state an opinion to someone which they
are likely to disagree with 45
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
181
put together sth or put sth together to
prepare, or organise something 33
put up sth or put sth up to fasten a piece of
furniture [e.g. shelves, cupboard] to a wall or
assemble something 37
put up with sb/sth to tolerate unpleasant
behaviour or an unpleasant situation 2
ramble on to talk or write for a long time
about things that are not interesting to other
people 13
rank (sth) among sth to have a particular
position in a list that has been arranged in
order of quality 25
read on to continue reading and read the next
part of something 13
read up on sb/sth to do background reading
on 33
reason with sb to try to persuade someone
not to do something stupid by giving them
good reasons not to 29
rebound on sb if a negative action rebounds
on someone, it has a bad effect on the
person who did it and they do not achieve
what they were trying to achieve 17
reduce sth to sth to destroy something that
has been built [e.g. building, city] 49
reel off sth or reel sth off to say a long list of
things quickly and without stopping 45
refer to sb/sth if writing or information refers
to someone or something, it describes or is
about that person or thing 34
reflect on sth slightly formal to think very hard
about something, or to express your thoughts
about something in what you say or write 24
relate to sth to be connected to a particular
subject, or to be about a particular subject 34
rely on sth/sb to need something or someone
in order to survive, be successful, or work
correctly 13
remind sb of sb/sth to cause someone to
think of someone or something 18
rent out sth or rent sth out if you rent out
something that you own [e.g. house], you
allow someone to pay you money so that
they can use it 36
resign yourself to sth to accept that something
we do not want to happen will happen 28
resort to sth/doing sth to do something bad in
order to achieve what you want, often because
it is the only thing you can do to achieve it 28
182
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
result in sth to cause something to happen,
or to make a situation exist 17, 34
rev up sth or rev sth up to make a vehicle’s
engine work faster while the vehicle is not
moving 50
be riddled with sth be full of something,
especially something bad or unpleasant 5, 28
ride on sth if something important [e.g.
reputation, money] rides on something else,
it depends on it 13
rise above sth to not allow something bad
that is happening or being done to you to
upset you or to affect your behaviour 27
roll about/around informal to laugh a lot
about something 9
roll in if money or requests for money [e.g.
bills] roll in, they arrive in large numbers 36
roll in if bad weather [e.g. clouds, fog] rolls in,
it appears in large amounts 48
Roll on sth! British informal something that
you say in order to show that you are looking
forward to a time or event 30
roll out sth or roll sth out to make a new
product, service or system available for the
first time 53
roll (sb/sth) over to turn from lying on one
side of your body to the other side, or to
make someone or something turn from one
side to the other 1
roll up to arrive at a particular place or event,
usually late 42
roll up sth or roll sth up to fold the edges of
a piece of clothing that you are wearing [e.g.
sleeves, trousers] in order to make them
shorter 38
be rooted in sth to be based on, or caused
by 17
root out sth/sb or root sth/sb out informal to
search and find something or someone that
is difficult to find 51
rough out sth or rough sth out if you rough
out a drawing or an idea, you draw or write
the main parts of it without showing the
details 24
round down sth or round sth down to
decrease a number to the nearest whole
amount 26
round off sth or round sth off to do
something as a way of finishing an event or
activity in a satisfactory way 12, 33
round on sb to suddenly turn and attack
someone, or shout at them angrily 20
round up sb/sth or round sb/sth up to find
and gather together a group of people or
animals 25
round up sth or round sth up to increase a
number to the nearest whole amount 26
rule out sth or rule sth out to say no to
something 23
run about/around to run and play 9
run around/round after sb informal to do
a lot of things for someone else, especially
when they should be able to do more for
themselves 9, 31
run away with sb if something [e.g.
emotions, imagination, enthusiasm] runs
away with someone, it makes them do or
think stupid things 41
run-down adj shabby, in disrepair 49
run into sth if you run into difficulties or
problems, you begin to experience them 28
run out if a supply of something runs out, there
is none left because it has all been used 19
run over to continue past the expected
finishing time 7
run over sb/sth or run sb/sth over to hit
someone or something with a vehicle and
drive over them, injuring or killing them 7
run over sth to quickly read something or
repeat something in order to remember it or
to make sure that it is correct 7
run rings round to outwit and be cleverer
than people 8
run through sth if you run through money,
you spend a lot of it very quickly 36
run through sth to explain or read something
to someone quickly 45
safeguard against sth to do things that
you hope will stop something unpleasant
happening 28
sail through (sth) to succeed very easily,
especially in a test, examination etc. 5, 27, 32
be sandwiched between sb/sth informal
to be in a small space in the middle of two
people or things 7
scrape by to manage to live when you do not
have much money 36
scrape through (sth) to manage with a lot
of difficulty to succeed in something [e.g.
exam] 32
scream out (sth) or scream (sth) out to
suddenly shout something in a loud voice,
especially to get someone’s attention 14
screw up sb or screw sb up informal to make
someone feel confused or unhappy about
themselves and their life 40
scroll down/up to move text or other
information on a computer screen, in order
to view a different part of it 6
see about sth to deal with something, or to
arrange for something to be done 25
see sth through to continue doing a job or
activity until it is finished, especially when it
is difficult 31
seize up if part of your body or a machine
seizes up, it stops moving or working in the
normal way 54
sell up (sth) or sell (sth) up British & Australian
to sell your house or business in order to go
somewhere else or do something else 6
send in sb or send sb in to send a group of
people with special skills [e.g. police, troops]
to deal with a difficult situation 1, 51
send out sth or send sth out if a plant sends out
something [e.g. roots, shoots], it grows 47
send out for sth to telephone a restaurant and
ask for food to be delivered to your home 55
separate off sth or separate sth off to remove
something from a large group of things 25
separate out sb/sth or separate sb/sth out
to divide a group of people or things into
smaller groups 25
serve up sth or serve sth up to put food on
plates and in dishes for people to eat 55
set aside sth or set sth aside to use
something, especially time, for one purpose
and no other purpose 16
set back sb/sth or set sb/sth back to make
something happen more slowly, or to make
something happen later than it should
happen 16
set sb back (sth) informal to cost someone a
particular amount of money, usually a large
amount of money 36
be set back if a building is set back, it is a
little distance from the road 49
set in if something unpleasant sets in, it
begins and seems likely to continue 3, 11
set off sth or set sth off to make something
look attractive, usually by providing a very
different colour 49
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
183
set (sth/sb) on sb to attack someone, or to make
a person or animal attack someone 3, 20
set out to begin something with a specific
aim 33
set up (sth) or set (sth) up to get all the
necessary equipment ready for a particular
activity 54
set up sth or set sth up to make arrangements
so that something can happen or exist 15
set up sb or set sb up to give someone the
money that they need to start a business 35
settle in (sth/swh) or settle (sb) in to begin to
feel relaxed and happy in new surroundings 37
settle for to agree to something which isn’t
your first choice 23
settle on sth to agree on something 23
shake off sb or shake sb off to succeed in
escaping from someone who is following
you 12
shake up sb or shake sb up if an unpleasant
experience shakes someone up, it makes
them feel shocked and upset 41
shake-up n when big changes are made to an
organisation in order to improve it 1
share out sth or share sth out to divide
something into smaller amounts and give one
amount to each person or thing in a group 14
shine through (sth) if a quality that someone
has shines through or shines through
something, that quality is very easily
noticed 40
shoot down sb/sth or shoot sb/sth down
informal to criticise someone’s ideas or
suggestions and refuse to consider them 6
shoot down sb/sth or shoot sb/sth down to
destroy an aircraft or make it fall to the
ground by firing bullets or weapons at it 51
shoot off British & Australian informal to leave
somewhere very quickly 42
shoot up if the number, amount, or rate
of something shoots up, it increases very
quickly 7
shore up sth or shore sth up to strengthen
or improve an organisation, agreement, or
system that is not working effectively or that
is likely to fail 15
shout down sb or shout sb down to shout
in order to prevent someone who is saying
something that you disagree with from being
heard 10
184
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
shout out (sth) or shout (sth) out to
suddenly shout something in a loud voice,
especially to get someone’s attention 14
Shove off! something that you say when you
are angry to tell someone to go away 12
show in sb or show sb in to lead a visitor into
a room where they have arranged to meet or
wait for someone 11
show off to show someone or something that
you are proud of to a group of people 12
show up if something shows up, it can be
seen clearly or easily 15
shrug off sth or shrug sth off to not
worry about something and treat it as
unimportant 12
shut down (sth) or shut (sth) down if a
machine shuts down or someone shuts it
down, it stops operating 10
shutdown n when a factory or business closes
and stops working 1
shut out sth or shut sth out to prevent a
sound or light from being heard or seen 21
shut (sb) up to stop talking or making a noise,
or to make someone do this 30
Shut up! to tell someone to stop talking 30
side against sb to oppose a person or group
in an argument 22
side with sb to support a person or group in
an argument 22
sift through sth to examine a large collection
of something, especially papers, usually in
order to discover something or to decide
what is important 25
sign over sth or sign sth over to give
someone else your property or legal
rights to something by signing an official
document 53
sign up sb or sign sb up to arrange for
someone to sign a document stating that
they will work for you 35
single out sb/sth or single sb/sth out to
choose one person or thing from a large
group in order to criticise or praise them 29
size up sb/sth or size sb/sth up to carefully
examine a situation or person in order to
make a judgement 29
sketch out sth or sketch sth out to roughly
plan something 33
skim through sth to read quickly without
studying the details 32
skirt around/round sth to avoid discussing a
difficult subject or problem 9
slam down sth or slam sth down to put
something down with a lot of force 10
sleep off sth or sleep sth off to sleep until you
feel better, especially after too much alcohol 42
slice up sth or slice sth up to cut or divide
something into parts 55
slim down (sth) or slim (sth) down to become
smaller in size, often by employing fewer
people, or to make something smaller 26
slip away if a period of time slips away, it
seems to pass quickly 16
slog away informal to keep working very
hard, usually for a long time 31
smarten up (sb/sth) or smarten sb/sth up to
make a person or a place look tidier 37
smash up sth or smash sth up to badly
damage or destroy something by hitting it
many times 20
smooth down sth or smooth sth down to
press your hair or your clothes with your
hands in order to make them flat 38
smooth over sth or smooth sth over to
settle a disagreement so that it’s no longer a
problem 23
smooth over sth or smooth sth over to
make a disagreement or problem seem less
serious or more easy to deal with, especially
by talking to the people involved in it 28
snap out of sth informal to force yourself to
stop feeling sad and upset 41
be snowed under informal to have so much
work that you have problems dealing with it 32
oak up sth or soak sth up to enjoy the effects
of an experience 49
soak up sth or soak sth up if a dry substance
soaks up a liquid, it absorbs it 55
soldier on to continue doing something,
although it is difficult or unpleasant 7
sort out sth or sort sth out to successfully deal
with a problem or difficult situation 2, 14
sort out sth or sort sth out to arrange or
organise things which are untidy 14
sound out sb/sth or sound sb/sth out to talk
to someone in order to discover what they
think about an idea or plan 45, 51
space out sth or space sth out to arrange
things so that there is enough space or time
between them 16, 25
spill out (sth) or spill (sth) out if you spill
out an emotion or if emotion spills out,
you express it, usually by talking in an
uncontrolled way 41
spill over if a bad situation or problem spills
over, it begins to have an unpleasant effect
on another situation or group of people 28
spill over (sth) if the liquid in a container spills
over, it flows over the edge of the container 55
spin out sth or spin sth out to make something
continue for as long as possible 16
split off to stop belonging to a particular group
or political party and form a separate one 12
split up (sth) or split (sth) up to divide
into smaller parts or groups, or to divide
something into smaller parts or groups 15
spread out sth or spread sth out to open
something that is folded [e.g. map, towel]
and put it down flat on a surface 14
spread out sth or spread sth out if you
spread out your arms, legs, or fingers, you
stretch them so that there are wide spaces
between them 44
spring sth on sb to tell someone some news
that surprises them 13
spring up if something springs up, it suddenly
appears or begins to exist 19
sprout up if a large number of things sprout up,
they suddenly appear or begin to exist 19
spur on sb or spur sb on to encourage someone
to try harder in order to achieve something 7
spy on sb/sth to watch secretly in order to
discover information about them 52
square up informal to pay someone the money
you owe them 6, 36
squash (sb) in to manage to get yourself or
someone else into a very small space, or
place that is full of people 11
squash up if people who are sitting or standing
together squash up, they move closer together
in order to make space for someone else 46
stack up if aircraft stack up, they fly over an
airport at different heights waiting to be told
they can land 50
stack up sth or stack sth up to arrange things
in a tall pile 25
stake sth on sth/doing sth to risk losing
money or harming something important
[e.g. reputation] if a plan does not
succeed 36
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
185
stake out sth or stake sth out if the police
or reporters stake out a building where
someone is living or hiding, they watch the
building continuously in order to see who is
leaving or entering it 51
stand back to move a short distance away
from something or someone 46
stand by to do nothing to prevent something
unpleasant from happening 7
standby n a person or thing that can be used
if someone or something else is not available
or cannot be used 1, 3
stand for sth if a group of people stand for
a set of ideas, they support those ideas, or
if something stands for a particular idea, it
represents that idea 22
stand-off n when two groups fail to reach an
agreement in talks 3
stand up to rise from a sitting or lying position
to a standing position 1
stand up if an idea or claim stands up, it is
proved to be correct when it is examined
carefully 15
start sb off to help someone to start an
activity, especially a piece of work 12
to start with to begin 33
start-up n when a business or organisation is
created and starts to operate 3
steal away to leave a place quietly without
anyone knowing 46
steam up (sth) or steam (sth) up if a glass
surface steams up, or if something steams
it up, it becomes covered with very small
drops of water 48
be steeped in sth to have a lot of (particularly
tradition or history) 49
stem from sth if a problem or difficult situation
stems from something, it is caused by it 17
step aside to leave a job or position, especially
so that someone else can do it 31
stick by sth to continue to support or use a
decision, opinion, or plan 22
stick out sth or stick sth out to push part of
your body forward or out from the rest of
your body 44
stick up if part of something sticks up, it comes
up above the surface of something, or it points
upwards 15
stick up for sth to defend or fight for something
important [e.g. rights] 22
186
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
stick with sb if something sticks with you,
you remember it 18
stir up sth or stir sth up if something stirs up
memories, it makes you remember events
in the past, usually ones that make you feel
sad 18
store up sth or store sth up to remember
things, usually so that you can tell people
about them later 18
storm out to leave a place in an angry way 48
stow away to hide on a ship, aircraft, or other
vehicle, in order to travel secretly or without
paying 3, 50
stowaway n a person who stows away 3, 50
straighten up sth or straighten sth up to
make a place tidy 37
stream into swh to move continuously in one
direction, especially if a lot of people do this
at the same time 5
stretch out if an area of land stretches out, it
continues over a long distance 49
stretch out sth or stretch sth out to hold a part
of your body straight out in front of you 44
strike back (at) to attack someone who has
attacked you 1, 20
strike out to start doing something that you
have not done before 7
strike up sth to start a conversation or
relationship with someone 39
stumble on sth/sb to find or meet by chance 46
succeed in sth/doing sth to achieve something
that you have been trying to get or do 27
suck up to sb informal to try to make
someone who is in a position of authority
like you by doing and saying things that will
please them 39
sum up (sth/sb) or sum (sth/sb) up to
describe briefly the most important facts or
characteristics of something or someone 6
sum up sb/sth or sum sth/sb up if something
sums up someone or something, it
represents the most typical qualities of that
person or thing 34
summon up sth or summon sth up if
something summons up a memory or an
image, it makes you remember something or
think about something 18
summon up sth or summon sth up to
try hard to find a particular quality [e.g.
courage, energy] in yourself because you
need it in order to do something 41
swear by sth to believe that something is very
effective and that it will always work well 22
sweep aside sth or sweep sth aside to refuse
to think about something or let it affect your
performance 7
swing around/round to suddenly turn around
so that you can see someone or something
behind you 44
switch around/round to move two or more
things, so that each of them is now in the
place that one of the others was in before 9
switch off to stop giving your attention to
something or someone 12
tail off to decrease in amount or level 26
take sb aback if something takes you aback,
you are very surprised by it 60
take along sb/sth or take sb/sth along to
take someone or something with you when
you go somewhere 60
take away sb or take sb away to take someone
with you when you stay somewhere for a short
time 60
take away sth or take sth away if you take
away something [e.g. memory, impression,
message] from an event or performance, you
remember or think about that thing after the
event or performance has finished 60
take away from sth to make something seem
less good or successful 60
Take it away! something that you say in musical
contexts to tell someone to start playing or
singing 30, 60
take down sth or take sth down to remove
a large temporary structure from a place by
separating it into pieces and taking the pieces
away 60
take down sth or take sth down to write
something, especially something that
someone says 10
take off if an aircraft, bird, or insect takes
off, it moves from the ground and begins
to fly 60
take off sth or take sth off to spend time
away from your work 60
take sb off sth to stop giving someone a
particular type of medical treatment or
food 60
take sb off sth to stop someone doing a
particular task 60
take-off n imitation 60
take on sth or take sth on to accept a particular
job or responsibility and begin to do what is
needed 6
take out sb or take sb out to go somewhere
and do something with someone, usually
something that you have planned or paid
for 42, 60
take out sb/sth or take sb/sth out to kill
someone, or to destroy something 60
take sth out of sb informal to make someone
feel very tired 43
take over sth or take sth over to get control
of a company by buying most of its shares
(= the equal parts into which the ownership
of the company is divided) 6
take over sth or take sth over to get control
of an area of land or a political organisation,
usually by using force 47
take the sting out of something to make
something that is unpleasant less so 8
take up sth or take sth up to start doing a
particular job or activity 32
take up sth or take sth up to shorten a piece
of clothing [e.g. skirt, trousers] 38
take up sth (with) or take sth up (with) to
discuss something or deal with something 60
take up sth or take sth up to use a particular
amount of time, space or effort 60
talk at sb to talk to someone without listening
to them or allowing them to speak 45
talk sb out of sth to persuade someone not
to do something 23
talk round sb or talk sb round to convince
somebody to agree to your idea or opinion
through a long discussion 23
talk through sth or talk sth through to discuss
all the details of something so that you can
understand it or make a decision about it 24
tend towards sth to be likely to choose a
particular thing 29
tense up if you tense up or your muscles
tense up, your muscles stiffen because you
are not relaxed 44
test out sth or test sth out to test a theory
or new idea by seeing how it works in a
practical situation or by finding out what
other people think of it 14
thaw out if someone thaws out, they become
warmer after they have been outside and
have got very cold 44
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
187
thin out if a large number of people or things
thin out, they become fewer in number 26
think through sth or think sth through to
plan carefully 33
think up sth or think sth up to create an
idea or plan by using your imagination and
intelligence 24
thrash out sth or thrash sth out to discuss a
problem, idea, or plan in detail until you find
a solution, reach an agreement, or make a
decision 24
throw off sth or throw sth off to succeed in
getting rid of a slight illness 43
throw out sth or throw sth out if people in
authority throw out a plan or idea [e.g. bill,
proposal] they refuse to accept or use it 53
throw the baby out with the bathwater to
get rid of the good parts of something as
well as the bad parts 8
tick off sb or tick sb off British & Australian to
tell someone that they have done something
wrong and that you are angry about it 12
tick off sth or tick sth off to mark something
with a tick 32
tie back sth or tie sth back to fasten
something that usually hangs down [esp.
hair] so that it is fixed in position and not
hanging down 2, 38
tie down sth/sb or tie sth/sb down to fasten
something or someone in a particular
position, especially by using ropes 10
tie sb down to stop someone from being free
to do what they want to do 10, 29
tighten up sth or tighten sth up to make
rules more limiting and more difficult to
avoid 53
tire out sb or tire sb out to make someone
very tired 43
tired out adj completely exhausted 4
toss (sb) for sth to decide which person or
team can do something or have something by
throwing a coin in the air and guessing which
side of the coin will be on top when it lands 29
toss-up n informal a situation in which two
people or things seem equally likely to be
chosen or two possible results seem equally
likely to happen 3
toughen up to become stronger and more
able to deal with problems, or to make
someone become this way 40
188
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
toughen up sth or toughen sth up to make
rules more limiting and more difficult to
avoid 53
toy with sth to consider something or doing
something, but not in a very serious way and
without making a decision 29
trail off to gradually become quieter and then
stop 21
treat sb to sth to buy or pay for something for
someone else 42
trip over (sth) to fall or almost fall because
you have accidentally hit your foot against
something while walking or running 46
tune into sth to turn on the radio or television
in order to listen to or watch a particular
programme 54
turn (sb) against sth/sb to decide not to like
or agree with someone or something, or to
make someone do this 41
turn around/round (sb/sth) or turn (sth/sb)
around/round to turn so that you are facing
the opposite direction, or to make someone
or something do this 9, 44
turn around/round sth or turn sth around
change an unsuccessful business, plan or
system so that it becomes successful 9
turn away sb or turn sb away to refuse to
allow someone to enter a place, usually
because there is no more space 42
turn down sth or turn sth down to reduce
the amount of sound or heat that is
produced by a device [e.g. television, radio,
oven] 10
turn out sth or turn sth out if a company or
business turns out something, they make or
produce it 35
turn over sth or turn sth over if a business or
a company turns over an amount of money,
it makes that amount in a particular period
of time 6, 35
turn up the heat to make a relationship more
intense 8
type in to write something using a
computer 54
type up sth or type sth up to rewrite in full
using a computer 33
upkeep n keeping a building in good condition,
usually by providing money to repair it 59
uptake n the number of people who have
committed themselves to something 60
usher in sth formal if an event ushers in
a period of time in which new things or
changes happen, it is at the beginning of
that period or it causes those things to
happen 11
vote on sth to make a decision about
something [e.g. proposal, motion] by counting
the number of people for and against it 53
vouch for sb to say that you know someone
and that you can promise that they have a
good character or good skills 40
Wake up! informal something you say to tell
someone to listen to what you are saying
when they have not been listening 30
wake up to the fact to be realistic 8
walk away to stop being involved in a
situation that is difficult to deal with or that
does not give you any advantages 28
walk in on sb to go into a room and see what
someone is doing when they did not want
anyone to see them 46
walk-on adj a walk-on part in a play is a very
small part with no words for the actor to
speak 3
walk out to stop working because of a
disagreement with your employer 3, 51
walkout n when workers stop working because
of a disagreement with their employer 3
want for formal if someone does not want for
anything, they have everything they need in
order to have a satisfactory life 6
want out informal to want to leave a place 14
warm to sb to start to like someone 39
warm up to prepare your body muscles for
a physical activity by stretching and doing
simple exercises 44
warm up (sth) or warm (sth) up if an engine
or machine warms up, or if you warm it up,
it starts working so that it becomes warm
enough to work well 54
warm up sb or warm sb up to make a group of
people who are going to watch a performance
start to enjoy themselves by entertaining them
for a short time before the performance 7
warm up sth or warm sth up to heat food
that has already been cooked 7
warm-up n when a performer makes a
group of people who are going to watch a
performance start to enjoy themselves by
entertaining them for a short time before the
performance 3
wash away sth or wash sth away if water
[e.g. rain, flood] washes something away, it
carries it away 47
wash down sth or wash sth down to clean a
large object or surface [e.g. floor, walls] with
a liquid 37
wash down sth or wash sth down to drink
something while you are eating food
or taking medicine in order to help you
swallow it 55
washed out adj if someone looks washed out,
they look tired, pale and ill 43
waste away to gradually get thinner and
weaker, usually because of illness 44
Watch out! something you say to tell
someone to be careful so that they can avoid
danger or an accident 30
watch over sb/sth to protect or take care of a
person or animal 47
water down sth or water sth down to add
water to a drink, especially an alcoholic
drink 10, 55
water down sth or water sth down to
make an idea or opinion less strong in
order to make more people agree with
it, or to make a plan or suggestion more
acceptable 10, 55
watered-down adj when something is made
less strong in order to make people agree
with it 4
wear out (sth) or wear (sth) out to use
something so much that it becomes weak or
damaged and cannot be used any more, or
to become weak and damaged in this way 4
wear out sb or wear sb out to make someone
very tired 1, 43
weigh up sth or weigh sth up to thinking
about something carefully, comparing 33
whip up sth to try to make people feel
strongly about something 51
whittle away sth or whittle sth away or
whittle away at sth to gradually reduce the
size or importance of something until it does
not exist any more 19
win back sb/sth or win sb/sth back to
persuade customers to return to using your
company rather than competing companies
because your company has improved 27
win out if a particular emotion or type of
behaviour wins out, it is stronger than other
emotions or types of behaviour 27
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
189
win round sb or win sb round to get other
people to agree with your idea after a long
discussion or argument 23
win through to finally succeed after trying
hard to achieve something 27
wind up (sth) or wind (sth) up to finish an
activity 19
wipe off sth or wipe sth off to remove
information stored on part of a computer
[esp. memory, hard drive] 54
wipe out sb or wipe sb out informal to make
someone extremely tired 43
wipe out sth or wipe sth out to destroy or
get rid of something 20
wire up sth/sb or wire sth/sb up to connect
something or someone to a piece of electrical
equipment by using electrical wires 54
witter on British informal to talk for a long
time about unimportant things 45
wolf down sth or wolf sth down to eat
something very quickly because you are very
hungry 55
work around/round sth to organise activities
to ensure that a problem does not prevent
you from doing what you want to do 9
work yourself into sth to make yourself
become very angry or upset 41
work off sth or work sth off to do something
energetic to stop yourself becoming fat after
eating a lot of food 12
work off sth or work sth off to reduce the
size of a debt, either by earning money to
pay for it or by working for the person you
owe money to 36
work out sth or work sth out to think
carefully about how you are going to
do something and to make a plan or
decision 1, 29
worked up adj if you are worked-up, you
feel very upset, nervous or excited about
something 4
worm sth out of sb to manage to get
information from someone which they are
trying to keep secret 51
worn-out adj weak and damaged through
much use 1, 4
wrap up sth or wrap sth up to complete an
activity, especially successfully 15
wring sth out of sb to force or persuade
someone to give you money or
information 45
190
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
write out sth or write sth out to write (or
rewrite) in full 33
write up sth or write sth up to write
something on paper or on a computer in a
complete or final form, often using notes you
have made 15, 51
yell out (sth) or yell (sth) out to suddenly
shout something in a loud voice, especially
to get someone’s attention 14
zip along (sth) informal to move very
quickly 46
zip up sth or zip sth up to fasten a piece
of clothing by using its zip (= a long metal
or plastic fastener), or to help someone
close the zip on a piece of clothing they are
wearing 38
University Printing House, Cambridge CB2 8BS, United Kingdom
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© Cambridge University Press 2017
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no reproduction of any part may take place without the written
permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published 2005
Third Edition 2017
A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-1-316-63152-2 Edition with answers and ebook
ISBN 978-1-316-63153-9 Edition with answers
ISBN 978-1-316-631546 ebook
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thereafter.
Contents
Thanks
Introduction
People
1 The family mother, uncle, relatives
16
Communications address,
computer, memory stick
17
Your phone apps, voicemail, text
Leisure
2
Birth, marriage and death birthday,
married, die
18
Holidays package holiday,
currency, visa
3
Parts of the body head, foot,
shoulder
19
Shops and shopping chemist’s,
department store, credit card
4
Clothes hat, shirt, trousers
20
5
Describing people tall, dark,
good-looking
Online shopping reviews,
basket, delivery
21
6
Health and illness headache, heart
attack, exercise
In a hotel single room, key,
luggage
22
7
Feelings love, tired, thirsty
Eating out café, menu, fish
and chips
8
Conversations 1: Greetings and
wishes Good morning, Happy New
Year, well done
23
Sports table tennis, judo,
volleyball
24
Cinema western, film star, director
25
Free time at home gardening,
listening to CDs, programme
26
Music and musical instruments
guitar, jazz, orchestra
9
Conversations 2: Useful words
and expressions I don’t mind,
anyway, let’s
At home
The world
10
Food and drink rice, tea, vegetables
11
In the kitchen fridge, glass,
saucepan
27
Countries and nationalities Spain,
Chinese, continent
12
In the bedroom and bathroom
wardrobe, shampoo, mirror
28
Weather cold, rain, storm
29
In the town railway station, bank,
town hall
30
In the countryside hill, farm, river
31
Animals horse, giraffe, pet
32
Travelling train, map, flight
33
UK culture fireworks, roast beef,
Christmas
13
In the living room bookshelf, lamp,
remote control
School and workplace
14
Jobs secretary, factory, nurse
15
At school and university biology,
notebook, pass an exam
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
3
Social issues
Words and grammar
34
Crime murder, prison, guilty
50
35
The media TV channel, magazine,
talk show
Conjunctions and connecting words
because, only, before
51
36
Problems at home and work repair,
untidy, in a bad mood
Days, months, seasons Monday,
July, winter
52
37
Global problems hurricane,
war, strike
Time words next year, often,
once a week
53
Places middle, front, abroad
Everyday verbs
54
Manner fast, loud, the right way
38
Have / had / had have breakfast,
have time, have a swim
55
Common uncountable nouns
money, bread, information
39
Go / went / gone go away, go
shopping, go home
56
Common adjectives: Good and bad
things nice, awful, lovely
40
Do / did / done do an exercise, do
your best, do the washing
57
Words and prepositions wait for,
belong to, good at
41
Make / made / made make coffee,
make a mistake, make a noise
58
Prefixes impossible, ex- wife,
unsafe
42
Come / came / come come in, come
from, come back
59
Suffixes swimmer, useless, sunny
60
Words you may confuse quiet /
quite, lend / borrow, cook / cooker
43
4
Take / took / taken take the bus,
take a photo, take an exam
44
Bring / brought / brought bring
something here, bring back, take
45
Get / got / got get tired, get better,
get married
46
Phrasal verbs get up, put on,
turn down
47
Everyday things watch TV, wash
clothes, go for a walk
48
Talking say, tell, ask
49
Moving walk, drive, fly
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Answer key
Phonemic symbols
Index
Irregular verbs
How to learn vocabulary
Acknowledgements
How to use the ebook
█████████
Thanks
Sabina Ostrowska wrote two new units for the Third Edition: Unit 17, Your phone, and Unit 20,
Online shopping. The publishers would like to thank Sabina for her contribution to this
new edition.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
5
Introduction
To the student
This book will help you learn around 1, 250 new words and phrases. You can use the book
yourself, without a teacher. You can do the units in any order you like. If you have the edition with
the ebook, you can listen to the pronunciation of all the new vocabulary, and highlight text. see
page 171 for more information about the ebook.
Here is what the pages look like:
The left-hand page presents
the new vocabulary.
The left-hand page is
divided into sections.
Common mistakes and
learning tips are also given
on the left-hand page.
The right-hand page
practises the new
vocabulary.
Pictures, tables and
diagrams give variety to
the exercises.
Diagrams and pictures
show the meaning.
Example sentences show
the words in context.
Mini-dialogues show how
people use the words in
real situations.
A lot of diff erent exercise
types are used: gap-fills,
answering questions,
matching, etc.
Over to you tasks give you
a chance to do more work
on the topic of the unit.
The Answer key at the end of the book is for you to check your answers to the exercises aft er you
do them. The Answer key sometimes has more than one answer. This is because there is oft en
not just one correct way of saying something. The Answer key also has possible answers for most
of the exercises which are open-ended, or where you are asked to talk about yourself.
The Index at the end of the book has all the important words and phrases from the left-hand
pages. The Index also tells you how to pronounce words. There is a list of phonemic symbols to
help you understand the pronunciation on page 158.
It is a good idea to have a dictionary with you when you use the book so you can check the
meaning of something, or translate a word into your own language. sometimes, you will also
need a dictionary for the exercises; we tell you when this is so. You also need a vocabulary
notebook to write down new words. see page 170 for ideas on how to learn and remember
these new words.
We hope you like this book. When you have finished all the units in this book, you can go to the next
bookintheseries, EnglishVocabularyinUse:Pre-intermediateandIntermediate, andafterthat,tothe
higher levels, English Vocabulary in Use: Upper-intermediate and English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced.
6
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
To the teacher
This book can be used in class or as a self-study book. It is intended for learners at A1–A2 levels
of the Council of Europe scale. It aims to take learners with a very basic level of vocabulary to
a point where they can use approximately 2,000 words and phrases and teaches them around
1, 250 new words and phrases. The vocabulary has been chosen for its usefulness in everyday
situations, and we consulted a written and spoken corpus of present-day English to help us
decide on the words and phrases to be included. The new vocabulary (on average 20–30 items
per unit) is presented with photos or illustrations and explanations on the left-hand page, and
there are exercises and activities on the right-hand page. There is an Answer key and an Index
with pronunciation for all the key vocabulary.
The book focuses not just on single words, but also on useful phrases and collocations. For
example, difficult teaching points such as the difference between do and make are dealt
with through collocation (we do our homework, but we make mistakes), and useful phrases
(e.g. come along) are presented.
The book is organised around everyday topics, but also has units devoted to core verbs such
as get and bring / take. Typical errors are indicated where appropriate, and the most typical
meanings and uses are focused on for each key item. The units in the book can be used in any
order you like, but it is often a good idea to do blocks of units based round the same topic
(e.g. People, At home, Leisure).
The right-hand pages offer a variety of different types of activities, including traditional ones such
asgap-filling,butalsomoreopen-endedonesandpersonalisedactivitieswhichenablelearnersto
talkabouttheirownlives.Althoughtheactivitiesandexercisesaredesignedforself-study,theycan
easilybeadaptedforpairwork,groupworkorwhole-classactivitiesintheusualways.Forexample,
where there are dialogues, students can take the speaking parts and practise the conversations,
and where the exercises have questions and answers, students can practise asking each other
the questions and answering them. See who has the best ideas for recording vocabulary in their
notebook. The Answer key sometimes gives alternative answers to the exercises, and also gives
possible model answers for the more personalised ones.
When the learners have worked through a group of units, it is a good idea to repeat some of
the work (for example, the exercises) and to expand on the meaning and use of key words and
phrases by extra discussion in class, and find other examples of the key items in other texts and
situations. This can be done at intervals of one to three months after first working on a unit. This
is important, since it is usually the case that learners need five to seven exposures to a word or
phrase before they can really know it, and no single book can do enough to ensure that words
are always learnt first time.
When your students have finished and reviewed all the units in this book, they can move on to
the next book in this series: English Vocabulary in Use: Pre-intermediate and Intermediate, by
Stuart Redman.
Find more resources for teachers at www.cambridge.org
We hope you enjoy using the book.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
7
1
A
The family
Family words
A family tree for some of Anne and Ivan Sorokin’s relatives or relations.
Henry + Diana
Ivan + Anne
Amelia
Karen
Jack
George + Meena
Ravi
Kavita
Ivan and Anne and their children
Ivan is Anne’s husband and Karen and Jack’s father.
Anne is Ivan’s wife and Karen and Jack’s mother.
Anne and Ivan are Karen and Jack’s parents.
Karen is Anne and Ivan’s daughter. Jack is their son.
Karen is Jack’s sister. Jack is Karen’s brother.
Henry and Diana
Henry is Karen and Jack’s grandfather. Diana is their grandmother.
Henry and Diana are Karen and Jack’s grandparents.
Karen is Henry and Diana’s granddaughter. Jack is their grandson.
Amelia, George and Meena
George is Karen and Jack’s uncle.
Amelia and Meena are Karen and Jack’s aunts.
Karen is Amelia, George and Meena’s niece. Jack is their nephew.
Kavita and Ravi are Karen and Jack’s cousins.
B
Expressions
Have you got any brothers and sisters?
Do you come from a big family?
No, I am an only child.
Yes, I have three brothers and two sisters.
Common mistakes
We say ‘my/his wife’ (singular) but ‘our/their wives’ (plural).
8
EnglishVocabularyinUseElementary
Audio not supported
Exercises
1.1
Look at the family tree on the opposite page. Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1.2
Kavita is Ravi’s
Ravi is Kavita’s
Anne is Kavita’s
Ivan is Ravi’s
Diana is Ravi’s
Henry is Kavita’s
Ravi is Ivan’s
Kavita is Ivan’s
Meena is Kavita’s
Meena is George’s
Karen is Ravi’s
sister
TheSorokinshavesomeotherrelatives.Completethesentencesaboutthem.
Sanjay
Alexander and Leila
uncle
and Sanjay’s wife is their
Meenahasabrother,Sanjay.SanjayisKavitaandRavi’s 1
2
3
. Sanjay and his wife have one son, Prem. Prem is an
.
4
5
Henry’sparentsarestillalive.AlexanderisHenry’s
and his
Leila is
6
7
Henry’s
. Alexander and Leila have three
–Amelia, Ivan and George.
8
9
Ivan and George and their
, Anne and Meena, love their
and visit them
as often as possible.
1.3
Ask a friend these questions. Then write sentences about your friend and their family. For
example, Marta has one brother but no sisters.
1
2
3
4
5
1.4
Have you got any brothers and sisters?
Have you got any cousins?
Have you got any nieces or nephews?
Have you got any grandparents?
Do you come from a big family?
Cover the opposite page. How many family words can you write down in two minutes? Check
what you wrote carefully with the book. Did you spell everything correctly? Which words did
you forget?
Over to you
Draw your family tree. Then write sentences. Write about your relations.
Use a dictionary to help you.
Marta is my mother.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
9
2
A
Birth, marriage and death
Birth
Anna had a baby yesterday.
He was born at 1.15 yesterday morning.
He weighed 3 kilograms.
They are going to call him John – after John, his
grandfather.Hisgrandfather’sbirthdayisJune
16th too – but he was born in 1957!
The baby’s parents were born in 1986.
Common mistakes
Anna had a baby [NOT Anna got a baby].
He/ She was born [NOT He/ She born or He/ She is born].
B
Marriage
The wedding
If you do not have a partner, you are single.
If you have a husband or wife, you are married.
If your husband or wife dies, you are widowed.
If your marriage breaks up, you are separated / divorced.
[the marriage has legally ended]
Harry and Sarah got married.
They (got) married in 2001.
(married without got is more formal)
They went on their honeymoon to Italy.
They were married for 15 years.
(bride)
groom
Common mistakes
Sarah got married to Harry [NOT with Harry].
C
bride
Death
Then Harry became ill.
He died last year.
He died of a heart attack.
Common mistakes
Harry is dead [NOT Harry is died or
Harry is death].
The funeral
10
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
2.1
Think of people you know. Where were they born? When?
1 My mother was born in Scotland on July 4th 1967.
2
3
4
5
2.2
Find a word on the opposite page which means …
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2.3
thenameforawomanonherweddingday. bride
thenameforamanonhisweddingday.
whatyouareifyouhaven’tgotapartner.
tobe57kilograms.
whatyouareifyourmarriagehaslegallyended.
areligiousserviceforadeadperson.
aholidayafterawedding.
whatyouareifyourhusbandorwifedies.
Completethesentenceswithwordsfromthebox.
in
1
after
of
to
born
on
2003 Anne got married 2
Daniel Smith. Unfortunately, Daniel’s
3
grandmother,LydiaSmith,died
old age soon after their wedding. Daniel and Anne were
4
their honeymoon when she died. Anne’s baby daughter was 5
two years
6
later. They called the baby Lydia,
Daniel’s grandmother.
2.4
In
When were these people born and when did they die? Write sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
2.5
Complete the sentences using died, dead or death.
1
2
3
4
5
2.6
Genghis Khan (1162–1227) Genghis Khan was born in 1162 and died in 1227.
Christopher Columbus (1451–1506)
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Princess Diana (1961–1997)
Heath Ledger (1979–2008)
Kelly’s grandfather died
last year.
made her very sad.
His
Her grandmother has been
for five years now.
of a heart attack.
She
.
Now all Kelly’s grandparents are
Write about your family. Use words and expressions from the opposite page.
Here are some ideas for making your sentences.
I have
. I/my
got married in
(year).
For my/his/her honeymoon, I/he/she went
to
.
I have / My
has
children. They were born in
(years).
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
and
11
3
A
Parts of the body
hair
eye
nose
tooth / teeth
ear
Head and face
mouth
lip
neck
B
Arm and leg
shoulder
leg
knee
nail
thumb
finger
foot / feet
toe
hand
arm
C
Rest of body
chest
back
side
waist
stomach
hip
We have skin
covering our
bodies.
D
Inside the body
heart
E
brain
blood
Pronunciation problems
eye /aɪ/ knee /niː/ stomach /ˈstʌmək/ heart /hɑːt / blood /blʌd/ foot /fʊt/ tooth /tuːθ/
F
Singular and plurals
one foot – two feet
one tooth – two teeth
Hair is a singular word. My hair is very long – I must cut it soon.
Common mistakes
Usually we use my, your, his, her, etc. with parts of the body.
Katie is washing her hair [NOT Jane is washing the hair]. I have a pain in my leg [NOT I have a pain in the leg].
(See Unit 6: Health and illness.)
12
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
3.1
Here are the names of some parts of the body with the letters mixed up. What are they?
1
2
3
4
5
3.2
are
hotot
buhtm
akbc
tiwas
Ahandhasfive fingers
.
Afoothasfive
.
Anadulthas32
.
Yousmellwithyour
.
The
is a symbol of love.
6
7
8
9
Youhearwithyour
.
Thechildsatonherfather’s
.
Your
type can be A, B, AB or O.
You think with your
.
I have a pain in the side. I have a pain in my side.
That woman has got very big foots.
My grandfather has a pain in the shoulder.
The baby has already got two tooths.
The little girl needs to wash the face and the hands before dinner.
My hairs are dirty. I need to wash them.
Parts of the body are often used in compound nouns too. Complete these nouns with a word
from the opposite page.
1
2
3.5
6
7
8
9
10
Correct the mistakes in the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
3.4
knee
Complete these sentences with words from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
3.3
eken
osen
rathe
hamcost
olderush
arm chair
ball
3
stick
5
scarf
4
brush
6
bag
Complete the crossword. Look at the pictures.
1
2
2
2
4
4
3
3
1
5
5
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
13
4
A
Clothes
Clothes
coat
jacket
scarf
gloves
shoes trainers boots
suit
hat
skirt
tie
socks
T-shirt
B
watch
shirt
dress
belt
ring
sweater /
jumper
Plural words
These words are always plural in English. They need a plural verb.
trousers
jeans
shorts
tights
glasses
pyjamas
sunglasses
My suit is new but these trousers are old. Her jeans / shorts / tights are blue.
Note: You say: a pair of trousers / shorts / glasses, etc.
C
Verbs
You wear clothes but you carry things.
You wear glasses.
Naomi is wearing a long blue coat.
She’s carrying a suitcase and a handbag.
You can also say: Naomi has (got) a blue coat on.
You carry a bag and an umbrella.
In the morning you get dressed or put your clothes on. At night you get undressed or you take your
clothes off.
Common mistakes
Tip
You put clothes on but you take clothes off
When you get dressed in the morning, say to
yourself Now I’m putting on my socks. Now I’m
putting on my shoes and so on.
[NOT put clothes off].
14
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
4.1
Complete the sentences.
1 Joe has a job interview today, so he’s wearing a smart suit
, a white
sh
andat
.
and sh
s.
2 Julia’s not working today, so she’s wearing a T3 Lucy is going to play tennis. She’s wearing white s
s and tr
s.
4 Gianni is going to a business meeting. He’s
ingab
with his papers and
laptop.
5 My trousers are too big. I have to wear a b
.
6 It’scoldtoday.I’llwearmyj
,andI’lltakemyc
too.
4.2
Match the item of clothing with the part of the body.
scarf
belt
shoe
1
hat
glove
glasses
tights
4
3
ring
6
8
7
2
5
4.3
Complete the sentences with one of the verbs in the box and put it in the right form.
be
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4.4
wear
carry
have
Tim’s jeans are
blue and his T-shirt
Julia
jeans and a T-shirt today.
Meena
got a red coat on and she
Sarah’s dress
old but her shoes
Last year Harry’s trousers
white. Now they
this a new pair of jeans?
My favourite pyjamas
dark green.
Kim
a new pair of shorts.
Label the picture.
red.
some flowers.
new.
grey.
1 sunglasses
10
2
9
3
8
4
7
5
4.5
morning
get
or
4.6
6
Complete the verbs in the table.
night
dressed
get
your clothes on
or
your clothes off
What are you wearing today? Use a dictionary to help you.
I’m wearing a white T-shirt and a blue jumper. I’ve got a pair of black trousers on. I’m wearing blue socks and white
trainers. I’ve also got a watch and a pair of glasses on.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
15
5
A
Describing people
Height /haIt/ and weight /weIt/
Bettina Schwenke is a very tall woman.
Tom Jakes is quite short.
If you aren’t tall or short, you are of medium height.
Bettina Schwenke
Tom Jakes
Agata Sanchez is really slim.
I was very thin when I was in hospital.
[slim is more polite than thin]
Agata Sanchez
The doctor said I am overweight. [weigh too much]
Their cat is very fat. It needs to go on a diet.
B
Face and head
Suri has dark skin and dark hair. She has brown eyes.
Polly has blonde (or fair) hair and fair skin. She has blue eyes.
Ben has a beard and long hair. He has green eyes.
Luca has a moustache /mʊˈstɑːʃ/ and short hair.
You can also use has got, for example, Suri has got
dark hair and dark skin.
My mother is a very beautiful woman. [very pretty]
My dad’s a very good-looking man.
Suri
Polly
Common mistakes
People are tall [NOT People are high].
People have blonde or dark hair [NOT hairs].
Ben
Luca
My sister is pretty. (usually girls / women only)
Bob’s an ugly man. [ugly = the opposite of beautiful or good-looking]
I’m not ugly or beautiful, I’m just average-looking!
C
Age
My grandmother is 97. She’s very old. My sister is 14. She’s young, but would like to be older. My
father is 56. He’s middle-aged, but would like to be younger!
This hospital is for elderly people. (more polite than old)
D
Expressions
A: How tall is Bettina / Tom? B: She’s 1.85 metres tall. / He’s 1.48 metres tall.
A: How heavy are you? / How much do you weigh? B: I weigh 62 kilos / 74 kilos, etc.
A: How old is he? B: He’s 84.
A: What does Gemma / your sister look like?
B: She’s tall and dark. She’s very pretty.
Tip
Some of the words on this page are a little negative, so be
careful how you use them. It’s better not to say to someone:
‘You are fat / thin / ugly / old.’
16
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
5.1
Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.2
He’s only 1 metre 52. He’s quite.short
Very
people are often good at basketball.
Models are usually
.
Does she have dark skin? No, it’s
.
She’s only seven. She’s very
.
If I eat too much I’ll be
.
My grandmother is in this hospital. It’s a hospital for
Complete the questions using the words in brackets ().
1 How tall is your brother?
He’s about 1 metre 75.
2 Is
No, she’s got dark hair.
3 Is
Yes, it is quite long.
4 Are
Not really, they’re middle-aged.
5 Is
Yes, she’s very pretty.
6 Why
She’s very ill.
5.3
(your brother)
? (Elena’s hair)
? (Mike’s hair)
? (your parents)
? (his sister)
? (Sara, so thin)
Write sentences about the
people in these pictures.
Felicity
1
2
3
4
5.4
Jeff
Anika
Stefan
Felicity’s got blonde hair and fair skin.
Jeffhas
Anika’s got
and he
Stefan’s hair is
Write questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
5.5
people. (don’t use ‘ old’)
your brother, height
your teacher, looks
you, weight
your mother, age
your sister, height
your parents, looks
How tall is your brother?
Now write answers to the questions in 5.4.
1 He’s not very tall. He’s 1 metre 52.
Over to you
Write down the names of three people you know. Then write about their:
• eyes (colour)
• height (tall, short, medium height)
• hair (colour, long, short, beard)
• looks (pretty, average-looking, etc.)
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
17
6
A
Health and illness
How are you today?
I’m very well, thanks.
I’m fine, thanks.
I don’t feel very well. I must go home and rest. (I’ll probably be OK tomorrow.)
I feel ill. Can you get a doctor, please? (Perhaps it’s a serious problem.)
That fish was bad. I think I’m going to be sick! (I want to vomit.)
B
Everyday problems
Have you got an aspirin? I’ve got a headache. /'hedeIk/
I’ve got toothache. /ˈtuːθeɪk/ I need to go to the dentist.
I’m going to bed with a hot drink. I’ve got a cold.
C
Problems people have for many years / all their lives
I get hay fever every summer, from flowers and grass. I sneeze all day. /sniːz/
My little brother has asthma; sometimes he can’t breathe. /ˈæsmə/
D
Illnesses in hot / tropical countries
mosquito
E
In some countries, mosquitoes can give people
malaria. /məˈleərɪə/
The drinking water was bad, and many children
had cholera. /ˈkɒlərə/
Serious illnesses
Every year cancer kills many
people who smoke. /ˈkænsə/
My father went to hospital when he
had a heart attack.
F
Common mistakes
My father had a heart attack
[NOT got a heart attack].
Expressions
A Do you have a healthy diet?
B Yes, I eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
A Do you exercise?
B Yes, I like swimming, jogging and cycling. They’re really good for you.
A I feel stressed!
B Do you? You need to relax more and don’t panic about work!
18
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
6.1
Complete the dialogues.
1 A:
B:
A:
2 A:
B:
A:
B:
3 A:
B:
A:
4 A:
B:
A:
5 A:
B:
A:
6.2
How are you today?
Very well, thanks.
Good!
Are you OK?
No,
Would you like to use the bathroom?
Yes, thank you.
I
I’ll get a doctor.
Oh, thank you.
Here’s the dentist’s phone number.
Thanks.
Your nose is red. Have you got
Yes.
Have a hot drink and go to bed early.
?
Match the illnesses in the table with a possible treatment.
gotothedentist
takeanaspirin
gotohospital
illness
treatment
a headache
take an aspirin
gotobedwithahotdrink
toothache
a heart attack
a cold
6.3
What illnesses are connected with …
1
2
3
4
5
6.4
a mosquito bite? malaria
bad drinking water?
pollution, traffic fumes, etc.?
grass, flowers, sunshine, etc.?
smoking, unhealthy diet, no exercise?
Answer these questions. Use a dictionary to help you.
1
2
3
4
5
Do you have a healthy diet?
What exercise do you do?
Do you often feel stressed?
Have you ever been in hospital?
Do you get hay fever in summer?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
19
7
A
Feelings
Love, like and hate
++
love
+
like
–
don’t like
––
hate
I love my family and my best friend.
I like my job.
I don’t like horror films.
I hate spiders.
B
Happy, sad and tired
happy
thirsty
sad
hungry
angry
well
upset
ill
cold
hot
tired
surprised
Common mistakes
I am very happy about your news [NOT I am very happy for your news]. BUT You did very well in your
exam – I’m very happy for you.
C
Prefer, hope and want
I prefer coffee to tea. (= I like coffee more than I like tea.)
I hope to do well in my exam.
I hope (that) my friend does well in his exam.
I want a new car. [I would like]
I want to buy a new car.
Note: I want my mother to buy a new car.
D
Common mistakes
I want you to help me [NOT I want
that you help me].
Expressions
A Do you like football?
B Yes, I really like football / it.
No, I don’t like football / it very much.
A How’s your grandfather?
B He’s very well, thanks.
A And how about your grandmother?
B She’s a bit / a little tired.
20
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Common mistakes
[NOT I very like football / it. or
I like very much football / it.]
Exercises
7.1
Do you love, like, not like or hate these things? Write sentences.
1
2
3
4
7.2
chocolate I love chocolate.
cowboy films
flying
tea
5
6
7
8
football
cats
cars
jazz music
Which do you prefer? Write answers.
1 tea or coffee? I prefer coffee to tea.
2 dogs or cats?
3 sunbathing or sightseeing?
7.3
Answer these questions using want or hope.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
7.4
7.5
4 cars or bikes?
5 strawberry or chocolate ice cream?
6 watching sport or doing sport?
You’re thirsty. What do you want? I want glass of water.
The lesson feels very long. What do you hope?
You’re hungry. What do you want?
Your friend feels ill. What do you hope?
You’re tired. What do you want to do?
You’re upset. What do you want to do?
It’s very cold weather. What do you hope?
Your friend feels sad. What do you want?
Look at the pictures. How do the people feel? Use words from B opposite.
1
Jessica
4
Sunita
2
Nicholas
5
Fiona
3
Max
6
The children
is hungry.
Correct the mistakes.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I very like basketball. I like basketball very much.
I am happy for my sister’s good news.
The teacher wants that we learn these new words.
I like really spiders.
My brother has a good new job. I’m very happy about him.
My parents want that I go to university.
I feel very well. How for you?
Priya is bit tired this morning.
Over to you
When did you last feel …
1 surprised
2 hungry
3 tired
4 angry
I felt surprised yesterday when I saw the news.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
21
8
A
Conversations 1: Greetings and wishes
Every day
good morning
good afternoon
good evening
How are you?
Hello
Fine, thanks. And you?
Hi
Not too bad, thanks.
When we leave someone we usually say Goodbye and also perhaps See you soon! See you soon is
quite informal.
When someone goes to bed, we usually say Goodnight. We sometimes also say Sleep well.
Don’t say Goodnight when you arrive somewhere, only when you leave.
If you ask for something you usually say Please.
If someone does something nice for you, you say Thank you or Cheers (informal).
Cheers!
B
Excuse me!
Sorry!
Bless you!
Special days
When:
you say:
it’s someone’s birthday
Happy Birthday!
it’s Christmas
Happy / Merry Christmas! /ˈkrɪsməs/
it’s New Year’s Day
Happy New Year!
someone is doing something difficult, e.g. taking an exam
or having an interview for a job
Good luck!
someone has done something special, e.g. done well in an Congratulations! / Well done!
exam or had a baby
Common mistakes
When it’s someone’s birthday we say: Happy Birthday [NOT Congratulations].
22
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
8.1
Choose one of the phrases from the opposite page to fit the dialogues.
1 A:
B:
2 A:
B:
3 A:
B:
4 A:
B:
8.2
(sneezes) Atishoo!
Bless you!
I’m taking my driving test today.
I passed my driving test!
Goodbye.
Excuse me!
2
Hello!
Here’s your tea.
3
5
4
6
You want to go through a doorway. There are some people blocking it.
A friend buys you a drink.
A child says ‘Goodnight’ to you.
You answer the phone at work. It is 10.30 am.
You answer the phone at work. It is 3 pm.
It is 2 am on January 1st. You meet a friend in the street.
You are on a very crowded bus and you stand on someone’s foot.
It is 24th December. You meet a friend on the bus.
Excuse me!
You meet Ann, an English friend. Reply to her.
ANN:
YOU:
Good evening.
Hello.
ANN:
How are you?
ANN:
It’s my birthday today.
ANN:
Would you like a drink?
ANN:
Here you are.
YOU:
YOU:
YOU:
YOU:
8.5
How are you?
What do you say? Choose a phrase from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8.4
It’s my birthday today.
What is the person saying in the pictures?
1
8.3
5 A:
B:
6 A:
B:
7 A:
B:
8 A:
B:
Write a conversation between you and a friend. He / She has passed an exam.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
23
9
A
Conversations 2: Useful words and expressions
Words
word
example
meaning
actually
People say bad things about her, but she’s actually
very nice.
in reality
really
The book is really good.
very
else
Do you want to buy anything else? Or go
somewhere else?
in addition or different
around
I’ll meet you at around 6 o’clock.
about or approximately
anyway
I’ll drive you home. I’m going that way anyway.1
Anyway, as I said, I woke up very late today.2
1
to give a reason for doing
something
2
to return to an earlier subject
Common mistakes
Actually is a false friend in some languages - in English it means ‘in reality’ NOT ‘now’.
B
Expressions
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
Why don’t we go to the cinema this evening? (used to make a suggestion)
Good idea. Let’s go and see a film and then have a meal. (used to make a suggestion)
OK! Which film do you want to see?
I don’t mind. [It’s all the same to me.] It’s up to you. [You can decide.]
How about / What about the new Angelina Jolie film? (used to make a suggestion)
Common mistakes
Why don’t we go … [NOT Why don’t we going] or Let’s go … [NOT Let’s going].
How about going … [NOT How about go] or What about going … [NOT What about go].
A: I was late for work today.
B: Oh dear! Was your boss angry? (used when you are surprised or disappointed)
A: I forgot to bring your book!
B: Oh, it doesn’t matter. I don’t need it. [it’s not important]
A: I’m sorry, but I can’t come to your party.
B: What a pity! (used when you are disappointed)
A: I passed my exam.
B: Well done!
A: Hurry up! The taxi’s here. [be quick]
A: Look out! / Be careful! There’s a car coming.
A: We need to buy Marta’s birthday present.
B: Absolutely! What about getting her a scarf? (used when you agree strongly)
A: I agree. Let’s go shopping this afternoon.
Common mistakes
I agree or I don’t agree [NOT I am agree or I’m not agree].
24
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
9.1
Choose a word from A opposite to complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
9.2
Choose the correct answer.
1
2
3
4
5
9.3
It’s boring here. Let’s go somewhere else.
There were
20 people at the lecture.
It’s a
lovely photo!
Have you had enough to eat? Would you like anything
?
He said he was a doctor but he’s
still a medical student.
The journey takes
two hours.
I don’t like skiing and about / anyway / else I’m not free that weekend.
I don’t mind / matter / agree what we do. It’s all the same to me.
It’s up to you / Let’s / I agree invite Rachel to dinner tonight.
Be careful / What a pity / Oh dear in London. There’s lots of traffic there.
I don’t have time to go to the cinema and really / absolutely / anyway I’ve seen that film already.
Choose an expression from the box to fit these situations.
Well done!
Hurry up!
1
2
9.4
Oh dear!
Oh dear!
It’s up to you.
What a pity!
Look out!
3
I didn’t get
that job.
5
4
Do you want to go to
the party or not?
6
Correct the eight mistakes in the dialogue.
VERA:
LUKE:
VERA:
LUKE:
VERA:
LUKE:
VERA:
LUKE:
We need to celebrate. I got a new job!
Well made! done
How about go out for a meal this evening?
Great! Let go to that Italian restaurant. Or do you prefer the Chinese one?
I don’t mind it. I like the Italian one but it’s very expensive.
Oh, it isn’t matter.
OK. Why don’t we going to the Italian restaurant and then we could go to the cinema
afterwards? Your new job needs a special celebration.
I’m agree. And I’d love to see that film with George Clooney. Would you?
Absolute!
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
25
10
A
Food and drink
Everyday food
Would you like some bread?
I love sushi because I love rice.
Pasta is good for you, but don’t eat too much!
I always put salt on my chips, but not pepper.
My sister never eats meat or fish. She’s vegetarian.
Do you take sugar in tea or coffee?
Common mistakes
Can I have some bread? [NOT Can I have a bread?]
B
Fast food
I eat hamburgers, hot dogs and pizzas when I don’t
have much time.
Fish and chips is popular in Britain, Australia and
New Zealand.
C
Fruit /fruːt/ and vegetables /ˈvedʒtəbəlz/
Vegetables are good for you. Fruit is also good for you. (singular, uncountable)
Vegetables
carrots
Fruit
beans
potatoes
tomatoes
peas
onions /ˈʌnjənz /
garlic
mushrooms
apple
pineapple
orange
/ˈpaɪnæpl/
banana
pear
/ˈɒrɪndʒ/
/peə/
grapes
strawberries
/ˈstrɔːbrɪz/
Common mistakes
I love fruit [NOT I love fruits].
D
Drinks
tea
coffee
milk
fruit juice
beer
wine
mineral
water
Tip
Go to a supermarket. How many different kinds of food or drink have English names on them?
Try to learn some of them.
26
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
10.1
Complete the sentences. Use words from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
10.2
Rice
is popular in Japan.
and
are very popular in Italy.
Chips are made from
Many British people eat
Hamburgers are made from
A
is a sausage inside a piece of bread.
Put these words into two lists: fruit and vegetables.
beans
pineapple
grapes
onions
apple
carrot
fruit
garlic
pear
mushrooms
vegetables
beans
10.3
Write the names of these fruit and vegetables.
1
banana
2
10.4
4
6
tea
4 fecofe
5 rituf eciju
6 nilemar retaw
Choose a, b or c.
1
2
3
4
5
6
10.6
5
Here are the names of some drinks with the letters mixed up. What are they?
1 eta
2 rebe
3 klim
10.5
3
Vegetarians do not eat a) vegetables b) meat c) fast food.
Garlic is a kind of a) fruit b) fast food c) vegetable.
You put a) salt b) beer c) sugar in coffee.
Which is correct a) pinapple b) pineapple c) pieapple?
The first sound in onion is the same as the sound in a) fun b) orange c) man.
A pear is a) a drink b) a vegetable c) a fruit.
What are your four favourite foods? And your three favourite drinks? Are they good for you?
Use a dictionary to help you.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
27
11
A
In the kitchen
What’s in the kitchen?
cupboard
shelf
freezer
fridge
microwave
tap
worktop
sink
bin
B
washing machine
cooker
Things we use in the kitchen
dishwasher
coffee maker
teapot
saucepan
kitchen roll
tea towel
washing-up
liquid
C
frying pan
cloth
Things we use for eating and drinking
fork
cup
knife
chopsticks
spoon
bowl
mug
plate
D
Expressions
A: Where can I find a mug / a cloth / some kitchen roll? B: They are in the cupboard.
A: Can I help with the washing-up / cooking? B: Yes, please! You can dry the plates. /
You can cook some rice.
A: Where does this cup / plate / frying pan go? B: Put it in this cupboard, please.
Tip
Stick labels on objects in your kitchen with their
English names on them. You will see these every
day and this will help you to learn the words.
28
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
glass
Exercises
11.1
Tick (✓) yes or no. Write sentences for the wrong answers.
yes
no
1
2
3
4
5
6
11.2
I use a glass / a cup / a mug to drink out of.
Where’s the coffee?
It’s in the cupboard.
It’s on the cooker.
Please put them on the worktop.
Thanks. You can wash these plates and I’ll dry them.
In the fridge on the bottom shelf.
What do you need?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11.4
✓
Make questions for these answers. Use words from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
11.3
I use a frying pan to drink out of.
You use washing-up liquid to clean plates.
The fridge is cold inside.
The fridge is colder than the freezer.
I turn on the tap to get water.
A tea towel is for making tea.
To make coffee I need a coffee maker, a cup, a spoon.
To make tea I need
To fry something I need
To eat my food I need
To drink some water I need
To cook dinner in two minutes I need
To wash plates, knives and forks I need
To wash my clothes I need
Look at the picture. Answer the questions.
1 What’s on the cooker?
2 What’s on the shelf?
3
4
5
6
a saucepan
What’s in the cupboard under the shelf?
Where’s the microwave?
What’s next to the sink?
What’s under the sink?
(See Unit 53: Places.)
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
29
12
A
In the bedroom and bathroom
Bedroom
bed
bedside lamp
alarm clock
pyjamas
dressing table
comb
chest of drawers
B
mirror
Bathroom
wardrobe
toothpaste
hairbrush
bedside table
toothbrush
shelf
soap
basin
razor
shower
C
shampoo
shower gel
toilet
towel
Emma’s routine
Emma goes to bed at 11 o’clock. She goes upstairs to her bedroom.
She gets undressed
and gets into bed.
She reads
for a bit.
She turns off the light and falls asleep.
She wakes up when
her alarm clock rings.
She has a shower,
cleans her teeth
She gets up.
and gets dressed.
She goes downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast.
(See Unit 47: Everyday things.)
30
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
2
12.1
5
7
6
Look at the picture.
Write the words next
to the numbers.
1
12.2
3
4
pyjamas
10
9
8
Write down five more things that you need to take with you if you go to stay with a friend for
one night.
toothbrush
12.3
Look at the pictures. Describe what the people are doing.
1 Anne
is cleaning her teeth.
2 Selim and Umit
3 Mrs Park
5 Jaime
4 Mr Park
6 Lee
12.4
What is in your bathroom? Write the things down. Use a dictionary to help you.
12.5
Are these sentences true about your bedroom? If not, change them to make them true.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
12.6
My bedroom is upstairs. My bedroom is not upstairs. I live in a flat.
My bedroom has one large window.
In my bedroom there is a big bed.
There are two wardrobes, one on the left and one on the right of the room.
I have a small bedside table.
I’ve got a lamp and an alarm clock on my bedside table.
There is a chest of drawers under the window.
I haven’t got a dressing table.
Complete this paragraph about your night-time and morning routine.
into bed.
I usually 1 go
to bed at 2
. I get 3
and 4
5
6
7
asleep.
I usually read
a bit. I turn
the light and
8
9
10
,
I
up when my alarm clock rings. I get
. I have a
12
11
dressed. I go to the kitchen for breakfast.
my teeth and
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
31
13
A
books
In the living room
Things in the living room
bookshelf
(bookshelves)
light
window
picture
curtains
lamp
light switch
TV
hi-fi
sofa
socket
remote
control
phone
armchair
B
rug
chair
carpet
Useful verbs
Every evening I watch
television.
C
coffee table
table
Sometimes I listen to the Sometimes I read a
radio or listen to music. book.
Expressions
It’s getting dark. Can you
close the curtains, please?
Common mistakes
OK. And I’ll switch the
light on.
Thanks. Now can you turn the
radio off? And pass me the remote
control. I want to turn on the TV.
There’s a good programme on.
The furniture in my room is white [NOT The furniture in my room are white].
32
Sometimes I just relax.
[rest and do nothing]
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
13.1
Write the names of …
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
13.2
Match the words on the left with the words on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
13.3
switch on the
relax in an
close the
pass the
listen to the
watch
a TV
b lamp
c remote control
d radio
e armchair
f curtains
Correct the mistakes in the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
13.4
somewhere you can put books. a bookshelf
somewhere two or three people can sit.
somewhere you can put down your cup.
something you can look at on the wall.
something for switching the light on or off.
something for listening to music.
something under your feet.
something for changing channels on the TV.
This evening let’s just relax at home.
This evening let’s just relax us at home.
I don’t often listen the radio.
We need some more bookshelfs in this room.
I watched at television all evening yesterday.
It’s dark now. Please make the curtains.
Liam has some very nice furnitures in his house.
Find 10 more words from this unit in the wordsearch.
F
T
A
L W X
A
E
R
L
S O
C
K E
D K
A
G
L
N T
R
E M O
T
E
A
Y
C H A
D E
I
P
F
C H
B O O
R O C
F
Y
D
T
U
I
I
U
B C
R
I
E
F
C O N T
R
A
P J
R G T
I
R U G
K F
P S
I
N
E
K
I
I
R O L
B H
O G F
E
A
I
E
L
H S
C R
S
T
L
E
T
V
C
E
U A
A
I
T
U O
Over to you
Write about your living room at home. You can draw a plan of it first. What furniture is there in the
room? What colour are the walls? Are there any pictures on them? What do you do when you are in
your living room?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
33
14
A
Jobs
What’s his/her job?
doctor
teacher
nurse
mechanic
farmer
secretary
B
shop assistant
traffic warden
Expressions
Sam What’s your job?
Ben I’m a waiter. I work in a restaurant. What do you do?
Sam I’m a taxi driver.
Ben Is it an interesting job?
Sam Yes, I like it. Where do you work?
Sophie I work in an office. Sometimes it’s boring.
My dad works in a factory which makes car parts.
I worked in a shop at the weekends when I was a student.
I want to work in a beauty salon as a hairdresser.
I’d like to work in a children’s hospital.
I’m a writer. I work at / from home.
34
engineer
Jobs in the town
police officer
C
hairdresser
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
librarian
bank clerk /klA:k/
Exercises
14.1
Where do they work?
1
2
3
4
5
6
14.2
A teacher works in a school / college / university.
A doctor
A waiter
A secretary
A shop assistant
A hairdresser
Match the pictures with the jobs in the box.
nurse
farmer
secretary
1
engineer
3
farmer
14.3
taxi driver
mechanic
5
2
4
6
Complete the crossword.
Across
1 works on a bus
2 works in a school
3 writes books
1
b
u
s
1
d
Down
1 works in a hospital
2 works in a restaurant
3 works with the doctor
r
v
3
3
2
2
3
14.4
t
r
Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
14.5
w
He works in a
She’s an
The traffic
The
The bank
A police
which makes electrical goods.
. She builds roads and bridges.
is checking all the parked cars.
told me to return the book at the end of the month.
changed some money for me.
told me the way to the station.
factory
Answer the questions for yourself.
1 What do you do?
2 Where do you work?
3 Is it an interesting job?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
35
15
A
At school and university
Subjects
English
maths
history
geography
biology
art
ICT (information
communication
technology)
B
PE (physical
education)
chemistry
modern
languages
physics
piece of paper
pencil
music
Useful things
noticeboard
board
notebook
textbook
drawing pin
rubber
board rubber
OHP (overhead
projector)
pencil
sharpener
pen
board pen
DVD player
desk
whiteboard
C
computer
ruler
Expressions
A maths teacher teaches maths. Her students study maths.
Children go to school and students go to university.
At school children learn to read and write.
Students can do an (English) course in many schools and universities. At the end of a course, you
often take / do an exam. You hope to pass your exams. You don’t want to fail your exams.
If you pass your final exams at university, you get a degree.
Common mistakes
After school, students do homework [NOT make homework or do homeworks]. (See Units 40 and 41 for
more expressions with do and make.)
36
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
15.1
Match the subject on the left with what you study on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
maths
physics
history
geography
PE
English
chemistry
biology
ICT
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
animals and plants
sport
25y + 32x = 51z
E = mc2
H2O
the countries of the world
the 15th century
computers
spelling
15.2
Look at the picture for 30 seconds. Then cover it. How many of the ten objects can you
remember? Write them down in English.
15.3
Which of the things in B on the opposite page are in the room where you study English?
Write them here.
In the room where I study English I can see
15.4
Choose a verb from C opposite to fill the gaps below. Put the verb in the correct form.
his
Ethan does well at school. He finds it easy to 1 learn
and he always 2
3
4
his final school exams
homework. He usually
all his exams. He will
5
6
to university next year. If he
soon. If he
, he will
7
geography at university. He
, he will be very sad. Ethan really wants to 8
9
a special geology course. His sister is already at university. Next year
would also like to
10
her degree and then she will try to find a job.
she will
15.5
Which are/were your three favourite subjects? Which subjects (if any) do / did you not like?
Tip
Draw two columns on a piece of paper. In one column write five words from the opposite page which
you want to learn. In the second column put a drawing (or a translation or a definition). Cover the
first column and look at the second column. Can you remember the English words?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
37
16
A
Communications
Letters
address
stamp
envelope
date
letter
letter box
Don’t forget to put a stamp on the envelope.
Don’t forget to post the letters.
B
Email and Internet
computer
screen
keyboard
mouse
laptop
memory stick
Olivia gets a lot of emails from New York.
You have to be careful what information you give people online.
What’s your email address? Moll@cup.com (= Moll at C-U-P dot com /kɒm/)
C
Telephones and mobile devices
mobile device
mobile
telephone
phone box
Juan makes a lot of phone calls. He phones his girlfriend every day.
I always take my smartphone with me. I never turn it off.
What’s your phone number? What’s your mobile number?
066530718 (= oh six six five three oh seven one eight / oh
double six five ...)
He’s not answering his phone. I’ll leave a voicemail and I’ll
text him / send him a text (message).
D
Expressions
Sue Hello.
Nick Hello. It’s Nick here. Can I speak to Ahmed, please?
Sue I’m sorry, he’s not here at the moment. Can I take a message?
Nick Thanks. Could you just tell him I called. I’ll call back later.
Sue OK. I’ll tell him. Goodbye.
Nick Bye.
38
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Tip
Use a search engine to find an
example of a letter and an email
in English. Write down any useful
words or phrases in them.
Exercises
16.1
Have you got any of the things on the opposite page? Make a list.
mobile
16.2
What are the names of these things?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
16.3
9
keyboard
4
5
6
11
7
8
9
12
10
11
12
Complete this phone conversation.
AMELIA:
MEENA:
AMELIA:
MEENA:
AMELIA:
MEENA:
16.4
10
Hello.
Hello. 1 It’s
I’m 3
a message?
It’s all right. I’ll 6
OK, then. Bye.
Bye.
Meena here. Can I 2
, he’s at work 4
to Amal, please?
the moment. Can I 5
back later.
Write down:
1 two telephone numbers that are important to you.
2 two email addresses that are important to you.
Now read them aloud.
16.5
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
Do you prefer to text or phone your friends?
Do you send more emails or more text messages?
How often do you go online?
Do you prefer to use a laptop or a mobile device?
Do you often write letters?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
39
17
A
Your phone
Parts of a phone
camera
battery
screen
phone case
apps
power button
charger
SIM card
B
Using a smartphone
Ramesh takes a lot of selfies and posts them online.
Lisa didn’t answer her phone, so I left a voicemail.
Can you text me the address of the restaurant? I haven’t been there before.
I’ve just got a message from Andy. He wants to know if we’re going to
the party.
You can download an app with a dictionary to help you when you write
in English.
selfie
While she was on holiday, Kelly called her family every day.
C
Expressions
Amy Can you read that message on my phone, please? My hands are wet.
Claire It’s locked. What’s the PIN?
Amy You don’t need a PIN to unlock it. Just swipe the screen left to right.
PIN
swipe
save
Tim I can’t save any new photos.
Emily Your phone memory is full. You need to delete some photos and messages.
40
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
delete
Exercises
17.1
Match the things on your phone with what they do.
1
2
3
4
5
17.2
Tanya has a new app / battery for texting on the Internet.
When your phone’s battery is low, you need a charger / camera.
You can use my phone to voicemail / call Megan.
Danny’s new phone has a great screen / camera. It takes amazing photos.
I bought a new battery / SIM card in France, so that it was cheaper to call and use the Internet.
I want to buy a new phone case / app. This one is old and dirty.
Maria texted
me last night, but I didn’t see her message until this morning.
Carlos
a lot of photos of his new dog and puts them on Facebook.
What was the last app that you
?
Lucy
her sister. They talked about their holiday at the beach.
Victor
me a voicemail. He asked me to call him back.
Complete the conversation with words from C.
DEEPA:
IREENA:
DEEPA:
IREENA:
DEEPA:
IREENA:
17.5
stores the information you need to use your phone
covers the phone
starts the phone
takes photos
shows pictures and words
Complete these sentences with words from B.
1
2
3
4
5
17.4
a
b
c
d
e
Choose the right words to complete these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
17.3
camera
SIM card
screen
phone case
power button
Can I look at your photos from the concert?
it.
Sure. Here’s my phone. Let me just put in the PIN to 1 unlock
2
right to see the next photo?
That’s a great one! Do I
Yes, that’s right.
Did you delete the ones from the restaurant?
them in a different folder. Here they are.
No, I 3
Over to you
Answer these questions for yourself.
1 Do you use a PIN to lock your phone?
2 Do you have a phone case? What does it look like?
3 What apps do you use most often?
4 Do you save all the photos you take, or do you delete some of them?
5 Have you taken a selfie recently?
6 Do you prefer to call or text people? Why?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
41
18
Holidays
A
Holiday (noun)
B
Types of holidays
C
Transport
We had a lovely holiday in Egypt in 2014.
I’m not working next week. I’m on holiday.
Are you going on holiday this summer?
We’re going on a package holiday to Hong Kong. [flights and hotel are included]
We’re going to have a winter holiday this year.
I want to go camping this year. [sleep in a tent]
I’m going on a walking holiday in the Alps.
A coach tour is an easy way to go on holiday. [travelling in a comfortable bus]
by plane
D
by car
by ferry
your passport (if you are going to another country)
a visa [a stamp that you need in your passport to go to some countries]
your tickets
some currency [money of the country you are going to]
a camera
your luggage /ˈlʌgɪdʒ/ (e.g. a suitcase or a rucksack)
ticket
currency
camera
Expressions
A Are you flying to France from England?
B No, we’re going by ferry.
A What are you going to do in Madrid?
B We want to try the local food and enjoy the nightlife [clubs, etc.].
A Have a great time! And send me a postcard!
(See Unit 32: Travelling and Unit 49: Moving for more words about travel.)
42
by coach
Don’t forget to take …
passport
E
by train
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
suitcase
rucksack
Exercises
18.1
Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
18.2
Are you working on Monday?
Are you
on holiday this year?
Did you have a good
in Greece?
Are you flying to Italy?
I’m going to New York next week.
B:
B:
B:
B:
B:
No, I’m on
holiday.
Yes, I’m going camping.
Yes, it was wonderful.
No, I’m going
train.
Great! Please
me a postcard.
What type of holiday is each person talking about?
1
2
3
4
5
18.3
A:
A:
A:
A:
A:
It was fun but the tent was very small.
Everything was included - hotels and flights.
We were on the coach for seven days. I was very tired.
We walked about 20 kilometres every day.
We went to Switzerland in December. There was a lot of snow.
camping
Look at the different ways of travelling. Put one tick (✓) for sometimes true, two ticks for often
true and three ticks for always true.
you can take a lot
of luggage
very fast
cheap
you see a lot as
you travel
relaxing
ferry
car
✓✓✓
plane
18.4
Write the names of these things you need for a holiday.
1
currency
2
18.5
5
4
6
What do we call:
1
2
3
4
5
18.6
3
something you take photos with? a c amera
a special stamp in your passport to enter a country? a v
something you fly in? a p
something that you carry things on your back in? a r
what people carry their clothes in when they go on holiday? a s
Fill the gaps in this email.
I’m having a great1
are open all night. The3
4
time
here in Spain. The2
is great - the clubs
food is very good - lots of sh and salads. Please send me a
from your holiday in Italy.
Love
Alex
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
43
19
A
Shops and shopping
Kinds of shops
butcher*
post office
department store
supermarket
chemist*
bookshop
newsagent*
baker*
gift shop
* These words are also for people’s jobs. We often add ’s and say: I’m going to the newsagent’s to get
a paper. Do you want anything from the butcher’s?
B
In the department store
A department store is a large
shop which sells a lot of different
things - clothes, beauty products,
toys, etc.
Fourth floor
Third floor
Second floor
First floor
Ground Floor
Basement
C
Signs in shops
D
Expressions
z Toys
z Restaurant
z Furniture
z Men’s Wear
z Children’s Department
z Women’s Wear
z Beauty
z Electricals
z Food
Shop assistant Can I help you?
Customer Can I try this shirt on? (goes and tries it on) Have you got a bigger / smaller size / a different colour?
Shop assistant No, I’m sorry. That’s the only one.
Customer OK. I’ll take it. How much does it cost?
Shop assistant £22.
Customer Can I pay by cheque?
Shop assistant No, credit card, debit card or cash, please.
Customer Sorry, I only have a £50 note. I don’t have any change [coins or smaller notes].
Shop assistant That’s OK. Here’s your receipt. Would you like a (carrier) bag?
44
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
19.1
Match the item with the shop.
toy shop
butcher
chemist
baker
gift shop
5
3
1
sausages
aspirin
2
souvenir
T-shirt
4
6
beach
ball
bread
greeting cards
19.2
Where do you need to go?
1
2
3
4
5
6
19.3
I want to get a newspaper. the newsagent
I’d like to buy food for a week.
I need some stamps.
We must get Michael a present.
I’d like to buy a book.
I want to buy some clothes for myself and my children in one shop.
Look at the department store plan in B opposite. Which floor will you go to buy:
1
2
3
4
5
19.4
newsagent
an armchair?
lipstick?
a cup of tea?
a packet of tea?
a skirt?
third floor
6
7
8
9
10
some baby clothes?
a tie?
a TV?
a bed?
a doll?
Write the words for these definitions.
1 a person who sells things in a shop shop assistant
2 money (not a cheque or credit/debit card)
3 a piece of paper that is worth £20
4 ‘plastic money’
5 coins or small notes
Now write definitions in English for these words/phrases.
6 a butcher’s
7 the first floor
19.5
Which sign tells you ...
1
2
3
4
5
19.6
8 a newsagent’s
9 the basement
that you can give the money for the things you are buying here?
that you can’t go into the shop?
that the door will open towards you?
that the door will open away from you?
that you can go into the shop?
Cash desk
Fill the gaps in the dialogue.
CUSTOMER:
SHOP ASSISTANT:
CUSTOMER:
SHOP ASSISTANT:
How much does this jacket 1
£50.
I’ll take it, please. Can I 2
Certainly. I’ll put your receipt in the 3
?
by credit card?
.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
45
20
A
Online shopping
Buying something
WOMEN
MEN
CHILDREN
Your basket
SALE
(0)
Search products
SHOP BY PRODUCT
Cotton T-shirt
Colour: White
T-shirts and tops
Jumpers
Blue
Red
Trousers and jeans
Size: Small
Shoes and boots
Large
Jackets and coats
Price: £6.99
Delivery options:
Medium
Free Delivery (3-5 days)
Next Day Delivery (delivery
on 16 November) £5.99
HHHHH
Add to basket
Read the reviews
B
Today’s Date: 15 November
Your order
Delete this item
Your Order
Order Number: 5624890
Items: 2 T-shirts
Size: Small
Colour: White
Total: £13.98
Free delivery (3-5 days)
Delivery Address
Name : Bernard Taylor
House number : 145
Street : Shaftesbury Road
City : Cambridge
Post code : CB2 8RU
Country : UK
Phone number : 01223 238331
Email : btaylor@inuse.com
CHECKOUT
Language help
A post code (zip code in the US) is a long number at the
end of an address. In the UK, it also contains letters
(e.g. BA1 1LZ). A US zip code looks like this: 10509.
C
46
1
2
Expressions
1
2
3
4
Lisa likes to shop online because it’s quick and easy.
Most people pay for their online shopping with credit cards.
Reading online reviews can help you choose what to buy.
If you are not at home to receive the delivery, we will take
it to the post office.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
3
4
Exercises
20.1
Match the words from A and B with the examples on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
20.2
size
price
delivery address
post code
credit card
order number
When you shop online, you can search for / collect the best price.
You can read sizes / reviews from other people who bought the same thing.
If you want to buy something, add / deliver it to your basket.
If you don’t want to buy something that is in your basket, you can delete / order it.
Don’t forget to check how much you will pay for delivery / order number.
You can use your credit card / post code to pay for your shopping.
Complete the dialogue with the words below.
next day
TOM:
CUSTOMER CARE:
TOM:
CUSTOMER CARE:
TOM:
CUSTOMER CARE:
20.4
post code
delivery
order number
of apair of shoes.
I’m waiting for a 1 delivery
2
?
What’s your
It’s G99215540000Z.
?
And what’s your address and 3
31 Mill Road, WC2 5SN. I bought them yesterday and
delivery. Will they be here today?
I paid £5 for 4
I’m sorry. We’re very busy. Your order will be
delivered tomorrow.
Put these steps of buying a computer online in the correct order.
1
A
B
C
D
E
F
20.5
MR12 6QA
MasterCard
8167990012
small
£12.89
7 Park Lane, Bristol
Choose the right word to complete these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
20.3
a
b
c
d
e
f
F
2
3
4
5
6
Wait at home for the delivery
Add the computer to your basket
Choose next day delivery
Pay with a credit card
Search for a website which sells the computer you want
Read online reviews and choose which computer you want to buy
Over to you
Answer these questions.
1 Do people often shop online in your country?
2 Have you ever bought things online? If yes, what did you buy?
3 Do you usually read the reviews before you buy something?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
47
21
A
In a hotel
Places and things in the hotel
reception
form
lift
key
bathroom
bill
shower
phone
luggage
mini-bar
B
TV
hairdryer
Expressions in reception
Do you have a single room [for one person] / a double room [for two people]?
I have a reservation. [I booked a room] My name is …
We’d like a room with a view of the sea.
The receptionist may say:
Here is your key.
Your room is on the first floor. Take the lift. It’s over there.
Would you like some help with your luggage?
Can you fill in this form, please?
Sign (your name) here, please. [write your name]
Please check your bill [make sure it is correct].
When you leave you say:
Can I check out, please?
Can I have the bill, please?
C
Asking questions about hotel services
How much is a single room with a bathroom?
Can I order room service?
How do I get an outside line? (You want to phone someone who is not in the hotel.)
What is the code for Poland?
Can I have breakfast in my room, please?
Can I have a wake-up call at 6.30, please? (You want to wake up at 6.30.)
What time is breakfast / lunch / dinner?
Can I (ex)change some money, please?
48
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
21.1
21.2
Look at the pictures and complete the dialogue with words from the opposite page.
RECEPTIONIST:
Would you like a room with a
CUSTOMER:
Yes, please. And with a
RECEPTIONIST:
All our rooms have a TV, a
room for tonight, please?
2
3
, please.
4
and a
5
. I can give you room 25. It has a view of the
6
. Here is your
8
is over there. The room’s on the second floor.
7
. The
You need:
a the lift
b an outside line
c a shower
d a mini-bar
e a hairdryer
f a wake-up call
g a TV
h a key
Choose the right words to complete these sentences.
At reception / reservation you can order room / lift service.
We’d like a two / double room with a view / see of the garden, please.
The lift is after / over there. Take it to the second floor / room.
Please fill / write in this form / bill.
I’d like a sit-up / wake-up call at 7.30 and I’d like to make / have breakfast in my room, please.
I have a luggage / reservation for a single / one room with a bathroom.
Can I cash / have the bill, please? I’ll check / change it now.
I’m leaving today. Can I exchange / order some dollars here before I pay / check out?
Write down questions that you can ask in a hotel beginning: Can I … ? Use these words.
wake-up call Can I have a wake-up call, please?
breakfast in my room
bill
double room
21.5
?
Match what you want on the left with what you need on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
21.4
double
Can I have a
You want:
1 to have a drink in your room
2 to go to the top floor
3 to open your door
4 to get up at 6 am
5 to phone your country
6 to watch the news
7 to wash your hair
8 to dry your hair
21.3
1
CUSTOMER:
luggage
Answer the questions.
1
2
3
4
How much does a hotel room cost in the capital of your country?
What is the code for Britain if you phone from your country?
What time is breakfast usually in a hotel in your country?
Is it most important for you to have a hairdryer, a TV or a mini-bar in a hotel room?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
49
22
Eating out
A
Places where you can eat
B
In a restaurant
café: you can have a cup of tea / coffee and a snack there (e.g. a sandwich or a cake). They
sometimes serve meals too (e.g. lunch, dinner).
restaurant: you go there for a meal; more expensive than a café.
bar / pub: bars and pubs serve alcohol and soft drinks [non-alcoholic drinks, e.g. fruit juice]; you can
usually have a meal or a snack there too.
fast food restaurant: you can get a quick hot meal there, for example burger and chips.
take-away: you buy a snack or a meal there and take it home to eat.
Menu
STARTERS
Soup of the day (v)
Mixed salad (v)
MAIN COURSES
Steak with chips or new potatoes
Fish and chips
Vegetable curry (v)
Salmon fillet with green beans
Burger with chips and mushrooms
DESSERTS
Chocolate ice cream
Apple pie
Fruit salad
(v = vegetarian)
C
Expressions
Waiter Are you ready to order?
Customer Yes, I’d like the steak, please.
Waiter Would you like it with chips or new potatoes?
Customer With chips, please.
Waiter How would you like your steak - rare, medium or well-done?
Customer Well-done, please.
Waiter And what would you like to drink?
Customer I’ll have a coke, please.
(later)
Waiter Is everything all right?
Customer Thank you, it’s delicious. [very good]
(later)
Customer Could I have the bill, please?
Waiter Yes, of course.
50
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
22.1
Look at A opposite. Where would you go to …
1
2
3
4
5
22.2
a take-away
Write down the name of a place of this type in your town.
1
2
3
4
5
22.3
buy a meal and take it home to eat?
have a romantic dinner for two?
eat a quick lunch?
have a cake and a cup of coffee?
drink a glass of wine with friends?
fast food restaurant:
café:
take-away:
restaurant:
bar:
McDonald’s
Choose one of the words in the box which can go with each of the words in each group.
steak curry pie soup salad
1
2
3
4
5
22.4
You can have tomato / vegetable / chicken soup
as a starter.
I’d like the beef / chicken / vegetable
as a main course.
I’ll have the mixed / tomato / fruit
Can I have the apple / chicken
, please.
Do you like your
well-done, medium or rare?
Correct the six mistakes in this dialogue.
Are you ready for order? to
Yes. I like vegetable soup and steak, please.
What would you like your steak? Rare, medium or done good?
Rare, please.
WAITER:
What you would like to drink?
CUSTOMER: A orange juice, please.
WAITER:
CUSTOMER:
WAITER:
CUSTOMER:
22.5
Cover the menu opposite. Write the food you can remember. Look at the menu again and check
your answers.
22.6
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
What would you choose to eat from the menu opposite?
What can vegetarians eat from the menu?
Do you like eating out?
How often do you go to a restaurant?
Over to you
Sometimes restaurants in other countries have English menus for tourists. Look at one of these.
Write down any useful words you find.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
51
23
A
Sports
Ball games
We play all these sports.
football
rugby
baseball
B
American football
tennis
basketball
volleyball
badminton
table tennis
Other popular sports
running
sailing
swimming
horse racing
judo / karate
snowboarding
motor racing
skiing
We can use go with all the sports listed in B, apart from judo and karate. I go running every
day. I went skiing last year. We use do with judo and karate. She does judo.
(See Unit 39: Go / went / gone.)
52
C
Where we do sports
D
Expressions
We play tennis / badminton / volleyball / basketball on a tennis / badminton / volleyball /
basketball court.
We play football / rugby on a football / rugby pitch.
We swim in a swimming pool.
Many towns have a sports centre - you can do lots of different sports there.
Do you do any sports?
Yes, I go swimming / running / sailing / kayaking.
Do you play football / tennis / badminton?
I play tennis. Which sports do you play?
What’s your favourite sport?
I like motor racing best.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
kayaking
Exercises
23.1
Cover the opposite page. What are these sports?
1
rugby
2
23.2
5
4
6
Which sports use these things?
1
kayaking
2
23.3
3
3
5
7
4
6
8
Ask questions for these answers.
1
Where do people play tennis?
On a tennis court.
2 Do you
Yes, but only American football.
3
No, I don’t do any at all. I prefer watching TV.
4 Do you
Yes, I go to the swimming pool every Friday.
5 What
I like running best.
6 Where
On a rugby pitch.
23.4
Look at the different sports in this unit.
1
2
3
4
5
Write the names of the sports you have done.
Where did you do them?
Which ones do you like?
Which do you not like?
Which ones would you like to do?
Over to you
Make a page in your vocabulary book for ‘sports’. Look at the sports pages of an English-language
newspaper. Write down the names of sports you do not know. Look them up in a dictionary.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
53
24
A
Cinema
Types of films
a western
a cartoon
an action film
B
a science fiction film
a horror film
a comedy
a musical
a thriller
a romantic comedy
People in films
Monica Bellucci is a film star.
She was in the new James Bond film.
Daniel Radcliffe played Harry Potter in
the Harry Potter films.
I like films by Italian directors.
C
Expressions
A Have you seen the latest James Bond film?
B Yes, I saw it on TV.
A Did you like the new Batman film?
B Yes, I loved it / enjoyed it.
No, it was boring.
Common mistakes
What’s on at the cinema this week? [NOT What’s on
the cinema this week?]
There’s a comedy with Jennifer Aniston.
A Do you like westerns?
B No, I like science fiction films best.
A The best action film I’ve seen was Jason Bourne with Matt Damon.
B If I see a horror film, I can’t sleep.
Common mistakes
Do you go to the cinema often?
[NOT Do you go to cinema often?]
Yes, I go every week.
No, I watch DVDs at home.
54
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
24.1
What types of films are these?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
24.2
Some cowboys rob a train. western
A flying saucer lands from Mars.
A dead person comes back to life.
James Bond saves the world.
Mickey Mouse goes on a picnic.
A man falls in love with his teacher.
A dead body is found in the river.
There are lots of songs and dancing.
Write the name of a film of each type.
1
2
3
4
5
6
science fiction
romantic comedy
thriller
western
musical
cartoon
Interstellar
24.3
Word puzzle. Can you make words for other types of films with the letters of ROMANTIC?
TH R ILLE R
O
R
C
M
Y
A
T
N
S
NC
F
N
W
T
N
M
IC
L
CA
OO
24.4
Fill the gaps in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
24.5
Do you prefer going to the
cinema or watching TV?
We
a DVD last night.
Who
James Bond in Skyfall?
Was Rachel Weisz
The Constant Gardener?
Lots of big
live in Hollywood.
Steven Spielberg is a famous American film
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
What is your favourite type of film?
Who is your favourite film star?
Do you prefer going to the cinema or watching DVDs?
What was the last film you saw?
How can you find out what is on at the cinema where you live or study?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
55
25
A
Free time at home
TV, radio, music, film
I watch TV every evening.
Did you watch / see the film about President Kennedy?
What programmes do you like best on TV and radio?
I like watching films on TV. (You can also say: I like to watch …)
At the weekend, we usually watch a DVD.
I like listening to music on the radio. (You can also say: I like to
listen …)
I often listen to music on my phone when I’m relaxing.
I need some new headphones for my phone.
B
Hobbies
C
Reading
D
Expressions
A lot of young people play video games every day.
I download music and films from the Internet.
I chat to my friends online every evening.
I really like cooking.
Do you like gardening? /ˈgɑːdnɪŋ/
We grow flowers and vegetables in our garden.
I read a lot at home.
What do you read?
I read novels [long stories]. My sister likes comics.
I like books about nature and different countries.
I like magazines about music and sport.
Do you read a newspaper every day?
We sometimes have friends round
[we ask them to come to our house / flat].
I often have friends to dinner.
My best friend comes to stay sometimes.
[sleeps in my house / flat]
I talk to my friends on the phone every evening.
Sometimes, I just do nothing.
Grandpa likes to have a sleep after lunch.
Common mistakes
We watch TV [NOT see TV] and we listen to the
radio [NOT hear or listen the radio].
56
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
25.1
What are these people doing?
1 She’s
watching TV.
2 He’s
25.2
4 He’s
6 He’s
to
I usually listen
to music on my laptop at home.
I like
magazines more than newspapers.
I
to my sister on the phone every Sunday.
A lot of people like to
a sleep after lunch.
Do you ever
friends to dinner?
The children
video games every evening.
I want to
some music from the Internet this evening.
Did you
the programme about Namibia yesterday?
My dad
vegetables in his garden.
Shall we
a DVD tonight?
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
25.4
a 5 She’s
Fill in the missing verbs.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
25.3
3 He’s
When you have friends round, what do you like to do?
Who comes to stay at your house / flat?
What do you like to read most?
How often do you talk to your friends on the phone?
Do you have a garden? Do you like gardening?
How often do you chat to your friends online?
Do you often download music or films from the Internet?
What is your favourite video game?
When do you use headphones?
Interesting or boring? Number these activities from 5 (= very interesting) to 1 (= very boring).
gardening
cooking
reading
listening to music
doing nothing
using the Internet
chatting online
watching DVDs
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
57
26
A
Music and musical instruments
Music, musical and musician
Music is an uncountable noun. We do not use it in the plural.
The band played fantastic music for more than two hours
[NOT fantastic musics].
Musical is an adjective.
There is a shop on King Street that sells musical instruments
[NOT music instruments].
A musician (noun) is a person.
My brother is a very good musician. He plays three instruments.
B
Musical instruments
flute
piano
cello
violin
trumpet
C
Playing musical instruments
D
Listening to music
guitar
clarinet
Ava plays the clarinet. Her brother plays the drums.
Krishnan is learning the guitar. His friend, Isabella, has piano lessons.
Mia is a very good flute-player. She plays in an orchestra. Her friend, Nuria, is a good
trumpet-player.
Lucas is an excellent violinist. His sister is a good pianist.
Can you play a musical instrument?
Charlotte loves classical music. (for example, Beethoven, Mozart) [NOT classic music]
Harper can’t stand opera [dislikes it very much]. She prefers pop music.
I like folk music, jazz and rock.
I often listen to music on the train.
I downloaded some new songs yesterday. Do you want to hear them?
Common mistakes
A band means a group of musicians.
Nuala had a really good band at her 21st birthday party. [NOT ‘a really
good music band’]
A concert means an event with music.
We’re going to a concert tonight. [NOT ‘a music concert’]
58
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
drums
Exercises
26.1
Choose the correct word: music, musical or musician.
1
2
3
4
5
6
26.2
What are your favourite types of music
?
My brother thinks he’s a good
, but he’s very bad!
Can you play a
instrument?
I love different types of
, for example, jazz, rock and classical.
Which
instrument would you like to learn?
Are there any
in your family?
Look at the pictures and complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
26.3
Mason
Emily
Madison
Noah
Emma
Abigail
William
Ella
Madison plays the violin
plays the cello in an
Noah loves playing the
Emily is having a
lesson.
Mason is a very good
-player.
Ella plays the
every evening.
William
the
Emma is learning the
. She will be a good fluteis a violinist.
wants to be a pianist.
one day.
Choose the correct answer, a, b or c.
1 I love a) classic b) classical c) classist music. Beethoven is my favourite.
2 My brother a) can’t stand b) can stand c) can’t stay folk music but I love it.
3 I have some tickets for a a) concert music b) music concert c) concert at the Town Hall.
Would you like one?
4 I always a) listen in b) listen to c) listen music when I’m studying.
5 My sister plays in a a) music band b) band music c) band with three other girls from her
school.
26.4
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
How often do you download music?
Which musical instrument on the opposite page do you like best?
Can you play a musical instrument?
Which musical instrument would you like to learn?
Do you prefer classical music or pop music?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
59
27
A
Countries and nationalities
Continents and countries
continent
country
continent
country
North America
Canada
Australia
Australia
the USA / the US
South America
Europe
Argentina
New Zealand
Asia
China
Brazil
India
Chile
Japan
Colombia
Pakistan
Peru
Thailand
Germany
Africa
Egypt
Italy
Morocco
Poland
South Africa
Spain
Tunisia
the UK
Antarctica
It is not possible to show all the countries of the world on a small page. If your country is not
included, check its English name with your teacher or on the Internet.
Common mistakes
All the nouns and adjectives for continents, countries and nationalies always
begin with a capital letter, for example Africa [NOT africa].
B
Nationalities
notes
adjective
most country adjectives
end in (i)an
American, Argentinian, Australian, Brazilian, Canadian,
Colombian, Egyptian, German, Indian, Italian, Moroccan,
Peruvian, South African, Tunisian
many country adjectives
end in ish
British, English, Finnish, Irish, Polish, Scottish, Spanish
a few country adjectives
end in ese
Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese
exceptions
Pakistani, Thai, French
Tip
Remember that words for languages are often the same as the ‘people’ adjective,
e.g. French, Spanish, Japanese and Thai. One exception is Arabic.
60
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
27.1
Which countries do these letters make?
1 HINAC
2 ZIRALB
3 PINSA
27.2
Match these capital cities to their countries and make sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
27.3
4 OCRMOOC
5 ANJAP
6 DALTHINA
China
Tokyo Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
Rome
Canberra
Bogotá
Cairo
London
Berlin
Warsaw
Buenos Aires
Madrid
Argentina Australia Colombia
Egypt Germany Italy Japan
Poland Spain the UK
Which country is different? (Think of the languages they speak there.) Write sentences.
1 Australia, Canada, England, Iceland
2
3
4
5
27.4
Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain
Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland
China, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia
Canada, France, Scotland, Switzerland
What is the adjective for these countries?
1
2
3
4
5
27.5
In England, Canada and Australia they speak English
but in Iceland they speak Icelandic.
Indian Indian
Thailand
Germany
Egypt
Argentina
6
7
8
9
10
Spain
Peru
China
Australia
Poland
Write down:
1
2
3
4
the name of your country.
the names of the countries next to your country.
the name of your language.
the name for people from your country.
Over to you
In which continents are these places? Use the Internet to help you.
Mount Everest Asia
The Sahara
The Amazon
Wagga Wagga
The Volga
Mount Kilimanjaro
The Mississippi
Mount Fuji
Lake Titicaca
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
61
28
A
Weather
Types of weather
sun
snow
rain
fog
B
cloud
wind
thunder
lightning
Adjectives and verbs
noun
adjective
sun
sunny
rain
rainy
wind
windy
cloud
cloudy
snow
snowy
fog
foggy
thunder
thundery
lightning
-
C
Other useful weather words
D
Expressions
It is very hot in Mexico - it is often 45 degrees there in summer.
It is very cold in the Arctic - it is often minus 50 degrees there.
It can be very wet in London - carry an umbrella when you go sightseeing there.
It is very dry in the Sahara - it doesn’t often rain there.
A hurricane is a very strong wind.
A storm is when there is a strong wind and rain together.
A thunderstorm is when there is thunder, lightning, rain and sometimes wind together.
It’s a sunny day in Tokyo today, but it’s cloudy in Hong Kong.
It’s foggy in Sydney and it’s snowing / it’s snowy in Moscow.
It’s raining in Barcelona but the sun is shining in Granada.
Common mistakes
It’s a lovely day.
It’s a horrible day, isn’t it!
What’s the weather like in your
country in June?
It’s usually warm and sunny.
We say It’s windy / cloudy / foggy /
sunny [NOT It’s winding / clouding /
fogging / sunning].
Tip
Watch the weather forecast in English on TV or
online as often as you can.
62
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
28.1
Match the words and the symbols.
1 snow
a
2 sun
3 rain
b
e
28.2
28.3
6 wind
c
f
7 cloud
d
g
Hanoi
1 It is
sunny in Hanoi.
Hong Kong
2 It is
raining in Hong Kong.
La Paz
3 It is
Paris
4 It
Tashkent
5
Seoul
6
Washington
7
Complete these sentences with a word from the opposite page.
The sun shone
every day last month.
When it
, I take my umbrella.
What’s the
like in your country in January?
When it
, we can go skiing.
You see
before you hear thunder.
It is 24
here today.
It is dangerous to be in a small boat at sea in a
It is very
in Siberia in winter.
Are these sentences true about the weather in your country? If not, correct them.
1
2
3
4
5
6
28.5
5 lightning
Look at the chart. Write sentences about the cities in the chart.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
28.4
4 fog
It often snows in December. It sometimes snows in December.
It is usually 40 degrees in summer and minus 20 degrees in winter.
There are thunderstorms every day in August.
It is very wet in spring.
We never have hurricanes.
Summer is usually hot and dry.
What do you like to do or not like to do in these types of weather?
1 fog I don’t like to drive.
2 sunny weather
3 a rainy day
4 snow
5 a windy day
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
63
29
In the town
A
Places in the town
B
Notices in towns
C
Asking for and giving directions
Train station / railway station - you can get a train here.
Bus station - you can get a bus here.
Shops - you can buy things here. (See Unit 19: Shops and shopping.)
Shopping centre - area of town with a lot of shops.
Tourist information office - tourists can get information here.
Museum - you can see interesting old things here.
Bank - you can change money here or get money from a cash machine.
Post office - you can post letters and parcels here.
Library /ˈlaIbr@ri/ - you can read books and newspapers here.
Town hall - local government officers work here.
Car park - you can park your car here.
Pedestrian area /ˈe@ri@/ - you can only walk here, you can’t come here by car.
A: Where is the bus station?
B: Go left here and it’s at the end of
the road.
A: How do I get to Market Street?
B: Take the first right and then the
second left.
A: Is there a shopping centre near here?
B: Yes, turn right here. The entrance is on
Market Street on the left.
A: Can I park here?
B: No, but there’s a car park on Park Street.
A: Excuse me, I’m looking for the museum.
B: It’s on Bridge Road. Take the number
31 bus and get off at the second stop.
A: Can you tell me the way to the nearest bank, please? I need a cash machine.
B: No problem. Go left here and there’s one on the other side of the road.
64
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
29.1
Answer the questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
29.2
Which notice from B opposite will help you?
1
2
3
4
5
29.3
The cash machine doesn’t give you any money. Out of order
You are in the shopping centre and you want to leave.
You want to sit in a place where there are no cigarettes.
You want to know if people can go on the grass.
You want to go into the museum.
Complete these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
29.4
Where can I get a bus to London? at the bus station
Where can I get information about hotels?
Where can I change money?
Where can I park my car?
Where can I see old and interesting things?
Where can I get a train?
Where can I go to a lot of different shops?
Where can I go to post a parcel?
Turn right at the end
of the road.
The bus
is over there
the left.
For the Town Hall
the number 14 bus.
is a post office on the other
of the road.
You can find a cash
at the bank in High Street.
We can get a map of the town at the tourist
office.
Can you tell me the
to the railway
, please?
me. I’m looking
a car park.
What words are these?
1
2
3
4
5
sumuem museum
nowt hlal
brilyra
rac prak
ywrlaai nttoisa
6
7
8
9
10
dtaeepsrin raae
scah enicmah
tsop ffcoie
phoss
sub post
29.5
Look at the map in C opposite. How do you get from the tourist information office to the
shopping centre? Write directions.
29.6
Does your town have these places? Where are they? Write sentences.
1
2
3
4
a train station There’s a train station. It’s at the end of Station Road.
a bus station
5 a town hall
a shopping centre
6 a pedestrian area
a library
7 a tourist information office
8 a museum
9 a post office
Tip
Keep a notebook in your pocket. Many towns in different countries have notices in English to help
tourists. Write down any English words and expressions that you see in your town.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
65
30
In the countryside
The countryside and the country both mean ‘not the city’. Country can also mean a nation
(e.g. France, China).
A
Things we can see in the countryside
mountains
forest
village
hills
wood
lake
fields
path
country road
B
Living and working in the countryside
C
Nature /ˈneɪtʃə/ and conservation /kɒnsəˈveɪʃən/
river
farm
In the countryside, people usually live in a small town (e.g. 6,000 people) or village /vɪlɪdʒ/
(e.g. 700 people).
A farmer lives on a farm and works in the fields.
My friend lives in a cottage /ˈkɒtɪdʒ/ [small house in a village or the countryside].
Nature means ‘everything in the natural world’. (= animals, birds, plants, etc.)
There is wonderful wildlife in the north of the country. [animals, birds, fish and insects]
Near the village there is a conservation area [place where wildlife and nature are protected].
Common mistakes
I love nature [NOT I love the nature]. I like walking in the countryside [NOT I like walking in the nature].
‘Nature’ is not a place.
In the south of the country, there is a national park [very big national conservation area].
wildlife
D
66
Things to do in the countryside
You can take food and drink and have a picnic.
You can go walking / skiing in the mountains.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
30.1
Cover the opposite page. How many names of things in the countryside can you remember?
1
mountains
3
2
4
5
11
10
30.2
6
My brother is a farmer. He lives on a farm
It’s not a big house; it’s just a
The farm is near a
which has 800 people.
Twenty kilometres from the village there is a small
. It has 9,000 people.
We went swimming
We went walking
We went skiing
We saw some wonderful wildlife
We had a picnic
a
b
c
d
e
sitting by the river.
in the national park.
in the lake. The water was warm.
along a five-kilometre path.
down the mountain.
Put the in the sentences if necessary.
1
2
3
4
30.5
7
Match the beginning of the sentences on the left with the ends of the sentences on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
30.4
8
Fill the gaps in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
30.3
9
My parents live in the
countryside.
He loves
nature.
She wants to live in
country.
They are interested in
wildlife.
Describe the typical countryside where you come from. Write eight sentences about it.
Use these questions to help you.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Are there any woods or forests? There are some big forests.
Are there any hills or mountains?
Are there any lakes or rivers?
Are there many villages or small towns?
Are there farms?
Are there paths where you can walk?
Can you go skiing?
Can you see wildlife?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
67
31
A
Animals
Farm animals
pig
cow
horse
B
animal
produce
baby
horse
hair, meat
foal
cow
milk, leather, meat (beef)
calf
sheep
wool, meat (lamb)
lamb
pig
meat (pork, bacon, ham)
piglet
chicken / hen
eggs, meat (chicken)
chick
goat
milk, meat
kid
Wild or zoo animals
monkey
elephant
C
goat
sheep
chicken / hen
giraffe
tiger
snake
lion
Pets
These animals are often pets.
tortoise
fish
rabbit
cat
parrot
A parrot is a bird.
D
68
Expressions
Take your dog for a walk every day.
You must feed your animals and give them water every day.
Do you have any pets?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
dog
Exercises
31.1
Complete these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
31.2
A
A
tortoise
goes to sleep in winter.
has a very long neck.
and
are birds.
and
are large cats.
You can ride a
and an
swim and
fly.
are farm birds.
are very good at hopping and jumping.
Don’t forget to
the cat and to
it some water.
I
my dog for a walk every day before school.
Match the animal with its meat and with its baby.
animal
goat
sheep
cow
hen
pig
31.3
baby
calf
piglet
lamb
kid
chick
Look at the animals opposite. Find three animals which:
1
2
3
4
31.4
meat
lamb
chicken
pork
beef
goat
lions,
eat meat.
give us things that we wear.
produce their babies in eggs.
we can eat.
Look at the pictures and complete the crossword.
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
p
a
r
r
o
t
4
Across
3
6
7
Down
1
2
4
5
8
9
31.5
There are 18 different animals in the pictures on the opposite page. Close the book.
How many of these animals can you remember?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
69
32
A
Travelling
Types of transport
train
bus
car
(aero)plane
motorbike / motorcycle
B
bicycle / bike
underground
taxi
helicopter
boat
ship
Useful travel words
map
timetable
customs
luggage
passport
Can I have a single / return (ticket) to Barcelona, please?
(single = Madrid to Barcelona; return = Madrid to Barcelona and back to Madrid)
I’d like to book / reserve a seat in advance [to make sure you have a seat].
Common mistakes
Was the journey long? [NOT Was the travel long?]
70
C
By train
D
By plane
E
By car
The train arriving at platform 3 is the 16:50 train to Paris.
The Edinburgh train departs / leaves from platform 6. (departs is formal)
Is there a restaurant car on this train?
A: Do I have to change trains for Toulouse? [get off one train and get onto another]
B: No, it’s a direct train.
You have to check in two hours before the plane takes off [leaves the ground].
Online check-in is also possible. / You can check in online.
Common mistakes
Give your boarding card to the flight attendant when you
get on the plane.
I went through customs but nobody
Have a good flight.
checked my passport [NOT controlled
The plane lands in New York at 14:30.
my passport].
After landing you have to go through customs.
We hired a car for a week. We had to fill it up with petrol.
Can I give you a lift? I’m going into town.
(See Unit 18: Holidays and Unit 49: Moving for more useful words about travelling.)
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
32.1
Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
32.2
land
direct
restaurant car
ship
timetable
platform
luggage
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
a place to eat on a train
bags and suitcases
it says when trains depart and arrive
you do not have to change to a different plane / train / bus
planes do this at airports
it travels on water, e.g. the Titanic
where you stand when you are waiting for a train
Are these sentences true or false? Correct the false sentences.
1 A single ticket takes you to a place and back again.
2
3
4
5
6
32.3
False. A return ticket takes you to a
place and back again.
At customs, people check what you bring into the country.
Planes land at the beginning of a journey.
You need a boarding card to get off a plane.
Hiring a car is the same as buying a car.
If you give someone a lift they travel in your car.
Here are directions from the airport to John’s house.
When you arrive at the airport, take a number 10 bus to the station. Then take a train to Bigtown. The journey takes half
an hour and you get off the train at the second stop. Take a taxi from the station to John’s house.
Now write directions from the train station to your house.
32.4
Look at the pictures and complete the crossword.
Across
3
Down
1
1
6
2
6
7
3
8
4
8
t
i
m
e
t
a
7
b
l
e
2
3
4
5
5
Over to you
Make cards to test yourself. Write the word on one side of the card and a picture (or a definition or
translation) on the other side. Look at the pictures (or definitions or translations). Can you remember
the English words?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
71
33
A
B
UK culture
Special days
festival
date
what people do
Christmas
25th December
send Christmas cards, give presents, spend time with their
families, decorate a Christmas tree, eat a lot
New Year’s Eve /
Hogmanay (Scotland)
31st December
sing and dance, toast the New Year
New Year’s Day
1st January
a bank holiday [day when most organisations are closed]
Valentine’s Day
14th February
send cards to boyfriend / girlfriend / husband / wife
Easter
dates vary
give children Easter eggs [chocolate eggs]
Halloween
31st October
children dress up, children knock at doors and ask for sweets
Bonfire Night
5th November
have a bonfire and fireworks
Food
Traditional UK food is fish and chips
and roast beef and roast potatoes [cooked in
the oven] with Yorkshire pudding [dish made of flour, milk and eggs].
Chicken tikka masala [a kind of curry] comes from India, but is very popular in the UK.
C
D
72
Education
type of school
what it is
nursery school
for children aged 2-4
primary school
for children aged 5-11
secondary school
for children aged 12-18
state school
parents don’t pay for children to go here
private school
parents pay for children to go here
Politics
The UK has a royal family, with a king
or a queen.
Political decisions are made at the
Houses of Parliament.
The Prime Minister is the political
leader of the UK.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
33.1
33.2
33.3
Which festivals do these pictures show?
1 Halloween
3
5
2
4
6
Look at the pictures. Find 10 more words connected with food in the puzzle.
I
C
K
E
N
F
D
K
N
R
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
P
O
C
V
O
M
T
R
S
M
V
U
A
Q
E
W
A
A
T
H
X
L
D
S
M
V
C
S
H
G
E
Q
L
D
T
P
O
T
A
T
O
E
S
C
I
D
F
G
B
L
B
K
U
V
U
N
X
Z
O
E
A
P
I
V
Z
R
G
A
N
D
E
C
H
I
P
S
R
B
C
W Q
F
T
I
K
K
A
Y
J
What do British people traditionally eat with fish? chips
Where does chicken tikka masala come from?
What is chicken tikka masala a kind of?
Do British people eat Yorkshire pudding after their main course?
In or on which part of the cooker do you make roast beef and roast potatoes?
Which kind of school do these British children go to?
1
2
3
4
5
33.5
H
Answer these questions about traditional UK food.
1
2
3
4
5
33.4
C
Lily is seven. Her parents pay for her to go to school. a private primary school
Gabriel is 14. His school is free.
James and Ellie are three.
Mehmet is ten. His parents don’t pay for him to go to school.
Nick is 16. His parents pay for him to go to school.
Answer these questions about politics in
the UK.
1 Who is Prime Minister at the moment?
2 Where does the Prime Minister work?
3 Who is head of the royal family at
the moment?
Tip
Learn about UK life by using the BBC Learning
English website which has up-to-date articles
and news stories: http://www.bbc.co.uk/
learningenglish/
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
73
34
A
Crime
Crimes and criminals
crime
robbery
murder /ˈmɜːdə/
burglary
/ˈbɜːgləri/
mugging [attacking
a person in a public
place and stealing their
money]
person
a robber
a murderer
a burglar
a mugger
verb
to robsomebody or
a place (e.g. a bank)
to murder
somebody
to break into a
house / flat
(break / broke /
broken)
to mug somebody
crime
car theft
drug dealing
terrorism
shoplifting
person
a car thief /θiːf/
a drug dealer
a terrorist
a shoplifter
verb
to steal a car (steal /
stole / stolen)
to sell drugs
(sell / sold / sold)
to attack somebody or to steal things from
a place
a shop
There was a burglary at the school last night.
John West murdered his wife.
There are a lot of muggings in the city centre.
The bank was robbed yesterday. My sister was
robbed last week.
Common mistakes
A thief steals something (steal / stole / stolen).
Somebody stole my bicycle. [NOT Somebody
robbed my bicycle.]
I was robbed last night. [NOT I was stolen.]
74
B
The law /lɔː/
C
Other crime problems
A student was arrested for shoplifting this morning.
The police came to the school and spoke to his teacher.
The student has to go to court next week.
If he is guilty he will have to pay a fine. /ˈgɪlti/
If he is innocent he can go home. /ˈɪnəsənt/
I don’t think he will go to prison.
Some vandals broke the windows in the telephone box.
[A vandal breaks and smashes things.]
We have a lot of vandalism in my town.
A lot of people take drugs nowadays.
Is football hooliganism a problem in your country? /ˈhuːlɪgənɪzm/
[A football hooligan is a person who goes to a football match and makes trouble.]
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
34.1
What do we call someone …
1
2
3
4
5
6
34.2
Fill the gaps in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
34.3
There were a lot of football h ooligans
near the stadium.
The police officer arr
her for shoplifting.
Some van
destroyed all the flowers in the park.
He had to pay a fi
of £50 for parking his car in the wrong place.
There are a lot of bur
in this part of the city, so always close the windows.
The police made a mistake; she was inn
. She did not steal the money.
A group of terr
have attacked the airport.
He murdered his wife. He was in pr
for 20 years.
True or false?
1
2
3
4
5
34.4
who steals cars? a car thief
who kills someone?
who steals things from shops?
who robs people’s houses and flats?
who attacks someone in the street and steals their money?
who sells illegal drugs?
A burglar goes into someone’s house and steals things. True
Vandals take people’s money.
A murderer kills someone.
A car thief is someone who drives very badly or dangerously.
If you are guilty it means you are the person who did the crime.
Choose the right word to complete each sentence.
1
2
3
4
5
6
My brother was robbed / stolen yesterday.
Someone robbed / stole my bike last night.
My local bank has been robbed / stolen.
Who has robbed / stolen my pen?
Someone robbed / stole our TV when we were on holiday.
Where were you when your keys were robbed / stolen?
Over to you
Give your opinion. What do you think should happen to these people?
1 A man murdered his wife and three children. He should go to prison for 30 years.
2 A student with no money stole a book from a bookshop.
3 A woman sold some drugs to a teenager.
4 Some terrorists attacked a bus and killed five people.
5 A woman parked her car and blocked the traffic.
6 A teenager damaged some trees in the park.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
75
35
The media
A
Radio and TV programmes
B
Newspapers and magazines
The news is on TV at 6 o’clock every night. [important things that happen]
Do you watch soaps / soap operas? Home and Away is my favourite. [Soaps are stories about people’s
lives. They are often on TV every day.]
I like nature programmes best. [programmes about animals, birds, etc.]
I watched a documentary last night about drugs and crime. [programme looking at a social problem
or question]
In talk shows, people talk about themselves or discuss topics with an interviewer.
The children watch cartoons on Saturday mornings. (For example, Disney films with animals that
talk. See Unit 24: Cinema.)
My brother likes watching reality TV [programmes that film real people living their lives, not actors].
I always watch sports programmes.
In most countries there are morning (news)papers
and evening (news)papers.
Every month, I buy a magazine.
My mother buys women’s magazines.
I like news magazines like Newsweek and Time.
In most magazines and newspapers there are lots of
adverts / advertisements [something that tries to persuade
people to buy something].
Other types of magazines: sports magazines / computer magazines / teenage magazines. (See
Unit 25: Free time at home.)
C
People and the media
D
Expressions
There was an interview with the US President on
TV last night.
The reporters are outside the film star’s house.
[people who go out and get the news stories
where they happen]
My sister is a journalist; she writes for The Oxford
Times newspaper. [person who writes articles]
You can read newspapers or watch TV online.
What’s your favourite TV programme?
What’s on TV tonight?
Is it OK if I change the channel?
Common mistakes
The news is on now. [NOT The news are on now.]
76
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
35.1
Fill the gaps in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
35.2
Match the left-hand column with the type of programme on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
35.3
Talking about family problems
Film of elephants in Africa
Football cup final
Reports from all over the world
Maria decides not to marry Philip
Ten people in a house - they cannot
leave or talk to anyone outside
a
b
c
d
e
f
International news
Sports programme
Reality TV programme
Soap (opera)
Nature programme
Talk show
What do you call …
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
35.4
Ten million people watch this programme
every week. It’s very popular.
The news
on channel 3 at 9 o’clock every night.
There was a
about traffic problems in cities on TV last night.
I saw a
programme about birds in Antarctica.
My sister is 13; she reads a
magazine every week. She likes the stories about boys.
With my mobile I can read the sports news
I’d like to watch the news now. Is it OK if I
the channel?
Did you see the
with the Prime Minister last night?
a person who goes out and gets stories for newspapers? a reporter
a person who writes articles in newspapers and magazines?
a newspaper you can buy every day after about 5 pm?
a programme with stories made from lots of pictures?
a programme on TV about animals, birds, etc?
something in a magazine or on TV that tries to sell something?
something like CNN or Sky Sports?
a meeting when a reporter asks a person questions for TV or a newspaper?
Answer these questions for yourself.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Do you read a morning or an evening newspaper?
Do you read newspapers online?
What kinds of magazine do you read?
What will you watch on TV tonight?
What is your favourite TV channel?
How many hours of TV do you watch every day?
What are your favourite kinds of TV programmes?
Do you ever watch TV online?
Do you like watching adverts on TV?
Over to you
Go to www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Listen to programmes and download podcasts that interest you.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
77
36
A
Problems at home and work
At home
The TV isn’t working. Can you repair it?
The washing machine is broken. We need to mend it.
The plants are dying.
Did you forget to water them?
The room is untidy. We must tidy it.
I’ve lost my keys. Will you help me look for them?
You’ve cut your finger.
You should put on a plaster.
You’ve had a row /raU/ with a friend. Will you apologise [say ‘I’m sorry’]?
B
At work
Chloe had a bad day at work yesterday. She was late for work.
She had too much work to do.
Her colleague was in a bad mood.
Her computer crashed.
The photocopier was out of order.
The coffee machine wasn’t working.
Tip
When you need to make a list of things to do,
make it in English, e.g.
Mend my bike
Tidy my desk
78
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Water the plants
Exercises
36.1
Look at the pictures. What is the problem?
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
1 The phone isn’t working
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
36.2
Write down three nouns that can go with these words:
1
2
3
4
5
6
36.3
that isn’t working
Have you ever had these problems? Number each one 0-3 (0 = never, 1 = once or twice, 2 = quite
often, 3 = frequently).
1
2
3
4
5
6
36.4
broken window / cup / glass
cut
untidy
late for
a
too much
a TV that doesn’t work 2
dying plants
a cut finger
being late for work or school
a colleague or friend in a bad mood
a coffee machine that isn’t working
7
8
9
10
11
12
a broken washing machine
an untidy bedroom
a row with a friend
your computer crashes
lost keys
too much work
Look at Chloe’s problems in B. What could she do?
She was late for work - get up earlier
36.5
Can you think of four problems that you or a friend have had recently? Write them down in
English. Use a dictionary to help you.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
79
37
A
Global problems
Natural disasters
There was a hurricane / snowstorm / forest fire there last year.
hurricane: a very strong wind
snowstorm: a lot of snow and wind at the same time
forest fire: when it is very dry and trees catch fire
San Francisco has had a lot of earthquakes [when the earth moves].
There were serious floods in the north yesterday. [too much water]
The river often floods after heavy rain. [water goes over the river banks]
B
Man-made problems
There are too many people in some places. Cities are too crowded.
Many people are:
poor: they do not have enough money
hungry: they do not have enough food
homeless: they do not have a place to live
unemployed: they do not have a job
There is a lot of pollution in many places. [when the air, water or earth is dirty and bad for people, plants
and animals]
The river is polluted and a lot of fish have died.
The air pollution is very bad today.
The American War of Independence started in 1775 and ended in 1783. [fighting between two or more
countries or nationalities] It lasted for eight years.
The teachers are on strike today. [when people refuse to work because, for example, they want
more money]
He had a car crash on the way to work.
The traffic jams in the city are terrible in the rush hour [times when everyone is going to work].
80
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
37.1
What problems can you see in the pictures?
1 strike
4
7
2
5
8
3
6
9
37.2
Match the words on the left with the
words on the right.
37.3
Find the words that match these definitions.
1
2
3
4
37.4
air
traffic
rush
forest
crowded
homeless
car
earth
a very strong wind a hurricane
so many cars on the road that they can’t easily move
a street with a large number of people
when two cars hit one another
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
5
6
7
8
fire
people
pollution
quake
jam
hour
cities
crash
without work
the time of day when there is most traffic
without enough to eat
when a lot of trees burn
Look at the opposite page and find …
1
2
3
4
5
37.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
two problems on the roads.
two things that pollute the air.
two problems that can be political.
three problems that are caused by the weather.
four adjectives that can describe people.
traffic jam, car crash
Fill the gaps with a word from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Cars make air pollution
worse in towns.
Their wages were very low so the workers went on
My great-grandfather died in the First World
Jack had a
last year but fortunately no one was hurt.
Japan often has
and Siberia often has
When people are
they sometimes sleep on the streets.
I hate driving in the city in the
The water is so
that people cannot drink it.
Tip
Try to listen to or watch
the news in English
every day.
Make a note of new
words about global
problems that you find.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
81
38
Have / had / had
A
What can you have?
B
Expressions with have
C
Have + got (speaking / informal) = have (writing / formal)
D
Have got to (speaking / informal) = have to (writing / formal)
You can ...
have breakfast lunch dinner a meal
have a party a meeting a game (of
football, etc.)
have a lesson an exam homework
have a cup of tea / coffee a drink an
ice cream some cheese
have a shower /ˈʃaʊə/ a bath a swim
Is that your camera? Can I have a look [look at it]?
Is that your bicycle? Can I have a go [ride it]?
Goodbye! Have a good journey [somebody is
going away]!
Do you have a moment [have some time]? Can I have a word with you?
[speak to you]
We always have a good time in our English lessons.
[fun; we enjoy them]
I’m going to have my hair cut. See you later. Can you meet me at the
hairdresser’s?
I want to learn to ski but I don’t have the time.
I’ve got three sisters. Have you got any brothers and sisters?
My house is big. It’s got five bedrooms and three bathrooms.
We’ve got ten minutes before the train goes.
Have you got a pen?
(in a shop) A: Do you sell postcards? B: Yes, but we haven’t got any at the moment.
I’ve got a problem. Can I have a word with you?
I’ve got a cold / a headache. /ˈhedeɪk/
We use have (got) to when the situation means you are obliged to do something.
The museum’s not free. You have to / you’ve got to pay $10 to go in.
All students have to do an exam.
My sister needs the car, so I’ve got to walk to school every day this week.
Common mistakes
In the past, we use had to, without ‘got’. When I was a student, I had to write an essay every week
[NOT I had got to write an essay].
Tip
Group expressions together which belong to the same topic, for example, have + words for
meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), have + ‘study’ words (an exam, a test, a lesson, a class), etc.
82
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
38.1
Fill the gaps in the sentences. Use words from A and B opposite.
I always have coffee
in the morning.
I have a tennis
every Saturday morning. My teacher is excellent.
Do you want to have a game of
?
Evelyn’s having a
on Saturday. Are you going?
Do you want to have a
? The bathroom’s just here.
I have an
tomorrow, so I have to study tonight.
We must have a
to talk about these problems.
I’m going to the cafeteria to have a
. Do you want to come?
The hotel has a swimming pool, so we can have a
every day.
We can have
before the film, or we can eat after it.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
38.2
Correct the mistakes.
1
2
3
4
5
6
38.3
Please phone Grandma when you have the moment. a
Scarlett has gone to the hairdresser’s to have cut her hair.
That computer game looks great. Can I have a going?
I want to have some words with my teacher after the lesson.
Mum didn’t have the times to go to the shop today.
They don’t have got any cake in the café today.
Complete the crossword.
1
m
2
e
a
3
l
4
5
38.4
Down
2 You have it at school or university.
4 If you don’t like coffee, you can have
What do you say?
1
2
3
4
38.5
Across
1 You have it in a restaurant.
3 People often have one on their birthday.
5 Do you want to have a
of tennis?
drink
(someone is thirsty) Why don’t you have a
?
(someone is going away) Bye! Have a
!
(someone sneezes [Atishoo!] and has a red nose) Oh! Have you got a
(someone has a new camera) Is that new? Can I have a
?
?
Answer the questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Have you got any brothers or sisters?
What time do you have English lessons?
What do you have for lunch?
Do you have to go to lessons every day?
How many pens have you got with you now?
Do you always have a good time in your English classes?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
83
39
A
Go / went / gone
Go
Go means to move from one place to another.
I go to work by bike. My brother goes by car.
We went to Paris last summer.
Is this train going to Granada?
Shall we go to the
swimming pool today?
Where does this road go?
B
C
Go + prepositions
Ethan went in(to) his room
and shut the door.
Yuko went out of the house
and into the garden.
Jacob was tired. He went
up the stairs slowly.
The phone was ringing. She
went down the stairs quickly.
Future plans
Be going to is often used to talk about future plans.
Jan is going to study maths at university.
We’re going to visit my aunt in New York soon.
I’m going to learn five new words every day.
D
Expressions Go + -ing for activities
Go is often used with -ing for different activities.
I hate going shopping.
Do you like going sightseeing
when you are on holiday?
I usually go swimming
in the morning.
Hans goes skiing
every winter.
Let’s go dancing.
Carter is going
fishing today.
Common mistakes
Let’s go swimming and then go shopping. [NOT Let’s go to / for swimming and then go to / for shopping.]
I go there every week. I don’t want to go anywhere / somewhere else. [NOT I go to there every week. I
don’t want to go to anywhere / somewhere else.]
I must go home at 10 o’clock. [NOT I must go to / at home at 10 o’clock.]
84
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
39.1
Where are these people going? Follow the lines.
1
3
2
5
4
1
2
3
4
5
39.2
Mateo is going to the zoo.
The Sharps
Zoe and Penelope
Asad
Lars
Write about Victoria’s New Year Resolutions.
This year I’m going to:
stop eating chocolate
pass my driving test
learn Spanish
watch less TV
1
2
3
4
5
This year
This year
This year
This year
This year
Victoria is going to stop eating chocolate.
keep my room tidy
39.3
Look at the activities in D opposite. Which do you do on holiday? Write sentences.
I usually go shopping on holiday.
39.4
Where do trains, buses and roads go to from your town?
From Cambridge, trains go to London and to Norwich.
39.5
Are these sentences correct? If not, correct them.
1 It’s time to go at home now.
2
3
4
5
6
X It’s time to go home now.
Mum is going for shopping this afternoon.
I’m going to London by car tomorrow.
I love Paris. Did you go to there last year?
Alexei is going to home at 4 o’clock.
We always go to the same café. Let’s go
to somewhere different today.
7 Excuse me, please. Where does this bus go?
8 I go to swimming every Sunday
morning.
9 We’re going sightsee today.
10 Jo went down to the top of the hill.
11 Let’s go to fish today.
12 She went out off the shop.
13 Please go away. I’m tired.
14 Would you like to go to home now?
Over to you
Look in an English magazine or newspaper. Find five examples of go.
Write them down in your vocabulary notebook.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
85
40
A
Do / did / done
Do as auxiliary
questions
short answers
negatives
B
Do you like tennis?
Yes, I do.
So does Matteo.
He doesn’t play well.
Did they like the film?
Yes, they did.
So did I.
Leo didn’t see it.
What are you doing?
Do as a general verb:
On Saturdays I
usually do nothing.
I just relax.
Don’t do that, Tommy.
What are the people in the picture doing?
They’re dancing.
C
What do you do?
A: What do you do? [What is your job?]
B: I’m a student. / I’m a hairdresser.
A: What does your wife do? [What’s your wife’s job?]
B: She’s a doctor. / She’s a teacher.
(See Unit 14: Jobs.)
D
Do + activity
do the housework
do the gardening
do the washing
do the washing-up
do your homework
do some exercises
do business with
do your best
A: Did you do the washing this morning?
B: No, I’m going to do it later.
Our company does a lot of business with the US.
The homework is very difficult - just do your best.
Tip
Make a note of any expressions with do that you find when you are reading in English.
(See Unit 41 for the contrast between do and make.)
86
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
40.1
Write questions and answers about the people in the picture.
1
2
3
4
5
6
40.2
(the boy) What is the boy doing? He’s eating an ice cream.
(the girls)
(the dog)
(the man in the house)
(the woman)
(the man in the garden)
Write questions and answers about the jobs of the people in the pictures.
1 Lara Brown
2 Lee Atkins
3 Sophie Hicks
4 Cooper and Hailey
1 What does Lara Brown do? She’s a secretary.
2
3
4
40.3
Write questions about what the people in Exercise 40.2 did this morning. Answer the questions
using the correct form of the phrases in the box.
talk to five patients
teach three lessons write an essay
go to a meeting
1 What did Lee Atkins do? He taught three lessons.
2
3
4
40.4
Look at the do expressions in D. Write sentences using these activities.
I do a lot of housework but I never do the gardening.
40.5
Correct the mistakes in this dialogue.
ANNA:
Where did you went on your holidays? To Wales? go
PAVEL: No, we don’t go to Wales this year. We went to Scotland.
ANNA: Do your grandmother lives in Scotland?
PAVEL: No, she don’t but my uncle do.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
87
41
A
Make / made / made
Make …
Dad is making some coffee.
Mum is making dinner.
I’ll make some tea / hot chocolate. /ˈtʃɒklət/
I make breakfast / lunch / dinner every day.
He’s making a photocopy.
B
It makes me (feel) …
C
Expressions
She’s making a film / video.
Going by train always makes me (feel) tired.
My friend called me stupid. It made me (feel) angry.
That film made me (feel) sad.
You use make NOT do in these expressions:
I made a mistake in the exercise.
I want to make an appointment with the doctor. [fix a time to see him/her]
When I get up I make my bed.
The children are making a noise.
Yes, and they are making a mess in the living room!
I love your new dress - you made a good choice.
Common mistakes
You do homework [NOT make homework]. You take or do an exam [NOT make an exam].
You take a photo [NOT make a photo]. You do the washing [NOT make the washing].
88
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
41.1
Complete the sentences with the correct form of make.
1
2
3
4
5
6
41.2
I always make
a lot of mistakes when I speak English.
Our neighbours had a party last night. They
a lot of noise.
I am
dinner for my parents this evening.
What do you think, the silver car or the white one? We must
I
an appointment with the doctor for you. It’s at 5 o’clock.
Craig is in the kitchen. He is
a cup of tea.
Complete the sentences with make(s) / made me feel + an adjective from the box.
sick
1
2
3
4
5
41.3
tired
sad
happy
angry
That film about the war made me feel sad
Long lessons always
She was horrible to me; it
It’s a lovely song. It
That meal was horrible. It
What are these people doing? Complete the sentences using make.
1 He’s
making a photocopy.
2 She’s
41.4
our choice today.
3 The little boys are
5 The children are
4 They’re
6 She is
Correct the mistakes in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
I have to make my homework. I have to do my homework.
Can I make a photo of you?
He’s 25 but he never makes his own washing. He takes his dirty clothes to his mother’s.
Are you making an exam tomorrow?
Have you made your homework yet?
Over to you
Make a page for expressions with make and do in your vocabulary notebook. Make two
columns - one with the heading make and the other with the heading do. Write down all the
make and do expressions you know in the appropriate columns. Add new expressions to the
page as you meet them.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
89
42
Come / came / come
Come and go are different:
go
A
come
Come in / out
We say ‘Come in!’ when someone knocks at the door of a room.
Then the person who knocked comes into the room.
Come in!
Come out (of) is often the opposite of come in (to).
A woman came out of the shop with
two big bags. (I was in the street.)
You put your money in and the ticket
comes out of the machine.
B
Come back and come home
Come back means ‘return to this place here’.
She went away for three days. She came back yesterday.
(She is here again.)
Come back is often used with from.
They came back from Italy yesterday.
Come home is similar; ‘home’ is ‘here’ for the person speaking.
MUM:
What time did you come home last night?
SADIE: Oh, about 3 o’clock.
MUM:
What! That’s much too late!
C
Other important uses of come
A: What country do you come from?
B: I’m from Poland. / I come from Poland. / I’m Polish.
We’re going clubbing tonight. Do you want to come along [come with us]?
Come and see me some time. [visit me]
Common mistakes
I come from Poland [NOT I’m coming from Poland].
Tip
Write down any prepositions you find with come every time you see them.
90
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
42.1
Fill the gaps in the sentences.
1 I put money in, but the ticket didn’t come out of
the machine.
2 A: I’m going to Thailand tomorrow.
B: Oh! When are you coming
?
A: In two weeks.
3 The teacher came
the classroom and started the lesson.
4 A: Where do you come
?
B: I’m Spanish.
5 Come and
me at 5 o’clock; we can talk about it then.
6 The children come
school at 4 o’clock.
42.2
What do you think these people are saying? Use words from the box.
come from
come in
come along
come here
Come in!
1
We’re going
to a party.
Do you want
to
?
Come in!
3
I
2
42.3
4
Fill the gaps using come in the correct form.
1
2
3
4
5
42.4
France.
Did you
She
He
come
Pierre
for your letters? They’re on the table.
back yesterday.
here every Tuesday.
you
to the party tonight?
from a small town in Luxembourg.
Answer these questions for yourself.
1 What time do you come home every day?
2 What country do you come from?
3 What do you do when you come into your classroom?
Over to you
Look up these verbs in a dictionary. Write down the meaning and one example for each verb. After a
week, cover the verbs and examples, look at the meanings and see if you can remember the verbs.
Verb
come round
come across
come up
Meaning
Example
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
91
43
A
Take / took / taken
Take with time (it + take + person + time)
It takes Alan 20 minutes to get to work.
Alan’s house → 20 minutes → Alan’s office
It takes Grace 45 minutes to get to work.
Grace’s flat → 45 minutes → Grace’s office
I go to school / university every day. It takes me
30 minutes.
I do homework every day. It took /tʊk/ me two hours
yesterday.
A: How long does it take to get to the station?
B: Fifteen minutes in a taxi.
A: How long did it take you to learn the Greek alphabet?
B: A week or two.
B
Take something with you
Are you going out? Take an umbrella. It’s raining.
Are you going to the beach? Take some water with you.
Sorry, you can’t take your
camera into the museum.
C
Expressions
Can I take a photo / photograph here? /ˈfəʊtəʊ/ /ˈfəʊtəgrɑæf/
A: Are you taking an English course? B: Yes.
A: Do you have to take an exam? B: Yes, at the end of the course.
I want to take some Japanese lessons.
How do you get to work? I take the bus.
In London you can take the underground
to the London Eye.
We took a taxi from the airport to our hotel.
How does Nick get to work? He takes the train.
Tip
Make a page in your notebook for take and put in new words that go with it when you see them
(e.g. take a picture, take a look at, take a chance).
92
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
43.1
Fill the gaps for yourself.
1 It takes
2 It takes me
3 It takes me
4
43.2
me
takes me
minutes to get to school / university / work.
minutes to go from my house to the nearest railway station.
minutes to get to my best friend’s house.
to do one unit of this book.
Complete the sentences using take and an expression from the box.
a course some water the train an exam
1
2
3
4
43.3
1 How does Natalie go to work?
3 How does Christopher go to school?
He
2 How can I get to the airport?
You
4 How do Santiago and Lucia get home every day?
They
What do you take with you when …
1
2
3
4
5
43.5
?
Look at the pictures. Answer the questions using take.
She takes the train.
43.4
take an exam.
At the end of the course, you have to
You can fly from London to Paris or you can
You want to learn Russian? Why don’t you
If you go out on a hot day, you need to
you want to take photographs?
it’s raining?
you go to another country?
you go to your English lessons?
you need to text someone?
I take my camera.
How long did it take you to do this unit?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
93
44
A
Bring / brought / brought
Bring and take
take (like go) = from here to there
bring (like come) = from there to here
Are you going to school? Take your books.
(= from here to the school)
Are you going to the kitchen? Can you bring me a glass? (= from the kitchen to here)
Please take this form to the secretary. (= the secretary is there)
Come to my house tomorrow and bring your guitar. (= for me, my house is here)
B
Bring somebody something
A: I’ve brought /brɔːt/ you some apples from
my garden. B: Oh, thank you!
C
When she visits me, she always brings
me flowers.
Bring something back
It’s raining. You can take my umbrella and bring it back tomorrow.
JULES: This book is interesting.
MARGAUX: Please take it with you and read it.
JULES: Thanks. I’ll bring it back on Friday.
MARGAUX: OK. No problem.
94
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
44.1
Fill the gaps with bring or take.
1
2
3
4
5
6
44.2
Match the words on the left with the words on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
44.3
Yesterday he brought me
You must take
Come to my house and
Go to the post office and take
Everybody is going to bring
a
b
c
d
e
these letters, please.
bring your guitar.
some flowers.
food to the party.
your passport when you travel.
Fill the gaps with the correct form of bring or take.
1
2
3
4
44.4
Are you going to the shops? Take
an umbrella. It’s raining.
‘Don’t forget to
your books tomorrow!’ the teacher said to the class.
Are you going to the kitchen? Can you
me some water?
your camera with you when you go to Thailand. It’s beautiful there.
Are you going to the office? Can you
these papers, please?
I’ll
you a present from New York.
She always brings
Hello, I’ve
Can you
She is going to
me presents. Yesterday she
you some flowers. I hope you like them!
this present when you go and see Sonia?
my book, read it tonight and
it back tomorrow.
Fill the gaps with bring back or take.
1 Can I take
this magazine to read tonight? I’ll
2 When she went to Belgium, she
me
3 Please
my umbrella. You can
44.5
me some chocolates.
it
it
tomorrow.
some chocolates.
tomorrow.
Where are you now?
If you are at an English lesson now, answer a).
If you are not at an English lesson, answer b).
a Name three things you always bring to the lesson.
b Name three things you always take to the lesson.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
95
45
A
Get / got / got
Get with adjectives: for changes
It’s light.
It’s getting dark.
She’s ill.
She’s getting better.
I’m getting tired. I want to go to bed.
B
It’s dark.
She’s better. / She’s well.
It’s raining! I’m getting wet!
Get with nouns
If you don’t have something you can get it. [get = buy or find]
I want to send a postcard. I have to get a stamp.
I’m going to the shop to get a newspaper.
Do you want a drink? I can get some coffee.
Where can I get a taxi?
I’ve finished my studies. Now I want to get a job.
My friend is ill! Please get a doctor.
C
Expressions
Maria and David are getting married in April.
A: When you get to New York, call me. [arrive at, reach]
B: OK, give me your number.
A: How can I get to the airport?
B: Take the airport bus at the bus station.
I’ll see you when you get back from Hong Kong. [return, come home]
(See also get up in Unit 47.)
Common mistakes
When I get home, I have my lunch [NOT When I get to home].
I get there at 6 o’clock, so please ring me at 6.30 [NOT I get to there].
96
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
45.1
Complete these sentences using a, b or c.
1
2
3
4
5
45.2
I studied too much and I got a) hot b) tired c) sick.
I ate too much and I got a) hot b) tired c) sick.
I sat in the sun too much and I got a) hot b) tired c) sick.
In winter in the north it gets a) tired b) dark c) wet very early.
Vincent got very a) dark b) better c) wet in the rain.
Complete these sentences using the correct form of get and a word from the box.
better light dark cold wet
1
2
3
4
5
45.3
!
What / Who do you get if …
1
2
3
4
45.4
The sun is going down. It ’s getting dark.
When the sun comes up it
She’s in hospital but she
It’s raining! I
Please close the window. I
you want to post a letter? a stamp
somebody is ill?
you are thirsty?
you want to write something down?
5
6
7
8
you want to read the news?
you want to go to the airport?
you want to earn some money?
you want to go out and it’s raining?
Complete these sentences.
Singapore (dep. 05.45)
1 This plane
gets to
Paris (arr. 12.30)
Paris at 12.30.
university
2 The bus from the university
3 When does the flight from Moscow
4 José usually leaves work at 6 and
5 Mike is in New York. He won’t
45.5
(25 minutes)
my house in 25 minutes.
my house
London?
home at 6.30.
till the 14th July.
Answer the questions. Write sentences.
1 In your country, how old are people usually when they get married?
2 When do people usually get married? Which day? Which month(s)?
3 What time do you usually get home every day? How do you get there?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
97
46
A
Phrasal verbs
What are phrasal verbs?
at 6.30
Phrasal verbs have two parts: a verb + a particle.
get up / on / off
I got up at 6.30 this morning. I’m tired now.
We should get on the bus. It’s leaving in five minutes!
We got off the bus at the City Museum.
up
get
on
off
the bus
the bus
the TV
turn on / off / up / down
He always turns on the TV at 9 o’clock to
watch the news.
the TV
up
down
the TV
on
turn
off
the light
It’s a sunny day. Turn the light off.
Turn the TV up. I can’t hear it.
Turn the TV down. It’s too loud.
go on / off
Don’t stop. Go on talking. It’s very interesting. [continue]
Karen went off and forgot her handbag. [left]
put something on
It’s cold and windy outside. Put your coat on. / Put on your coat.
come on
Come on! We’re late.
B
One phrasal verb, different meanings
Note that one phrasal verb can often have different meanings.
turn down
She turned down the TV. [made it not so loud]
She turned down the invitation. [refused it]
take off
Our plane takes off at 12.30. [leaves the ground]
She took off her shoes. [removed them from her feet]
98
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Tip
Make a special page in your
notebook. Write down any phrasal
verbs you see or hear. Organise
them into groups, in any way that
makes sense to you, for example,
clothes, movement.
Exercises
46.1
Match a sentence on the left with a sentence on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
46.2
It’s eight o’clock.
We arrived at our station.
That funny programme is on soon.
The bus arrived.
I’m trying to work.
I can’t hear the news.
It’s raining today.
I don’t want to accept that job.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I’m going to turn it down.
Please turn your music down.
It’s time to get up.
We got off the train.
Put on your raincoat.
We got on.
Turn on the TV.
Turn the radio up.
Put the correct prepositions in these sentences.
It’s dark in here. Turn on
the lights.
Our plane takes
at 6.25 and lands at 7.50.
Come
! It’s time to get
. You’ll be late for school!
The children took
their school uniforms when they got home.
It’s time to turn
the TV and go to bed now.
Get
the bus at the train station, then walk about 100 metres and you’ll see the
theatre.
7 The students went
working until late at night.
8 When they got to the beach, he put
his swimming trunks and ran down to the sea.
1
2
3
4
5
6
46.3
What is happening in these pictures? Use one of the phrasal verbs from the opposite page to
describe each picture.
1
They are getting on the coach.
3
2
46.4
4
oven.
Replace the underlined words with a phrasal verb from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
The plane left at midnight. The plane took off at midnight.
I removed my hat and coat.
She continued writing novels all her life.
Michael left without saying goodbye to anybody.
I refused the invitation to Maya’s wedding.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
99
47
A
Everyday things
Things we do every day
wake up
have breakfast
/ˈbrekfəst/
make dinner
B
listen to the
radio /ˈlɪsən/
go to the bathroom
have a shower
go to work
come home
phone (or call)
a friend
watch TV
clean the house
go for a walk
go to bed
Sometimes I …
wash clothes
C
get up
write letters / emails
Expressions
A: How often do you go out / watch a film?
B: Three or four times a week.
A: What time do you get up / go to work?
B: At 7 o’clock normally.
A: How do you go to work?
B: Usually by bus / train / car.
(See also Unit 38: Have / had / had and Unit 41: Make / made / made.)
Common mistakes
We say I usually get up at 8 o’clock, but today I got up at 8.30. [NOT I used to / I’m
used to get up at 8 o’clock.]
100
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
47.1
What do they usually do?
He listens to the radio every morning.
1
2 She w
(every Saturday)
3 He c
(every weekend)
4 He w
(every evening)
5 She g
47.2
47.3
(every Sunday)
Ask questions.
topic
question
answer
1 get up
What time do you get up?
7.30, usually.
2 go for a walk
How …
Every Saturday.
3 go to work
How …
By train.
4 have dinner
When …
At about 7 o’clock usually.
5 come home from work
How …
I normally walk home.
6 phone your best friend
How …
Two or three times a week.
7 clean your room
When …
On Saturday morning usually.
8 have a shower
What …
Usually at about 11 pm.
Complete the sentences about yourself.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I usually wake up at
I go to the bathroom and have
I usually have
for breakfast.
I go to work by
I usually have a cup of tea / coffee at
o’clock.
I usually come home at
I usually
dinner at
o’clock.
In the evenings I normally
or
Sometimes I
one or two emails or
I usually
to bed at
to the radio.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
101
48
A
Talking
Say (say / said / said)
How do you say
‘book’ in Spanish?
We use say when we report someone’s words.
She said, ‘This is horrible!’
He said that he wanted a drink.
Libro
We say hello / goodbye and we say please /
thank you / Happy Birthday / Merry Christmas
/ Happy New Year / Congratulations!
/kəngrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/
B
Tell (tell / told / told)
We use say when we ask about language.
Tell is usually followed immediately by a person.
Say is not followed immediately by a person.
Tell is often used with how and wh- words (when,
what, why, where) to find out and give information.
Tell me when you want to have dinner. She told me
how to fill in the application form.
You can tell someone the time / a story / a joke /
your name / your address / your phone number.
C
Ask
Common mistakes
He told me his name. [NOT He said
me his name.]
Common mistakes
Can you tell me where the bus
station is, please? [NOT Can you say
me … ?]
Ask is used for questions.
My sister asked me where I was going. / My sister asked (me), ‘Where are you going?’
A: Can I ask you a question?
B: Yes.
A: What day of the week were you born?
B: Thursday.
You can ask someone the way / the time.
You can ask somebody to do something and ask someone for
something.
I asked him to turn off his radio. (or I said, ‘Please turn off your radio.’)
She asked for the bill. (or She said, ‘Can I have the bill, please?’)
D
Speak / talk / answer / reply
I like talking to you. [having a conversation with you]
Common mistakes
Do you speak Japanese? (used for languages) [NOT Do you talk Japanese?]
Can you answer the telephone / the door, please? [pick up
the phone / open the door to see who it is]
Teacher: Who can answer the next question? Joanna?
He didn’t reply to my email. (also used for letters / texts)
[he did not send me an email back]
102
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
48.1
Fill the gaps with the correct form of say or tell.
1
2
3
4
5
6
48.2
Can you tell
me where the Plaza Hotel is, please?
She
me her name.
I
goodbye to her.
‘Please
me a story,’ the little boy
‘Come here!’ the police officer
The teacher
her students that they were very good.
What do you say?
1 You want to know if an English friend can help you talk to a Russian person who does not know
English.
Can you speak Russian?
2 You want to know the word for ‘tree’ in German.
How
3 You want to know the time.
Excuse me, can you
4 Your course is finished. You want to say goodbye to your teacher.
I just want to
5 You want to know when the exam is.
Can you
6 The telephone rings. You are busy cooking food. A friend is watching you.
(to your friend)
Can you
48.3
Match the verbs on the left with the words on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
48.4
say
answer
ask for
reply to
tell
talk to
ask
speak
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
an email
someone to help you
Japanese
Happy New Year
a friend
someone a joke
the bill
the door
Complete the phrases.
1
2
3
4
Happy
(on December 24th or 25th)
Christmas!
(you want to pay in a restaurant) Can we have
, please?
(on the first day of the year)
Year!
(small child to parent)
a story before I go to sleep. Please!
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
103
49
A
Moving
Without transport
swim
walk
run
jump
dance
climb
fall
When talking about the past, we say: walked / ran / jumped / danced / swam / climbed / fell.
B
Transport
verb
transport
example
go by
car / plane / bus / train / bike / motorbike / ship /
taxi / underground [NOT by a car]
We went to Paris by train last summer.
take
a / the bus / train / plane / a taxi /
the underground
I took a taxi home yesterday.
ride
a bicycle / bike / motorbike / horse
I always rode my bike to school.
drive
a car / bus / train
My uncle drove a bus for ten years.
How did you get to Istanbul?
We flew there.
The pilot flies a plane.
Common mistakes
You arrive at or in a place
[NOT arrive to a place]. The
train arrived in Tokyo on
time. The plane arrived late
at Heathrow.
C
Expressions
Please pass
the salt.
Can I help you carry
your luggage?
I’ve just missed
the train.
If we don’t leave
now we won’t
catch our train.
Tip
When you are travelling you will probably see a lot of signs and information in English. Make a note
of any new words and expressions you see.
(See Unit 32: Travelling.)
104
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
49.1
Complete the sentences using verbs from A opposite. Write them in the correct form.
1 Jack likes running
round the park every morning but Hannah prefers walking
round it
with her dog.
2 Everyone
at the
party last night.
3 Every day Claire
ten lengths of the pool before
breakfast.
4 James can
very fast. He has won a lot of races.
5 Andrew loves
mountains.
6 The old lady
on her way home and broke her arm.
7 Stella
into the swimming pool and quickly
to the other side.
8 It is better for you to
to work than to go by car.
49.2
Ride, drive, go by or take? Write the correct word(s) in the sentence.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
49.3
Can you ride
a motorbike?
He works for a railway company. He
a train.
She sometimes
the underground to work.
He goes away from home a lot. He
a lorry.
I prefer to
a bus than
car.
Would you like to
an elephant?
You never forget how to
a bicycle.
I usually
a taxi when it rains.
Complete the diagram with six possible words.
sugar
Please pass the
49.4
Put these sentences into the past tense with the word yesterday.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
49.5
Lilian runs a mile every day. She ran a mile yesterday.
Maria often drives her grandmother to the city.
Charlie flies to Madrid every week.
I sometimes take a taxi home from the station.
Bella often falls when she rides her bike.
Adrian often misses the 7.30 bus to school.
The taxi driver usually helps the old lady to carry her luggage to the train.
Madeline usually dances very well.
Answer these questions. Use every day, once a week, once a year or never.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
How often do you walk to work or school? I walk to work every day.
Have you got a bike? How often do you ride it?
How often do you go swimming? Do you swim in the sea or in a pool?
How often do you go somewhere by plane?
How often do you drive a car?
How often do you go dancing?
Do you often go climbing?
How often do you take a taxi?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
105
50
A
Conjunctions and connecting words
Basic conjunctions
Conjunctions join two parts of a sentence. They help to show the connection between the two
parts of the sentence.
B
conjunction
example
use
and
Kate is a student and she
works part-time.
We use and to give extra information in the second
part of the sentence.
but
They are rich but they
aren’t happy.
We use but when the second part of the sentence
contrasts with the first part.
or
You can pay by credit card
or cash.
We use or when the second part of the sentence
gives a different possibility.
because
We went home early
because we were tired.
We use because when the second part of the
sentence explains why the first part happened.
so
I felt ill so I didn’t go to
work.
We use so when the second part of the sentence
gives a result of the first part.
when
I went to the party when
the babysitter arrived.
We use when to say when the first part of the
sentence happened.
before
We left before it started
to rain.
We use before to show that the first part of the
sentence happened first.
after
We went for a meal after
we had seen the film.
We use after to show that the second part of the
sentence happened first.
if
You can have some ice
cream if you eat your
dinner.
We use if to say that the first part of the sentence
will only happen after the second part of the sentence
happens and it may not happen.
Other connecting words
These words are useful for making connections between words and phrases.
word
example
use
only
He only sleeps for three hours
every night.
We use only to say something is not very big or
very much.
like
She looks like her father.
We use like to make a comparison.
than
She works harder than he does.
We use than after a comparative adjective or
adverb.
also
too
as well
He works in the shop and she does
also / too / as well.
We use also, too and as well to say something
is extra.
Tip
These words are small, but they are very important to learn. Write a translation of the words in the
first column of the tables.
106
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
50.1
Choose one of the words to complete each sentence.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
50.2
Blake liked school because / but / if he had many friends there.
Blake left school so / or / and he joined the navy.
He hadn’t travelled much but / before / after he joined the navy.
Blake was seasick when / if / so he left the navy.
He took a job in a bank because / after / or it was near his home.
He will stay at the bank when / if / before he likes it there.
If he doesn’t like his new job, he’ll go to university before / if / or he’ll move to London.
He wants to get married if / when / so he’s 30.
Write down nine sentences from the columns. Use each of the conjunctions once.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav after they decided to start a business
together.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav
Annabelle will marry Aarav
50.3
after
and
because
before
but
if
or
so
when
she loves him.
she loved him.
she doesn’t love him.
they had two sons.
he moves to London.
he moved to London.
she won’t marry anyone.
he was a pop star.
they decided to start a
business together.
Fill in the gaps with words from B opposite.
I love swimming, my brother loves swimming
1 too
and my sister likes it very much
2
. I can swim better 3
they can! Almost all my family loves swimming.
a fish but she
My grandmother swims 4
5
every year or
doesn’t swim very often so, now.
50.4
Write six sentences about your family and your habits using only, than, like, also, too and
as well.
I play tennis and my mother plays as well. My mother plays better than I do.
50.5
Complete these sentences about yourself.
1
2
3
4
5
6
I’m learning English because
I’ll learn more English if
I’m learning English and
I started learning English when
I can speak some English, so
I’ll learn more English but
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
107
51
A
Days, months, seasons
Time
There are:
365 days in a year (a year which has 366 days is a leap year)
12 months /mʌnθs/ in a year
7 days in a week
2 weeks in a fortnight
24 hours in a day
60 minutes in an hour (we say an hour /ˈaʊə/)
60 seconds in a minute
100 years in a century
B
Days of the week
Sunday /ˈsʌndeɪ/, Monday /ˈmʌndeɪ/, Tuesday /ˈtʃuːzdeɪ/, Wednesday /ˈwenzdeɪ/, Thursday /ˈθɜːzdeɪ/,
Friday, Saturday
The names of the days always begin with a capital letter in English.
Saturday + Sunday = the weekend
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8
9
10
11
12
the day before
yesterday
yesterday
today
tomorrow
the day after
tomorrow
Monday (before 12 pm) = Monday morning
Monday (between 12 pm and 6 pm) = Monday afternoon
Monday (after 6 pm) = Monday evening
Common mistakes
We say on + days of the week: on Monday,
on Saturday, etc. I saw her on Friday /
We say at + the weekend: I went to the cinema
on Tuesday evening.
at the weekend [NOT in the weekend].
C
Months and seasons
Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October,
November, December
The names of the months always begin with a capital letter in English.
Some countries have four seasons: spring, summer, autumn /ˈɔːtəm/ and winter.
The names of the seasons do not usually begin with a capital letter in English.
We say in + months / seasons: in July, in December, in (the) spring, in (the) summer, etc.
Birds sing in (the) spring.
Common mistakes
Tip
My birthday is in July [NOT on July].
Write the day and date in English every time you do an
English exercise, e.g. Wednesday 2nd May 2017.
108
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
51.1
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
51.2
24 hours = one day
100 years =
2 weeks =
60 minutes =
7 days =
Complete this British children’s song about the number of days in each month.
Thirty days has S eptember
,
A
,J
and N
All the rest have
,
Except for F
,
Which has twenty-eight days
And
in each leap year.
51.3
These abbreviations are often used for the days of the week and the months. Write the names
out in full.
1
2
3
4
51.4
Mon
Aug
Oct
Sat
5
6
7
8
Monday
Wed
Jan
Apr
Fri
9
10
11
12
Feb
Sept
Tues
Nov
What are the next letters in each of these? Why?
1 S S A W (the first letters of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter)
2 SMTW
3 JFMAMJJ
51.5
Correct the six mistakes in this paragraph.
S
I’m going to a party on saturday for Valentina’s birthday. Her birthday is on thursday but she
wanted to have the party in the weekend. She’s having a barbecue. I think june is a good
month to have a birthday because of the weather. I love going to barbecues on the summer.
My birthday is in Winter and it’s too cold to eat outside!
51.6
How quickly can you answer these quiz questions?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
How many minutes are there in a quarter of an hour?
What is the third day of the week?
How many seconds are there in five minutes?
What is the seventh month?
How many months are there in ten years?
What month is your birthday in?
What day is it today?
What day will it be tomorrow?
What day will it be the day after tomorrow?
What day was it yesterday?
What day was it the day before yesterday?
What month is it?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
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52
A
Time words
Time in relation to now
Now means at this moment. Then means at another moment (usually in the past).
I was born in Edinburgh. Then we moved to London. Now I live in Cambridge.
It is 10 o’clock now.
I got up four hours ago, at 6 o’clock.
An hour ago it was 9 o’clock.
two years
for two years
2014-2016
from 2014 to 2016
last year / last week / last Saturday
next year / next week / next summer
2014
2016
JANUARY
M
It is July now.
Last month it was June.
Next month it will be August.
7
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
When we talk about time in general, we
talk about the past, the present and the
future.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
In the past people didn’t have television.
People may travel to Mars in the future.
B
Frequency adverbs
always
often
usually
now and then
sometimes
not often
occasionally
It always snows in Russia in winter.
It often rains in the UK.
The Ancient Romans never went to America or Australia.
C
Expressions
Notice the use of a in these expressions of frequency.
once [one time] a week: I go swimming once a week, every Saturday.
twice [two times] a day: I clean my teeth twice a day.
three times a year: I see my uncle three times a year.
four times a month: I play football four or five times a month.
I’ll be with you in a moment [a very short time].
Nora’s in Paris at the moment [now].
See you soon [in a short time]!
We met recently [not long ago].
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
never
rarely
Exercises
52.1
Fill the gaps with a preposition from the opposite page.
1
In
the past, Rosa worked in many different countries. Rosa worked in Hong Kong
the moment she
three years, 3
2008 4
2011. 5
6
two more years.
is working in Tokyo. She will stay there
2
52.2
Draw lines to match the centuries to their time.
1
2
3
4
5
52.3
the past
the present
the future
Are these sentences true about you? If not, write them out correctly. Use other frequency
adverbs from B opposite.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
52.4
the 19th century
the 22nd century
the 18th century
the 21st century
the 20th century
I always go swimming on Fridays. I sometimes go swimming on Fridays.
I usually go to school / work by bus.
I occasionally watch TV.
I rarely drink milk.
I often wear a hat.
I rarely eat chocolate.
I always go to bed at 10.
I never go to the theatre.
Read the sentences and answer the questions.
1 Matthew will get his exam results very soon.
Do you think Matthew will get them next year, next month or tomorrow?
2 Alice and Adam met for the first time recently.
Do you think they first met last year, six months ago or a week ago?
3 I’ll help you in a moment.
Do you think I’ll help you next week, in two hours or in a few minutes?
4 It’s 6 o’clock now.
Two hours ago it started to snow. What time was it then?
52.5
Probably tomorrow
Look at the table and write sentences using expressions like once a week,
three times a month, etc.
John plays tennis twice a week.
play tennis
practise the piano
have a business
meeting in Germany
John
Mondays and
Thursdays
Saturdays
the first Friday every
month
Julia and Alexa
Tuesdays, Fridays and
Saturdays
every morning and
every evening
once in January, March,
May, July, August and
December every year
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
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53
Places
A
General place words
Come here, please. [to me, to where I am]
Have you been to Lima? I’m going there in April. [not here, another place]
Max is coming back from Portugal in May. [to here again, to this place]
There are books and papers everywhere in my room. [in all parts / all places]
(See Unit 42: Come / came / come.)
B
Prepositions
Luke is in the kitchen, making dinner.
There are two restaurants in the village.
Samantha lives in Seoul / South Korea / Asia.
in
I’ll meet you at the station.
I always sit at the front of the class.
at
I like that photo on the wall.
Don’t put your books on the chair. I want to sit on it!
C
on
Positions
the top of the mountain
the middle of the road
the front of the car
the side of the car
the bottom of the glass
the back of the car
the beginning of the motorway
the end of the motorway
D
Left and right
This is his left hand. This is his right hand.
In York Street, there is a cinema on the left
and a restaurant on the right.
E
left
Home and away
Is Eleanor at home [in her house / flat]?
No, sorry, she’s out [not here for a short time, e.g. at the shops or at work].
No, sorry, she’s away [not here for a longer time, e.g. on holiday].
No, sorry, she’s abroad [in another country].
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
right
Exercises
53.1
Fill the gaps with here, there, back or everywhere.
back
1 Thanks for lending me your dictionary. I’ll bring it
soon. (See Unit 44: Bring /
brought / brought.)
2 Come
Emma! Don’t go near the road! (See Unit 42: Come / came / come.)
3 This letter is for a teacher at the university. Can you take it
. (See Unit 43: Take /
took / taken.)
4 I opened the washing machine too soon. Now there’s water
!
5 I want to leave this letter in Nora’s office. Are you going
?
6 I’m going to Italy tomorrow, but I’m coming
on Friday.
53.2
Fill the gaps with the correct preposition.
1
2
3
4
5
6
53.3
My brother works in
Paris.
Why do you always sit
the back of the class?
Let’s go and sit
the sofa.
What time do you arrive? I’ll meet you
the bus station.
There was a picture of an old man
the wall.
Do you usually study
your bedroom or
the living room?
Mark the positions on the bus and on the tree.
1
2
3
4
5
6
the front of the bus
the side of the bus
the back of the bus
the middle of the tree
the top of the tree
the bottom of the tree
the front of the bus
53.4
Fill the gaps with out, away or abroad.
1
2
3
4
53.5
I’d like to work abroad
and learn about a new country.
Is Lily here? No, she’s
but she’ll be back in about five minutes.
I’m going
tomorrow. I’m going to stay with my sister for a few days.
When we go
we like to go
and see new countries.
Answer these questions about yourself and about this book.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Are you studying English at home or abroad?
Are you going away this year?
What have you got in your left or right hand at the moment?
What is there at the end of this book?
Where is Unit 3 in this book? (beginning / middle / end?)
Where is Unit 36 in this book? (beginning / middle / end?)
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54
Manner
Adjectives and adverbs can describe manner, i.e. how we do something.
A
Fast and slow
adjectives
adverbs
B
The music is too loud.
The children sang loudly.
She’s a good driver.
She drives well.
I like coffee very much.
I like very much coffee.
[✓]
[✗]
Expressions with way
He’s speaking in a friendly way.
You’re doing that the wrong way.
Let me show you the right way to do it.
114
He’s a bad driver.
He drives badly.
Right and wrong
This sentence is right.
This sentence is wrong.
E
It’s very quiet here.
The teacher speaks very quietly.
We can’t hear him.
Good and bad
adjectives
adverbs
D
This is a slow car.
This car goes very slowly.
Loud /laud/ and quiet /ˈkwaɪət/
adjectives
adverbs
C
This is a fast car.
This car goes very fast.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
She’s speaking in an unfriendly way.
Exercises
54.1
Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
54.2
Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
54.3
54.4
This train is slow. It goes very slowly
He is a bad singer. He sings very
She is always loud. She speaks very
He’s a fast swimmer. He swims very
This girl is quiet. She always speaks
He’s a good English-speaker. He speaks English
Please don’t play your music so loudly
- I’m trying to study.
Let’s take the
train, not the fast one.
Katie is very
at French but bad at German.
Why is Fiona behaving
an unfriendly way?
I hope this is the
answer.
It is better to do something well than to do it
The children are playing very
- they know that grandma is asleep.
Did I do this exercise
right way?
Are the definitions right or wrong? Use a dictionary.
word
definition
right (✓)
suddenly
very slowly
sadly
in an unhappy way
strangely
not in a normal way
quickly
very slowly
easily
with no difficulty
wrong (✗)
✗
Complete these sentences about yourself and your friends or family.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
My
My
I
My
My
I
My
I
sister plays tennis
well.
badly.
fast.
slow.
quiet.
loudly.
in a friendly way.
the right way.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
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55
A
Common uncountable nouns
What are countable and uncountable nouns?
COUNTABLE You can count them: four apples, two
shoes.
apples
shoes
plates
UNCOUNTABLE You can’t count it. [NOT three
luggages]
sugar
money
luggage
Can I have three apples and some sugar, please?
Are these shoes yours? Is this luggage yours?
B
Everyday uncountable nouns
The traffic is bad today.
This furniture is modern.
I’ll give you some advice
about your future.
It’s terrible weather today.
He can give some useful
information about Bangkok.
There is some bad news today.
Accommodation here
is expensive.
I need some fresh air.
Air travel is
faster than
rail travel.
Studying is
hard work.
C
Food
A lot of uncountable nouns are kinds of food and drink.
rice
spaghetti
butter
Note: When we want to say how
much we want, we say two loaves of
bread, three litres of milk, a kilo of
rice.
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
bread
milk
water
tea
coffee
Tip
When you learn a new noun, write it down in a phrase
which shows if it is countable or uncountable.
Exercises
55.1
Fill the gaps with an uncountable noun from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
55.2
Match the words on the left with the words on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
55.3
heavy
useful
bad
modern
brown
cold
space
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
information
travel
water
luggage
news
furniture
bread
Fill the gaps with the correct form of the verb be.
1
2
3
4
5
6
55.4
I’d like to buy a car but I haven’t got enough money
Cows give us
and
If you don’t know what to do, ask your parents for some
The
at the seaside is very good for you.
Rob left school last month and is now looking for
There is always a lot of
in central London.
Accommodation in the city centre is
expensive.
Spaghetti with Italian tomato sauce
very good.
The weather in Scotland
best in the autumn.
The news
better today than it
yesterday.
Travel
the most important thing in Sam’s life.
Their furniture
very old and very beautiful.
Correct the mistakes in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
The news are not very good today. is
Where can I get some informations about your country?
Let me give you an advice.
Cook these spaghetti for ten minutes.
Can I have a bread, please?
We need to buy some new furnitures.
The east of the country usually has a better weather than the west.
I must find a new accommodation soon.
Over to you
Use a dictionary to check if these words are countable or uncountable
and make a note of them in your vocabulary notebook:
equipment
biscuit
homework
vehicle
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
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56
A
Common adjectives: Good and bad things
Good adjectives
a good restaurant
an excellent restaurant
a wonderful view
/ˈwʌndəfəl/
good
B
nice
lovely
great
wonderful
very good
excellent
A: That’s a nice jacket.
B: Thank you.
A: It’s a lovely day today! /ˈlʌvli/
B: Yes, it is.
It’s a great film. We all loved it.
A: Do you want to go to London on Saturday?
B: That’s an excellent idea! [very good]
Bad adjectives
The weather this summer was very bad.
Other words that mean very bad are dreadful, horrible, terrible:
The food in that café was horrible. Nobody liked it.
What’s that dreadful smell?
I had a terrible day at work today.
The traffic’s terrible at 5 o’clock on Fridays.
C
Expressions
bad weather
A: The train arrives at 7 o’clock; dinner is at 8 o’clock.
B: Excellent! / Great! / Wonderful! / Lovely! / Perfect!
Note: We often say not bad when we are speaking.
A: I get $500 a week in my job.
B: That’s not bad! (= good!)
We use these adjectives with how:
A: I have to get up at 5.30 tomorrow.
B: Oh, how awful! / how horrible!
A: I’ve got a great new job in New York!
B: How nice! / How wonderful! / How lovely!
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
My hair is awful!
Common mistakes
How awful! / How horrible!
[NOT How bad!]
Exercises
56.1
Complete the sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
56.2
What can you say? Someone says to you …
1
2
3
4
5
6
56.3
Do you like my new skirt? Yes, it’s lovely!
I have to get up at 4.30 tomorrow morning.
Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?
(in your town) Excuse me. Is there a good restaurant in this town?
What do you think of your English lessons?
Is it OK if I come to your house at 6.30 tomorrow evening?
Match the words on the left with an expression from the right.
1
2
3
4
5
56.4
My hair’s awful
. I must go to the hairdresser’s.
The weather’s
. I don’t want to go out.
The traffic is
in the city centre. Take the train.
That’s a(n)
idea! Let’s do it!
How
! Three exams on the same day!
What a
house! The sea is only 100 metres away!
My timetable’s not
. I’m free on Wednesdays and Fridays.
We have a
view of the mountains from our hotel room.
Blue sky, sun 25°
Five stars (*****)
I don’t want to walk. Let’s take a taxi.
90 out of 100 in an exam
(in summer) Grey sky, wind, rain, 4°
a
b
c
d
e
Wonderful news
Awful weather
Lovely weather
A very good idea
An excellent hotel
Put these words into the good or bad column. Use a dictionary.
dreadful
brilliant
good
marvellous
nasty
fine
bad
dreadful
56.5
Now think of two nouns to go with each of the adjectives in 56.4.
Use a dictionary to help you.
dreadful weather / film
brilliant
marvellous
nasty
fine
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
119
57
A
Words and prepositions
Phrasal and prepositional verbs
Some verbs are used with different particles and prepositions.
I listen to the radio in bed in the morning.
I waited for the bus for half an hour yesterday.
I asked for a black coffee, not a white one.
Where do I pay for our meal?
I hope you can come to my party.
This book belongs to Sarah Smith.
What are you thinking about?
Lauren thanked her mother for the present.
Damian apologised for being late.
B
Phrasal verbs
Some verbs have different meanings when they are
used with different prepositions, for example, look.
I love looking at old photographs.
If you want to find your key, you must look for it.
Parents look after their children.
[they take care of them]
You look forward to
something nice in the
future, for example, a
friend’s visit, or a
holiday.
children
after
a key
for
look
at
a book
forward to
a party
C
D
Adjectives
Some adjectives are also followed by prepositions.
I’m good at geography but bad at maths.
I’m interested in (hearing) all your news.
He is afraid of mice.
Lucy is proud of winning a medal and her mother is proud of her.
Note: You are used to what you know well: I’m used
Common mistakes
to getting up early, I always do.
You have to get used to something new, for example a
She’s a lovely person and I’m really
new school or driving on the other side of the road.
happy about her success
[NOT happy for her success].
Grammar
Prepositions are followed by a noun: Artur is good at tennis
or by the -ing form of the verb: Artur is good at playing the piano.
Tip
Look carefully at prepositions when you read in English. Make a note of any phrases which use
prepositions in a new way.
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
57.1
Match the words on the left with the words on the right.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
57.2
John is waiting
This bicycle belongs
The children thanked their aunt
Molly is listening
He apologised
Let me pay
Javier is thinking
Over 100 people came
for his mistake.
about the holidays.
for a train to London.
to the hotel.
for our tickets.
to the football match.
to music on her phone.
for the money.
Complete these sentences using the appropriate preposition(s) and a word or phrase from
the box.
books
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
57.3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
the children
me
people
my party
it
a new one
them
Isabel’s granddaughter can’t read yet but she likes looking at books
A nurse looks
I can’t find my glasses? Could you help me look
?
It’s my birthday soon. I’m really looking
Why are you looking
in that way? Is my face dirty?
I don’t like my job very much. I’m looking
Alex is going to France in July. He is looking
I often look
when their parents go out.
Write prepositions.
her new school and is doing well there. She is very good
Josephine has got used 1 to
2
her teachers. She is very
English and maths. She always listens 3
4
5
a tennis club and a swimming club.
interested
sport and she belongs
6
her when she won a medal for swimming last month.
Her parents were very proud
7
her medal too, of course. She showed it to me when she
Josephine was very happy
8
my house last Saturday.
came
57.4
Hiroshi is a visitor from Japan. Make sentences about what he found strange (✗) in Britain and
what he didn’t find strange (✓).
1
2
3
4
5
6
57.5
speaking English every day ✗ He wasn’t used to speaking English every day.
driving on the left ✓ Hiroshi was used to driving on the left.
eating British food ✗
traffic jams ✓
expensive shops ✓
British money ✗
Answer the questions about yourself.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
What are / were you good at at school? What are / were you bad at?
What do you usually ask for when you go to a café?
What are you proud of?
What are you afraid of?
What kind of music do you like listening to?
What are you looking forward to?
Do you belong to any clubs?
Are you used to eating different kinds of food?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
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58
Prefixes
Prefixes come at the beginning of words. They can help you to understand what a new word means.
Here are some common prefixes.
prefix
meaning
examples
ex (+ noun)
was but now isn’t
ex-wife, ex-boyfriend
half (+ noun or adjective)
50% of something
half-price, half-hour
in, im (+ adjective)
not
informal, impossible
non (+ adjective or noun)
not
non-smoking
pre (+ noun, adjective, verb)
before
pre-school, pre-heat
re (+ verb)
again
redo, rewrite
un (+ adjective or noun)
not
unhappy, unsafe
An ex-wife is a woman who is now divorced.
An ex-boyfriend is someone who is no longer your boyfriend.
Something that cost £10 yesterday and costs £5 today is half-price.
A half-hour journey is a journey of 30 minutes.
Informal clothes are clothes like jeans and trainers. Formal clothes are things like a suit.
If something is impossible, you can’t do it. It’s impossible to read with your eyes closed.
You must not smoke in a non-smoking restaurant.
Pre-school children are too young to go to school.
You nearly always need to pre-heat the oven before you cook something.
To redo something is to do it a second time, and to rewrite something is to write it a second time.
Unhappy means sad, the opposite of happy.
Unsafe means dangerous, the opposite of safe.
Tip
Sometimes words with prefixes have a hyphen (-), e.g. a half-hour programme, and sometimes they
don’t, e.g. an impossible question. Use a dictionary when you are not sure if there is a hyphen or not.
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
58.1
Choose one of the words from the opposite page to fit in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
58.2
Write your own sentences to show what these words mean.
1
2
3
4
5
58.3
This part of the restaurant is non-smoking.
I can’t read this. Please
your homework.
In
English we often say ‘Hi’, not ‘Good morning’.
I liked school but my sister was very
there.
I bought two T-shirts because they were
in the sale.
Don’t walk on that wall - the notice says it is
ex-wife
ex-boyfirend
redo
impossible
pre-school
What do you think these words and phrases mean? Look at the table opposite to help you.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
58.4
Jennifer Aniston is Brad Pitt’s ex-wife.
an ex-husband a man who is now divorced from his wife
pre-exam nerves
an incorrect answer
an unread book
to retell a story
a half-brother
an unfinished letter
a non-alcoholic drink
to reread a book
to resend an email
Find the negative forms of these words. Use a dictionary to help you.
1
2
3
4
5
possible impossible
comfortable
polite
pleasant
attractive
Over to you
Look at the table opposite and write one more example of a word
using each prefix. Use a dictionary to help you. Write a sentence
using your word.
ex:
half:
My ex-boss lives near me.
You stop at half-time in a football match.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
123
59
Suffixes
Suffixes come at the end of words. They help you to understand the meaning of a new word. Here are
some common suffixes.
suffix
meaning
examples
er, or (noun)
person
worker, swimmer, instructor
er, or (noun)
machine, thing
cooker, calculator
ful (adjective)
full of
useful, beautiful
less (adjective)
without
useless, endless
ly
makes an adverb from an adjective
quickly, happily
ness
makes an abstract noun from an
adjective
happiness, sadness
y
makes an adjective from a noun
sandy, sunny
He’s a hard worker. He works 12 hours a day.
She’s a very good swimmer. She was in the Olympic team.
Her tennis is much better now that she has a new instructor.
We’ve got a new gas cooker so the food should be delicious!
Can we use our calculators in the maths test?
Thanks for the information. It was very useful.
What a beautiful photo. I think it will win the competition.
This book is no help at all - it’s useless.
I can’t finish this book - it’s endless.
He was late for work so he went quickly to the station.
They are happily married with two young children.
The mother was smiling with happiness as she held her baby in her arms.
They said goodbye with great sadness because they knew they would probably never meet again.
That beach is very popular with tourists
because it is long and sandy.
It’s a lovely sunny day - let’s go to the beach.
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English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Exercises
59.1
59.2
Which of the example words from the opposite page do these pictures illustrate?
1 a s unny day
3 as
5 ac
2 a golf i
4 He’s smiling h
6 au
thing
Find the adjectives and match them with the nouns they go with in the box. Some
adjectives can go with more than one noun.
electric worker fast beautiful cooker sandy weather sunny car hard idea useful
book endless swimmer beach guitar smile picture fun useless
electric cooker / guitar
1
2
3
4
5
59.3
Complete the sentences using the word in brackets and a suffix.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
59.4
6
7
8
9
Can I use your bottle opener
, please? (open)
I’m tired because I slept very
last night. (bad)
The waiter was very
and explained everything on the menu. (help)
Thank you very much for all your
. (kind)
It’s important not to make
mistakes in your writing. (care)
It was wet and
most of last week. (wind)
I did the homework very
. (easy)
Do you know a good
who could do some work on our house? (build)
What do you think these words and phrases mean? Use the information about suffixes from
the opposite page to help you.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
a hair dryer
a traveller
slowly
hopeful
rainy
painless
badly
a tin opener
a footballer
snowy
a thing that you use to dry your hair
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
125
60
Words you may confuse
This unit looks at words which are easy to mix up.
A
Similar sounds
quite /kwaɪt/ / quiet /ˈkwaɪət/
This book is quite good. bad
quite good
good
My bedroom is very quiet [silent].
lose /luːz/ loose /luːs/
A: Why do I always lose my keys!
B: Here they are.
A: Oh, thank you!
If you lose something, you do not know where it is / you can’t find it.
These trousers are very loose. (loose means they are not tight, because they are too big)
fell / felt
Fell is the past of fall.
Yesterday I fell and broke my arm.
Felt is the past of feel.
I felt ill yesterday, but I feel OK today.
cook / cooker
He is a very good cook [the person who cooks].
This cooker costs £500. [the thing you cook on]
B
Similar or related meanings
Do you want
to borrow it?
lend / borrow
If you lend something, you give it.
If you borrow something, you get it.
Sam wants a bicycle:
SAM: Will you lend me your bicycle? (= you give it to me for one day / an hour, etc.)
or Can I borrow your bicycle? (= I get it from you)
RITA: Yes, take it.
SAM: Thanks.
check / control
The passport officer checked my passport. [looked at it]
We use the mouse to control the computer. [tell it what to do]
C
Other words often mixed up
They’re waiting for the bus.
I hope I pass my exams. [I really
want to pass]
I haven’t studied; I expect I’ll fail
my exams. [it’s probable]
In English the afternoon is from about
12 o’clock till 5 or 6 pm.
The evening is from 5 or 6 pm until about 9 or 10 pm.
After 9 or 10 pm it is the night.
afternoon
126
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
evening
Exercises
60.1
Fill the gaps with words from A opposite. The first letter is given.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
60.2
What does each word below sound like? Circle the correct word.
1
2
3
4
60.3
Please be q uiet
. The baby is sleeping.
If you l
your passport you must call the embassy.
If
tired this morning, but I am OK now.
We are going to buy a c
for our new kitchen.
She f
and broke her leg. She had to go to hospital.
It’s q
cold today.
Do you have this skirt in a smaller size? This one is too l
My sister is a good c
. I love eating at her house.
lose
loose
quite
quiet
juice
juice
right
right
shoes
shoes
higher
higher
Answer these questions.
1 Why do we use a mouse with a computer? To control it.
2 What does the passport officer do to your passport? He/She
3 If you want to use someone’s camera for two hours, what do you say?
Can I
4 What do you say to someone at 3 pm? Good
5 What do people do at a bus stop? They
6 What do you say to a friend if you need £1?
Can you
7 What do you say if someone makes too much noise? Please be
60.4
?
?
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
Are you expecting any visitors today?
What do you hope to do this summer?
Do you borrow things from your friends? What things?
Would you lend £100 to your best friend?
Look at these units to find other words that are often confused:
Do and make
Units 40 and 41
Take and bring
Units 43 and 44
Say, tell, speak and talk
Unit 48
Rob and steal
Unit 34
Over to you
Look up these pairs of verbs in a dictionary and
make notes on the difference in meaning:
1 lie - lay - lain
lay - laid - laid
2 rise - rose - risen
raise - raised - raised
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
127
Answer key
1.1
Unit 1
2
3
4
5
6
brother
aunt
uncle
grandmother
grandfather
1.2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
aunt
only child
father
wife
mother
grandchildren
wives
grandparents (parents is also a possible answer)
1.3
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
1.4
7
8
9
10
11
nephew
niece
mother
wife
cousin
Marta has / has got one brother and one sister.
Marta has / has got two cousins.
Marta has / has got two nephews but she hasn’t got any nieces.
Marta has / has got only one grandmother now.
Marta doesn’t come from a very big family.
Your own answer
Over to you
Possible family tree:
I am José. Ana Maria is my wife. Javier and Isabella are our children. Javier is our son and Isabella
is our daughter. Rosa is our niece. Antonio, Pedro and Juan are our nephews. Carla and Luis are my
parents. Jorge is my brother and Dolores and Consuela are my sisters.
Carla + Luis
Jorge + Victoria
Ana Maria + José
Antonio Pedro
2.1
128
Javier
Isabella
Unit 2
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
My father was born in South Africa on June 4th 1959.
My brother was born in London on June 6th 1984.
My husband was born in Russia on February 6th 1979.
My son was born in Cambridge on October 16th 2005.
2.2
2
3
4
5
(bride)groom
single
weigh
divorced
2.3
2 to
3 of
6 funeral
7 honeymoon
8 widowed
4 on
5 born
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
6 after
Alejandro + Dolores
Rosa
Juan
Consuela
2.4
2
3
4
5
2.5
2 death
2.6
Possible answer:
Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 and died in 1506.
Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 and died in 1519.
Princess Diana was born in 1961 and died in 1997.
Heath Ledger was born in 1979 and died in 2008.
3 dead
4 died
5 dead
I have one brother and one sister. My sister got married this year. For her honeymoon, she went to
Italy. My brother has two children. They were born in 2001 and 2008.
3.1
Unit 3
2
3
4
5
6
nose
heart
stomach
shoulder
ear
7 tooth
8 thumb
9 back
10 waist
3.2
2
3
4
5
toes
teeth
nose
heart
3.3
2
3
4
5
6
That woman has got very big feet.
My grandfather has a pain in his shoulder.
The baby has already got two teeth.
The little girl needs to wash her face and her hands before dinner.
My hair is dirty. I need to wash it.
3.4
2 football
3 lipstick
4 hairbrush
6
7
8
9
ears
knee / shoulders
blood
brain
5 headscarf
6 handbag
3.5
1
m
o
u
2
f
o
o
i
3
k
n
t
h
e
4
e
g
y
e 5n
e
c
k
r
s
4.1
Unit 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
suit, shirt, tie
T-shirt, shorts
socks, trainers
carrying, bag
belt
jacket, coat
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
129
4.2
2
3
4
5
belt - waist
hat - head
glasses - eyes
shoe - foot
6 glove - hand
7 tights - legs
8 scarf - neck
4.3
1
2
3
4
is
is wearing
has; is carrying
is; are
5
6
7
8
4.4
2
3
4
5
6
jumper
umbrella
skirt
suitcase
boots
4.5
4.6
7
8
9
10
were; are
Is
are
is wearing / has
coat
watch
shirt
hat
morning
night
get dressed
get undressed
or put your clothes on
or take your clothes off
Possible answer:
I’m wearing a blue T-shirt and black trousers. I’ve got white shoes on. I’m wearing a watch, three
rings and a pair of glasses.
5.1
Unit 5
2 tall
3 slim / thin
4 fair
5.2
2
3
4
5
6
5.3
Possible answers:
5 young
6 fat / overweight
7 elderly
Is Elena’s hair blonde / fair?
Is Mike’s hair long?
Are your parents elderly? (Are your parents old? is a less polite question)
Is his sister pretty / beautiful?
Why is Sara so thin?
2 Jeff has short fair hair and a beard.
3 Anika’s got dark skin and dark hair.
4 Stefan’s hair is long and he has a moustache.
5.4
2
3
4
5
6
5.5
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
130
What does your teacher look like?
How much do you weigh? / How heavy are you?
How old is your mother?
How tall is your sister?
What do your parents look like?
She’s tall and slim with blonde hair.
I’m 75 kilos. I’m not overweight but I’m not thin.
She’s middle-aged. She’s 49.
She’s very tall for her age. She’s 1 metre 58.
They’re medium height. My mother has long dark hair and my father has fair hair and a beard and
a moustache.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Over to you
Possible answers:
Joanna: Joanna is tall. She has long black hair and brown eyes. She’s very pretty.
Kevin: Kevin is medium height. He has fair hair and a beard. His eyes are blue. He’s average-looking.
My mother: My mother is short with grey hair. She has green eyes. She’s beautiful.
6.1
Unit 6
2
3
4
5
6.2
I feel sick. / I don’t feel very well. / I feel ill.
feel ill.
I’ve got toothache.
a cold
illness
treatment
a headache
take an aspirin
toothache
go to the dentist
a heart attack
go to hospital
a cold
go to bed with a hot drink
6.3
2 cholera
3 asthma
6.4
Possible answers:
4 hay fever
5 cancer / heart attacks
1
2
3
4
Yes, I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, and not many sweet things.
I like / love swimming and cycling.
Yes, I feel stressed when I have exams.
Yes, I had an operation once / I broke my leg, etc. (‘Be in hospital’ means you are ill, you are a
patient. ‘Be in a hospital’ can just mean you are visiting someone.)
5 Yes, I start sneezing as soon as I get near flowers or grass.
7.1
Unit 7
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
7.2
6 I love cats.
7 I like cars.
8 I don’t like jazz music.
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7.3
I hate cowboy films.
I like flying.
I like tea.
I don’t like football.
I prefer cats to dogs.
I prefer sightseeing to sunbathing.
I prefer cars to bikes.
I prefer strawberry to chocolate ice cream.
I prefer watching sport to doing sport.
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I hope (that) the lesson ends soon.
I want some food.
I hope (that) my friend feels better soon.
I want to go to bed.
I want to cry.
I hope (that) it gets hotter soon.
I want him / her to feel / be happy again soon.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
131
7.4
2 Nicholas is thirsty.
3 Max is cold.
4 Sunita is tired.
7.5
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5 Fiona is surprised.
6 The children are hot.
I am happy about my sister’s good news.
The teacher wants us to learn these new words.
I really like spiders.
My brother has a good new job. I’m very happy for him.
My parents want me to go to university.
I feel very well. How about you?
Priya is a bit tired this morning.
Over to you
Possible answers:
2 I felt hungry when I saw some chocolate in a shop window.
3 I felt tired yesterday after school.
4 I felt angry when somebody stole my mobile phone.
8.1
Unit 8
2
3
4
5
Good luck!
Congratulations! / Well done!
Goodbye.
Happy Birthday!
6 Fine, thanks.
7 Hello! / Hi!
8 Thank you / Cheers.
8.2
2 Happy Christmas!
3 Thank you!
4 Congratulations!
5 Sorry!
6 Good morning!
8.3
2
3
4
5
6 Happy New Year!
7 Sorry!
8 Happy Christmas!
8.4
Possible answers:
ANN:
How are you?
YOU:
Fine, thanks.
ANN:
It’s my birthday today.
YOU:
Happy birthday!
ANN:
Would you like a drink?
YOU:
Yes, please. An orange juice.
ANN:
Here you are.
YOU:
Cheers! / Thank you!
8.5
Possible answer:
Thank you. Cheers!
Goodnight. Sleep well.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
A: Hello, good morning.
B: Hi. How are you?
A: Fine, thanks. And you?
B: I'm very well. I passed my maths exam!
A: Well done! I'm taking an exam in physics this afternoon. I'm a little nervous.
B: Good luck! You'll do fine.
A: I hope so, because it's also my birthday today.
B: Is it? Happy Birthday! Why don’t we go out for a drink this evening?
A: OK. See you later. Goodbye.
B: Goodbye. See you soon.
132
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
9.1
Unit 9
2 around
3 really
4 else
5 actually (really is also possible)
6 around
9.2
2 mind
9.3
2 Look out!
3 What a pity!
4 It’s up to you.
9.4
VERA:
LUKE:
VERA:
LUKE:
VERA:
LUKE:
10.1
10.2
3 Let’s
4 Be careful
5 anyway
5 Hurry up!
6 Well done!
We need to celebrate. I got a new job!
Well done! How about going out for a meal this evening?
Great! Let’s go to that Italian restaurant. Or do you prefer the Chinese one?
I don’t mind. I like the Italian one but it’s very expensive.
Oh, it doesn’t matter.
OK. Why don’t we go to the Italian restaurant and then we could go to the
cinema afterwards? Your new job needs a special celebration.
VERA: I agree. And I’d love to see that film with George Clooney. Would you?
LUKE: Absolutely!
Unit 10
2 Pasta; pizza (in either order)
3 potatoes
4 fish and chips
5 meat
6 hot dog
fruit
vegetables
pineapple
beans
grapes
onions
apple
carrot
pear
garlic
mushrooms
10.3
2 strawberry
3 peas
4 apple
5 potatoes
6 tomatoes
10.4
2 beer
3 milk
4 coffee
5 fruit juice
6 mineral water
10.5
2 c
10.6
Possible answer:
3 c
4 b
5 a
6 c
My favourite foods are pizza, fish, strawberries and pineapple.
My favourite drinks are tea, coffee and fruit juice.
They are quite good for you.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
133
11.1
11.2
Unit 11
2
3
4
5
6
Possible questions:
2
3
4
5
11.3
12.1
12.2
Where’s the saucepan / frying pan?
Where do these bowls go?
Can I help with the washing-up?
Where can I find the milk?
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11.4
yes
yes
no, the freezer is colder than the fridge
yes
no, a tea towel is for drying plates
a cup, a teapot, a spoon
a frying pan, a cooker
a plate or bowl, a knife and fork, or a spoon and fork, or chopsticks
a glass or a cup or a mug
a microwave
washing-up liquid, a sink and a cloth or a dishwasher
a washing machine
2 a frying pan and a glass
3 a teapot and a tea towel (or cloth)
4 on the worktop next to the cooker
5 a kitchen roll
6 (a cupboard with) a bin and a cloth
Unit 12
2
3
4
5
6
wardrobe
mirror
hairbrush
comb
bed
7
8
9
10
bedside lamp
bedside table
alarm clock
chest of drawers
Possible answers:
toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, pyjamas, shower gel
12.3
2
3
4
5
6
12.4
Possible answers:
Selim and Umit are washing their faces.
Mrs Park is going downstairs.
Mr Park is having a bath.
Jaime is getting dressed.
Lee is turning off the light.
bath, shower, toilet, basin, soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb,
razor, mirror, bathroom cupboard, shelf
12.5
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
134
My bedroom has two windows.
In my bedroom there is a small bed.
There is one wardrobe on the right of the room.
True
I’ve got a lamp, some books, a radio and an alarm clock on my bedside table.
There is a chest of drawers next to the wardrobe.
I have got a dressing table.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
12.6
13.1
2
3
4
5
10.30 (for example)
undressed
get
for
6
7
8
9
off
fall
wake
up
10 shower / bath
11 clean
12 get
Unit 13
2
3
4
5
a sofa
a coffee table
a picture
a light switch
13.2
2 e
3 f
4 c
13.3
2
3
4
5
6
13.4
6 a hi-fi
7 a carpet or rug
8 a remote control
5 d
6 a
I don’t often listen to the radio.
We need some more bookshelves in this room.
I watched television all evening yesterday. (not ‘at’)
It’s dark now. Please close the curtains.
Liam has some very nice furniture in his house.
F
T
A
L
W
X
A
R
O
C
F
Y
D
E
R
L
S
O
C
K
E
T
U
I
I
U
D
K
A
G
L
N
T
B
C
R
I
E
F
R
E
M
O
T
E
C
O
N
T
R
O
L
A
Y
P
F
C
H
A
I
R
A
P
J
I
D
E
C
H
K
I
R
G
T
I
R
U G
I
B
O
O
K
F
P
S
I
N
E
B
H
O
G
F
E
A
I
E
L
H
S
C
R
T
S
U
A
T
L
E
T
V
C
A
E
U O
Over to you
Possible answer:
In my living room there is not much furniture. There is a table, a TV, a desk, a sofa and two armchairs.
The walls are white and there are some pictures on them. I like to relax in the living room. In the
evening I watch TV there, or listen to music.
14.1
14.2
Unit 14
2
3
4
5
6
A doctor works in a hospital (or a clinic, or a surgery).
A waiter works in a restaurant (or a café).
A secretary works in an office.
A shop assistant works in a shop.
A hairdresser works in a beauty salon (or a hairdresser’s).
2
3
4
5
6
engineer
taxi driver
nurse
mechanic
secretary
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
135
14.3
Across
1 bus driver
2 teacher
3 writer
14.4
2 engineer
3 warden
4 librarian
14.5
Possible answers:
1 I’m a teacher.
15.1
Down
1 doctor
2 waiter
3 nurse
5 clerk
6 officer
2 In a university.
3 Yes, very interesting.
Unit 15
2 d
3 g
4 f
5 b
6 i
7 e
8 a
9 h
15.2
board rubber, ruler, piece of paper, pencil sharpener, drawing pin, pencil, textbook, notebook, pen
15.3
Possible answer:
In the room where I study English I can see a whiteboard, a noticeboard, a notebook, some pens,
a pencil, a board rubber and a pencil sharpener.
15.4
2
3
4
5
6
15.5
Possible answer:
does
passes
take / do
passes
go
7
8
9
10
fails
study
do
get
My three favourite subjects were languages, English and art. I didn’t like PE, physics and maths.
16.1
Unit 16
Possible answer:
I have the following: address, letter, envelope, stamp, phone number, phone, mobile, computer,
screen, memory stick, mouse, keyboard, mobile device, CD-ROM, and email address.
16.2
2
3
4
5
16.3
2 speak
3 sorry
4 at
16.4
Possible answers:
phone box
mobile (phone)
stamp
mouse
6
7
8
9
address
envelope
letter box
screen
10 laptop
11 memory stick
12 phone
5 take (or give him)
6 call (or phone or ring)
1 01223 240754: oh one double two three, two four oh, seven five four
0207 4417895: oh two oh seven, double four one, seven eight nine five
2 steve@stuff.co.uk: Steve at stuff dot co dot U-K
katerina08@coldmail.com: katerina oh eight at coldmail dot com
16.5
Possible answers:
1 I prefer to phone my friends.
2 I send more emails.
136
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
3 I go online several times a day.
4 I prefer to use a laptop.
5 I don’t write letters
very often.
17.1
Unit 17
2 a
3 e
4 b
5 c
17.2
2 charger
3 call
4 camera
5 SIM card
6 phone case
17.3
2 takes
3 downloaded
4 called
5 left
17.4
2 swipe
3 saved
17.5
Possible answers:
1 I don’t use a PIN to lock my phone.
2 I have a phone case. It’s yellow and has a smiley face on it.
3 The apps I use most often are WhatsApp and Google maps.
4 I save all my photos, but my memory gets full and I have to delete them sometimes.
5 I took a selfie when I went on holiday two months ago.
6 I prefer to text people because if you call, it may not be a good time for people to answer.
18.1
Unit 18
2 going
3 time
4 by
5 send
18.2
2 a package holiday (or package tour)
3 a coach tour
18.3
Possible answers:
you can take a
lot of luggage
ferry
✓✓
car
✓✓✓
flight
very fast
cheap
you see a lot
as you travel
relaxing
✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓✓
✓
✓✓✓
✓
✓
✓✓
18.4
2 passport
3 camera
4 luggage (or suitcase)
5 rucksack
6 tickets
18.5
2 a visa
3 a plane
4 a rucksack
5 a suitcase
18.6
2 nightlife
19.1
3 local
4 a walking holiday
5 a winter holiday
4 postcard
Unit 19
2 toy shop
3 butcher
4 newsagent
5 gift shop
6 baker
19.2
2 a supermarket
3 the post office (or a newsagent)
4 a gift shop
19.3
2 ground floor
3 fourth floor
4 basement
5 first floor
6 second floor
7 second floor
5 a bookshop
6 a department store (or perhaps a supermarket)
8 basement
9 third floor
10 fourth floor
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
137
19.4
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
19.5
2 Closed
3 Pull
19.6
1 cost
2 pay
3 (carrier) bag
20.1
cash
(a £20) note
a credit or a debit card
change
a shop that sells meat
the floor above the ground floor (in a British building)
a shop that sells newspapers and magazines
the floor under the ground floor
4 Push
5 Open
Unit 20
2 e
3 f
4 a
5 b
6 c
20.2
2 reviews
3 add
4 delete
20.3
2 order number
3 post code
4 next day
20.4
2 E
20.5
Possible answers
1 Yes, a lot of people shop online in my country.
2 Yes, I’ve bought clothes and games.
3 Yes, I sometimes read the reviews before I buy things, but it depends what I buy.
21.1
3 B
5 delivery
6 credit card
4 C
5 D
6 A
Unit 21
2 shower
3 TV
4 phone
21.2
2 a
21.3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
21.4
Possible answers:
3 h
5 hairdryer
6 sea
7 key
4 f
5 b
8 lift
6 g
7 c
8 e
At reception you can order room service.
We’d like a double room with a view of the garden, please.
The lift is over there. Take it to the second floor.
Please fill in this form.
I’d like a wake-up call at 7.30 and I’d like to have breakfast in my room, please.
I have a reservation for a single room with a bathroom.
Can I have the bill, please? I’ll check it now.
I’m leaving today. Can I exchange some dollars here before I check out?
Can I have breakfast in my room, please?
Can I have / check my bill, please?
Can I have a double room for tonight, please?
Can I have some help with my luggage? or Can I leave my luggage here, please?
138
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
21.5
Possible answers:
1 It costs about £100.
2 00 44 (from e.g. France)
22.1
3 Breakfast is usually from 7 to 10.
4 I think a TV is most important for me.
Unit 22
Possible answers:
2 restaurant
3 fast food restaurant
22.2
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
café - Jim’s Corner Café
take-away - Corner Kebabs
restaurant - The Taj Mahal
bar - The Red Lion
22.3
2 curry
22.4
WAITER:
CUSTOMER:
WAITER:
CUSTOMER:
WAITER:
CUSTOMER:
3 salad
Your own answers
22.6
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
4 pie
5 steak
Are you ready to order?
Yes, I’d like vegetable soup and steak, please.
How would you like your steak? Rare, medium or well-done?
Rare, please.
What would you like to drink?
An orange juice, please.
22.5
23.1
4 café
5 bar / pub
I’d choose mixed salad, vegetable curry and ice cream.
Vegetarians can eat soup of the day, mixed salad and vegetable curry.
I like eating out very much.
I go to a restaurant two or three times a month.
Unit 23
2 swimming
3 judo / karate
4 sailing
5 volleyball
6 motor racing
23.2
2
3
4
5
badminton
table tennis
snowboarding
baseball
6 basketball
7 skiing
8 American football
23.3
2
3
4
5
6
Do you play football?
Do you do any sports?
Do you go swimming? / like swimming? / swim?
What is your favourite sport?
Where do people play rugby?
23.4
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
swimming, skiing, table tennis, tennis, kayaking
in a swimming pool, in the mountains, at home, at a sports centre, on a river
I like swimming, kayaking and table tennis.
I don’t like tennis.
I’d like to go sailing.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
139
24.1
24.2
Unit 24
2 science fiction
3 horror
4 action
romantic comedy - My Best Friend’s Wedding
thriller - Psycho
western - High Noon
musical - High School Musical
cartoon - Shrek
24.3
R ILLE R
HO R R O R
C O M E D Y
A C T I O N
S C I E NC E F I C T I O N
W E S TE R N
M U S IC A L
CA R T OO N
24.4
2
3
4
5
6
24.5
Possible answers:
TH
1
2
3
4
5
25.1
7 thriller
8 musical
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
watched (some people say ‘saw a DVD’)
played
in
film stars
director
I like romantic comedies.
My favourite film star is Nicole Kidman.
I prefer going to the cinema.
The last film I saw was Jason Bourne.
You can look in the newspaper, go online or phone the cinema.
Unit 25
2 He’s gardening.
3 He’s reading a newspaper.
4 He’s cooking.
25.2
2 reading
3 talk
4 have
25.3
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
140
5 cartoon
6 romantic comedy
5 have / invite
6 play
7 download
5 She’s using the Internet. / She’s using the computer.
6 He’s listening to music.
8 see / watch
9 grows
10 watch
We talk, or we have a meal, or we listen to music, etc.
My best friend sometimes comes to stay. / My cousins sometimes come to stay, etc.
I like novels, and I read a newspaper every day.
I talk to them on the phone every day.
I don’t have a garden. I live in a flat.
I chat to my friends online once or twice a week.
I often download music or films from the Internet.
The Sims is my favourite computer game.
I use headphones when I want to listen to music on a train.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
25.4
Possible answers:
gardening
cooking
reading
using the Internet
watching DVDs
listening to music
doing nothing
chatting online
26.1
2
4
5
5
4
5
1
2
Unit 26
2 musician
3 musical
26.2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
26.3
2 a
26.4
Possible answers:
4 music
5 musical
Abigail plays the cello in an orchestra.
Noah loves playing the drums.
Emily is having a piano lesson.
Mason is a very good trumpet-player.
Ella plays the clarinet every evening.
William plays the guitar.
Emma is learning the flute. She will be a good flute-player one day.
Madison is a violinist.
Emily wants to be a pianist.
3 c
4 b
5 c
1 I download music about once a month.
2 I like the violin best.
3 Yes, I play the violin and the guitar.
27.1
6 musicians
4 I would like to learn the piano.
5 I like classical music and pop music!
Unit 27
2 Brazil
3 Spain
4 Morocco
5 Japan
6 Thailand
27.2
2
3
4
5
6
Rome is the capital of Italy.
Canberra is the capital of Australia.
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia.
Cairo is the capital of Egypt.
London is the capital of the UK.
27.3
2
3
4
5
In Mexico, Spain and Chile they speak Spanish but in Brazil they speak Portuguese.
In Austria, Germany and Switzerland they speak German but in Italy they speak Italian.
In Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia they speak Arabic but in China they speak Chinese.
In Switzerland, Canada and France they speak French but in Scotland they speak English.
27.4
2
3
4
5
6
Thai
German
Egyptian
Argentinian
Spanish
27.5
Check your answers with your teacher.
7
8
9
10
7
8
9
10
Berlin is the capital of Germany.
Warsaw is the capital of Poland.
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina.
Madrid is the capital of Spain.
Peruvian
Chinese
Australian
Polish
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
141
Over to you
The Sahara is in Africa.
The Amazon is in South America.
Wagga Wagga is in Australasia.
The Volga is in Europe.
Mount Kilimanjaro is in Africa.
The Mississippi is in North America.
Mount Fuji is in Asia.
Lake Titicaca is in South America.
28.1
Unit 28
2 f
4 g
5 c
6 e
7 b
28.2
3
4
5
6
7
It is windy in La Paz.
It is cloudy in Paris.
It is foggy in Tashkent.
It is sunny in Seoul. / The sun is shining in Seoul.
It is snowing in Washington. / It’s snowy in Washington.
28.3
2
3
4
5
rains
weather
snows
lightning
28.4
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
28.5
29.1
6 degrees
7 storm
8 cold
It is usually 20 degrees in summer and 0 (zero) degrees in winter.
There are sometimes thunderstorms in August.
It is not usually very wet in spring.
We almost never have hurricanes.
Summer is usually warm but we can have thunderstorms.
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
142
3 d
sunny weather - I like to go to the beach / for a walk / lie in the sun.
a rainy day - I don’t like to go out / I don’t like to do sports.
snow - I like to walk in the snow / I like to go skiing.
a windy day - I like to go windsurfing / I don’t like to go out / I love to go for a walk.
Unit 29
2
3
4
5
at the tourist information office
at the bank
in / at the car park
at the museum
29.2
2 Exit
3 No smoking
29.3
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
6 at the (train / railway) station
7 at / in the shopping centre
8 at the post office
4 Please do not walk on the grass
5 Entrance
The bus station / stop is over there on the left.
For the Town Hall take the number 14 bus.
There is a post office on the other side of the road.
You can find a cash machine at the bank in High Street.
We can get a map of the town at the tourist information office.
Can you tell me the way to the railway station, please?
Excuse me. I’m looking for a car park.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
29.4
2 town hall
3 library
4 car park
29.5
Possible answer:
5 railway station
6 pedestrian area
7 cash machine
8 post office
9 shops
10 bus stop
Go left out of the tourist information office and take the first left. Then take the second left, which is
Market Street. The shopping centre is on the left.
29.6
30.1
Your own answers
Unit 30
2
3
4
5
forest
village
hills
wood
6
7
8
9
farm
river
country road
path
30.2
2 cottage
30.3
2 d
30.4
2 He loves nature.
3 She wants to live in the country.
4 They are interested in wildlife.
30.5
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
31.1
3 village
3 e
4 b
10 fields
11 lake
4 town
5 a
There are no hills or mountains.
There’s a big lake and two small rivers.
There are a lot of villages and some small towns.
There are a lot of small farms and a few very big ones in the countryside.
There are some good paths for walking near where I live.
You can’t go skiing because there are no hills (and there’s usually no snow).
You can see a lot of beautiful wildlife.
Unit 31
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
giraffe
Parrots; hens
Tigers; lions
horse; elephant
Fish; birds
31.2
sheep
cow
hen
pig
31.3
Possible answers:
lamb
beef
chicken
pork
7
8
9
10
Chickens / Hens
Rabbits
feed; give
take
lamb
calf
chick
piglet
1 Lions, tigers, monkeys, snakes, dogs and cats eat meat.
2 Cows, sheep, pigs, goats, parrots (for feathers) and snakes (for snakeskin) give us things that we
wear.
3 Chickens / hens, tortoises, parrots, snakes and fish produce their babies in eggs.
4 We can eat cows, sheep, pigs, chickens / hens, goats, horses and fish (and you may think of some
other animals that people eat too).
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
143
31.4
Across
3 cats
6 lion
7 horse
8 elephant
31.5
Write down the number you remembered. Try again tomorrow and write down how many you
remember then.
32.1
Down
1 parrot
2 monkey
4 sheep
5 tiger
9 hen
Unit 32
2 d
3 a
4 f
32.2
2
3
4
5
6
32.3
Possible answer:
5 c
6 g
7 b
True.
False. Planes take off at the beginning of a journey. / Planes land at the end of a journey.
False. You need a boarding card to get on a plane.
False. Hiring a car is not the same as buying a car.
True.
At Cambridge train station take a number 5 bus. The stop is just outside the station. Get off the bus
at the hospital, cross the road and take the first road on the left. My house is on the corner of the
street and it has a red door.
32.4
Across
3 map
6 helicopter
7 bus
8 petrol
Down
1 timetable
2 taxi
3 motorcycle
4 platform
5 train
Over to you
Keep the cards and test yourself every day. If you find this useful, write cards for words from other
units of the book.
33.1
33.2
144
Unit 33
2 Christmas
3 Bonfire Night
4 Easter
5 Valentine’s Day
6 New Year’s Eve / Hogmanay
C
H
I
C
K
E
N
F
D
K
N
R
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
P
O
C
V
O
M
T
R
S
M
V
U
A
Q
E
W
A
A
T
H
X
L
D
S
M
V
C
S
H
G
E
Q
L
D
T
P
O
T
A
T
O
E
S
C
I
D
F
G
B
L
B
K
U
V
U
N
X
Z
O
E
A
P
I
V
Z
R
G
A
N
D
E
C
H
I
P
S
R
B
C
W Q
F
T
I
K
K
A
Y
J
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
33.3
2 India
3 curry
33.4
2 a state secondary school
3 a nursery school
33.5
Answers in 2016:
4 No. They eat it with their main course (with roast beef).
5 in the oven
1 Theresa May
34.1
4 a state primary school
5 a private secondary school
2 Houses of Parliament
3 Queen Elizabeth II
Unit 34
2 a murderer
3 a shoplifter / robber
4 a burglar
5 a mugger
6 a drug dealer
34.2
2
3
4
5
6 innocent
7 terrorists
8 prison
34.3
2 False - vandals destroy things
34.4
2 stole
arrested
vandals
fine
burglaries / burglars
3 robbed
3 True
4 stolen
5 stole
4 False - a car thief steals cars
5 True
6 stolen
Over to you
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
35.1
The student should pay a fine and return the book.
The woman should go to prison.
The terrorists should go to prison for a long time.
The woman should pay a fine and the police should take her car away.
The teenager should work in the park and plant new trees or pay a fine.
Unit 35
2
3
4
5
is
documentary
nature
teenage
35.2
2 e
35.3
2
3
4
5
35.4
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
3 b
6 online
7 change
8 interview
4 a
5 d
a journalist
an evening (news)paper
a cartoon
a nature programme
6 c
6 an advert / advertisement
7 a (TV) channel
8 an interview
I always read an evening newspaper.
Yes, I usually read the main stories in the morning.
I like news magazines.
I’ll probably watch my favourite soap on TV tonight.
My favourite TV channel is BBC1.
I watch about an hour of TV every day.
I like talk shows and reality TV.
I watch TV online once or twice a week.
No, I don’t like watching adverts on TV.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
145
36.1
Unit 36
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
36.2
cut finger / hands / knees
untidy room / desk / hair
late for school / an appointment / a concert
a camera / microwave / fridge that isn’t working
too much work / rain / wind
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
36.4
6 He’s cut his hand.
7 The room is untidy.
8 She is late for work.
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
36.3
The computer has crashed.
The cup is broken.
The coffee machine isn’t working.
She has too much work (to do).
dying plants
2
a cut finger
2
being late for work or school
1
a colleague or friend in a bad mood
a coffee machine that isn’t working
a broken washing machine
1
an untidy bedroom
3
a row with a friend
1
your computer crashes
1
lost keys
1
too much work
3
2
1
Possible answers:
too much work - get an assistant
a colleague in a bad mood - pay no attention
a crashed computer - get a technician
a photocopier that is out of order - repair the photocopier
a coffee machine that isn’t working - drink water
36.5
Possible answers:
My DVD player didn’t work.
My brother lost his credit card.
I cut my knee.
My cousin broke a glass.
37.1
37.2
146
Unit 37
2
3
4
5
car crash
flood
war
earthquake
6
7
8
9
forest fire
hurricane
traffic jam
snowstorm
2
3
4
5
e
f
a
g
6 b
7 h
8 d
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
37.3
2
3
4
5
37.4
Possible answers:
a traffic jam
crowded
a car crash
unemployed
6 the rush hour
7 hungry
8 a forest fire
2 forest fire, traffic jam
3 strike, war
37.5
38.1
2
3
4
5
strike
War
car crash
earthquakes; snowstorms
38.3
6 homeless
7 rush hour
8 polluted
Unit 38
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
38.2
4 hurricane, snowstorm, flood
5 poor, hungry, homeless, unemployed
2
3
4
5
6
1
lesson
football / tennis / squash / rugby / darts / chess / cards
party
shower / bath / wash
exam
meeting
coffee / cup of coffee / cup of tea / drink
swim
dinner / a meal / supper / something to eat
Scarlett has gone to the hairdresser’s to have her hair cut.
That computer game looks great. Can I have a go?
I want to have a word with my teacher after the lesson.
Mum didn’t have the time to go to the shop today.
They don’t have or they haven’t got any cake in the café today.
m 2e
a
l
x
3
p
a
r
m
t
y
e
5
38.4
4
g
a
m
e
Possible answers:
2 Have a good journey! / Have a good time!
3 Have you got a cold?
4 Can I have a look?
38.5
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
I’ve got one brother and two sisters.
I have them at 9.30 every day.
I have a salad and a cup of tea.
Not every day, but I have to go on Wednesday and Friday.
I’ve got two.
Yes, we always have a good time in our English classes.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
147
39.1
Unit 39
2
3
4
5
The Sharps are going to the beach.
Zoe and Penelope are going shopping / to the shopping centre.
Asad is going to Cairo.
Lars is going fishing.
39.2
2
3
4
5
This year Victoria is going to pass her driving test.
This year Victoria is going to learn Spanish.
This year Victoria is going to watch less TV.
This year Victoria is going to keep her room tidy.
39.3
Possible answers:
I sometimes go swimming.
I never go skiing.
I sometimes go dancing.
I never go fishing.
I always go sightseeing.
39.4
Possible answers:
From Cambridge, trains go to London, Norwich, Ely and Peterborough. Buses go to Oxford, to
Heathrow and to Scotland from Cambridge. From Cambridge roads go to London, to Huntingdon and
to the sea.
39.5
40.1
40.2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Mum is going shopping this afternoon.
✓
I love Paris. Did you go there last year?
Alexei is going home at 4 o’clock.
We always go to the same café. Let’s go somewhere different today.
✓
I go swimming every Sunday morning.
We’re going sightseeing today.
Jo went up to the top of the hill. / Jo went down to the bottom of the hill.
Let’s go fishing today.
She went out of the shop.
✓
Would you like to go home now?
Unit 40
2
3
4
5
6
What are the girls doing? They’re playing tennis.
What is the dog doing? It’s sleeping.
What is the man in the house doing? He’s washing up. / He’s doing the washing-up.
What is the woman doing? She’s reading a book.
What is the man in the garden doing? He’s gardening. / He’s doing the gardening.
Questions and possible answers:
2 What does Lee Atkins do? He’s a teacher.
3 What does Sophie Hicks do? She’s a doctor.
4 What do Cooper and Hailey do? They’re students.
40.3
148
2 What did Lara Brown do? She went to a meeting.
3 What did Sophie Hicks do? She talked to five patients.
4 What did Cooper and Hailey do? They wrote an essay.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
40.4
Possible answers:
I often do the washing-up.
My husband usually does the washing.
My son has to do his homework every day.
My daughter does her exercises every morning.
I hate doing the housework.
I love doing the gardening.
We do business with Eastern Europe.
I always do my best.
40.5
41.1
ANNA:
Where did you go on your holidays? To Wales?
PAVEL: No, we didn’t go to Wales this year. We went to Scotland.
ANNA: Does your grandmother live in Scotland?
PAVEL: No, she doesn’t but my uncle does.
Unit 41
2 made
3 making
4 make
5 made / have made / ’ve made
6 making
41.2
2
3
4
5
41.3
2 She’s making tea.
3 The little boys are making a noise.
4 They’re making a video / a film.
41.4
2
3
4
5
42.1
Long lessons always make me (feel) tired.
She was horrible to me; it made me (feel) angry.
It’s a lovely song. It makes me (feel) happy.
That meal was horrible. It made me (feel) sick.
5 The children are making a mess.
6 She is making her bed.
Can I take a photo of you?
He’s 25 but he never does his own washing. He takes his dirty clothes to his mother’s.
Are you doing / taking an exam tomorrow?
Have you done your homework yet?
Unit 42
2 back (home)
3 into
4 from
5 see
6 out of / back from / home from
42.2
2 Come here!
3 We’re going to a party. Do you want to come along?
4 I come from France.
42.3
2 came
42.4
Possible answers:
3 comes
4 Are; coming
5 comes
1 I usually come home at five-thirty.
2 I’m from / I come from Scotland / Jamaica / Pakistan / Latvia / Bolivia, etc.
3 I sit down and talk to my friends / take out my books.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
149
Over to you
Possible meanings and example sentences:
1 Meaning: ‘come round’ can mean ‘come to someone’s house or flat’.
Example: Do you want to come round this afternoon for a coffee?
2 Meaning: ‘come across’ can mean ‘meet or find for the first time’.
Example: I come across lots of new words when I read English books.
3 Meaning: ‘come up’ can mean ‘be mentioned or occur in conversation’.
Example: When new words come up in class, the teacher tells us the meaning.
43.1
Unit 43
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
It takes me 10 minutes to get to university.
It takes me 30 minutes to go from my house to the nearest railway station.
It takes me 20 minutes to get to my best friend’s house.
It takes me an hour to do one unit of this book.
43.2
2 take the train
3 take a course
4 take some water
43.3
2 You can / have to take a taxi.
3 He takes the bus.
4 They take the underground.
43.4
2 I take my / an umbrella.
3 I take my passport.
43.5
Possible answer:
4 I take my notebook and pen.
5 I take my mobile (phone).
It took me about an hour.
44.1
Unit 44
2 bring
3 bring
44.2
2
3
4
5
44.3
1 brings; brought
44.4
1 take; bring it back
2 brought me back
3 take; bring it back
44.5
Possible answer:
e
b
a
d
4 Take
5 take
6 bring
You must take your passport when you travel.
Come to my house and bring your guitar.
Go to the post office and take these letters, please.
Everybody is going to bring food to the party.
2 brought
3 take
4 take; bring
I always bring / take my vocabulary notebook, a pen and my coursebook to the lesson.
45.1
45.2
150
Unit 45
2 c sick
3 a hot
4 b dark
5 c wet
2 When the sun comes up it gets light.
3 She’s in hospital but she’s getting better.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
4 It’s raining! I’m getting wet!
5 Please close the window. I’m getting cold.
45.3
2
3
4
5
45.4
2 gets to
45.5
Possible answers:
a doctor
a drink
a pen / pencil and paper
a newspaper
3 get to
6 a taxi / a bus / a train
7 a job
8 an umbrella / a raincoat
4 gets(back)
5 get back / home
1 In Britain, people usually get married when they are 20 to 30 years old.
2 People usually get married at the weekend, mostly on Saturday. April, May and June are very
popular months (spring and summer).
3 I get home at about 5 o’clock. I get there by car.
46.1
Unit 46
2 d
3 g
4 f
5 b
6 h
46.2
2 off
46.3
2 He is putting on his shoes.
46.4
2 took off
47.1
47.2
48.2
3 went on
5 off
6 off
7on
8 on
3 A plane is taking off.
4 went off
4 She is turning on the oven.
5 turned down
2 She washes (the / her) clothes every Saturday.
3 He cleans the house / his flat every weekend.
4 He watches TV / television every evening.
5 She goes for a walk every Sunday.
Possible question:
How often do you go for a walk?
How do you go to work?
When do you have dinner?
How do you come home from work?
6 How often do you phone your best friend?
7 When do you clean your room?
8 What time do you have a shower?
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
48.1
4 off
8 a
Unit 47
2
3
4
5
47.3
3 on; up
7 e
I usually wake up at 7 o’clock.
I go to the bathroom and have a shower.
I usually have tea and toast for breakfast.
I go to work by car.
I usually have a cup of coffee at 11 o’clock.
I usually come home at about 6 pm.
I usually make dinner at 7 o’clock.
In the evenings I normally watch TV or go for a walk.
Sometimes I write one or two emails or listen to the radio.
I usually go to bed at 11 o’clock.
Unit 48
2 told
2
3
4
5
6
3 said
4 tell; said
5 said
6 told
How do you say ‘tree’ in German?
Excuse me, can you tell me the time?
I just want to say goodbye (to you).
Can you tell me when the exam is?
Can you answer the phone, please? / Can you tell them I’m busy / I’m cooking?
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
151
48.3
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
h
g
a
f
e
b
c
answer the door
ask for the bill
reply to an email
tell someone a joke
talk to a friend
ask someone to help you
speak Japanese
We can also say ‘answer an email’, but not ‘reply to the door’!
48.4
49.1
49.2
2 Can we have the bill, please?
3 Happy New Year!
4 Tell me a story before I go to sleep. Please!
Unit 49
2 danced
3 swims
4 run
5 climbing
6 fell
7 jumped; swam
2 drives
3 takes
4 drives
5 take; go by
6 ride
7 ride
8 take
8 walk
Note: You can also use ‘go by’ with all these forms of transport (but without ‘the’ or ‘a’), i.e. you can
go to work by bicycle, go home by underground / taxi, etc.
49.3
Possible answers:
salt, pepper, bread, butter, water, sauce, salad
49.4
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
49.5
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
50.1
152
Maria drove her grandmother to the city yesterday.
Charlie flew to Madrid yesterday.
I took a taxi home from the station yesterday.
Bella fell when she rode her bike yesterday.
Adrian missed the 7.30 bus to school yesterday.
The taxi driver helped the old lady to carry her luggage to the train yesterday.
Madeline danced very well yesterday.
I ride my bike once a week.
I swim in the sea once a year. I swim in a pool once a week.
I go somewhere by plane once a year.
I drive my car every day.
I go dancing once a week.
I never go climbing.
I take a taxi once or twice a year.
Unit 50
2
3
4
5
and
before
so
because
6 if
7 or
8 when
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
50.2
Possible sentences:
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav after he moved to London. / Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav after
they decided to start a business together.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav and they had two sons. / Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav and they
decided to start a business together.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav because she loved him. / Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav because
he was a pop star.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav before he moved to London. / Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav
before they decided to start a business together.
Annabelle will marry Aarav because she loves him.
Annabelle will marry Aarav before he moves to London.
Annabelle will marry Aarav but she doesn’t love him.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav if he moved to London.
Annabelle will marry Aarav or she won’t marry anyone.
Annabelle agreed to marry Aarav so he moved to London.
Annabelle will marry Aarav when he moves to London.
50.3
2 as well / also (too is also possible but it is better to use a different word as too is already in the
sentence)
3 than
4 like
5 only
50.4
Possible answers:
I only play tennis in the summer.
My sister plays the piano better than I do.
My brother swims like a fish.
I like listening to music and I like reading also.
I like going skiing too.
I often go skiing with the children and sometimes my husband comes as well.
50.5
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
51.1
51.2
I’m learning English because I enjoy it.
I’ll learn more English if I do all the exercises in this book.
I’m learning English and I’m also studying Spanish.
I started learning English when I was ten.
I can speak some English, so it’s OK on holiday in the UK.
I’ll learn more English but sometimes it’s difficult.
Unit 51
2 a century
3 a fortnight
4 an hour
5 a week
Thirty days has September,
April, June and November.
All the rest have thirty-one.
Except for February
Which has twenty-eight days
And twenty-nine in each leap year.
This is a traditional rhyme which people use to help them remember the number of days of the
month. It means that:
September, April, June and November have 30 days. The other months have 31 days except for
February which has 28 days and 29 days in a leap year.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
153
51.3
2
3
4
5
51.4
2 T F S (the first letters of the days of the week)
3 A S O N D (the first letters of the months)
51.5
I’m going to a party on Saturday for Valentina’s birthday. Her birthday is on Thursday but she
wanted to have the party at the weekend. She’s having a barbecue. I think June is a good month to
have a birthday because of the weather. I love going to barbecues in the summer. My birthday is in
winter and it’s too cold to eat outside!
51.6
1 15
6–12
52.1
August
October
Saturday
Wednesday
6
7
8
9
January
April
Friday
February
10 September
11 Tuesday
12 November
2 Tuesday( or Wednesday)
3 300
4 July
5 120
It is not possible to give answers to questions 6 to 12. Check with your teacher if
you are not sure if your answers are correct or not.
Unit 52
2 for
3 from
52.2
2
3
4
5
52.3
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4 to
5 At
6 for
the 22nd century – the future
the 18th century – the past
the 21st century – the present
the 20th century – the past
I sometimes go to school by bus. I usually go by car.
I often watch TV.
I never drink milk. I usually drink coffee.
I never wear a hat.
I often eat chocolate.
I sometimes go to bed at 10. I usually go to bed at 11.
I sometimes go to the theatre.
52.4
2 Probably a week ago
52.5
John plays tennis twice a week. He practises the piano once a week and he has a business meeting in
Germany once a month.
Julia and Alexa play tennis three times a week. They practise the piano twice a day. They go to
Germany for a business meeting six times a year. or They have a business meeting in Germany six
times a year.
53.1
3 In a few minutes
4 4 o’clock
Unit 53
2 here
3 there
53.2
2 at
53.3
the back of
the bus
3 on
4 everywhere
4 at
5 on
5 there
6 back
6 in; in
the top of the tree
the middle of the tree
the side of
the bus
the front of the
bus
154
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
the bottom of the tree
53.4
2 out
53.5
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
54.1
3 away
4 away; abroad
I’m studying English in the UK.
Yes, I’m going to Dublin and to the US.
At the moment I have a pen in my right hand.
The Answer key is at the end of this book.
Unit 3 is at the beginning of this book (Unit 3 out of 60 units). ( Note: we say at.)
Unit 36 is in the middle of this book (Unit 36 out of 60 units). ( Note: we say in.)
Unit 54
2 badly
3 loudly
4 fast [NOT fastly]
5 quietly
6 well
54.2
2 slow
54.3
suddenly ✗
sadly ✓
strangely ✓
quickly ✗
easily ✓
Suddenly means very quickly, when you are not expecting it.
Quickly is similar to ‘fast’ when fast is an adverb, not when it is an adjective.
54.4
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
55.1
3 good
6 badly
2 milk; butter
55.3
2 is / was
55.4
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8 the
6 I like to sing loudly.
7 My mum always behaves in a friendly way.
8 I like to do things the right way.
3 advice
4 f
5 g
3 is / was
4 air
5 work
6 traffic
6 c
7 b
4 is; was
5 is / was
6 is / was
Where can I get some information about your country?
Let me give you some advice.
Cook this spaghetti for ten minutes.
Can I have some bread, please?
We need to buy some new furniture.
The east of the country usually has better weather than the west. [NOT a better weather]
I must find some new accommodation soon.
Unit 56
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
very bad / terrible / awful / dreadful
terrible / awful / dreadful
excellent / great / wonderful
awful / horrible
6 wonderful / lovely
7 bad
8 wonderful / lovely
Possible answers:
2 Oh, how awful!
3 That’s a lovely idea! / Yes, great!
4 Yes, there’s the Ritz. It’s an excellent restaurant.
56.3
7 quietly
Unit 55
2 a
3 e
56.2
5 right
My brother speaks German badly.
I usually eat too fast.
My dog is old and very slow.
My voice is quiet.
55.2
56.1
4 in
2 e
3 d
4 a
5 They’re wonderful!
6 Yes, that’s perfect!
5 b
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
155
56.4
56.5
good
bad
brilliant
marvellous
fine
dreadful
nasty
Possible answers:
brilliant idea / scientist
marvellous weather / food
57.1
Unit 57
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
d
h
g
a
e
b
f
57.2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
after people
for them
forward to my party
at me
for a new one
forward to it
after the children
57.3
2 at
57.4
3
4
5
6
57.5
Possible answers:
1
2
3
4
58.1
58.2
156
This bicycle belongs to the hotel.
The children thanked their aunt for the money.
Molly is listening to music on her phone.
He apologised for his mistake.
Let me pay for our tickets.
Javier is thinking about the holidays.
Over 100 people came to the football match.
3 to
4 in
5 to
6 of
7 about
8 to
Hiroshi wasn’t used to eating British food.
He was used to traffic jams.
He was used to expensive shops.
He wasn’t used to British money.
I was good at languages and bad at PE.
I usually ask for a black coffee.
I am proud of my family.
I am afraid of going to the dentist.
5
6
7
8
I like listening to folk music.
I am looking forward to my holiday.
I belong to a tennis club.
I am used to eating lots of different kinds of food.
Unit 58
2 rewrite / redo
3 informal
4 unhappy
5 half-price
Possible answers:
2
3
4
5
58.3
nasty surprise / smell
fine weather / day
2
3
4
5
I never see my ex-boyfriend anymore.
This work is not very good. Please redo it.
It’s impossible to read his handwriting.
Pre-school children learn by playing.
nerves before an exam
a wrong answer, an answer that is not correct
a book that has not been read
to tell a story again
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
6 unsafe
6 a brother with one parent the same (for example, perhaps with the same mother but not the
same father)
7 a letter that is not finished
8 a drink with no alcohol in it (for example, fruit juice, cola)
9 to read a book again
10 to send an email again
58.4
2 uncomfortable
3 impolite
4 unpleasant
5 unattractive
Over to you
Possible answers:
in: This is an incomplete answer – you need to finish it.
im: I thought the question he asked me was very impolite.
non: I want to buy a non-stick pan.
pre: Would you like to have a pre-lunch drink?
re: We’re going to repaint this room next week.
un: My daughter’s room is always very untidy.
59.1
Unit 59
2 instructor
3 swimmer
4 happily
5 calculator
6 useful
59.2
Possible answers:
You may be able to think of some other possible combinations.
2 fast worker / car / swimmer
3 beautiful beach / weather / car / book / smile / picture
4 sandy beach
5 sunny weather / smile
6 hard worker
7 useful idea / book
8 endless fun
9 useless idea / book (Note: You can also say ‘I’m a useless swimmer’. It is typical of spoken rather
than written English and means ‘I am no good at swimming’.)
59.3
2 badly
59.4
2
3
4
5
6
60.1
3 helpful
4 kindness
a person who travels
the opposite of fast
with lots of hope
weather when it is raining
it doesn’t hurt
5 careless
6 windy
7 easily
8 builder
7 the opposite of doing something well
8 a thing for opening tins
9 a person who plays football
10 weather when there is a lot of snow
Unit 60
2 lose
3 felt
4 cooker
5 fell
6 quite
7 loose
8 cook
60.2
2 loose – juice
60.3
2 He/She checks it.
3 Can I borrow your camera?
60.4
Possible answers:
1 I am expecting my brother at 5.30. (= He said he would come at 5.30.)
2 I hope to go on holiday to Spain. (= I really want to go to Spain.)
3 Sometimes I borrow books and DVDs.
4 Yes, but only to my best friend!
3 quite – right
4 quiet – higher
4 Good afternoon.
5 They wait for the bus.
6 Can you lend me £ 1?
7 Please be quiet.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
157
Phonemic symbols
Vowel sounds
Consonant sounds
Symbol
Examples
Symbol
Examples
/i:/
sleep me
/p/
put
/i/
happy recipe
/b/
book
/I/
pin dinner
/t/
take
/U/
foot could pull
/d/
dog
/u:/
do shoe through
/k/
car kick
/e/
red head said
/g/
go guitar
/@/
arrive father colour
/tS/
catch church
/ɜː/
turn bird work
/dZ/
age lounge
/O:/
sort thought
/f/
for cough photograph
/ae/
cat black
/v/
love vehicle
/ʌ/
sun enough
/T/
thick path
/ɒ/
got watch sock
/D/
this mother
/A:/
part heart laugh
/s/
since rice
/z/
zoo houses
walk
wonder
/eI/
name late aim
/S/
shop sugar machine
/aI/
my idea time
/Z/
pleasure usual vision
/OI/
boy noise
/h/
hear hotel
/e@/
pair where bear
/m/
make
/I@/
hear beer
/n/
name now know
/@U/
go home show
/ŋ/
bring
/aU/
out cow
/l/
look while
/U@/
pure fewer
/r/
road
/j/
young
/w/
wear
ˈ This shows that the next syllable is the one with the stress.
ˌ This is used when some longer words have a second stress, less strong than on the main stressed
syllable.
158
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
Index
The numbers in the Index are Unit numbers not page numbers. The pronunciation provided is for
standard British English.
about əˈbaʊt 25
abroad əˈbrɔːd 53
absolutely ˌæbsəˈluːtli 9
accommodation
əˌkɒməˈdeɪʃən 55
action film ˈækʃən fɪlm 24
actually ˈæktʃuəli 9
address əˈdres 16
add to basket æd tə ˈbæskət 20
advert ˈædvɜːt 35
advertisement
ədˈvɜːtɪsmənt 35
advice ədˈvaɪs 55
aeroplane ˈeərəpleɪn 32
afraid of əˈfreɪd əv 57
Africa ˈæfrɪkə 27
after ˈɑːftə 50
afternoon ˌɑːftəˈnuːn 51, 60
age eɪdʒ 5
ago əˈgəʊ 52
agree əˈgriː 9
air eə 55
air pollution
eə pəˈluːʃən 37
alarm clock əˈlɑːm klɒk 12
alcohol ˈælkəhɒl 22
also ˈɔːlsəʊ 50
always ˈɔːlweɪz 52
American əˈmerɪkən 27
American football
əˈmerɪkən ˈfʊtbɔːl 23
and ænd 50
angry ˈæŋgri 7
animal ˈænɪməl 31
answer ˈɑːnsər 48
Antarctica ˌænˈtɑːktɪkə 27
anyway ˈeniweɪ 9
apologise əˈpɒlədʒaɪz 36
apologise for əˈpɒlədʒaɪz fɔː 57
apple ˈæpəl 10, 55
apple pie ˈæpəl paɪ 22
apps æps 17
April ˈeɪprəl 51
Arabic ˈærəbɪk 27
Argentina ˌɑːdʒənˈtiːnə 27
Argentinian ˌɑːdʒənˈtɪnɪən 27
arm ɑːm 3
armchair ˈɑːmtʃeə 13
around əˈraʊnd 9
arrest əˈrest 34
arrive əˈraɪv 32
arrive at əˈraɪv æt 49
arrive in əˈraɪv ɪn 49
art ɑːt 15
as well æz wel 50
Asia ˈeɪʒə 27
ask ɑːsk 48
ask (someone) the time
ɑːsk ðə taɪm 48
ask (someone) the way
ɑːsk ðə weɪ 48
ask for ɑːsk fɔː 48, 57
ask someone for something
ɑːsk ˈsʌmwʌn fɔːˈsʌmθɪŋ 48
ask someone to do
something ɑːsk ˈsʌmwʌn tuː
duː ˈsʌmθɪŋ 48
aspirin ˈæsprɪn 6
asthma ˈæsmə 6
at æt 53
at home æt həʊm 53
at the moment æt ðə
ˈməʊmənt 52
attack əˈtæk 34
August ˈɔːgəst 51
aunt ɑːnt 1
Australasia ˌɒstrəˈleɪʒə 27
Australia ɒsˈstreɪliə 27
Australian ɒsˈstreɪliən 27
autumn ˈɔːtəm 51
average-looking ˈævrɪdʒ
ˈlʊkɪŋ 5
away əˈweɪ 53
awful ˈɔːfəl 56
baby ˈbeɪbi 2
back bæk 3, 53
bacon ˈbeɪkən 31
bad bæd 54, 56
bad at bæd æt 57
bad mood bæd muːd 36
badly ˈbædli 54
badminton ˈbædmɪntən 23
bag bæg 4, 19
baker(’ s) ˈbeɪkə 19
ball game bɔːl geɪm 23
banana bəˈnɑːnə 10
band bænd 26
bank bæŋk 29
bank clerk bæŋk klɑːk 14
bank holiday bæŋk ˈhɒlədeɪ 33
bar bɑː 22
baseball ˈbeɪsbɔːl 23
basement ˈbeɪsmənt 19
basin ˈbeɪsən 12
basket ˈbæskət 20
basketball ˈbɑːskɪtbɔːl 23
bath bɑːθ 38
bathroom ˈbɑːθrʊm 12, 21
battery ˈbætəri 17
be born biː bɔːn 2
Be careful biː ˈkeəfəl 9
be used to biː juːst tə 57
beans biːnz 10, 22
beard bɪəd 5
beautiful ˈbjuːtɪfəl 5, 59
beauty ˈbjuːti 19
beauty salon ˈbjuːti ˈsælɒn 14
because bɪˈkɒz 50
bed bed 12
bedroom ˈbedrʊm 12
bedside lamp ˈbedsaɪd
læmp 12
bedside table ˈbedsaɪd
ˈteɪbəl 12
beef biːf 31
beer bɪə 10
before bɪˈfɔː 50
beginning bɪˈgɪnɪŋ 53
belong to bɪˈlɒŋ tə 57
belt belt 4
bicycle ˈbaɪsəkl 32
bike baɪk 32
bigger (size) bɪgə 19
bill bɪl 21
bin bɪn 11
biology baɪˈɒlədʒi 15
bird bɜːd 31
birth bɜːθ 2
birthday ˈbɜːθdeɪ 2
Bless you bles juː 8
blonde blɒnd 5
blood blʌd 3
blue bluː 5
board bɔːd 15
board pen bɔːd pen 15
board rubber bɔːd ˈrʌbə 15
boarding card ˈbɔːdɪŋ kɑːd 32
boat bəʊt 32
body ˈbɒdi 3
bonfire ˈbɒnfaɪə 33
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
159
Bonfire Night ˈbɒnfaɪə naɪt 33
book bʊk 13, 25, 32
book a seat bʊk ə siːt 32
bookshelf (bookshelves)
ˈbʊkʃelf 13
bookshop ˈbʊkʃɒp 19
boots buːts 4
boring ˈbɔːrɪŋ 24
born bɔːn 2
borrow ˈbɒrəʊ 60
bottom ˈbɒtəm 53
bowl bəʊl 11
brain breɪn 3
Brazil brəˈzɪl 27
Brazilian brəˈzɪljən 27
bread bred 10, 55
break into breɪk ˈɪntə 34
breakfast ˈbrekfəst 21, 38
bride braɪd 2
bridegroom ˈbraɪdgrʊm 2
bring brɪŋ 44
bring back brɪŋ bæk 44
British ˈbrɪtɪʃ 27
broken ˈbrəʊkən 36
brother ˈbrʌðə 1
brown braʊn 5
burger ˈbɜːgə 22
burglar ˈbɜːglə 34
burglary ˈbɜːgləri 34
bus bʌs 29, 32
bus station bʌs ˈsteɪʃən 29
but bʌt 50
butcher(’ s) ˈbʊtʃə 19
butter ˈbʌtə 55
by bus baɪ bʌs 18, 47
by car baɪ kɑː 18, 47
by coach baɪ kəʊtʃ 18
by ferry baɪ ˈferi 18
by plane baɪ pleɪn 18
by train baɪ treɪn 18, 47
café ˈkæfeɪ 22
calculator ˈkælkjəleɪtə 59
calf kɑːf 31
call kɔːl 16, 17
call a friend kɔːl ə frend 47
call after kɔːl ˈɑːftə 2
call back kɔːl bæk 16
camera ˈkæmrə 17, 18
camping ˈkæmpɪŋ 18
Can I...? kæn aɪ 29
Can I help with …?
kən aɪ help wɪð 11
160
Can you tell me the way …?
children’s department
kən juː tel miː ðə weɪ 29
ˈtʃɪldrənz dɪˈpɑːtmənt 19
can’t stand kɑːnt stænd 26
Chile ˈtʃɪliː 27
Canada ˈkænədə 27
China ˈtʃaɪnə 27
Canadian kəˈneɪdiən 27
Chinese ˌtʃaɪˈniːz 27
cancer ˈkænsə 6
chips tʃɪps 10
car kɑː 18, 29, 32
chocolate ˈtʃɒklət 22
car crash kɑː kræʃ 37
cholera ˈkɒlərə 6
car park kɑː pɑːk 29
chopsticks ˈtʃɒpstɪks 11
car theft kɑː θeft 34
Christmas ˈkrɪsməs 33
car thief kɑː θiːf 34
Christmas tree ˈkrɪsməs triː 33
carpet ˈkɑːpɪt 13
cinema ˈsɪnəmə 24
carrier bag ˈkæriə bæg 19
clarinet ˌklærɪˈnet 26
classical music ˈklæsɪkəl
carrot(s) ˈkærət 10
carry ˈkæri 4, 49
ˈmjuːzɪk 26
cartoon kɑːˈtuːn 24, 35
clean kliːn 12
cash kæʃ 19
clean the house kliːn ðə haʊs 47
cash desk kæʃ desk 19
clean your teeth kliːn jɔː tiːθ 12
cash machine kæʃ məˈʃiːn 29
climb klaɪm 49
close the curtains kləʊs ðə
cat kæt 31
catch kætʃ 49
ˈkɜːtns 13
cello ˈtʃeləʊ 26
closed kləʊzd 19
century ˈsentʃəri 51
cloth klɒθ 11
chair tʃeə 13
clothes kləʊðz 4
change tʃeɪndʒ 19, 21, 32, 35
cloud klaʊd 28
change trains tʃeɪndʒ treɪnz 32 cloudy ˈklaʊdi 28
coach kəʊtʃ 18
change the channel tʃeɪndʒ
coach tour kəʊtʃ tʊə 18
ðə ˈtʃænl 35
change money tʃeɪndʒ
coat kəʊt 4
code kəʊd 21
ˈmʌni 21, 29
channel ˈtʃænəl 35
coffee ˈkɒfi 10, 38, 55
charger ˈtʃɑːdʒə 17
coffee maker ˈkɒfi ˈmeɪkə 11
chat tʃæt 25
coffee table ˈkɒfi ˈteɪbəl 13
chat to friends online tʃæt tə
cold kəʊld 6, 7, 28, 38
Colombia kəˈlɒmbiə 27
frendz ˈɒnlaɪn 25
check tʃek 21, 32, 60
Colombian kəˈlɒmbiən 27
check in tʃek ɪn 32
colour ˈkʌlə 19, 20
check in online tʃek ɪn
comb kəʊm 12
come kʌm 25, 42
ˌɒnˈlaɪn 32
check out tʃek aʊt 21
come along kʌm əˈlɒŋ 42
come and see me kʌm ənd siː
check your bill tʃek jɔː bɪl 21
Cheers tʃɪəz 8
miː 42
cheese tʃiːz 38
come back kʌm bæk 42
chemist(’ s) ˈkemɪst 19
come back from kʌm bæk
chemistry ˈkemɪstri 15
frɒm 42
cheque tʃek 19
come from kʌm frɒm 42
chest tʃest 3
come home kʌm həʊm 42, 47
chest of drawers tʃest əv drɔːz 12 come in kʌm ɪn 42
chick tʃɪk 31
come into kʌm ˈɪntə 42
chicken ˈtʃɪkɪn 31
come on kʌm ɒn 46
chicken tikka masala ˈtʃɪkɪn tikə
come out kʌm aʊt 42
come out of kʌm aʊt ɒv 42
məˈsɑːlə 33
children ˈtʃɪldrən 1
come to kʌm tə 57
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
come to stay 25
comedy ˈkɒmədi 24
comic ˈkɒmɪk 25
computer kəmˈpjuːtə 15, 16,
35, 36
computer crashed kəmˈpjuːtə
kræʃd 36
computer magazine kəmˈpjuːtə
ˌmægəˈzin 35
concert ˈkɒnsət 26
Congratulations
kənˌgrætʃʊˈleɪʃənz 8, 48
conservation area
ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən ˈeəriə 30
continent ˈkɒntɪnənt 27
control kənˈtrəʊl 60
cook kʊk 11, 60
cooker ˈkʊkə 11, 59, 60
cooking ˈkʊkɪŋ 25
cost kɒst 19
cottage ˈkɒtɪdʒ 30
Could I have the bill?
kʊd aɪ hæv ðə bɪl 22
countable ˈkaʊntəbəl 55
country ˈkʌntri 27, 30
country road ˈkʌntri rəʊd 30
countryside ˈkʌntrɪsaɪd 30
course kɔːs 22
court kɔːt 23, 34
cousin ˈkʌzən 1
cow kaʊ 31
crash kræʃ 36
credit card ˈkredɪt kɑːd 19, 20
crime kraɪm 34
criminal ˈkrɪmɪnəl 34
crowded ˈkraʊdɪd 37
cup kʌp 11
cup of tea kʌp əv tiː 38
cupboard ˈkʌbəd 11
currency ˈkʌrənsi 18
curry ˈkʌri 22, 33
curtains ˈkɜːtənz 13
customs ˈkʌstəmz 32
cut kʌt 36
dance dɑːns 49
dark dɑːk 5
date deɪt 16
daughter ˈdɔːtə 1
day deɪ 51
day after tomorrow dei ɑːftə
təˈmɒrəvʊ 51
day before yesterday dei bɪˈfɔːr
jestədei 51
dead ded 2
death deθ 2
December dɪˈsembə 51
degree dɪˈgriː 15
degrees dɪˈgriːz 28
delete dɪˈliːt 17
delicious dɪˈlɪʃəs 22
delivery dɪˈlɪvəri 20
dentist ˈdentɪst 6
depart dɪˈpɑːt 32
department store
dɪˈpɑːtmənt stɔː 19
desk desk 15
dessert dɪˈzɜːt 22
die daɪ 2, 36
diet daɪət 6
different (colour) ˈdɪfrnt 19
dinner ˈdɪnə 25
direct dɪˈrekt 32
directions daɪˈrekʃns 29
director dɪˈrektə 24
disaster dɪˈzɑːstə 37
dishwasher ˈdɪʃˌwɒʃə 11
divorced dɪˈvɔːst 2
do duː 14, 23, 25, 40
do a course duː ə kɔːs 15
do an exam duː æn ɪgˈzæm 15
do business with
duː ˈbɪznɪs wɪð 40
do homework duː
ˈhəʊmwɜːk 15, 40
do nothing duː ˈnʌθɪŋ 25
do some exercise(s)
duː sʌm ˈeksəsaɪz 40
do the gardening
duː ðə ˈgɑːdənɪŋ 40
do the housework
duː ðə ˈhaʊswɜːk 40
do the washing
duː ðə ˈwɒʃɪŋ 40
do the washing-up
duː ðə ˈwɒʃɪŋ ʌp 40
Do you come from …?
duː juː kʌm frɒm 1
Do you do any...?
duː juː duː eni 23
Do you have any …?
duː juː hæv ˈeni 31
Do you like...? duː juː laɪk 7, 40
Do you play …? duː juː pleɪ 23
do your best duː jɔː best 40
doctor ˈdɒktə 6, 14
documentary ˌdɒkjəˈmentə
ri 35
dog dɒg 31
dot dɒt 16
double room ˈdʌbəl ruːm 21
download ˌdaʊnˈləʊd 17, 25, 26
download an app daʊnˈləʊd ən
æp 17
downstairs ˌdaʊnˈsteəz 12
drawers drɔːz 12
drawing pin ˈdrɔːɪŋ pɪn 15
dreadful ˈdredfəl 56
dress dres 4
dressing table ˈdresɪŋ
ˈteɪbəl 12
drink drɪŋk 10, 22, 38
drive draɪv 49
drug dealer drʌg ˈdiːlə 34
drug dealing drʌg ˈdiːlɪŋ 34
drugs drʌgz 34
drums drʌmz 26
dry draɪ 11, 28
DVD ˌdiːviːˈdiː 25
DVD player ˌdiːviːˈdiː ˈpleɪə 15
ear ɪə 3
earthquake ˈɜːθkweɪk 37
Easter ˈiːstə 33
Easter eggs ˈiːstə egz 33
egg eg 31
Egypt ˈiːdʒɪpt 27
Egyptian ɪˈdʒɪpʃən 27
elderly ˈeldəli 5
electricals ɪˈlektrɪkəlz 19
elephant ˈelɪfənt 31
else els 9
email ˈiːmeɪl 16
email address ˈiːmeɪl əˈdres 16
end end 53
endless ˈendləs 59
engineer ˌendʒɪˈnɪə 14
English ˈɪŋglɪʃ 15, 27
enjoy ɪnˈdʒɔɪ 18, 24
entrance ˈentrəns 29
envelope ˈenvələʊp 16
Europe ˈjʊərəp 27
even ˈiːvən 50
evening ˈiːvnɪŋ 35, 51, 60
every ˈevri 12
everywhere ˈevrɪweə 53
exam ɪgˈzæm 15, 38
excellent ˈeksələnt 56
exchange ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ 21
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
161
exchange some money
ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ sʌm mʌni 21
Excuse me ɪkˈskjuːs miː 8, 29
exercise ˈeksəsaɪz 6
exit ˈeksɪt 29
expect ɪkˈspekt 60
ex-boyfriend eks ˈbɔɪfrend 58
ex-wife eks waɪf 58
eye aɪ 3
face feɪs 3, 5
factory ˈfæktəri 14
fail an exam feɪl ən ɪgˈzæm 15
fair feə 5
fall fɔːl 49, 60
fall asleep fɔːl əˈsliːp 12
family ˈfæmli 1
farm fɑːm 30
farm animal fɑːm ˈænɪməl 31
farmer ˈfɑːmə 14, 30
fast fɑːst 54
fast food fɑːst fuːd 10
fast food restaurant fɑːst fuːd
ˈrestrɒnt 22
fat fæt 5
father ˈfɑːðə 1
favourite ˈfeɪvərɪt 23, 35
February ˈfebruəri 51
feed fiːd 31
feel fiːl 6, 60
feelings ˈfiːlɪŋz 7
feet fiːt 3
ferry ˈferi 18
festival ˈfestɪvl 33
field fiːld 30
fill in a form fɪl ɪn ə fɔːm 21
fill up with fɪl ʌp wɪð 32
film fɪlm 24, 25
film star fɪlm stɑː 24
fine faɪn 6, 34
finger ˈfɪŋgə 3
Finnish ˈfɪnɪʃ 27
fireworks ˈfaɪəwɜːks 33
first floor fɜːst flɔː 19
fish fɪʃ 10, 31
fish and chips fɪʃ ənd tʃɪps 10,
22, 33
flight flaɪt 18, 32
flight attendant
flaɪt əˈtendənt 32
flood flʌd 37
floor flɔː 19, 21
flute fluːt 26
flute-player fluːt ˈpleɪə 26
162
fly flaɪ 18, 49
foal fəʊl 31
fog fɒg 28
foggy ˈfɒgi 28
folk music fəʊk ˈmjuːzɪk 26
food fuːd 10, 19
foot fʊt 3
football ˈfʊtbɔːl 23
football hooligan
ˈfʊtbɔːl ˈhuːlɪgən 34
football hooliganism
ˈfʊtbɔːl ˈhuːlɪgənɪzəm 34
forest ˈfɒrɪst 30
forest fire ˈfɒrɪst faɪə 37
fork fɔːk 11
form fɔːm 21
fortnight ˈfɔːtnaɪt 51
fourth fɔːθ 19
freezer ˈfriːzə 11
French frentʃ 27
Friday ˈfraɪdeɪ 51
fridge frɪdʒ 11
friend frend 25
friendly ˈfrendli 54
front frʌnt 53
fruit fruːt 10
fruit juice fruːt dʒuːs 10
fruit salad fruːt ˈsæləd 22
frying pan ˈfraɪɪŋ pæn 11
funeral ˈfjuːnərəl 2
furniture ˈfɜːnɪtʃə 19, 55
future ˈfjuːtʃə 52
game geɪm 38
gardening ˈgɑːdənɪŋ 25
garlic ˈgɑːlɪk 10
geography dʒɪˈɒgrəfi 15
German ˈdʒɜːmən 27
Germany ˈdʒɜːməni 27
get get 45
get a bus get ə bʌs 29
get a degree get ə dɪˈgriː 15
get a train get ə treɪn 29
get back get bæk 45
get dressed get drest 4, 12
get information get
ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən 29
get married get ˈmærɪd 2, 45
get off get ɒf 29, 46
get on get ɒn 46
get to get tuː 45
get undressed get ʌnˈdrest 4,
12
get up get ʌp 12, 46, 47
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
get used to get ˈjus tu 57
gift shop gɪft ʃɒp 19
giraffe dʒɪˈrɑːf 31
give gɪv 31
give a lift gɪv ə lɪft 32
glass glɑːs 11
glasses ˈglɑːsɪz 4
global ˈgləʊbəl 37
gloves glʌvz 4
go gəʊ 12, 23, 24, 39, 42
go by gəʊ baɪ 39, 49
go dancing gəʊ ˈdɑːntsɪŋ 39
go down gəʊ daʊn 39
go downstairs gəʊ ˌdaʊnˈsteəz 12
go fishing gəʊ ˈfɪʃɪŋ 39
go for a walk
gəʊ fɔːr ə wɔːk 47
go in gəʊ ɪn 39
go into gəʊ ˈɪntə 39
go off gəʊ ɒf 46
go on gəʊ ɒn 46
go on holiday gəʊ
ɒn ˈhɒlədeɪ 18
go out of gəʊ aʊt ɒv 39
go shopping gəʊ ˈʃɒpɪŋ 39
go sightseeing gəʊ ˈsaɪtsiːɪŋ 39
go skiing gəʊ ˈskiːɪŋ 30, 39
go swimming gəʊ ˈswɪmɪŋ 39
go through customs gəʊ θruː
ˈkɪstəms 32
go to bed gəʊ tə bed 12, 47
go to court gəʊ tə kɔːt 34
go to prison gəʊ tə ˈprɪzn 34
go to the bathroom
gəʊ tə ðə ˈbɑːθrʊm 47
go to school gəʊ tə skuːl 15
go to university gəʊ tə
ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəti 15
go to work gəʊ tə wɜːk 47
go up gəʊ ʌp 39
go upstairs gəʊ ʌpˈsteəz 12
goat gəʊt 31
go walking gəʊ waːkɪŋ 30
going to ˈgəʊɪŋ tuː 39
good gʊd 54, 56
Good afternoon
gʊd ˌɑːftəˈnuːn 8
good at gʊd æt 57
Good evening gʊd ˈiːvnɪŋ 8
good for you gʊd fə juː 6
Good luck gʊd lʌk 8
Good morning gʊdˈmɔːnɪŋ 8
Goodbye gʊdˈbaɪ 8, 48
good-looking ˌgʊdˈlʊkɪŋ 5
Goodnight ˌgʊdˈnaɪt 8
granddaughter ˈgrænˌdɔːtə 1
grandfather ˈgrænˌfɑːðə 1
grandmother ˈgrænˌmʌðə 1
grandparents
ˈgrænˌpeərənts 1
grandson ˈgrænsʌn 1
grape(s) greɪp 10
great greɪt 56
green griːn 5
green beans griːn biːnz 22
greetings ˈgriːtɪŋz 8
groom gruːm 2
ground floor graʊnd flɔː 19
grow flowers / vegetables
grəʊ flaʊəz / ˈvedʒtəbəlz 25
guilty ˈgɪlti 34
guitar gɪˈtɑː 26
hair heə 3, 5, 31
haircut ˈheəkʌt 38
hairbrush ˈheəbrʌʃ 12
hairdresser(’ s) ˈheəˌdresə 14
hairdryer ˈheəˌdraɪə 21
half hɑːf 58
half-hour ˈhɑːfˌaʊə 58
half-price ˈhɑːfˈpraɪs 58
Halloween ˌhæləʊˈiːn 33
ham hæm 31
hamburger ˈhæmˌbɜːgə 10
hand hænd 3
handbag ˈhænbæg 4
happily ˈhæpɪli 59
happiness ˈhæpɪnəs 59
happy ˈhæpi 7
happy about ˈhæpi əˈbaʊt 7, 57
Happy Birthday ˈhæpi
ˈbɜːθdeɪ 8, 48
Happy Christmas
ˈhæpi ˈkrɪsməs 8
happy for ˈhæpi fɔː 7
Happy New Year
ˈhæpi njuː jɪə 8, 48
hat hæt 4
hate heɪt 7
have hæv 12, 22, 25, 38
have (your) hair cut hæv heə
kʌt 38
have a baby hæv ə ˈbeɪbi 2
have a bad day hæv ə bæd
deɪ 36
have a bath hæv ə bɑːθ 38
have a cold hæv ə kəʊld 6, 38
have toothache hæv tuːθeɪk 6
have a cup of tea (coffee)
Have you got any …?
hæv ə kʌp ɒv tiː 22, 38
hæv juː gɒt ˈeni 1
have a drink hæv ə drɪŋk 38
have a game hæv ə geɪm 38
hay fever heɪ ˈfiːvə 6
have a go hæv ə gəʊ 38
head hed 3, 5
headache ˈhedeɪk 6, 38
have a good journey
headphones ˈhedfəʊnz 25
hæv ə gʊd ˈdʒɜːni 38
have a good time
health helθ 6
hæv ə gʊd taɪm 38
heart hɑːt 3
have a great time
heart attack hɑːt əˈtæk 6
heavy ˈhevi 5
hæv ə greɪt taɪm 18
have a headache
height haɪt 5
hæv ə ˈhedeɪk 6, 38
helicopter ˈhelɪkɒptə 32
hello heˈləʊ 8, 48
have a healthy diet
hen hen 31
hæv ə ˈhelθi daɪət 6
here hɪə 53
have a heart attack
here is … hɪər ɪz 21
hæv ə hɑːt əˈtæk 6
have a holiday ˈhɒlədeɪ 18
hi haɪ 8
have a lesson hæv ə ˈlesən 38
hi-fi ˈhaɪfaɪ 13
have a look hæv ə lʊk 38
hill hɪl 30
have a meal hæv ə miːl 38
hip hɪp 3
have a meeting
hire a car haɪə ə kɑː 32
history ˈhɪstri 15
hæv ə ˈmiːtɪŋ 38
have a moment
hobby ˈhɒbi 25
hæv ə ˈməʊmənt 38
Hogmanay ˌhɒgməneɪ 33
have a party hæv ə ˈpɑːti 38
holiday ˈhɒlədeɪ 18
home həʊm 12, 25, 36, 53
have a piano lesson hæv ə
homeless ˈhəʊmləs 37
pɪˈænəʊ lesən 26
have a picnic hæv ə ˈpɪknɪk 30 homework ˈhəʊmwɜːk 15, 38
have a row with
honeymoon ˈhʌnɪmuːn 2
hooligan ˈhuːlɪgən 34
hæv ə rəʊ wɪð 36
have a sleep hæv ə sliːp 25
hope həʊp 7, 60
have a shower hæv ə ˈʃaʊə 12, 47 horrible ˈhɒrəbl 56
have a swim hæv ə swɪm 38
horror ˈhɒrə 24
horse hɔːs 31
have a wake-up call hæv ə weɪk
horse racing ˈhɔːs ˌreɪsɪŋ 23
ʌp kɔːl 21
hospital ˈhɒspɪtəl 6, 14
have a word with hæv ə wɜːd
hot hɒt 7, 28
wɪð 7, 38
hot dog hɒt dɒg 10
have an exam
hotel həʊˈtel 21
hæv ən ɪgˈzæm 38
hour aʊə 51, 52
have breakfast hæv
Houses of Parliament
ˈbrekfəst 21, 38, 47
have coffee hæv ˈkɒfi 38
ˈhaʊzɪz əv ˈpɑːləmənt 33
have dinner hæv ˈdɪnə 38
How (awful) haʊ 56
How about …? haʊ əˈbaʊt 7, 9
have friends round
How are you? haʊ ə juː 6, 8
hæv frendz raʊnd 25
have got hæv gɒt 38
How do I get to …? haʊ duː aɪ
have got … on hæv gɒt ɒn 4
get tə 29
How do you …? haʊ duː juː 47
have homework hæv
How do you say …? haʊ duː juː
həʊmwɜːk 38
have lunch hæv lʌnʃ 38
seɪ 48
How
heavy are you? haʊ hevi ɑː
have the time hæv ðə taɪm 38
have to hæv tuː 38
juː 6
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
163
How long does it take …?
haʊ lɒŋ dəz ɪt teɪk 43
How much …? haʊ mʌtʃ 21
How much do you weigh? haʊ
mʌtʃ duː juː weɪ 6
How often do you …? haʊ ˈɒfən
duː juː 47
How old is he? haʊ əʊld ɪz hi 6
How tall is...? haʊ tɔːl ɪz 6
How would you like …?
haʊ wʊd juː laɪk 22
hungry ˈhʌŋgri 7, 37
hurricane ˈhʌrɪkən 28, 37
hurry up ˈhʌri ʌp 9
husband ˈhʌzbənd 1
I agree aɪ əˈgri 9
I don’t mind aɪ dəʊnt maɪnd 9
I’d like … aɪd laɪk 22
I’ll have … aɪl hæv 22
ice cream ˌaɪsˈkriːm 22, 38
I'm looking for ... aɪm ˈlʌkɪŋ
fɔː 29
ICT (information communication
technology) ˌaɪsiːˈtiː 15
if ɪf 50
ill ɪl 2, 6, 7
illness ˈɪlnəs 6
impossible ɪmˈpɒsəbəl 58
in ɪn 24, 49, 53
in a bad mood ɪn ə bæd
muːd 36
in a moment ɪn ə ˈməʊmənt 52
in advance ɪn ədˈvɑːns 32
India ˈɪndiə 27
Indian ˈɪndiən 27
informal ɪnˈfɔːməl 58
information ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən
29, 55
innocent ˈɪnəsənt 34
instructor ɪnˈstrʌktə 59
interested in ˈɪntrəstɪd ɪn 57
Internet ˈɪntənet 16, 25
interview (with) ˈɪntəvjuː 35
Irish ˈaɪrɪʃ 27
Is everything all right?
ɪz ˈevrɪθɪŋ ɔːl raɪt 22
Is there...? ɪz ðeɪə 29
it doesn’t matter ɪt dʌznt
ˈmætə 9
it takes (+ time) ɪt teɪks 43
It’s … here ɪts hɪə 16
It’s a … day ɪts ə deɪ 28
It's got... ɪts gɒt 38
164
it’s up to you ɪts ʌp tə juː 9
Italian ɪˈtæliən 27
Italy ˈɪtəli 27
jacket ˈdʒækɪt 4
January ˈdʒænjuəri 51
Japan dʒəˈpæn 27
Japanese dʒæpnˈiːz 27
jazz dʒæz 26
jeans dʒiːnz 4
job dʒɒb 14
journalist ˈdʒɜːnəlɪst 35
journey ˈdʒɜːni 32
judo ˈdʒuːdəʊ 23
July dʒuˈlaɪ 51
jump dʒʌmp 49
jumper ˈdʒʌmpə 4
June dʒuːn 51
just relax dʒʌst rɪˈlæks 13
karate kəˈrɑːti 23
kayaking ˈkaɪækɪŋ 23
key kiː 21
keyboard ˈkiːbɔːd 16
kid kɪd 31
kilo ˈkiːləʊ 55
king kɪŋ 33
kitchen ˈkɪtʃɪn 11
kitchen roll ˈkɪtʃɪn rəʊl 11
knee niː 3
knife naɪf 11
lake leɪk 30
lamb læm 31
lamp læmp 13
land lænd 32
laptop ˈlæptɒp 16
last lɑːst 52
late for leɪt fə 36
law lɔː 34
leap year liːp jɪə 51
learn lɜːn 15, 26
leather ˈleðə 31
leave liːv 32
leave a voicemail liːv ə
ˈvɔɪsmeɪl 17
left left 29, 53
leg leg 3
lend lend 60
lesson(s) lesʌn 26, 38
let’s lets 9
letter ˈletə 16
letter box ˈletə bɒks 16
librarian laɪˈbreəriən 14
library ˈlaɪbrəri 29
lift lɪft 21
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
light laɪt 12, 13
light switch laɪt swɪtʃ 13
lightning ˈlaɪtnɪŋ 28
like laɪk 7, 23, 50
lion laɪən 31
lip lɪp 3
lipstick ˈlɪpstɪk 3
listen (to) ˈlɪsən 13, 25, 26, 47
listen to ˈlɪsən tə 57
litre ˈliːtə 55
living room ˈlɪvɪŋ ruːm 13
loaf ləʊf 55
local ˈləʊkəl 17
locked lɒkt 17
long lɒŋ 5
look after lʊk ˈɑːftə 57
look at lʊk æt 57
look for lʊk fɔː 29, 36, 57
look forward to
lʊk ˈfɔːwəd tə 57
look like lʊk laɪk 5
Look out lʊk aʊt 9
loose luːs 60
lose luːz 36, 60
loud laʊd 54
loudly ˈlaʊdli 54
love lʌv 7, 24
lovely ˈlʌvli 56
lunch lʌntʃ 38
luggage ˈlʌgɪdʒ 18, 21, 32, 55
magazine ˌmægəˈziːn 25, 35
main course meɪn kɔːs 22
make meɪk 12, 40
make a (phone) call
meɪk ə kɔːl 16
make a choice meɪk ə tʃɔɪs 41
make a film meɪk ə fɪlm 41
make a mess meɪk ə mes 41
make a mistake
meɪk ə mɪsˈteɪk 41
make a noise meɪk ə nɔɪz 41
make a photocopy
meɪk ə ˈfəʊtəˌkɒpi 41
make a video
meɪk ə ˈvɪdɪəʊ 41
make an appointment
meɪk ən əˈpɔɪntmənt 41
make breakfast
meɪk ˈbrekfəst 41
make dinner meɪk ˈdɪnə 41, 47
make hot chocolate meɪk hɒt
ˈtʃɒklət 41
make lunch meɪk lʌntʃ 41
make me (feel) meɪk miː 41
make my bed meɪk maɪ bed 41
make phone calls meɪk fəʊn
kɔːlz 16
make some coffee
meɪk səm ˈkɒfi 41
make some tea
meɪk səm tiː 41
malaria məˈleəriə 6
man-made ˌmænˈmeɪd 37
manner ˈmænə 54
map mæp 32
March mɑːtʃ 51
marriage ˈmærɪdʒ 2
married ˈmærɪd 2
maths mæθs 15
May meɪ 51
meal miːl 22, 38
meat miːt 10, 31
mechanic məˈkænɪk 14
media ˈmiːdiə 35
medium ˈmiːdiəm 5, 22
memory ˈmeməri 17
memory stick ˈmeməri stɪk 16
men’s wear menz weə 19
mend mend 36
menu ˈmenjuː 22
Merry Christmas
ˈmeri ˈkrɪsməs 8, 48
message ˈmesɪdʒ 16, 17
microwave
ˈmaɪkrəweɪv 11
middle ˌmɪdəl 53
middle-aged ˈmɪdəlˈeɪdʒd 5
milk mɪlk 10, 31, 55
mineral water
ˈmɪnərəl ˈwɔːtə 10
mini-bar ˈmɪni bɑː 21
minus ˈmaɪnəs 28
minute mɪnɪt 51
mirror ˈmɪrə 12
miss mɪs 49
mixed salad mɪkst ˈsæləd 22
mobile ˈməʊbaɪl 16
mobile device
ˈməʊbaɪl dɪˈvaɪs 16
modern languages
ˈmɒdən ˈlæŋgwɪdʒɪz 15
moment ˈməʊmənt 38, 52
Monday ˈmʌndeɪ 51
money ˈmʌni 21, 55
monkey ˈmʌŋki 31
month mʌnθ 51
mood muːd 36
morning ˈmɔːnɪŋ 35, 51
Moroccan məˈrɒkən 27
Morocco məˈrɒkəʊ 25
mosquito mɒsˈkiːtəʊ 6
mother ˈmʌðə 1
motor racing ˈməʊtə ˈreɪsɪŋ 23
motorbike ˈməʊtəbaɪk 32
motorcycle ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl 32
mountain ˈmaʊntɪn 30
mouse maʊs 16
moustache məˈstɑːʃ 5
mouth maʊθ 3
mug mʌg 11, 34
mugger ˈmʌgə 34
mugging ˈmʌgɪŋ 34
murder ˈmɜːdə 34
murderer ˈmɜːdərə 34
museum mjuːˈziːəm 29
mushroom(s) ˈmʌʃrʊm 10, 22
music ˈmjuːzɪk 15, 26
musical ˈmjuːzɪkəl 24, 26
musical instruments ˈmjuːzɪkəl
ˈɪnstrəmənts 26
musician mjuːˈzɪʃən 26
nail neɪl 3
national park ˈnæʃənl pɑːk 30
nationality næʃənˈæləti 27
natural disaster
ˈnætʃrəl dɪˈzɑːstə 37
nature ˈneɪtʃə 30, 35
neck nek 3
nephew ˈnefjuː 1
never ˈnevə 52
new potatoes
njuː pəˈteɪtəʊz 22
New Year’s Day njuː jɪəz deɪ 33
New Year’s Eve ˌnjuː jɪəz iːv 33
New Zealand ˌnjuː ˈziːlənd 27
news njuːz 35, 55
newsagent(’ s) ˈnjuːzˌeɪdʒənt
19
newspaper ˈnjuːzˌpeɪpə 25, 29,
35
next nekst 52
next day delivery nekst deɪ
dɪˈlɪvəri 20
nice naɪs 56
niece niːs 1
night naɪt 60
nightlife ˈnaɪtlaɪf 18
no smoking nəʊ ˈsməʊkɪŋ 29
non-smoking nɒn ˈsməʊkɪŋ 58
normally ˈnɔːməli 12, 47
North America nɔːθ əˈmerɪkə 27
nose nəʊz 3
not bad nɒt bæd 56
not often nɒt ˈɒfən 52
not too bad nɒt tuː bæd 8
note nəʊt 19
notebook ˈnəʊtbʊk 15
nothing ˈnʌθɪŋ 25
notice ˈnəʊtɪs 29
noticeboard nəʊtɪsbɔːd 15
novel ˈnɒvəl 25
November nəˈvembə 51
now naʊ 52
now and then naʊ ən ðen 52
number ˈnʌmbə 29
nurse nɜːs 14
nursery school ˈnɜːsri skuːl 33
o’clock əʊ’klɒk 52
occasionally əˈkeɪʒnəli 52
October ɒkˈtəʊbə 51
office ˈɒfɪs 14
often ˈɒfən 52
OHP əʊ eɪtʃ ˈpiː 15
Oh dear əʊ dɪə 9
old(er) əʊld 5
on ɒn 53
on strike ɒn straɪk 37
on the first floor ɒn ðə fɜːst
flɔː 21
on the left ɒn ðə left 29, 53
on the phone ɒn ðə fəʊn 25
on the right ɒn ðə raɪt 53
on TV ɒn tiːˈviː 24
once wʌns 52
onion ˈʌnjən 10
online ˌɒnˈlaɪn 16, 20, 25, 35
online check-in
ˌɒnˈlaɪn tʃek ɪn 32
online reviews ˈɑːnlaɪn
rɪˈvjuːz 20
only ˈəʊnli 50
only child ˈəʊnli tʃaɪld 1
open ˈəʊpən 19
opera ˈɒpərə 26
or ɔː 50
orange ˈɒrɪndʒ 10
orchestra ˈɔːkɪstrə 26
order ˈɔːdə 22
order number ˈɔːdə ˈnʌm.
bə 20
out aʊt 53
out of order aʊt əv ˈɔːdə 29, 36
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
165
outside line ˌaʊtˈsaɪd laɪn 21
oven ˈʌvən 33
over there ˈəʊvə ðeə 21
overweight ˈəʊvəweɪt 5
package holiday
ˈpækɪdʒ ˈhɒlədeɪ 18
pain peɪn 3
pair of trousers / shorts /
glasses peər ɒv ˈtraʊzəz /ʃɔːts
/ ˈglɑːsɪz 4
Pakistan ˌpɑːkɪˈstɑːn 27
Pakistani ˌpɑːkɪˈstɑːni 27
paper ˈpeɪpə 35
parents ˈpeərənts 1
park pɑːk 29
parrot ˈpærət 31
party ˈpɑːti 38
pass pɑːs 13, 49
pass an exam
pɑːs ən ɪgˈzæm 15
passport ˈpɑːspɔːt 18, 32
past pɑːst 52
pasta ˈpæstə 10
path pɑːθ 30
pay peɪ 19, 34
pay a fine pei ə faɪn 34
pay for peɪ fɔː 57
PE (physical education)
ˌpiːˈiː 15
pea(s) piː 10
pear peə 10
pedestrian area
pəˈdestriən ˈeəriə 29
pen pen 15
pencil ˈpensəl 15
pencil sharpener ˈpensəl
ˈʃɑːpənə 15
pepper ˈpepə 10
perfect ˈpɜːfəkt 56
Peru pəˈruː 27
Peruvian pəˈruːviən 27
pet pet 31
petrol ˈpetrəl 32
phone fəʊn 13, 21, 25
phone a friend fəʊn ə frend 47
phone box fəʊn bɒks 16
phone call ˈfəʊn kɔːl 16
phone case fəʊn keɪs 17
phone number fəʊn ˈnʌmbə 16
photo ˈfəʊtəʊ 43
photograph ˈfəʊtəgrɑːf 43
physics ˈfɪzɪks 15
pianist ˈpiːənɪst 26
166
piano piˈænəʊ 26
picture ˈpɪktʃə 13
piece of paper piːs əv ˈpeɪpə 15
pig pɪg 31
piglet ˈpɪglət 31
PIN pɪn 17
pineapple ˈpaɪnæpəl 10
pitch pɪtʃ 23
pizza ˈpiːtsə 10
place pleɪs 22
plane pleɪn 18, 32
plaster ˈplɑːstə 36
plate pleɪt 11, 55
play pleɪ 23, 24, 25
play a musical instrument pleɪ ə
ˈmjuːzɪkəl ˈɪnstrəmənt 26
play in an orchestra pleɪ ɪn æn
ˈɔːkɪstrə 26
play video games pleɪ ˈvɪdɪəʊ
geimz 25
please pliːz 8, 48
please keep off the grass pliːz
kiːp ɒf ðə grɑːs 29
Poland ˈpəʊlənd 27
police pəˈliːs 34
police officer pəˈliːs ˈɒfɪsə 14
Polish ˈpəʊlɪʃ 27
polluted pəˈluːtɪd 37
pollution pəˈluːʃən 37
pool puːl 23
poor pɔː 37
pop music pɒp ˈmjuːzɪk 26
pork pɔːk 31
Portuguese ˌpɔːtʃəˈgiːz 27
position pəˈzɪʃən 53
post pəʊst 16, 29
post code ˈpəʊst kəʊd 20
post office pəʊst ˈɒfɪs 19, 29
postcard ˈpəʊstkɑːd 18
potato(es) pəˈteɪtəʊ 10, 22
power button ˈpaʊə ˈbʌtən 17
prefer prɪˈfɜː 7
pre-heat priː hiːt 58
pre-school priː skuːl 58
present ˈprezənt 52
pretty ˈprɪti 5
price praɪs 20
primary school
ˈpraɪməri skuːl 33
Prime Minister
praɪm ˈmɪnɪstə 33
prison ˈprɪzən 34
private school ˈpraɪvɪt skuːl 33
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
problem ˈprɒbləm 37
programme ˈprəʊgræm 25, 35
proud of praʊd ɒv 57
pub pʌb 22
pull pʊl 19
push pʊʃ 19
put … on pʊt ɒn 4, 46
put on pʊt ɒn 36, 46
pyjamas pɪˈdʒɑːməz 4, 12
queen kwiːn 33
quickly ˈkwɪkli 59
quiet ˈkwaɪət 54, 60
quietly ˈkwaɪətli 54
quite kwaɪt 60
rabbit ˈræbɪt 31
radio ˈreɪdiəʊ 12, 13, 25, 35
railway station
ˈreɪlweɪ ˈsteɪʃən 29
rain reɪn 28
rainy ˈreɪni 28
rare reə 22
rarely ˈreəli 52
razor ˈreɪzə 12
read riːd 13, 15, 25, 35
ready to order ˈredi tə ˈɔːdə 22
reality TV riˈæləti ˌtiːˈviː 35
really ˈrɪəli 7, 9
receipt rɪˈsiːt 19
recently ˈriːsəntli 52
reception rɪˈsepʃən 21
redo ˈriːˌduː 58
relations rɪˈleɪʃənz 1
relatives ˈrelətɪvz 1
relax rɪˈlæks 6, 13
remote control
rɪˈməʊt kənˈtrəʊl 13
repair rɪˈpeə 36
reply rɪˈplaɪ 48
reporter rɪˈpɔːtə 35
reservation ˌrezəˈveɪʃən 21
reserve (a seat) rɪˈzɜːv 32
restaurant ˈrestrɒnt 14, 19, 22
restaurant car ˈrestrɒnt kɑː 32
return ticket rɪˈtɜːn ˈtɪkɪt 32
review rɪˈvjuː 20
rewrite ˈriːraɪt 58
rice raɪs 10, 55
ride raɪd 49
right raɪt 29, 53, 54
right way raɪt wei 54
ring rɪŋ 4
river ˈrɪvə 30
road rəʊd 29
roast beef rəʊst biːf 33
roast potatoes rəʊst
pəˈteɪtəʊz 33
rob rɒb 34
robber ˈrɒbə 34
robbery ˈrɒbəri 34
rock rɒk 26
romantic (comedy)
rəˈmæntɪk 24
room service ˈruːm ˌsɜːvɪs 21
room with a view
ruːm wɪð ə vjuː 21
routine ruːˈtiːn 12
row raʊ 36
royal family ˈrɔɪəl ˈfæməli 33
rubber ˈrʌbə 15
rucksack ˈrʌksæk 18
rug rʌg 13
rugby ˈrʌgbi 23
ruler ˈruːlə 15
run rʌn 49
running ˈrʌnɪŋ 23
rush hour rʌʃ aʊə 37
sad sæd 7
sadness ˈsædnəs 59
sailing ˈseɪlɪŋ 23
salad ˈsæləd 22
salmon fillet ˈsæmən ˈfɪlɪt 22
salt sɒlt 10
sandy ˈsændi 59
Saturday ˈsætədeɪ 51
saucepan ˈsɔːspən 11
say seɪ 48
save seɪv 17
scarf skɑːf 4
school skuːl 15
science fiction saɪəns ˈfɪkʃən
24
Scottish ˈskɒtɪʃ 27
screen skriːn 16, 17
search sɜːtʃ 20
season ˈsiːzən 51
seat siːt 32
second ˈsekənd 19, 51
secondary school
ˈsekəndri skuːl 33
secretary ˈsekrətəri 14
see siː 24, 25
See you soon siː juː suːn 8
selfies selfis 17
sell sel 34
sell drugs sel drʌgz 34
send a postcard send ə
pəʊstkɑːd 18
send a text (message) send ə
tekst 16
separated ˈsepəreɪtɪd 2
September sepˈtembə 51
shampoo ʃæmˈpuː 12
sheep ʃiːp 31
shelf ʃelf 11, 12
ship ʃɪp 32
shirt ʃɜːt 4
shoe(s) ʃuː 4, 55
shop ʃɒp 14, 19, 29
shop assistant ʃɒp əˈsɪstənt 14
shop online ʃɒpɑːnlaɪn 20
shoplifter ʃɒplɪftə 34
shoplifting ˈʃɒplɪftɪŋ 34
shopping ˈʃɒpɪŋ 19
shopping centre ˈʃɒpɪŋ
ˈsentə 29
short ʃɔːt 5
shorts ʃɔːts 4
shoulder ˈʃəʊldə 3
shower ʃaʊə 12, 21, 38
shower gel ˈʃaʊə dʒel 12
sick sɪk 6
side saɪd 3, 29, 53
sign saɪn 19, 21
SIM card ˈsɪm kɑːd 17
single ˈsɪŋgəl 2
single room ˈsɪŋgəl ruːm 21
single ticket ˈsɪŋgəl ˈtɪkɪt 32
sink sɪŋk 11
sister ˈsɪstə 1
size saɪz 19, 20
skiing ˈskiːɪŋ 23, 30
skin skɪn 3, 5
skirt skɜːt 4
sleep sliːp 25
sleep well sliːp wel 8
slim slɪm 5
slow sləʊ 54
slowly ˈsləʊli 54
smaller (size) smɔːlə 19
snack snæk 22
snake sneɪk 31
sneeze sniːz 6
snow snəʊ 28
snowboarding ˈsnəʊbɔːdɪŋ 23
snowing ˈsnəʊɪŋ 28
snowstorm ˈsnəʊstɔːm 37
snowy ˈsnəʊi 28
so səʊ 50
soap səʊp 12
soap opera ˈsəʊpˌɒpərə 35
socket ˈsɒkɪt 13
socks sɒks 4
sofa ˈsəʊfə 13
soft drink(s) sɒft drɪŋk 22
sometimes ˈsʌmtaɪmz 47, 52
son sʌn 1
song sɒŋ 26
soon suːn 52
sorry ˈsɒri 8
soup (of the day) suːp 22
South Africa saʊθ ˈæfrɪkə 27
South African saʊθ ˈæfrɪkən 27
South America
saʊθ əˈmerɪkə 27
spaghetti spəˈgeti 55
Spain speɪn 27
Spanish ˈspænɪʃ 27
speak spiːk 48
speak to spiːk tə 16
spoon spuːn 11
sports spɔːts 23, 35
sports centre spɔːts ˈsentə 23
sports magazine spɔːts
mægəˈziːn 35
sports programme spɔːts
prəʊgræm 35
spring sprɪŋ 51
stamp stæmp 16
starter ˈstɑːtə 22
state school steɪt skuːl 33
station ˈsteɪʃən 29
stay steɪ 25
steak steɪk 22
steal stiːl 34
stomach ˈstʌmək 3
storm stɔːm 28
strawberry (-ies) ˈstrɔːbəri 10
stressed strest 6
strike straɪk 37
student ˈstjuːdənt 15
study ˈstʌdi 15
subject ˈsʌbdʒəkt 15
sugar ˈʃʊgə 10, 55
suit suːt 4
suitcase ˈsuːtkeɪs 18
summer ˈsʌmə 51
sun sʌn 28
Sunday ˈsʌndeɪ 51
sunglasses ˈsʌnˌglɑːsɪz 4
sunny ˈsʌni 28, 59
supermarket ˈsuːpəˌmɑːkɪt 19
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
167
surprised səˈpraɪzd 7
sweater ˈswetə 4
swim swɪm 38, 49
swimmer ˈswɪmə 59
swimming ˈswɪmɪŋ 23
swimming pool
ˈswɪmɪŋ puːl 23
swipe swaɪp 17
switch on swɪtʃ ɒn 13
table ˈteɪbəl 13
table tennis ˈteɪbəl ˈtenɪs 23
take teɪk 34, 43, 44, 49
take (some) lessons
teɪk ˈlesənz 43
take … for a walk
teɪk fɔːr ə wɔːk 31
take … off teɪk ɒf 4
take a course teɪk ə kɔːs 43
take a message teɪk ə
ˈmesɪdʒ 16
take a photo teɪk ə ˈfəʊtəʊ 43
take a taxi teɪk ə ˈtæksi 43
take an exam teɪk ən
ɪgˈzæm 15, 43
take drugs teɪk drʌgz 34
take off teɪk ɒf 32, 46
take the bus teɪk ðə bʌs 29, 43
take the lift teɪk ðə lɪft 21
take the train teɪk ðə treɪn 43
take the underground teɪk ðə
ˈʌndəgraʊnd 43
take-away teɪk əˈweɪ 22
talk tɔːk 25, 48
talk to tɔːk tuː 25
talk show tɔːk ʃəʊ 35
tall tɔːl 5
tap tæp 11
taxi ˈtæksi 32, 43
taxi driver ˈtæksi ˈdraɪvə 14
tea tiː 10, 38, 55
tea towel tiː taʊəl 11
teach tiːtʃ 15
teacher ˈtiːtʃə 14, 15
teapot ˈtiːpɒt 11
teenage ˈtiːneɪdʒ 35
teenage magazine tiːneɪdʒ
ˌmægəˈziːn 35
teeth tiːθ 3
telephone (phone) ˈtelɪfəʊn
12, 16
television (TV) ˈtelɪvɪʒən 12,
13, 35
168
tell (someone) a joke
tel ə dʒəʊk 48
tell (someone) a story
tel ə ˈstɔːri 48
tell (someone) the time
tel ðə taɪm 48
tell someone you called tel
ˈsʌmwʌn juː kɔːld 16
tell someone your address
tel ˈsʌmwʌn jɔː əˈdres 48
tell someone your name
tel ˈsʌmwʌn jɔː neɪm 48
tell someone your phone number
tel ˈsʌmwʌn jɔː fəʊn ˈnʌmbə
48
tennis ˈtenɪs 23
terrible ˈterəbəl 56
terrorism ˈterərɪzəm 34
terrorist ˈterərɪst 34
text tekst 16, 17
textbook ˈteksbʊk 15
Thai taɪ 27
Thailand ˈtaɪlænd 27
than ðæn 50
thank for θæŋk fɔː 57
Thank you θæŋk juː 8, 48
thanks θæŋks 8
then ðen 52
there ðeə 53
there’s a … ðeəz ə 29
thief θiːf 34
thin θɪn 5
think about θɪŋk əˈbaʊt 57
third θɜːd 19
thirsty ˈθɜːsti 7
thriller ˈθrɪlə 24
thumb θʌm 3
thunder ˈθʌndə 28
thunderstorm ˈθʌndəstɔːm 28
thundery ˈθʌndəri 28
Thursday ˈθɜːzdeɪ 51
ticket ˈtɪkɪt 32
tidy ˈtaɪdi 36
tie taɪ 4
tiger ˈtaɪgə 31
tights taɪts 4
time taɪm 51, 52
timetable ˈtaɪmˌteɪbəl 32
(four) times a month
taɪmz ə mʌnθ 52
(three) times a week
taɪmz ə wiːk 47
tired taɪəd 7
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
today təˈdeɪ 51, 52
toe təʊ 3
toilet ˈtɔɪlət 12
tomato(es) təˈmɑːtəʊ 10
tomorrow təˈmɒrəʊ 51, 52
too tuː 50
too much (work) tuː mʌtʃ 36
tooth tuːθ 3
toothache ˈtuːθeɪk 6
toothbrush ˈtuːθbrʌʃ 12
toothpaste ˈtuːθpeɪst 12
top tɒp 53
tortoise ˈtɔːtəs 31
tourist (information) office
ˈtʊərɪst ˈɒfɪs 29
towel taʊəl 12
town taʊn 29, 30
town hall taʊn hɔːl 2929
toys tɔɪz 19
traffic ˈtræfɪk 55
traffic jam ˈtræfɪk dʒæm 37
traffic warden
ˈtræfɪk ˈwɔːdən 14
train treɪn 14, 18, 29, 32
trainers ˈtreɪnəz 4
train station treɪn ˈsteɪʃən 29
transport ˈtrænspɔːt 18, 32, 49
travel ˈtrævəl 55
travelling ˈtrævəlɪŋ 32
tropical ˈtrɒpɪkəl 6
trousers ˈtraʊzəz 4
trumpet ˈtrʌmpɪt 26
trumpet-player
ˈtrʌmpɪt ˈpleɪə 26
try on traɪ ɒn 19
T-shirt ˈtiːʃɜːt 4
Tuesday ˈtjuːzdeɪ 51
Tunisia tjuːˈnɪziə 27
Tunisian tjuːˈnɪziən 27
turn tɜːn 29
turn down tɜːn daʊn 46
turn off tɜːn ɒf 12, 13, 46
turn on tɜːn ɒn 13, 46
turn up tɜːn ʌp 46
TV ˌtiːˈviː 13, 21, 24, 25, 35
twice twaɪs 52
ugly ˈʌgli 5
UK ˌjuːˈkeɪ 27
umbrella ʌmˈbrelə 4
uncle ˈʌŋkəl 1
uncountable ʌnˈkaʊntəbəl 55
underground ˈʌndəgraʊnd 32
unemployed ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪd 37
unfriendly (way) ʌnˈfrendli 54
unhappy ʌnˈhæpi 58
United States (the US)
juːˌnaɪtɪd ˈsteɪts 27
university ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəti 15
unlock ʌnˈlɒk 17
unsafe ʌnˈseɪf 58
untidy ʌnˈtaɪdi 36
upset ʌpˈset 7
upstairs ʌpˈsteəz 12
USA ˌjuːesˈeɪ 27
used to ˈjus tu 57
useful ˈjuːsfəl 59
useless ˈjuːsləs 59
usually ˈjuːʒəli 47, 52
Valentine’s Day
ˈvæləntaɪnz deɪ 33
vandal ˈvændəl 34
vandalism ˈvændəlɪzəm 34
vegetable(s) ˈvedʒtəbəl 10, 22,
25
vegetarian ˌvedʒɪˈteəriən 10
very (bad / good) ˈveri 56
very well ˈveri wel 7
video games ˈvidiːəʊ geɪmz 25
village ˈvɪlɪdʒ 30
violin ˌvaɪəˈlɪn 26
violinist vaɪəˈlɪnɪst 26
visa ˈviːzə 18
voicemail ˈvɔɪsmeɪl 16
volleyball ˈvɒlibɔːl 23
waist weɪst 3
wait for weɪt fɔː 57, 60
waiter ˈweɪtə 14
wake up weɪk ʌp 12, 47
wake-up call weɪk ʌp kɔːl 21
walk wɔːk 30, 49
walking holiday
ˈwɔːkɪŋ ˈhɒlədeɪ 18
want wɒnt 7
war wɔː 37
wardrobe ˈwɔːdrəʊb 12
wash wɒʃ 3
wash clothes wɒʃ kləʊðz 47
washing machine ˈwɒʃɪŋ
məˈʃiːn 11
washing-up liquid ˈwɒʃɪŋ ʌp
ˈlɪkwɪd 11
watch wɒtʃ 4, 23, 24,
watch television (TV) wɒtʃ
televɪʒən 25, 47
watch a DVD wɒtʃ ə
diːviːdiː 25
watch TV online wɒtʃ tiːviː
ɒnlaɪn 36
water ˈwɔːtə 31, 36, 55
way weɪ 54
wear weə 4
weather ˈweðə 28, 55
wedding ˈwedɪŋ 2
Wednesday ˈwenzdeɪ 51
week wiːk 51, 52
weekend ˌwiːkˈend 51
weigh weɪ 2, 5
weight weɪt 5
well wel 6, 7, 54
Well done wel dʌn 8, 9
well-done ˌwelˈdʌn 22
western ˈwestən 24
wet wet 28
What a pity wɒt ə ˈpɪti 9
What about …? wɒt əˈbaʊt 9
What time do you ....?
wɒt taɪm də juː 47
What time is.....? wɒt taɪm ɪz 21
What would you like...? wɒt wʌd
juː laɪk 22
What’s his/her job? wɒts
hɪz/hɜː dʒɒb 14
What’s on …? wɒts ɒn 24
What’s on TV?
wɒts ɒn ˌtiːˈviː 35
What’s the weather like?
wɒts ðə ˈweðə laɪk 28
What’s your favourite …?
wɒts jɔː ˈfeɪvərɪt 23
when wen 50
Where can I find …?
weə kən aɪ faɪnd 11
Where does … go?
weə dəz … gəʊ 11
Where is …? weər ɪz 29
whiteboard ˈwaɪtbɔːd 15
Why don’t …? waɪ dəʊnt 9
widowed ˈwɪdəʊd 2
wife waɪf 1
wild animal waɪld ˈænɪməl 31
wildlife ˈwaɪldlaɪf 30
wind wɪnd 28
window ˈwɪndəʊ 13
windy ˈwɪndi 28
wine waɪn 10
winter ˈwɪntə 51
winter holiday ˈwɪntə
ˈhɒlədeɪ 18
women's magazine ˈwɪmɪnz
mægəˈziːn 35
women’s wear wɪmɪnz weə 19
wonderful ˈwʌndəfəl 56
wood wʊd 30
wool wʊl 31
work wɜːk 14, 36, 55
worker ˈwɜːkə 59
worktop ˈwɜːktɒp 11
Would you like …?
wʊd juː laɪk 22
write raɪt 15
write emails raɪt iːmeilz 47
write letters raɪt ˈletəz 47
wrong (way) rɒŋ 54
year jɪə 51, 52
yesterday ˈjestədeɪ 51
Yorkshire pudding
ˈjɔːkʃə ˈpʊdɪŋ 33
young(er) jʌŋ 5
zip code zɪp kəʊd 20
zoo zuː 31
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
169
Irregular verbs
Most verbs in English are regular but some of the most common verbs in English are irregular. The forms
here are the infinitive (go, come), the past simple (went, came) and the past participle (gone, come).
A All forms the same
cost cost cost
cut /kʌt/ cut cut
hurt
let
hurt hurt
let let
put/pʊt/ put put
shut /ʃʌt/ shut
shut
B Two different forms
run
beat beat beaten
say said /sed/ said
become became become
sell sold
bring brought brought
shine shone
buy bought
shoot shot
bought
sold
shone
shot
catch caught caught
sit sat
come came come
sleep slept
feel felt
spend spent spent
felt
sat
slept
fight fought fought
stand stood stood
find found found
teach taught taught
get got
tell told
got
have had
think
had
told
thought
thought
hear heard heard
win won
keep kept
understand understood understood
leave left
kept
left
learn learnt learnt
lose lost
lost
make made made
meet met
met
pay paid /peɪd/
paid
read /riːd/ read /red/ read /red/
170
ran run
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
won
C Three different forms
be was / were been
begin began begun
break broke broken
choose chose chosen
do did done
drink drank drunk
drive drove driven
eat ate eaten
fall fell fallen
fly flew flown
forget forgot forgotten
give gave given
go went gone
know knew known
ride rode ridden
rise rose risen
sing sang sung
speak spoke spoken
steal stole stolen
swim swam swum
take took taken
throw threw thrown
wake woke woken
wear wore worn
write wrote written
Tip
When you learn a new irregular verb, add it to one of the groups of verbs on these pages.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
171
How to learn vocabulary
To learn a lot of vocabulary, you have to do different things.
1 Study each unit of the book carefully and do all the exercises. Check your answers with your teacher. Repeat
the units after a month, and then again after three months, and see how much you have learnt and how much
you have forgotten. Repeating work is very important.
2 Keep a vocabulary notebook. Students who regularly make notes in a separate notebook often do better in
tests and examinations than students who do not keep a notebook.
3 Use different ways of recording things in your notebook. For example, every time you see or hear an
interesting phrase, write it in your notebook, and write who said it or wrote it, and in what situation, as well
as what it means. Here are some examples:
ready: (person at the door of a theatre, to all the people waiting) ‘Have your tickets ready, please!’ = have your
ticket in your hand
else: (person in a restaurant) ‘Would you like anything else?’= more or in addition or different
rush hour: (person who is about to leave home for work) ‘I’m going early so that I miss the rush hour’ = the
times when there are lots of people travelling to work in the morning or when people are travelling home in the
evening
Making notes of the situations words are used in will help you to remember them and to use them at
the right moment.
4 Use diagrams and other visual aids to help you learn and remember words and phrases. Word bubbles are
very easy to draw and can help you remember the different meanings and uses of words. Here is an example
for the word play, which can be a verb or a noun:
play football, tennis, golf, etc.
play the guitar, violin, piano, etc.
verb
PLAY
noun
theatre: a play by William Shakespeare
Charts can also help you to organise information about words. This student has made notes in her
vocabulary notebook about useful verbs and the nouns we use them with:
take
172
a taxi
a message
violin lessons
catch
a cold
a criminal
a ball
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
make
dinner
a mistake
an
appointment
do
my homework
somebody a favour
my best (to)
Acknowledgements
The authors and publishers acknowledge the
following sources of copyright material and
are grateful for the permissions granted. While
every effort has been made, it has not always
been possible to identify the sources of all the
material used, or to trace all copyright holders.
If any omissions are brought to our notice,
we will be happy to include the appropriate
acknowledgements on reprinting & in the next
update to the digital edition, as applicable.
Key: B = Below, BL = Below Left, BR = Below Right,
BC = Below Centre, C = Centre, CL = Centre Left, CR =
Centre Right, L = Left, R = Right, T = Top, TR = Top
Right, TL = Top Left.
Photographs
All the photographs are sourced from Getty Images.
p. 10 (T): KidStock/Blend Images; p. 10 (C): Nerida
McMurray Photography/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Plus; p. 10 (B): RubberBall Productions/Brand X
Pictures; p. 11: Georges De Keerle/Hulton Archive;
p. 18 (headache): BakiBG/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 18 (toothache): VladimirFLoyd/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 18 (cold): Lyashik/iStock/Getty
Images Plus; p. 18 (sneeze): Moxie Productions/
Blend Images/Getty Images Plus; p. 19: Pete
Saloutos/Image Source; p. 20: Robert Oelman/
Photodisc; p. 22 (morning) & (evening): Korvit78/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 22 (afternoon): Korvit/
Shutterstock; p. 22 (TL): Thorsten Jochim/Stock4B;
p. 22 (TR): BJI/Blue Jean Images; p. 22 (cheers):
Ezra Bailey/Taxi; p. 34 (nurse): Eric Audras/ONOKY;
p. 22 (excuse): Inmagineasia; p. 22 (sorry): Michael
M Schwab/The Image Bank; p. 22 (bless you): Ariel
Skelley/Blend Images; p. 23 (Ex 8.2.1): Nils Hendrik
Muller/Cultura; p. 23 (Ex 8.2.2): Robert Daly/OJO
Images; p. 23 (Ex 8.2.3): Satoshi Kawase/Moment;
p. 23 (Ex 8.2.4): michaeljung/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 23 (Ex 8.2.5): Klaus Tiedge/Blend Images;
p. 32 (BC), p. 89 (BL), p. 93 (Ex 43.3.1) & p. 118 (BR):
Image Source; p. 23 (Ex 8.2.6) & p. 125 (Ex 59.1.3):
Westend61; p. 32 (watch television): antikainen/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 32 (listen to the radio)
& p. 47: andresr/E+; p. 32 (reading book): Shestock/
Blend Images; p. 32 (relaxing) & p. 57 (Ex 25.1.6):
Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty
Images Plus; p. 32 (BL): Bruskov/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 32 (BR): Roderick Chen/First Light; p. 34
(doctor): Buero Monaco/Taxi; p. 34 (teacher) & p.
89 (TR): PeopleImages/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p.
34 (mechanic): Jetta Productions/Blend Images; p.
34 (secretary): Mohamad Itani/Photolibrary; p. 34
(shop assistant): Greg Pease/The Image Bank; p. 34
(hairdresser): petekarici/E+; p. 34 (engineer):
stock_ colors/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 34
(farmer): Monty Rakusen/Cultura; p. 34 (police):
Daniel Allan/Photographer’s Choice RF; p. 34
(warden): Adam Gault/Photodisc; p. 34 (librarian):
Antonello Turchetti/DigitalVision; p. 34 (clerk): Keith
Brofsky/Photodisc; p. 34 (waiter): Michael Blann/
DigitalVision; p. 34 (BL): JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend
Images; p. 38 (letter box): Pawel Libera/LightRocket;
p. 38 (computer): arattansi/E+; p. 38 (screen): PC Plus
Magazine/Future; p. 38 (keyboard) & (laptop): PC
Format Magazine/Future; p. 38 (mouse): stockcam/
E+; p. 38 (memory stick): Krasyuk/iStock/Getty
Images Plus; p. 38 (mobile device), p. 39 (Ex 16.2.10)
& p. 46 (photo 2): pagadesign/E+; p. 38 (mobile) &
p. 93 (mobile): lvcandy/DigitalVision Vectors; p. 38
(telephone): Artur Synenko/Hemera/Getty Images
Plus; p. 38 (phone box): Robin Hunter/Dorling
Kindersley; p. 39 (Ex 16.2.1): MacFormat Magazine/
Future; p. 39 (Ex 16.2.2): Richard & Gillian Long/
Moment Open; p. 39 (Ex 16.2.3): Anatolii Babii/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 39 (Ex 16.2.4): Simon Belcher/
imageBROKER; p. 39 (Ex 16.2.5): kmaassrock/E+; p.
39 (Ex 16.2.6): PixelEmbargo/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 39 (Ex 16.2.8): Petra Wallner/imageBROKER;
p. 39 (Ex 16.2.9): GeorgeManga/DigitalVision Vectors;
p. 39 (Ex 16.2.11): Nadore/iStock/Getty Images Plus;
p. 39 (Ex 16.2.12): connect11/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 40 (smartphone): ET-ARTWORKS/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 40 (charger): aimy27feb/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 40 (battery): PhanuwatNandee/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 40 (sim) & p. 42 (train):
scanrail/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 40 (case): Tap
Magazine/Future; p. 40 (selfie): Instants/E+; p. 40
(swipe): monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 40 (pin): milindri/iStock/Getty Images Plus;
p. 40 (save): LunarisMemo/iStock/Getty Images Plus;
p. 40 (delete): ved007/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 42
(plane): Okea/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 42 (car):
Rawpixel/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 42 (ferry):
JTB Photo/Universal Images Group; p. 42 (coach):
mladn61/E+; p. 42 (passport) p. 42 (camera) & p. 93
(passport): Creative Crop/Photodisc; p. 42 (ticket):
Pgiam/E+; p. 42 (currency): TKphotography64/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 42 (suitcase): terex/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 42 (rucksack) & p. 43 (Ex
18.4.5): monticelllo/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 43
(Ex 18.4.1): maogg/E+; p. 43 (Ex 18.4.2): Terraxplorer/
E+; p. 43 (Ex 18.4.3): Creative Crop/DigitalVision; p.
43 (Ex 18.4.4): s-cphoto/E+; p. 43 (Ex 18.4.6): cybrain/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 46 (basket icon):
epapijon/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 46 (t-shirt):
FlamingPumpkin/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 46
(delivery van): art12321/iStock/Getty Images Plus;
p. 46 (checkout): nickylarson974/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 46 (photo 1) & p. 57 (Ex 25.1.5): Jamie Grill;
p. 46 (photo 3): chokkicx/DigitalVision Vectors; p. 46
English Vocabulary in Use Elementary
173
(photo 4): PeopleImages/E+; p. 50: AlexeyBorodin/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 51: Tom Grill/The Image
Bank; p. 54: Steve Finn/Getty Images Entertainment;
p. 55: Keith Hamshere/Moviepix; p. 56 (photo 1):
Monkey Business Images/Monkey Business/Getty
Images Plus; p. 56 (photo 2): elenaleonova/E+; p. 56
(photo 3): sjenner13/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 56
(photo 4): John Fedele/Blend Images; p. 56 (photo
5): BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images Plus; p.
57 (Ex 25.1.1): RuslanDashinsky/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 57 (Ex 25.1.2): Mint Images -Henry Arden/
Mint Images RF; p. 57 (Ex 25.1.3): Lumina Images/
Blend Images; p. 57 (Ex 25.1.4): Hybrid Images/
Cultura; p. 58 (piano): Dmitry Molev/Hemera/Getty
Images Plus; p. 58 (cello): gabink/iStock/Getty
Images Plus; p. 58 (guitar): Zoonar RF/Zoonar/Getty
Images Plus; p. 58 (flute) & p. 58 (trumpet): Hemera
Technologies/PhotoObjects. net/Getty Images
Plus; p. 58 (violin): pepifoto/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 58 (clarinet): BradWynnyk/iStock/Getty
Images Plus; p. 58 (drums): Stockbyte/Stockbyte;
p. 60: InterNetwork Media/Photodisc; p. 61:
janrysavy/E+; p. 64 (exit): desert_ fox99/iStock/Getty
Images Plus; p. 64 (entrance): giovanecek/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 64 (no-smoking): pepj/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 64 (grass): KevinHolt/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 64 (out of order): mrdoomits/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 68 (horse): Abramova_
Kseniya/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 68 (chicken):
Dorling Kindersley; p. 68 (pig): Tsekhmister/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 68 (sheep): Digital Zoo/
Photodisc; p. 68 (cow): narvikk/E+; p. 68 (goat,
monkey, lion & giraffe), p. 69 (lion, horse, Sheep,
monkey & cats): GlobalP/iStock/Getty Images Plus;
p. 68 (elephant): excentric_ 01/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 68 (snake): Michael Blann/Stone; p. 68
(tiger): luamduan/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 68
(cat): Life On White/Photographer’s Choice; p. 68
(rabbit): Life On White/Photodisc; p. 68 (parrot):
FlamingPumpkin/E+; p. 68 (dog): Tracy Morgan/
Dorling Kindersley; p. 68 (tortoise): amwu/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 68 (goldfish): MirasWonderland/
isStock/GettyImages Plus/Getty Images; p. 69
(elephant): rusm/E+; p. 69 (parrot): Les Stocker/
Oxford Scientific; p. 69 (tiger) & p. 93 (umbrella): Dave
King/Dorling Kindersley; p. 69 (chicken): Richard
Clark/Photolibrary; p. 70 (passport): Creative Crop/
Photodisc; p. 72 (fish): mtreasure/iStock/Getty
Images Plus; p. 72 (yorkshire): JoeGough/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 72 (curry): LauriPatterson/E+;
p. 72 (B): N-Photo Magazine/Future; p. 80 (TL): OMAR
TORRES/AFP; p. 80 (TC): Dreef/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 80 (TR): CampPhoto/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 80 (BL): Danita Delimont/Gallo Images; p. 81
(Ex 37.1.1): Nick Pedersen/Photolibrary; p. 81
(Ex 37.1.2): David McNew/Getty Images News; p.
81 (Ex 37.1.3): OLI SCARFF/AFP; p. 81 (Ex 37.1.4):
JOEL SAGET/STR; p. 81 (Ex 37.1.5): Anadolu Agency;
p. 81 (Ex 37.1.6): STR; p. 81 (Ex 37.1.7): Scott B
Smith Photography/Photolibrary; p. 81 (Ex 37.1.8):
Doable/A. collection/amana images; p. 81 (Ex 37.1.9):
Byba Sepit/Moment; p. 82 (TR): kupicoo/E+; p. 82
(TL): Tetra Images -Rob Lewine/Brand X Pictures;
p. 82 (C): BraunS/E+; p. 82 (hairdresser): leaf/iStock/
Getty Images Plus; p. 83: Alistair Berg/DigitalVision;
p. 88 (TL): Jupiterimages/Photolibrary; p. 88 (TR):
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images; p. 88 (CL): Jetta
Productions/Stone; p. 88 (CR): Jupiterimages/
PHOTOS.com/Getty Images Plus; p. 88 (BR): 36clicks/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 89 (TL): Reza Estakhrian/
The Image Bank; p. 89 (TC): PeopleImages/
DigitalVision; p. 89 (BC): Frank Carter/Lonely Planet
Images; p. 89 (BR): Maskot/Maskot; p. 93 (Ex 43.3.2):
RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP; p. 93 (Ex 43.3.3): klohka/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 93 (Ex 43.3.4): JackF/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 93 (camera): yozks/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 93 (notebook): simaso/
iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 95: fcafotodigital/E+;
p. 99 (TL): skynesher/Vetta; p. 99 (BL): Justin-Julius
Santos/The Image Bank; p. 99 (TR): AFP/AFP; p. 99
(BR): altrendo images/Stockbyte; p. 103: Nick David/
Taxi; p. 107 (T): Jaimie Duplass/Hemera/Getty Images
Plus; p. 107 (B): Alistair Berg/The Image Bank; p.
115 (T): Premium/Universal Images Group; p. 115
(B): microgen/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 117: Paul
Poplis/Photolibrary; p. 118 (TL): Simon Watson/
The Image Bank; p. 118 (TC): Jon Lovette/The Image
Bank; p. 118 (BL): John Rensten/Taxi; p. 118 (TR):
ZoltanFabian/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 118
(Ex 56. b): Dimitri Otis/Photographer’s Choice; p. 118
(Ex 56. c): Keith Berson/Image Source; p. 122: John
Greim/LightRocket; p. 124: Cultura RM Exclusive/John
Philip Harper/Cultura Exclusive; p. 125 (Ex 59.1.1):
Australian Scenics/Photographer’s Choice; p. 125
(Ex 59.1.2): vm/E+; p. 125 (Ex 59.1.4): David Lees/
DigitalVision; p. 125 (Ex 59.1.5): Larry Washburn;
p. 125 (Ex 59.1.6): evemilla/E+; p. 127: Compassionate
Eye Foundation/Siri Stafford/DigitalVision.
Illustrations
Pablo Gallego (Beehive Illustration), John Goodwin
(Eye Candy Illustration), Daniel Limon (Beehive
Illustration), John Lund (Beehive Illustration),
Katie Mac (NB Illustration), Martina (KJA Artists),
Jorge Santillan (Beehive Illustration), Norbert
Sipos (Beehive Illustration), Laszlo Veres (Beehive
Illustration), Amanda McPhail, Gary Wing, Gillian
Martin, Humberto Blanco, Jo Taylor, Kathy
Baxendale, Vicky Woodgate, Kate Charlesworth,
Kathryn Baker, Mark Duffin and QBS Learning.
Designed and typeset by QBS.
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175
ENGLISH
COLLOCATIONS
How words work
together for fluent
and natural English
Self-study and
classroom use
IN USE
Second Edition
Advanced
Felicity O’Dell
Michael McCarthy
English
collocations
How words work
together for fluent
and natural English
Self-study and
classroom use
in Use
Second Edition
Advanced
Felicity O’Dell
Michael McCarthy
University Printing House, Cambridge CB2 8BS, United Kingdom
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education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
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Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9781316629956
© Cambridge University Press 2017
This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception
and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements,
no reproduction of any part may take place without the written
permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published 2008
Second edition 2017
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Printed in Dubai by Oriental Press
A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-1-31-66299-56 Paperback
Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy
of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referred to in this publication,
and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain,
accurate or appropriate. Information regarding prices, travel timetables, and other
factual information given in this work is correct at the time of first printing but
Cambridge University Press does not guarantee the accuracy of such information
thereafter.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Using this book
3
4
Learning about collocations
1 What is a collocation?
2 Strong, fixed and weak collocations
3 Grammatical categories of collocation
4 Finding and working on collocations in texts
5 Register
Varieties of collocations
6 Metaphor
7 Intensifying and softening adverbs
8 Make and verbs that mean make
9 Communicating
10 Collocations with phrasal verbs
Topics: work and study
11 Working life
12 New employment
13 Thoughts and ideas
14 Business reports
15 Marketing
16 Customer services
17 Student life
18 Writing essays, assignments and reports
Topics: leisure and lifestyle
19 Social life
20 Talking
21 In the news
22 Current affairs
23 Festivals and celebrations
24 Cosmetics and fashion
25 Commuting
26 Travel and adventure
27 Sport
28 Plans and decisions
29 Film and book reviews
foot the bill, heavy burden, run into trouble
deeply offensive, spotlessly clean, wildly inaccurate
make a contribution, make a habit of, turn a profit
generally speaking, talk business, get a message across
take up office, work up an appetite, see off an intruder
make a living, take up a post, move up the ladder
fit the job description, land a new job, menial tasks
bear in mind, widespread belief, jump to conclusions
fierce competition, stimulate growth, hike in prices
consumer demands, product development, market share
fit for purpose, kick up a fuss, grounds for complaint
gifted child, mature student, thirst for knowledge
working hypothesis, confront issues, critical analysis
call for a celebration, social whirl, play host to
juicy gossip, broach the subject, opening gambit
declare independence, reach agreement, bow to pressure
refuse point-blank, decline to comment, gauge reaction
date back to, movable feast, propose a toast
flawless complexion, set the trend, fashion victim
traffic gridlock, rail network, lengthy tailbacks
get itchy feet, off the beaten track, leg of the journey
keep in shape, reach fever pitch, score an own goal
toy with an idea, tentative suggestion, deciding factor
star-studded cast, glowing reviews, hold one’s attention
English Collocations in Use Advanced
1
Topics: the modern world
minimise danger, grant permission, faceless bureaucrats
30 Regulations and authority
dump waste, searing heat, offset carbon emissions
31 The environment
back of beyond, rural idyll, urban regeneration
32 Town and country life
clear one’s debts, agreed credit limit, identity theft
33 Personal finance
34 The economy curb inflation, safeguard one’s interests, plummeting profits
35 Social issues antisocial behaviour, dysfunctional family, unfit for human
habitation
36 Science and technologyharness technology, cutting-edge design, Wi-Fi hotspots
build up resistance, adverse reaction, shake off a cold
37 Health and medicine
38 Criminal justicecustodial sentences, trumped-up charges, beyond
reasonable doubt
39
War and peace
deploy troops, pre-emptive strike, collateral damage
Topics: people
lifelong friends, platonic relationship, moral support
40 Friendship
child prodigy, go through a midlife crisis, senior moment
41 Youth and age
lavish lifestyle, meteoric rise to fame, heap praise on
42 Celebrities and heroes
bone idle, poison the atmosphere, nasty piece of work
43 Negative opinions about people
act as a referee, accumulate experience, financial acumen
44 References
stubborn streak, boundless energy, act one’s age
45 Personality and behaviour
Basic concepts
46 Space and time
47 Sound
48 Making things easier
49 Difficulty
50 Quantity and size
51 Change
cramped conditions, waste of space, go down in history
husky voice, incessant noise, let out a cry
viable options, simplicity itself, take the easy way out
severe blow, hinder progress, encounter difficulties
finite number, endless supply, unknown quantity
sweeping changes, would make a change, sudden shift
Functions
bring a halt to, close off a street, dispel rumours
52 Stopping and starting
root cause, provoke an outcry, dire consequences
53 Cause and effect
swarm of bees, flurry of activity, stroke of genius
54 Describing groups and amounts
55 Comparing and contrasting bear little resemblance to, polar opposites, draw a
comparison between
give it one’s best shot, abortive attempt, hard slog
56 Making an effort
not lose any sleep, to be brutally honest, be on the go
57 Social English
58 Discussing issuesmake a commitment, give a straight answer, miss the point
nasty shock, take exception to, suffer at the hands of
59 Negative situations and feelings
60 Positive situations and feelingssense of achievement, state of euphoria, derive pleasure from
2
Key
126
Index
160
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Thanks and acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Joy Goodwin wrote two new units for the Second Edition: Unit 15, Marketing, and Unit 25, Commuting.
The publishers would like to thank Joy for her contribution to this edition.
The authors and publishers acknowledge the following sources of copyright material and are
grateful for the permissions granted. While every effort has been made, it has not always been
possible to identify the sources of all the material used, or to trace all copyright holders. If any
omissions are brought to our notice, we will be happy to include the appropriate acknowledgements
on reprinting & in the next update to the digital edition, as applicable.
Text:
NI Syndication Limited for the text on p. 12 adapted from ‘I need help with my homework’ by Rebecca
O’ Connor, The Times, 24.03.2007. Copyright © NI Syndication Limited; Eye For Film for the text on
p. 12 adapted from ‘The Interpreter’ by Angus Wolfe Murray, http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/
the-interpreter-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray. Copyright © 2005 Eye For Film. Reproduced with
permission; HostelBookers.com Ltd. for the text on p. 56 adapted from ‘A selection of Great European
Train Routes, London-Tangiers’. Copyright © HostelBookers.com Ltd. Reproduced with kind permission.
Key: T = Top, B = Below, TR = Top Right, CL = Centre Left, CR = Centre Right, BL = Below Left.
Photographs
All the photographs are sourced from Getty Images.
p. 12: Andersen Ross/Photodisc; p. 24: Eugenio Marongiu/Cultura; p. 26 (TL): Plume Creative/DigitalVision;
p. 26 (CL) & p. 90 (photo 1): UpperCut Images; p. 26 (BL): Vladimir Godnik; p. 28 (TR): Yuri_Arcurs/
DigitalVision; p. 28 (BR): Maskot; p. 31: Glow Wellness/Glow; p. 34: Claudia Burlotti/Stone; p. 38: Peter
Dazeley; p. 40: Pixtum/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 46: withgod/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 47: Marcy
Maloy/Photodisc; p. 50 (TL): kevinjeon00/E+; p. 50 (TR): cynoclub/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 50 (BL):
Ned Frisk/Blend Images; p. 52 (TL): CoffeeAndMilk/E+; p. 52 (TR): GARO/PHANIE/Canopy; p. 52 (CL):
BSIP/Universal Images Group; p. 52 (BR): CoffeeAndMilk/Vetta; p. 54 (Greg): kali9/E+; p. 54 (Paola):
Compassionate Eye Foundation/Steve Smith/The Image Bank; p. 54 (Lars): Thomas Barwick/Iconica;
p. 54 (Akiko): DAJ; p. 54 (CR): wdstock/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 56 (T): Hans Neleman/Taxi; p. 56 (B):
Nouk/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 57: Natthawat/Moment; p. 58 (TR): Viktoria Ovcharova/EyeEm; p. 58
(C): mgkaya/E+; p. 60 (TL): Compassionate Eye Foundation/DigitalVision; p. 60 (BL), p. 80 (C) & p. 86 (CR):
Wavebreakmedia Ltd; p. 63: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images; p. 68 (T) & p. 86 (BR): Westend61; p. 68 (B):
buzbuzzer/E+; p. 70: imagestock/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 72: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images; p. 76:
Hoxton/Tom Merton/Hoxton; p. 77 (photo 1): slobo/iStock; p. 77 (photo 2): ugurhan/E+; p. 77 (photo 3):
Jupiterimages/Photolibrary; p. 77 (photo 4): boggy22/iStock; p. 78: Image Source/Pete Saloutos/Images
Source; p. 80 (TL): gradyreese/iStock; p. 80 (TR): razerbird/iStock; p. 80 (BL): kupicoo/E+; p. 80 (BR): Gary
Burchell/Taxi; p. 84: Caiaimage/Sam Edwards; p. 86 (TR): Simon Webb & Duncan Nicholls/OJO Images; p. 90
(photo 2): Terry Vine/J Patrick Lane/Bland Images; p. 94: Digital Vision/Photodisc; p. 97: Frank Whitney/
The Image Bank; p. 98: Doree Morse/EyeEm; p. 100: Tom Merton/Caiaimage; p. 101: oscarhdez/iStock;
p. 102: Jutta Klee/Canopy; p. 105: Ben Meyer/Cultura; p. 107: Marco Simoni/robertharding; p. 109: Tetra
Images; p. 114 (TR): Hero Images; p. 114 (BR): Justin Lewis/Iconica; p. 117 : Nick Dolding/Iconica; p. 118
(TL): drbimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 118 (TR): shapecharge/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 118 (BL):
RapidEye/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 118 (BR): Inmagineasia; p. 123: BartekSzewczyk/iStock/Getty Images
Plus; p. 124: Caiaimage/Tom Merton/OJO+.
Illustrations
Ludmila (KJA Artists), Katie Mac (NB Illustration) and Miguel Diaz Rivas (Advocate Art).
Cambridge Dictionaries
Cambridge Dictionaries are the world’s most widely used dictionaries for learners of English. The dictionaries
are available in print and online at dictionary.cambridge.org. Copyright © Cambridge University Press,
reproduced with permission.
The publisher has used its best endeavours to ensure that the URLs for external websites referred
to in this book are correct and active at the time of going to press. However, the publisher has no
responsibility for the websites and can make no guarantee that a site will remain live or that the
content is or will remain appropriate.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
3
Using this book
What is a collocation?
Collocation means a natural combination of words; it refers to the way English words are closely
associated with each other. For example, pay and attention go together, as do commit and crime;
blond goes with hair and heavy with rain.
Why learn collocations?
You need to learn collocations because they will help you to speak and write English in a more
natural and accurate way. People will probably understand what you mean if you talk about making
a crime or say there was very hard rain this morning, but your language will sound unnatural and
might perhaps confuse. Did you mean that there was a lot of rain or perhaps that there was a
hailstorm?
Learning collocations will also help you to increase your range of English vocabulary. For example,
you’ll find it easier to avoid words like very or nice or beautiful or get by choosing a word that fits the
context better and has a more precise meaning. This is particularly useful if you are taking a written
exam in English and want to make a good impression on the examiners. In advanced level exams,
marks are often specifically awarded for the appropriate handling of collocations.
At an advanced level an appreciation of collocation can also be helpful in terms of appreciating
other writers’ use of language. Skilled users of the language may choose to create effects by varying
the normal patterns of collocation, with the aim of either startling or amusing their audience. This
technique is particularly popular with poets, journalists and advertisers. From an appreciation of
the way in which creative writers play with language, you may then even want to move on to use
words in more original ways yourself. You are more likely to be able to do this effectively if you have
assimilated the standard patterns of language use presented in this book.
How were the collocations in this book selected?
The collocations presented in this book were mainly selected from those identified as significant by
the CANCODE corpus of spoken English, developed at the University of Nottingham in association
with Cambridge University Press, and the Cambridge International Corpus of written and spoken
English (now known as the Cambridge English Corpus). We also made extensive use of the
Cambridge Learner Corpus, a corpus of student language which showed us what kind of collocation
errors learners tend to make.
These corpora show that there are many thousands of collocations in English. So how could we
select which ones would be most useful for you to work on in this book?
Firstly, of course, we wanted to choose ones that you might want to use in your own written and
spoken English. So, in the unit Health and medicine we include, for example, shake off a cold and
respond well to treatment but not grumbling appendix, which is a strong collocation, but one
which – we hope – most of you will not feel the need for.
Secondly, we decided it would be most useful for you if we focused on those collocations which are
not immediately obvious. A pretty girl, a modern car or to buy a ticket are all collocations, but
they are combinations which you can easily understand and produce yourself without any problems.
So we deal here with less obvious word combinations, for instance, flatly contradict (not strongly
contradict) and bitter enemies (not serious enemies).
Some of you may have already used our English Collocations in Use targeted at intermediate learners.
In general, we have tried to avoid focusing on collocations that we dealt with in that book. An
exception is with collocations that the Cambridge Learner Corpus highlighted as causing frequent
problems for students, even in advanced level exams. We felt that it would be useful to draw
attention to such collocations again, even if we had dealt with them previously.
Idioms can be seen as one type of collocation. We deal with them separately in English Idioms in Use,
and so do not focus on them here.
4
English Collocations in Use Advanced
How is the book organised?
The book has 60 two-page units. The left-hand page presents the collocations that are focused on in
the unit. You will usually find examples of collocations in typical contexts with, where appropriate,
any special notes about their meaning and their usage. The right-hand page checks that you have
understood the information on the left-hand page by giving you a series of exercises that practise the
material just presented.
The units are organised into different sections. First we start with important information relating
to learning about collocations in general. Then there is a section focusing on different types of
collocation. The rest of the book deals with collocations that relate to particular topics such as
Student life or Film and book reviews, concepts such as Sound or Difficulty and functions such as
Cause and effect or Comparing and contrasting.
The book has a key to all the exercises and an index which lists all the collocations we deal with, and
indicates the units where they can be found.
How should I use this book?
it is strongly recommended that you work through the six introductory units first, so that you
become familiar with the nature of collocations and with how best to study them. After that, you
may work on the units in any order that suits you.
What else do I need in order to work with this book?
You need a notebook or file in which you can write down the collocations that you study in this book,
as well as any others that you come across elsewhere.
You also need to have access to a good dictionary. At this level we strongly recommend the
Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as this gives exactly the kind of information that you need
to have about collocations. it does this both through the examples provided for each word entry
and through special collocations boxes or mini-panels. Your teacher, however, may also be able to
recommend other dictionaries that you will find useful.
Good modern learners’ dictionaries include example sentences which make a point of illustrating
each word’s most frequent collocations. Enormous databases of language, known as corpora, are
used to analyse speech and text to identify which words collocate most frequently. Look up the word
abject in the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and you will find the entry below. Notice how
frequent collocations are used in the example sentences.
For more information about Cambridge dictionaries and to do online searches you could go to:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org
so, a study of collocation is highly recommended (Unit 7) if you want to impress people with your
natural and accurate use of language and to gain more marks (Unit 1) in English exams. Above all,
we hope both that this book gives you a thirst for knowledge (Unit 17) about English collocations
and also that you will thoroughly enjoy (Unit 7) working through the units in English Collocations in
Use Advanced.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
5
1
A
What is a collocation?
What are collocations?
A collocation is a combination of two or more words which frequently occur together. If
someone says, ‘She’s got yellow hair’, they would probably be understood, but it is not
what would ordinarily be said in English. We’d say, ‘She’s got blond hair’. In other words,
yellow doesn’t collocate with hair in everyday English. Yellow collocates with, say, flowers
or paint.
Collocations are not just a matter of how adjectives combine with nouns. They can refer
to any kind of typical word combination, for example verb + noun (e.g. arouse someone’s
interest, lead a seminar), adverb + adjective (e.g. fundamentally different), adverb +
verb (e.g. flatly contradict), noun + noun (e.g. a lick of paint, a team of experts, words of
wisdom). There is much more about different grammatical types of collocation in Unit 3.
Phrasal verbs (e.g. come up with, run up, adhere to) and compound nouns (e.g. economy
drive, stock market) are sometimes described as types of collocations. In this book
we consider them as individual lexical items and so usually include them here only in
combination with something else, e.g. come up with a suggestion, run up a bill, adhere
to your principles, go on an economy drive, play the stock market. However, it is
not always easy to separate collocations and compounds and, where they are useful for
learners as an important part of the vocabulary of a topic, we include some compounds in
this book too.
It can be difficult for learners of English to know which words collocate, as natural
collocations are not always logical or guessable. There is, for example, no obvious reason
why we say making friends rather than getting friends or heavy rain, not strong rain.
Learners also need to know when specific collocations are appropriate. This is usually
referred to by linguists as knowing which register to use. Alight from a bus is a formal
collocation used in notices and other official contexts. In everyday situations we would, of
course, always talk about getting off a bus. There is more about register and collocation
in Unit 6.
B
Why is it important to learn collocations?
An appreciation of collocation will help you to:
• use the words you know more accurately
In other words, you’ll make (NOT do) fewer mistakes.
• sound more natural when you speak and write
By saying, for example, of great importance, rather than of big or high importance, you
won’t just be understood, you will – quite rightly – sound like a fluent user of English.
• vary your speech and, probably more importantly, your writing
Instead of repeating everyday words like very, good or nice, you will be able to exploit
a wider range of language. You would gain more marks in an exam, for instance, for
writing We had a blissfully happy holiday in a picturesque little village surrounded by
spectacular mountains than for We had a very happy holiday in a nice little village
surrounded by beautiful mountains, even though both sentences are perfectly correct.
• understand when a skilful writer departs from normal patterns of collocation
A journalist, poet, advertiser or other inventive user of language often creates an effect
by not choosing the expected collocation. For example, a travel article about the Italian
capital might be entitled No place like Rome, a reference to the popular expression
There’s no place like home.
6
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
1.1
Match the two parts of these collocations.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1.2
rain
different
of wisdom
your principles
an economy drive
a seminar
someone’s interest
contradict
hair
the stock market
of paint
a suggestion
Correct the underlined collocation errors with words from the advice in B. Be careful,
you might find the words in the text, as well as in the examples.
1
2
3
4
5
1.3
adhere to
arouse
blond
come up with
flatly
fundamentally
go on
heavy
lead
a lick
play
words
Exam candidates often make faults in their use of verbs like do, make, go and get.
Try to use a longer range of language when you write.
Exam candidates who use collocations well gather better marks.
You have to know what normal collocation patterns are before you can lose them.
The writer used colloquial language to form an effect.
Look at these sentences from a hotel brochure. Improve the style by replacing the
words in italics with the word in brackets that forms the best collocation. (Use each
word only once.)
1 Our new family hotel is set in a nice location and all the rooms have nice furnishings and nice
views over the surrounding countryside. (stylish / secluded / breathtaking)
2 Visitors will enjoy the good atmosphere in either of our good dining rooms, both serving good
food to both residents and non-residents. (delicious / relaxing / spacious)
3 We organise tours to beautiful surrounding villages where you’ll have the opportunity to
take some beautiful photographs and sample the beautiful local cuisine. (mouth-watering /
picturesque / stunning)
1.4
Write F (formal), I (informal) or N (neutral) in the brackets at the end of each
sentence. In each pair of sentences, there is one neutral sentence and one formal or
informal sentence. Underline the collocations that are noticeably formal or informal.
1 a
b
2 a
b
3 a
b
4 a
b
1.5
Passengers must not alight from the bus while it is in motion. ( )
Passengers must not get off the bus while it is moving. ( )
Let’s grab a bite before we get down to work. ( )
Let’s have something to eat before we start work. ( )
SFTS has the right to bring the agreement to an end with three months’ notice. ( )
SFTS reserves the right to terminate the agreement with three months’ notice. ( )
She thinks her boyfriend is planning to pop the question tonight. ( )
She thinks her boyfriend is planning to ask her to marry him tonight. ( )
Correct the four collocation errors in this paragraph.
The yellow-haired boy said he had joined the English class to get some new friends.
He also said that he wanted to learn about collocations because it would be of big
importance in helping him to do fewer mistakes when writing in English.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
7
2
A
Strong, fixed and weak collocations
Strong collocations
A strong collocation is one in which the words are very closely associated with each other.
For example, the adjective mitigating almost always collocates with circumstances or
factors; it rarely collocates with any other word. Although she was found guilty, the jury felt
there were mitigating circumstances. [factors or circumstances that lessen the blame]
Here are some other examples of strong collocations.
collocation
comment
Inclement weather was
expected.
(very formal) = unpleasant weather
She has auburn hair.
Auburn collocates only with words connected with hair (e.g. curls,
tresses, locks).
I felt deliriously happy.
= extremely happy
Inclement collocates almost exclusively with weather.
Strongly associated with happy. Not used with glad, content, sad, etc.
The chairperson adjourned
the meeting.
B
C
= have a pause or rest during a meeting/trial
Adjourn is very strongly associated with meeting and trial.
Fixed collocations
Fixed collocations are collocations so strong that they cannot be changed in any way. For
example, you can say I was walking to and fro (meaning I was walking in one direction
and then in the opposite direction, a repeated number of times). No other words can
replace to or fro or and in this collocation. It is completely fixed. The meaning of some fixed
collocations cannot be guessed from the individual words. These collocations are called
idioms and are focused on in the book English Idioms in Use.
Weak collocations
Weak collocations are made up of words that collocate with a wide range of other
words. For example, you can say you are in broad agreement with someone [generally in
agreement with them]. However, broad can also be used with a number of other words –
a broad avenue, a broad smile, broad shoulders, a broad accent [a strong accent], a
broad hint [a strong hint] and so on. These are weak collocations, in the sense that broad
collocates with a broad range of different nouns.
Strong collocations and weak collocations form a continuum, with stronger ones at one
end and weaker ones at the other. Most collocations lie somewhere between the two. For
example, the (formal) adjective picturesque collocates with village, location and town, and
so appears near the middle of the continuum.
stronger
weaker
inclement weather
picturesque village
broad hint
picturesque location
broad accent
broad smile
D
8
Types of collocations in this book
The collocations in this book are all frequently used in modern English. We used a corpus
(a database of language) to check this. We have also selected the collocations which will
be useful to you as an advanced learner. We pay most attention to those that are not
predictable. A broad avenue, for example, would be predicted by any student who knows
broad and avenue. However, the use of broad to mean strong as in a broad accent is more
difficult to predict.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
2.1
Complete the collocations using the words in the box. You will need to use some
words more than once.
adjourn
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
2.2
6
7
8
9
dictionary.cambridge.org
2.4
a
in
a
a
a
broad
deliriously
inclement
mitigating
picturesque
accent
agreement
circumstances
factors
hair
happy
smile
location
a meeting
town
a trial
weather
Rewrite each sentence using a collocation from 2.1.
1
2
3
4
5
2.3
auburn
Melissa has quite a strong Scottish accent.
Bad weather led to the cancellation of the President’s garden party.
We were all very happy when we heard we’d won the award.
Their new home was in a very pretty location.
Because there were circumstances that made the theft less serious, the judge let him off
with a warning.
I think we should stop the meeting now and continue it tomorrow.
She had a big smile on her face when she arrived.
She has lovely reddish-brown hair.
I think we’re generally in agreement as to what should be done.
Think of as many collocations as you can for each word. Then look in a dictionary
such as the Cambridge Online Dictionary for other suitable words. Write W (weak)
or S (strong) next to each group depending on how many words you found.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
extremely
an effort
cancel
deliver
a living
a meeting
feature
engage
bright
How useful do you think the collocations you have worked on in 2.2 and 2.3 are for
you personally? Choose which collocations are most important to you and make
sentences with them.
Over to you
Choose an English-language text that you have worked on recently. Underline
five collocations in it. Are these collocations weak, strong or fixed?
English Collocations in Use Advanced
9
3
Grammatical categories of collocation
A
Verb + noun
verb
noun
example
meaning of verb
draw up
a list
Our lawyer drew up a contract for us to sign.
prepare something,
usually official, in writing
I didn’t want to pass up the chance of seeing
Hong Kong, so I agreed to go on the trip.
fail to take advantage of
The police officer’s vest can withstand the
impact of a bullet.
bear
a contract
pass up
a chance
an opportunity
withstand
pressure
the impact
B
C
Noun + verb
noun
verb
example
opportunity
arise
An opportunity arose for me to work in China, so I went and spent a year there.
standards
slip
People feel educational standards slipped when the government cut finances.
Noun + noun
• Noun + noun collocations used to describe groups or sets:
There’s been a spate of attacks/thefts in our area recently. [unusually large number
happening in close succession]
The minister had to put up with a barrage of questions/insults from the angry
audience. [unusually large number, happening at the same time]
• Noun + noun collocations used with uncountable nouns:
By a stroke of luck I found my keys in the rubbish bin! [sudden, unexpected piece of luck]
She gave me a snippet of information which is top secret. [small piece of information]
D
10
Adjective + noun
This is not an idle threat; I will call the police if this happens again! [simply a threat]
He waited in the vain hope that the minister would meet him. [unlikely to be fulfilled hope]
There is mounting concern/criticism/fury over the decision. [growing concern, etc.]
The simple/plain truth is that no one was aware of the problem.
E
Adverb + adjective
F
Verb + adverb or prepositional phrase
G
More complex collocations
The article provides an intensely personal account of the writer’s relationship with his sons.
Joe’s sister was a stunningly attractive woman.
The teenager tried to persuade his mother that he was innocent but he failed miserably.
I don’t like to travel with my brother because he drives recklessly. [wildly, without care]
As soon as the singer came on stage she burst into song.
If your dog starts to foam at the mouth, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Mary was looking forward to retiring and taking it easy for a while.
It’s time you put the past behind you and started focusing on the future.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
3.1
Match a word from each box to form collocations. Not all the collocations appear on
the opposite page, so use a dictionary such as the Cambridge Online Dictionary to
help you if necessary.
1
2
3
4
3.2
arises chatter howls pressure
rises slip spreads suggests
disease evidence opportunity smoke
standards teeth wind withstand
dictionary.cambridge.org
5
6
7
8
Complete each sentence using a collocation from 3.1 in the appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The scientific
human beings first emerged in Africa.
The
was
all night and it was raining, so I couldn’t sleep.
a lot of
.
The machine has to be made of materials that can
Oh, no! There’s a fire. Look at the
from those buildings.
It was so cold I couldn’t stop my
from
.
Our survey shows that parents believe
have
at the school.
You must accompany Mason on one of his business trips to Asia, if the
ever
.
8 An alarming new
is
among cattle in the south of the
country.
3.3
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using a collocation from the opposite
page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
3.4
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
3.5
I don’t want to say no to the chance of meeting such a famous person.
We’ll have to write a contract before you start work, as it’s a new position.
You’re working too hard. You should try to relax for a short period of time.
This new bullet-proof car can take the impact of a rocket-propelled grenade.
Do you have any interesting little bits of information about our new boss to tell us?
The minister faced a large number of questions from reporters.
I had some luck last week. The police found my stolen wallet and nothing was missing.
There’s been a number of violent attacks in the area recently.
After her divorce Mandy was determined to forget the past and build a new life.
Who do you think is the most stunningly attractive person you have ever seen?
What should you do if you are in a car with someone who is driving recklessly?
Do you prefer walking in the country if there is a gentle breeze or a strong wind?
Would you write your most intensely personal thoughts and feelings in your diary?
Choose the correct collocation.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
He said he would throw us out, but it was just a(n) vain / idle / lazy threat.
They rushed the victim to hospital, in the idle / simple / vain hope of saving her life.
The government is encountering mounting / climbing / rising criticism of its policies.
There is raising / mounting / vain concern across the world about climate change.
The horse was fuming / foaming / fainting at the mouth, so we called the vet.
Suddenly, without warning, Marta busted / bustled / burst into song.
The right / straight / plain truth is that I hate my job.
I tried to persuade her but I’m afraid I failed desperately / miserably / wholeheartedly.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
11
4
A
Finding and working on collocations in texts
Finding collocations
You can expand your collocation vocabulary by training yourself to notice collocations
whenever you read. Note the collocations in these three examples of texts from different
sources – a newspaper feature, a film review and a website for London tourists.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
As a newly qualified teacher at a comprehensive school in Wiltshire, every day Joe faces the challenge
of gaining the respect of a class of 15-year-olds. Joe, 26, admits it is a tough challenge but thinks he is
winning the battle. Joe, who teaches English and media studies, and coaches a school football team, will
qualify fully in July, pending the results1 of his lesson assessments. With this milestone passed2, and
the increased financial stability it will bring, Joe will turn his thoughts to buying his first home.
1
(formal) as long as he achieves successful results
major life event behind him
She has a gift for languages, which brings her to the UN. She wants to make a
difference. She is idealistic in that single-minded, dedicated manner associated
with freedom fighters. Silvia (Nicole Kidman) remains an enigma. When Tobin
Keller (Sean Penn) begins to investigate her, he is faced with a blank sheet. She
is beautiful, blonde, lissom and lithe. She lives alone, has no lover, rides a Vespa
throughout New York and works all day, providing simultaneous translation
for delegates. She has an odd accent, which, like everything else about her, is
difficult to pin down3.
The Interpreter
STARRING
Nicole Kidman
Sean Penn
3
2
hard to fix or place
Covent Garden’s buskers and jugglers provide no-cost entertainment in a
car-free setting, and you’ve always got the chance of being plucked from the
crowd to help out with a trick. Don’t underestimate the value of London’s
public transport as a source of fun, either. The #11 double-decker from
Victoria, for instance, will trundle you past the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar
Square and the Strand on its way to St Paul’s Cathedral for a modest sum.
The driverless Docklands Light Railway is another guaranteed source of
amusement – grab a seat at the front of the train and pretend to be the driver,
then take a boat back to the centre of town from Greenwich.
Entertaining
children in London
Remember you will also hear collocations in conversations, lectures, songs and films.
Try to get into the habit of recording any interesting collocations that you notice.
B
Recording collocations
When working on collocations in a text, use your dictionary to find more relating to one or
both parts of the original collocation. You can record strong collocations in collocation forks:
simultaneous
translation
equation
pending
the outcome
the results
the response
and weak ones in collocation bubbles (because there are so many more of them):
practical
reliable
novelty
sentimental
place great
value
assess something’s
12
English Collocations in Use Advanced
valuable
source
cheap
rich
of funding
of income
of entertainment
Exercises
4.1
Complete each sentence using a collocation from A.
1 Tania has always had a
so I’m not surprised
she wants to study Chinese at university.
2 At high tide the sea covers the causeway and the only way to get to the island is to
.
3 It’s very crowded in this café. You
and I’ll get
our drinks.
4 Once my exams are over I’ll
planning a
holiday.
5 Far more people these days manage to
against cancer.
6 Most politicians say they enter politics because they want to
.
7 Try not to
having good friends. Ultimately,
friendship is far more important than work.
a successful
in his driving
8 He’s got the job –
test tomorrow.
9 Although they lack experience,
doctors are
often very enthusiastic and passionate about their work.
4.2
dictionary.cambridge.org
4.3
Complete the collocations. The first letters are given to help you. Use a dictionary
such as the Cambridge Online Dictionary if necessary.
to
to
to
to
to
j___ a_ t__
p___ u_ t__
g__ t__
s____ a
b_ i_ w___ a
dictionary.cambridge.org
4.5
dictionary.cambridge.org
challenge
Check these expressions (a) in a good dictionary and (b) using a search engine. Which
two are collocations and which two are not?
1 learn by head
4.4
chance
to f _ _ _ a
to p _ _ _ a
a d_____
to r _ _ _ t _ t _ _
a s______
2 learn by heart
3 lose a chance
4 miss a chance
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Name three milestones in your life that you have already passed.
Are you already fully qualified? If so, as what? If not, when will you be?
What are some typical sources of income?
What is the toughest challenge you have ever faced?
What qualities would be needed by someone providing simultaneous translation?
What are some examples of things that have sentimental value for you?
Here is one student’s plan for work on collocations. Complete the gaps, using a
dictionary if necessary. Then tick the ideas you can use yourself.
• (1)
an effort to notice collocations in any English text I read.
hold of a good dictionary to check other collocations for words that I
• (2)
want to learn.
• Write down at least three collocations for each new word I want to (3)
to
memory.
• Look back over old homework to see where I have (4)
mistakes with
collocations and (5)
my best to (6)
those mistakes in future.
a point of using good collocations when I have to write or speak in English.
• (7)
because that will expose me to
• Read and listen to as much English as (8)
natural collocations.
• Every week revise the collocations I have (9)
a note of in my vocabulary file.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
13
5
A
Register
What is register?
Our use of language changes according to the situation that we are in. If your close friend
hosts a party, you could say, ‘Thanks for the party. It was a blast.’ (very informal) However,
if your boss was the host, you would probably say, ‘Thanks for the party. I really enjoyed it.’
(neutral) In this example, neutral and very informal are both examples of register.
The register of most language is neutral (it can be used in any situation). However, register
can also be formal, informal, characteristic of a certain professional field (e.g. legal,
journalistic or media) or specific to official notices and forms.
Our choice of register depends on what we are talking about (business, the news, the
neighbours), who we are talking to (friends, strangers, figures of authority) and how we
are talking to them (in a letter, in an email, in public, in private). Study the table below and
notice how different words and phrases are used to describe the same situation.
example
register
comment
The police are investigating /
looking into the arms deal.
neutral
Either version would not seem out of place in
any spoken or written contexts.
The cops are trying to dig out info
about the arms deal.
informal
Phrasal verbs are often an informal
alternative – although some are neutral.
The police are conducting an
investigation into the arms deal.
formal
Longer words of Latin or Greek origin often
indicate more formal language.
Police to probe arms deal
neutral, journalistic
Probe is typical of newspaper headline style.
The arms deal may be subject to
police investigation.
formal, legal and
official
Subject to investigation is typical of a
bureaucratic or legal style.
Be careful not to think of formal language as written and informal language as spoken.
There is a lot of overlap. For example, markedly formal language is most typical of official
or academic writing and official legal or bureaucratic speech. Informal language is typical of
conversation, personal letters and emails, messages on social media and some journalism.
B
C
Formal versus neutral collocations
formal (from official documents)
neutral (spoken)
Students must submit their assignments by 1 May.
‘You have to hand in your assignments by 1 May.’
Students may request an extension after
consulting their tutor.
‘You can ask for an extension after you’ve
talked to / had a word with your tutor.’
Informal versus neutral collocations
That film was totally awesome! (mainly used by teenagers, predominantly US) [neutral
equivalent: absolutely amazing/fantastic]
That party was well good! (Well used to mean ‘very’/‘really’, mainly by younger UK speakers.)
I haven’t a clue / the foggiest idea what you mean. [neutral equivalent: I have no idea]
We can grab a snack before the meeting if you’re hungry. [neutral equivalent: have a snack]
Tip
Make a note in your notebook if a collocation is very formal or informal in register.
14
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
5.1
Write F (formal), I (informal) or N (neutral) in the brackets at the end of each
sentence. Underline the collocations which indicate the register. Then rewrite the
formal and informal sentences to make them neutral.
Example: Do not alight from the bus until it stops. (F) Do not get off the bus until it stops.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5.2
I feel dead tired all the time. ( )
We were all bored stupid by the poetry reading. ( )
Currency exchange offices are located in the arrivals lounge. ( )
She conducted a study of single-parent family units. ( )
She did her degree in London and found work there in 2015. ( )
I just got the latest software so my computer is bang up to date. ( )
Affix a passport-size photograph to the application form. ( )
Jake asked his tutor for an extension to complete his dissertation. ( )
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending. Then label each sentence with
the appropriate register from the list below. Underline the collocations which indicate
the register.
Registers: informal conversation (IC)
journalism/news (J)
technical (T)
legal (L)
notices (N)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
5.3
This is breaking
These are the songs that are climbing
There are tons of good reasons
Visitors must keep to the designated
In any such case, customers shall forfeit
Fuel consumption may vary
I’ll give you
The minister will tour Asia in a bid
Joss Engold stars in the latest
A microchip is a miniaturised
Please restrict your use
A witness may be asked to
entertainment (E)
a ring after dinner.
according to model and road conditions.
blockbuster from Star Studios.
news here on Global TV Extra.
electronic circuit.
of the fitness machines to 20 minutes.
to win support for the plan.
the charts this week.
for not studying law.
testify for a second time.
areas at all times.
the right to compensation.
Complete this conversation between a doctor and a patient, using the verbs in
the box in the appropriate form. The language is quite informal, without technical
medical terms.
come
clear
do
Doctor: What can I (1)
feel
get
run
take
write
for you, Mr Wilson?
Patient: Well, Doctor, I’ve been (2)
a temperature for the last couple of days and
I’ve (3)
out in a rash on my neck. Do you see? These red spots here.
Doctor: Hmm. Let’s (4)
a look.
Patient: It’s very irritating and I have trouble (5)
off to sleep at night. Then I
(6)
down all day and can’t concentrate on my work.
Doctor: Right. I don’t think it’s anything serious. I’ll (7)
prescription for some lotion which should help to (8)
5.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
you out a
up the rash.
Look at how the doctor describes the case in his records using more technical
language. Choose the correct word from the choices provided. Use a dictionary to
help if necessary.
A patient (1) presented / represented this morning with an (2) elevating / elevated
temperature. He was also (3) exposing / exhibiting a neck rash. He further
(4) complained / grumbled of an (5) inability / impossibility to concentrate.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
15
6
Metaphor
When we speak metaphorically, we use words in a non-literal sense. For example, when we
say a writer casts light on a situation, we mean that the writer helps us understand it more
clearly, in the same way that putting a light on in a dark room helps us see more clearly.
A
B
Metaphors based on the body
collocation
example
meaning
face (up to) the facts
You’re never going to run in the Olympics. It’s time
you faced (up to) the facts.
accepted reality
shoulder the blame
Although others were also responsible for the
problem, Alice decided to shoulder the blame.
take responsibility for
something bad
foot the bill
Choose what you like from the menu – the
company is footing the bill.
paying
head a team
Jo heads a team working on crime prevention.
leads a project group
keep someone on
their toes
Having three sons under the age of five keeps
Jana on her toes.
makes her stay active and
concentrated
have an eye for
Gina has an eye for detail, so ask her to check the
report.
is good at noticing
go hand in hand
with
Unemployment goes hand in hand with social
unrest.
happens at the same time
or as a result of
Metaphors based on weight
Heavy can be used to mean serious or difficult, as in heavy responsibility. A heavy
burden can be either something heavy to carry or a difficult responsibility to deal with,
while a heavy book can be either one that weighs
a lot or one with difficult content. A weighty tome,
however, would only be used to mean a book with
difficult content. Similarly in weighty matters or
weighty problems, weighty means difficult and
serious.
Light, the opposite of heavy, can also be used metaphorically to mean carefree or lacking
in seriousness. So light reading is reading material that is not serious. If you do something
with a light heart, you feel carefree and happy.
If someone has a slim chance of doing something, there is a chance, but it is small. Fat
chance (very informal) means almost no chance.
C
Metaphors based on movement
James did a lot of partying in his final year and ran into difficulties
with his course. His father was hopping mad1 when he only just
managed to get his degree. However, when he left university he walked
straight into a job2 in an excellent company. Some people jumped
to the conclusion that this was because he’d started going out with
the managing director’s daughter. His mother worried that, if their
relationship hit the rocks3, he would run into trouble at work too.
1
2
16
(informal) extremely angry
got a job very easily
English Collocations in Use Advanced
3
ended (metaphor based on a boat being destroyed on rocks)
Exercises
6.1
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using a metaphor from A.
1
2
3
4
5
6
6.2
The presidential visit meant no one had time to relax.
Rosetta took full responsibility for the failure of the project.
I don’t think Greg will ever win Rosie’s heart; it’s time he accepted that.
The company had done so well that year that it agreed to pay for a staff night out.
I’m glad I’m not in charge of this team.
Eva is very good at finding a bargain.
Answer these questions about the metaphors on the opposite page.
1 What usually goes hand in hand with inflation: an increase or a decrease in savings?
2 If a relationship hits the rocks, is it the end or the beginning of that relationship?
3 If you say that someone is hopping mad, do you mean that they are good at athletics or that
they are very angry?
4 If you run into difficulties or trouble, does that mean that they happen quickly?
5 Would you be more likely to call a magazine article featuring gossip about celebrities light
reading or a weighty tome?
6 If you talk about facing the facts, are the facts more likely to be pleasant or unpleasant?
6.3
Explain the difference in meaning between the sentences in each pair.
1a
2a
3a
4a
5a
6.4
Jess walked into a well-paid job in the City.
Rafael is heading the project team.
Dad jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Jan left the room with a light heart.
Fat chance I’ve got of winning!
1b
2b
3b
4b
5b
Jess got a well-paid job in the City.
Rafael is backing the project team.
Dad came to the wrong conclusion.
Jan left the room with a heavy heart.
I’ve got a slim chance of winning.
Choose the correct collocation.
1 Kieran’s constant whistling is riding / getting / driving me crazy.
2 Sylvia is a first-class designer as she has a good eye / nose / hand for detail.
3 You mustn’t shoulder the heavy weight / burden / task of redecorating the house all by
yourself.
4 There is just a thin / slim / skinny chance that Marek might pop in today.
5 The committee has some fat / weighty / heavy matters to discuss on today’s agenda.
6 When the results came out, Marco was thrilled to see his name footing / facing / heading the
list of successful candidates.
6.5
Explain what the play on words is based on in each of these headlines.
1
ATHLETE RUNS INTO TROUBLE
4
SHOEWORLD CO.
TO FOOT THE BILL
2
DIET PILLS HAVE FAT
CHANCE OF SUCCESS
5
NEW LAW MAKES RABBIT
OWNERS HOPPING MAD
3
NEW DIRECTOR KEEPS
ROYAL BALLET ON ITS TOES
Tip
You may find it useful to draw little pictures in your vocabulary notebook – or imagine
them in your mind – to help you remember some collocations.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
17
7
Intensifying and softening adverbs
Adverbs are often used before adjectives and verbs either to strengthen their meaning
(intensifying adverbs) or to weaken it (softening adverbs).
Her comments were deeply offensive. (intensifier – very/extremely)
Her comments were slightly offensive. (softener – a little bit)
A
Intensifying adverbs
Notice how intensifying adverbs are used to mean ‘extremely’ or ‘completely’ in the
sentences below. The expressions marked with * are very informal.
Olivia really enjoys doing housework. You should see her flat – it’s always spotlessly clean.
It was downright rude of Antonio to tell Paula that she looked older than her own mother.
I hope he feels thoroughly ashamed.
It’s blatantly obvious that Olga is only interested in Richard because he’s so wealthy.
I wonder what she’ll do when she finds out he’s wildly exaggerated how rich he really is!
I don’t know what I was worrying about! The exam turned out to be dead easy*!
This celebrity website is good fun but most of the information is wildly inaccurate.
B
Softening adverbs
Note the softening adverbs used in these sentences from newspapers.
The spokesperson said the new insurance scheme was only slightly different from the old
one. [weak collocation; slightly can be used with a wide range of adjectives]
The chief executive said he was mildly surprised by the public interest in the firm’s plans.
[mildly also collocates with amusing/ed, irritating/ed, offensive]
Alfredo Scaluzzi’s new film is loosely based on a nineteenth-century novel. [loosely also
collocates with centred, structured, related, connected]
Ms Giroa said she regarded reports that she was about to seek a divorce as faintly
ridiculous. [fairly formal; faintly also collocates with amused, surprised, patronising, absurd]
C
Alternatives to very
There are a variety of words that you can use as alternatives to very which collocate with
most adjectives, for example: really, extremely, terribly, incredibly and awfully. Other
adverbs collocate with certain adjectives and verbs but not with others.
alternatives to very
✓
NOT
highly
unlikely, educated, recommended
appreciate, influence, interesting
strongly
influence
appreciate
greatly
appreciate, influence
utterly
absurd, ridiculous
completely/totally/entirely
different, dependent, separate
thoroughly
enjoy
sorry, busy, glad, lonely
Common mistakes
Absolutely collocates only with adjectives which have strong meanings,
e.g. absolutely (NOT very) delighted, very (NOT absolutely) happy.
18
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
7.1
Match a word from each box to form collocations.
blatantly downright spotlessly
thoroughly wildly
7.2
Complete each sentence using a collocation from 7.1.
1
2
3
4
5
7.3
ashamed clean inaccurate obvious rude
to me!
I’m amazed you didn’t realise she was lying! It was
It was
of him not to say hello to the secretary.
I’ve been hoovering and dusting all day, so now my flat is
.
Most of the facts were wrong in that news report. It was
.
You should be
of yourself. Your behaviour was appalling!
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using a collocation from the opposite page.
1 The American writer Mark Twain is famous for commenting that reports of his death
had been over-exaggerated.
2 This restaurant is recommended by many different people.
3 The exam was extremely easy; everyone got high marks. (make this informal)
4 The musical West Side Story is kind of based on the plot of Shakespeare’s play Romeo and
Juliet. (make this less informal)
5 The idea of the boss singing Happy Birthday to me struck me as a little bit ridiculous.
6 The success of the Wimbledon tennis tournament is 100% dependent on the weather. (give
two answers)
7 I really enjoyed the days I spent at your lovely house in the country.
8 I was just a little surprised by her decision to quit her job so soon.
9 I was really delighted when they told me I’d got the job.
10 The new model of this camera is a little bit different from the old one.
7.4
Add intensifying adverbs from the opposite page to these sentences to make the
words in bold stronger.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7.5
I appreciate the fact that you have given me so much of your time.
Sometimes Tony says ridiculous things.
The crossword in today’s newspaper is difficult. I can’t even start it!
It’s sweet of you to offer to help.
I found his remarks offensive; he should apologise.
She leads a lonely life in a tiny house on a remote island.
We should try to keep the two groups separate from each other.
She is an educated person.
I’ve been busy all week.
That meal was expensive! I’m not eating there again.
Are the following adverb collocations correct or not? If they are incorrect, correct them using
collocations from C opposite.
1
2
3
4
I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
Your help would be strongly appreciated.
The song is highly influenced by Brazilian folk rhythms.
I find the situation utterly absurd.
Tip
Look out for more collocations with these words as you listen and read, and record
them in collocation bubbles indicating what they do and do not collocate with.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
19
8
A
Make and verbs that mean make
Common errors with make
The Cambridge Learner Corpus shows that some of the most frequent collocation errors
made by candidates in advanced English exams relate to the use of make. Here are some
typical errors and their corrections.
I would like to do/give some suggestions – make some suggestions
I think that I could have/give a contribution to the project – make a contribution
I expect you to give a formal apology – make a formal apology
There is still some way to go and lots of improvements to do – improvements to make
Thank you very much for doing these arrangements – making these arrangements
Sometimes candidates use make where another verb is required. For example:
We’re going to make a party on Saturday – have a party
Lana made some interesting research into her family roots – did … research
20
B
Other expressions with make
C
Other verbs that mean make
It’s a good idea to make a habit of switching off the lights when you leave a room.
If you always say exactly what you think, you’ll make a lot of enemies.
The team made several attempts to climb the mountain before they finally succeeded.
I hope that they’ll make a success of their new restaurant business.
I have to go to a party for a colleague after work but I will try and make an early escape.
Our research team has made an important discovery about how whales communicate.
When doing your accounts, try to ensure you make all the calculations correctly.
If we move the sofa closer to the window, it’ll make room for the piano.
I first made his acquaintance when he moved in next door. [formal: got to know him]
The house we looked at is just what we want and we’ve decided to make an offer on it.
As no one else has any ideas, I’d like to make a proposal. [make a formal suggestion]
We must make a stand against the casino they propose to build here. [protest about]
collocation
example
comment
create a good/bad
impression
Wear your grey suit to the interview if you want to
create a good impression.
slightly more formal than
make an impression
create a (+ adj.)
atmosphere
The lanterns in the garden create a romantic
atmosphere.
more formal than make for a
romantic atmosphere
stage a protest
The students staged a protest against rising
tuition fees.
= make a formal protest
lodge a complaint
Several people have lodged a complaint about
the receptionist’s rudeness.
= make a formal complaint
rustle up a meal
It took Sam ten minutes to rustle up a meal.
(informal) = make a meal very
quickly
run up curtains
This weekend I’m going to run up some curtains
for my new room.
= make quickly using a sewing
machine
turn a profit
This month our company should turn a profit for
the first time.
slightly more informal than
make a profit
coin a phrase
I wonder who coined the term ‘blogging’.
= invent / make up a new
phrase
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
8.1
Are these sentences correct or incorrect? If they are incorrect, correct them.
1
2
3
4
Have you any suggestions to make about how to celebrate the school’s anniversary?
We are planning to have a party next Saturday.
The company director gave a formal apology for his earlier comments.
The manager had to make a number of changes to office procedures in order to do all the
improvements he had planned for the company.
5 My sister did all the arrangements for the party.
8.2
Complete each sentence using a word from the box.
acquaintance attempt calculations discovery enemies
habit offer room stand success
1 Try to make a
of noticing good collocations in any text you read.
2 A railway official asked us to move our luggage to make
for the
boy’s bike.
by being so autocratic.
3 The new CEO has made a lot of
4 If Pauline makes a
of this project, she’ll probably get promoted.
5 The old gentleman said he was delighted to make my
.
6 Do you think you’ll make an
on the flat you viewed yesterday?
7 Every young scientist dreams of making a
that will change the world.
8 Rachel made no
to contact me when she was over here last year.
9 We tried to make a
against the new housing development but to no
avail: the contractors started work this morning.
10 The
that you made contained a few inaccuracies.
8.3
Replace make in each sentence with an alternative word. Then say whether you have
made the sentence more or less formal.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8.4
The Green Party plans to make a major protest against the government’s new farming policy.
Tessa helped me to make some lovely cushion covers for my new flat.
I regret to inform you that several clients have made complaints about your conduct.
You won’t make a good first impression if you arrive late for your interview.
It won’t take me long to make a meal for the children.
Do you expect your business to make a profit this year?
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1 At the meeting the chairman proposed something rather interesting. (proposal)
2 I hope we can leave soon as I’m terribly tired. (escape)
3 I’m reading a fascinating book about the invention of new words and phrases to express new
social and technical needs. (coined)
4 We changed the layout of the hall to make it more relaxed for the yoga class. (atmosphere)
5 I tried to phone the company several times at the weekend. (attempts)
6 Kim contributed very positively to the discussion. (contribution)
7 The service was poor but I wouldn’t go so far as to formally complain. (lodge)
8 I first got talking to Roger on a train. (acquaintance)
Over to you
Make a point of looking back through any pieces of your writing that a teacher has
corrected. Have you ever made any mistakes involving collocations with make? If
so, make an effort to use those expressions correctly in your next assignment.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
21
9
A
B
22
Communicating
Collocations with say, speak, talk and tell
I wouldn’t say no to a nice cup of tea. [informal: I’d really like]
Needless to say / It goes without saying that the workers voted in favour of the wage
increase.
Jana didn’t say a word when I told her I was leaving.
Generally speaking, people are aware of the environmental consequences of their actions.
Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable because it contains seeds.
She always speaks very highly of you. [says good things about you]
Charlie, stop mumbling and speak properly. I can’t understand a word you’re saying.
[generally used by parents or teachers to children, not between adults]
Now we’ve got to know each other, I think it’s time we
talked business.
At first, Andrew appears to be talking nonsense but
after a while you realise he’s actually talking a lot of
sense.
I’ll tell you a secret but please don’t tell anyone else.
The old woman looked at Glen’s palm and began to
tell his fortune. [predict his future life]
Collocations meaning communicate
example
comment
I asked why she didn’t trust him but she wouldn’t give me a reason.
NOT say a reason
The charity states its aim as being to help underprivileged children.
(formal) also state your
purpose/goal
The staff on reception required each visitor to state their business
before issuing them with an entry permit.
(formal) = say what their
intentions are
In her lecture Lucia gave an account of her trip to the Andes.
used about both speech and
writing
The speech got the message about the policy changes across.
(informal) = conveyed the idea
I declare Hiroshi Yamamoto the winner of the gold medal.
(formal) statement made at the
time of the win
He was pronounced dead at 1.10.
(formal) used when making an
official statement of death
The old man tried to impart his knowledge to his sons.
(formal) = transfer knowledge;
also impart wisdom
That journalist gets amazing stories but he won’t divulge his sources.
(formal) = make something secret
known; also divulge a secret
The internet is a powerful means of disseminating information.
(formal) = spreading information
to a lot of people
We notified the police of the burglary.
(formal) = officially informed
Although found guilty, Robson continued to protest his innocence.
(formal) = insist he was not guilty
He professed ignorance of the dent to the car but I think he was lying.
(formal) = claimed – perhaps
insincerely – that he did not know
Did you break the news to her that her mother is in prison?
used for news that is very
upsetting
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
9.1
Complete each sentence with the appropriate form of say, speak, talk or tell.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9.2
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence to make it more formal.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9.3
dictionary.cambridge.org
9.5
The victim was asked why he had not told the police sooner about the mugging.
The older generation has always attempted to pass its wisdom on to young people.
Stockman has always insisted that he is innocent.
Robert claimed that he knew nothing of the damage to the car.
The reporter had no option but to explain where she had got her information from.
The doctors said he was dead when they arrived at the scene of the accident.
The judges said that Magda Karlson had won the competition.
The charity does a great deal to inform people about its activities.
Are these sentences correct or incorrect? If they are incorrect, correct them.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9.4
Strictly
, you shouldn’t be here.
Joel
me a secret and made me promise not to pass it on to anyone else.
It goes without
that we’ll invite you to our wedding.
I spend most days with my three-year-old son, so forgive me if I start
nonsense.
The teachers always
very highly of my son’s abilities.
I had my fortune
at the fair yesterday.
It’s so hot. I wouldn’t
no to an ice cream, would you?
Shall we have lunch first and then sit down to
business?
I think that, generally
, it’s better to use public transport than drive yourself.
Do you think I managed to give the message across in my speech?
Needless to say, he didn’t tell a word to his parents about what had happened.
You can’t chew gum and say properly at the same time.
He refused to say his reasons for turning down our invitation.
She was devastated when we dropped the news to her.
In your report we would like you to give a detailed account of what happened.
I really like this documentary maker; she tells a lot of sense.
At the beginning of your dissertation you must say your goals clearly.
Use a dictionary to find nouns to complete these phrases based on collocations in B.
1
2 a company’s
3
4
5
of innocence in the face of evidence to the contrary
of aims
of information among the population
of a crime to the police
of the winner of a competition
Use a dictionary to complete these collocation forks.
1
someone a winner
2
knowledge
3
sources
dictionary.cambridge.org
wisdom
declare
divulge
impart
English Collocations in Use Advanced
23
10
A
Collocations with phrasal verbs
News items
The Justice Minister said he would abide by the
decision1 of the High Court to free the prisoner.
The police, acting on a tip-off 3, arrested
the thieves as they left the building.
The new regional governor will take up office2 on
1 March, following his party’s recent election victory.
The Education Commission has been asked by the
government to come up with an alternative to the
present schools examination system.
Hollywood star Glenda Nixon has filed for divorce4. She and her
husband Kevin Lomax have lived apart for the last six months.
1
2
B
(formal) accept the decision
(formal) start work in an
official position
The police intend to come down
heavily on5 anyone causing trouble
at tomorrow’s football final.
3
a secret warning
made an official request for a divorce
5
punish very severely
4
Everyday conversation
Note how B uses a collocation with a phrasal verb to repeat A’s ideas.
A: It was great just sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the feel of the place, wasn’t it?
B: Yes, it was nice to just sit there soaking up the atmosphere.
A: I think we should both arrange our work schedules so
we don’t have to work in May.
B: Yes, I’ll try to free up some time so we can go away
together.
A: I’m finding it hard to find time to practise the French
I learnt at school.
B: Yes, I have a similar problem keeping up my Spanish.
A: Well, all that gardening has made me hungry.
B: Yes, it certainly helps to work up an appetite.
A: It’d suit my arrangements if we could meet up at lunchtime.
B: Yes, that would fit in perfectly with my plans too.
A: The hotel wasn’t as good as I thought it would be.
B: No, it didn’t live up to my expectations either.
C
Other phrasal verbs with strong collocations
burst into laughter/tears [suddenly start to laugh/cry]
When she saw the damage the floods had done to her house, she burst into tears.
dip into savings/funds [spend part of some money which was being saved]
The club had to dip into their emergency funds to pay for the repairs to the roof.
jot down an address / a phone number / a room number [write down quickly]
Can I jot down your email address?
see off an intruder/opponent [get rid of, defeat]
He’s a tough guy. He saw off several intruders who were trying to break into his house.
adhere to principles / beliefs / ideals / a philosophy [formal: continue to maintain a belief]
It’s difficult to adhere to one’s beliefs when one is being constantly attacked.
Tip
It is often difficult to remember the meanings of phrasal verbs. When a phrasal verb has a set of
collocations as in the examples in C, write them down together. This is a good way of
remembering their meaning.
24
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
10.1
Complete the collocations using prepositions from the box.
by down for in with to up up to up with
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10.2
file
come
take
adhere
live
abide
jot
fit
divorce
an alternative
office
a philosophy
expectations
a decision
someone’s address
plans
Complete each sentence using a collocation from 10.1 in the appropriate form.
my
1 I’d been looking forward to the course but unfortunately it
expectations.
a good alternative to the petrol- or diesel-fuelled car yet?
2 Has anyone
3 I should
your address in case I forget it.
4 The new president of our club is due to
office next week.
5 We have to
the decision of the committee; we have no choice.
6 Most members of the group
a common philosophy.
7 I don’t have any special arrangements, so can easily
your plans.
8 Melissa Bragg has
divorce in a New York court.
10.3
Answer these questions using collocations from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
10.4
What can you do with savings or funds in an emergency?
What can you do with principles or ideals?
What can you try to do with a language if you don’t want to lose it?
What can guard dogs help you to do if you have intruders?
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1 Everyone broke into laughter when she told the story.
2 We had a run along the beach to work in an appetite before lunch.
3 The police have said they intend to go down heavily on anyone carrying an offensive weapon at
the match.
4 Do you think you could free out some time to have a quick meeting this afternoon?
5 The police acted on a rip-off and managed to avert a possible disaster.
6 I hope the party will live on to your expectations.
7 We sat on our hotel balcony, soaking through the atmosphere of the carnival.
8 Tanya quickly saw out her opponent in the semi-final and now goes on to the final.
10.5
Answer these questions. Write full sentences using the word in brackets in a collocation from
the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
What do you plan to do in future to make sure you don’t lose your English? (keep)
What film or gig or sports event have you been to that wasn’t as good as you expected? (live)
What sort of thing might tempt you to use some of your savings? (dip)
Your best friend is getting married 100 miles away tomorrow and all the trains have been
cancelled. What would you try to do? (come)
5 At short notice some friends have invited you to stay for the weekend. They’ve already made some
plans for the weekend. What would you do your best to do? (fit)
6 How easy do you find it always to act according to your principles? (adhere)
English Collocations in Use Advanced
25
11
Working life
A
Emily
In my mid-twenties I joined the staff of a language school. The pay
wasn’t brilliant but I could make a living1 and there were many
aspects of the job that I enjoyed. The other members of staff were
nice and I enjoyed teaching the students. A few years later, after
returning from maternity leave, I decided to go part-time. Luckily
I was able to do a job-share2 with another woman who had a small
child. Then the school began to go through a difficult period and had
to lay off staff3. I decided to go freelance4. I had managed to build
up a network of contacts and this gave me a good start. I soon had a
substantial volume of work – private students and marking exams –
and was able to earn a good living.
1
earn enough to live (can also be used just to refer to
one’s job and how one earns one’s money: She makes
a living as a hairdresser)
2
situation where two people share equal parts of the
same job
3
ismiss staff because there is no work for them
d
to do
4
work for several different organisations rather
than working full-time for one organisation
Common mistakes
People usually do work, NOT make work. If we talk about people making work, it means that they
create work for other people to do, e.g. A baby makes a lot of work for its parents – but it’s worth it.
B
Ben
1
2
C
After graduating, I practised medicine1 for a number of years in
London. I managed to carve a niche for myself2 as a specialist in
dermatology. Then I realised I needed some fresh challenges and so
I did a job swap for a year with my opposite number3 in a clinic in
Vancouver. When I returned, I went back to my old job and also took
up the post4 of editor of a leading medical journal. I held that position
for a number of years. I’m now hoping to go abroad again and so am
letting everyone know that I am open to offers.
worked as a doctor
make a special position for myself
Julia
3
4
someone doing the same job in a different location
started work
After graduating in economics, I did the usual thing of putting
together my CV1 and applying for jobs. I got a very tempting offer
from an investment bank and accepted it. I was put on a fast-track
scheme2 and was moving up the ladder3 fast. However, one day I had
a change of heart4. I realised I’d stopped enjoying the excitement. I
felt I needed to get my priorities right5. I decided that other aspects
of my life should take priority over6 my work. I handed in my
resignation and moved to the country.
1
CV = curriculum vitae, a written description of
your education, qualifications, skills and career
2
system for rapid training and promotion of
talented staff
3
being promoted
my attitude or mood changed
5
give importance to the right aspects of life
6
be more important to me than
4
Common mistakes
We say someone is under a lot of / considerable pressure, NOT under high pressure.
26
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
11.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11.2
My husband and I do
Circulate the report to all members
Jonas has been happier since he went
I hope it won’t be necessary to lay
It’s not easy to make
Meeting people is the best aspect
Marian was the last person to join
Anna will be going on maternity
Try to build up a good network
We’ve had a ridiculous volume
of contacts.
the staff in our company.
of work this month.
of staff.
part-time.
a job-share.
off many of our staff.
of the job.
a living as an actor.
leave next month.
Complete the conversation using words from the opposite page.
Megan:Did you know my son’s in Australia at the moment? He’s doing a job swap with his opposite
(1)
, the person who (2)
a similar position to his in the
company’s Sydney office.
José: Wow, that’s good! But I thought he wanted to go to the States this year?
Megan: Well, yes. He did have a very tempting (3)
he was about to accept, but then he had a (4)
from a company in New York and
of heart.
José: So, have you met the exchange person from Sydney?
Megan: Yes, he’s been to dinner a couple of times. He’d like to settle here in fact and has asked
us to tell everyone he’s (5)
to offers from any companies that might be
interested. Maybe your firm might be interested?
José: Perhaps. We could do with someone with good Australian contacts. But we could really do
with someone who could (6)
a post before the end of the year.
Megan: That could work out perhaps. He certainly seems very nice. And he’d be motivated to do well
for you because he’s so keen to stay here.
José: And do you think your son will stay in Australia?
Megan: I hope not. I’ve told him to get his priorities (7)
. Being near his
mum should (8)
priority over Australian beaches and sunshine!
11.3
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
11.4
The recession meant that the company had to make some workers redundant. (lay)
Your family should really be more important to you than your work. (priority)
Nita soon gained several promotions at work. (ladder)
Harry hates his new boss so much that I think he’ll soon leave. (resignation)
Vic earns good money as a freelance journalist. (living)
I need to write down all my qualifications and experience before I apply for jobs. (cv)
My father always wanted to work as a doctor in a rural community. (practise)
Correct the seven collocation errors in this paragraph.
George makes a life as a sports reporter on a local newspaper but he is under high pressure at
work at the moment. He’s had far too much work to make recently. He’s been put on a fast-train
scheme for promotion and they’re really pushing him. It’s so hard that he’s thinking of handing
over his resignation and going freelancing. It wouldn’t be easy but I’m sure he’d soon work a niche
for himself as a sports journalist.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
27
12
A
New employment
Discussing job applicants
Guy: So which of these applicants do you think we should interview?
They all seem to fit the job description quite well to me. It’s quite
a daunting task to narrow the list down to just one person.
Lisa: I agree. So, lets start by taking up references for these ten people.
Guy: OK. So why did you pick these ten out of the fifty who applied?
Lisa: Well, these ten all seem to be people who realise the importance
of working as a team. They’ve all shown that they are capable
of mastering new skills. And they’re all clearly comfortable with
taking on responsibility.
Guy: Did you automatically eliminate the two who’d previously taken industrial action1?
Lisa: One of them – I’d also heard rumours about his involvement in a professional misconduct case.
He was certainly relieved of his duties2 at ARG under mysterious circumstances. But the other
was standing up for a woman who’d been wrongfully dismissed3, even though he knew he
might lose his own job. So he sounded good to me.
Guy: Fair enough. He must have strength of character to risk losing his own livelihood.
Lisa: That’s right. So could we pencil in a meeting for considering the references? And then I’d
better leave you and go and clear my desk4 before I go home.
Guy: Yes, sure. How about Friday at 10?
1
4
gone on strike
deal with all the papers on one’s desk (also used
(formal) dismissed when someone is clearing their desk because they
3
(formal, legal) unfairly dismissed are leaving their job)
2
Common mistakes
If workers refuse to work, they go on strike or stage a strike, NOT make a strike.
B
Conversation about a new job
Alexa:I hear your brother’s landed a fantastic new job1.
David:Actually it’s not as good as he hoped. He’s got a
terribly heavy workload and that means working
some very unsocial hours. He also complains about
having to do lots of menial tasks around the office,
running errands for his boss.
Alexa: But he’s paid well?
David:Not really. He just about gets a living wage2. And all
the overtime is unpaid.
Alexa: He’ll just have to throw a sickie3 from time to time.
David:Yes, I suggested he did that too, but he says he’s afraid of getting the sack4 if he does. He
feels there might be some prospects for him there eventually, even if he is just being used as
sweated labour5 at the moment.
Alexa:Well, with any luck he’ll eventually find that he can realise his potential6 there.
David:I hope so. But they have a very high turnover of staff and it won’t be easy for him to stay
the course7 .
Alexa: No, but he’s very determined, isn’t he? So let’s hope it all works out.
1
(informal) got a new (and usually a good) job
enough money to live on
3
(informal) take a day off work pretending to be sick
4
(informal) being dismissed
2
28
English Collocations in Use Advanced
5
workers who are paid very little
and work in very bad conditions
6
achieve all that he is capable of
7
remain there until he is successful
Exercises
12.1
Find a collocation in A that matches each definition.
1
2
3
4
5
12.2
to make a provisional date for a meeting
6
an alarmingly difficult task
7
to become skilled at doing new things
8
to request statements from referees to have the skills required for a job
unfairly sacked
to be deprived of your source of income
behaviour unacceptable for someone in
a particular job
Complete this paragraph using words from the box in the appropriate form.
be fit land run sweat take
a job on her local newspaper as soon as
Charlotte was surprised but happy to (1)
she left university. She was surprised because she didn’t feel that she (2)
the job
description, but she was happy because she had always dreamt of working as a journalist. So she
didn’t really mind when she found that she was spending much of her time (3)
errands for the editor. Her brother said she was just being used as (4)
labour but
she felt confident that there (5)
good prospects for her there. She was sure she
would soon have the chance to (6)
on more responsibility.
12.3
Complete each conversation using a collocation from the opposite page to make B agree with
what A says.
1 A:
B:
2 A:
B:
3 A:
B:
4 A:
B:
5 A:
B:
6 A:
B:
12.4
I think that Adam will leave his new job before the year is out.
either.
Yes, I agree. I don’t think he’ll
Had you heard that they may fire some members of staff?
Yes, I did hear a rumour that some people might
Inflation is so high that I don’t seem to earn enough to live on any more.
No. I don’t feel I earn
myself.
Has the HR manager been removed from his job?
Yes, he was
yesterday.
I hope the workers don’t decide to go on strike.
Yes, it would be very unfortunate if they decide to
It’s going to be hard to decide which of the job applicants to shortlist.
Yes, I don’t know how we are going to
.
.
.
Answer these questions about your own work or ask someone else these questions and write
down the answers.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
What kind of menial tasks does your job involve?
Do you think this job will allow you to realise your potential?
Do you ever have to work unsocial hours? If so, why? If not, why not?
Does there tend to be a high turnover of staff at your workplace?
If you do overtime, is it paid or unpaid?
Have you ever thrown a sickie? If so, why? If not, why not?
Have you ever taken or would you ever consider taking industrial action?
In your job is it necessary to work as a team?
Do you have a heavy workload?
Over to you
It will probably be particularly useful for you to learn work collocations that relate to your own
professional life. Look on the internet for information in English about the job that you do or are
interested in doing in the future. Make a note of any interesting collocations that you come across.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
29
13
A
Thoughts and ideas
Talking about thoughts
I honestly think we can win the match tonight. [NOT I strongly think]
I’m not sure if I want to invest in your business or not, but I’ll give it some thought.
Bear in mind that there are often delays to flights during bad weather. [remember]
It’s common knowledge that Hannah is looking for a new job. [everyone knows]
My teenage son hasn’t yet grasped the importance of revising for exams. [understood how
important something is]
I take the view that we are all responsible for our own actions. [believe]
It’s a foregone conclusion that Jaime will win the race. [absolutely certain]
I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do but I’ve got a rough idea. [general idea]
I don’t subscribe to the theory that nature and nurture are of equal significance but it is now a
widespread belief. [hold the opinion]; [generally held view]
Opinions are divided as to whether mothers of young children should go out to work or not, but it is
my firm conviction that different things suit different families. [people hold different views]; [I am totally
convinced]
Common mistakes
We say I am becoming aware of the problem, NOT I am getting aware.
B
C
Judging
collocation
example
meaning
judge someone
harshly
Don’t judge him too harshly. He really couldn’t
have done things differently.
be very critical of someone
poor judgement
Deciding to set up a business now shows poor
judgement of the economic situation.
pass judgement on
Di’s quick to pass judgement on other people but
she’s far from perfect herself.
criticise
against your better
judgement
I finally agreed to go out with him, against my
better judgement.
despite the knowledge that
something is a bad idea
a lack of judgement
Her approach to the recent discipline problems in
school showed a lack of judgement.
an inability to judge a
situation wisely
an error of judgement
Promoting Alec was a serious error of judgement.
bad decision
Metaphors of thinking
We can talk about thinking laterally1. We can say someone has a fertile imagination2. We can
wrestle with a problem3 and we can have a nagging doubt4. We can also talk about something
fuelling speculation5, and sometimes people jump to conclusions6.
1
pproaching a problem in an imaginative and
a
original way rather than using a traditional approach
2
one that produces lots of original and interesting
ideas
3
struggle to find a solution
30
English Collocations in Use Advanced
4
n unpleasant feeling of doubt that will not go away
a
encouraging people to consider that something may
be true
6
guess the facts about a situation without having
enough information
5
Exercises
13.1
Look at A. Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
Opinions are separated on the issue
of single-sex schools and there are
sound arguments on both sides of
the case.
1
I believe that the government will
win another term in office but my
girlfriend takes a different opinion.
2
13.2
3
I strongly think that you’d be making
a serious mistake if you took that job.
4
I don’t believe it’s a foregone fact
that the larger company will win the
contract.
5
People are gradually getting aware
of the problem of climate change.
6
You should bear in thought that your
visitors will be tired after their long
flight.
7
I’ve got a raw idea of what I want
to say in my essay but I haven’t
planned it properly yet.
8
Increasing numbers of people today
subscribe for the theory that small is
beautiful.
Complete the paragraph using words from the box.
error
firm
grasped
laterally
pass
poor
Recent research shows that people who spend time meditating each day
improve their mental abilities. It seems that meditation particularly enhances
our ability to think in creative, unusual ways, in other words, to think
‘outside the box’ or think (1)
. It may, then, have been
an unfortunate (2)
of judgement on the part of the
management at BNM & Co. to put a stop to the yoga classes that staff had
organised for their lunch breaks. ‘It would seem that our managers have
not yet (3)
the importance of these classes,’ explained
yoga instructor Zandra, ‘but it is not my place to (4)
judgement on them. Their judgement may be (5)
at the moment but it is my
(6)
conviction that as people come to understand yoga better, they will see how it could
benefit the company as well as individual members of staff.’
13.3
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
13.4
It’s unwise to draw conclusions too quickly about people’s motives. (jump)
Everyone knows that Ellie has been taking money from the till. (common)
I agreed to help him though I knew it was wrong. (against)
I’m afraid your decisions show you are unable to judge situations well. (lack)
We have to decide when to have the party. Can you think about it? (thought)
I think you are being too critical of him. Remember he’s only 18. (harshly)
Surprisingly, a large number of people believe left-handed people are more intelligent.
(widespread)
Use a dictionary such as The Cambridge Online Dictionary to find frequent collocations with
these words. Your collocations can use the words literally or metaphorically.
1 a fertile
dictionary.cambridge.org
2 to fuel
3 to wrestle with
4 a nagging
English Collocations in Use Advanced
31
14
A
Business reports
Business news
Charles Park and Sons have announced record profits for last year despite a slight decline
in demand for one of their key products, caused by increasingly fierce competition1 in
the sector. They say they are already well on the way to meeting their targets for the first
quarter. Their new models will go into production2 in the spring and this is expected to
boost3 their sales and profits even more.
The government today announced its intentions to stimulate growth in the Southwest by allocating
a large part of its development budget to industrial projects in the area. Roger Middle, who chaired
the committee working on this scheme, said that local people welcomed the decision, which should
generate more business for local firms. They appreciate that their area has many unique selling
points for businesses and their employees, and feel that development will pay dividends4 for
everyone living and working in the area.
Clothing firm G & L has announced plans to build a new factory in the Midlands. Their spokesperson,
Mark Mulloy, said yesterday that the proposal made sound business sense. ‘It will be easier for us
to maintain quality and promote the interests of our shareholders at the same time as satisfying
the demands of our target market,’ he said.
SIB Distribution held an emergency meeting last night to discuss the crisis caused by
yesterday’s rise in fuel prices. Their MD said, ‘This hike in prices5 will seriously affect the
bottom line6. It’s a considerable challenge for us as we already operate on narrow profit
margins. However, we have set ourselves clear objectives and are confident we will still
be able to balance the books7. We have no intention of calling in the receivers8 yet!’
1
5
2
6
NOT high competition
start being made
3
increase
4
bring advantages
B
(journalistic) rise in prices
affect the net income
7
make sure the amount spent is not more than the amount earned
8
going bankrupt
Describing trends
An important part of many business reports is the description of trends. The Cambridge Learner
Corpus shows that there are a number of collocation errors which are frequently made when
candidates write about business in advanced English exams.
sales
profits
the market
exports/imports
showed
a rise
saw
a fall
experienced
a decline
NOT had
a growth
Common mistakes
We say a slight decrease/increase, NOT a little decrease/increase, and a substantial decrease/
increase, NOT a strong decrease/increase.
When comparing two things in terms of quantity, we say, for example, Exports were five times
greater than imports, NOT Exports were five times larger than imports.
32
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
14.1
Are these sentences true or false?
1 A business executive will feel worried if the company experiences a decline in demand
for its products.
2 A business CEO is pleased if the company does not meet its quarterly sales targets.
3 A hike in the price of raw materials is likely to present a difficult challenge for a business
that uses those materials.
4 Marketing and sales staff will promote their products’ unique selling points.
5 Business managers are likely to be happy about calling in the receivers.
6 A company is likely to feel more secure if it has narrow profit margins.
14.2
Complete each sentence using a word from the opposite page.
1 It was a sad day for the company when it finally had to call in the
2 I’m sure you’ll agree that our new mobile phone has a number of unique selling
.
3 We use a professional accountant to help us balance our
.
4 The bank agreed that our plans make sound business
.
5 We must ensure that the research project does not negatively affect the bottom
.
6 We look forward to next spring, when our exciting new line will go into
7 All your hard work will eventually pay
.
8 We are confident that our new business strategy will help boost both sales and
.
14.3
.
.
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
The company is pleased to report a strong increase in profits over the last quarter.
The new health and safety committee is to be tabled by a retired doctor.
There is increasingly high competition between airline companies.
The company’s exports to Japan had considerable growth over the last decade.
The sales figures for March show a little decrease on those for February.
Our sales in the domestic market are certain to have a rise next year.
Last year sales were three times larger in Europe than in Australia.
We feel that this proposal does considerable business sense.
Although we need to reduce our costs, it’s important we attain the quality that our
reputation is built on.
10 Business leaders hope new government policies will stimulus growth.
14.4
Answer these questions about the collocations in this unit.
1
2
3
4
5
6
When might the Managing Director of a company call an emergency meeting?
What kind of age group is a sports car company likely to have as its target market?
Why would shareholders be pleased if their company announced record profits?
In what situations other than business do people set themselves objectives?
Name three things that a business would have to allocate part of its budget to.
How might a company try to stimulate growth in demand for its products?
Over to you
On the website www.companieshouse.gov.uk you can find reports on several million companies.
Look up a company that interests you and make a note of any interesting collocations that you find.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
33
15
A
Marketing
What is marketing?
The Marketing Expert
Home | Definition | Key terms | Case studies
Marketing is the process of studying and defining the needs of target customers as well as promoting products to fulfil
those needs. For example, if your company produces ice cream, you need to learn as much as you can about consumer
demands and preferences. (What flavours do they like? What size pack do they prefer?)
How do companies find out about their customers?
Companies conduct / carry out market research. They may do this through questionnaires, surveys or focus groups1.
What do companies need to know about their customers?
What do companies do with this information?
They want to find out about consumer behaviour and
buying habits – for example, where do they shop and
what do they buy? They may also want to find out the
age and income bracket2 of their customers. This helps
them to create a demographic profile3 of a typical
customer. Building up a picture of the customer is all part
of customer relationship management4 (CRM).
Companies will use the information to make decisions
about product development and design. It also helps
them to look at market segmentation5 so that they
can target certain areas of the market or certain types of
consumers. It also helps companies to know what their
own market share is.
¹ a group of potential customers who give their
opinions about a product, brand, packaging etc.
² a section of the population classified according to
their level of income
Tip
³ information such as the age, gender and occupation
of a group of people
⁴ the strategies that companies use to analyse and
manage their contact with customers
⁵ the way the market is divided into different
consumer groups and the differences between them
A customer is a person who buys a product and a consumer is someone who uses a product – often
it can be the same person, but not always.
B
Getting the message across
What makes a successful marketing campaign? What’s the best way to reach
the target audience? Justine Blake, Head of Marketing for a major fashion
retailer, explains more:
‘We use a number of different ways to communicate with our customers. There
are the more traditional channels like TV and billboard advertising, as well as
product placement1. But these days we’re also doing much more guerrilla
marketing2. For example, in one recent campaign we installed special “mirrors”
on bus shelters, that showed people what they would look like wearing some of our latest designs.
‘We have our own in-house marketing team but we also use an advertising agency which
specialises in that type of work. Our brand identity3 is very important and one of our aims is to
build brand awareness4. We want customers to feel confident about the quality of our clothing and
so increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
‘Our latest online campaign featured a video about a young girl and her grandmother going clothes
shopping together. It was a lovely story about having positive role models. It went viral5 and was
shared on social media all over the world! Of course, the more free airtime6 or press coverage7 we
can get, the better. In the fashion world, celebrity endorsement8 can also have a huge impact.
‘Ultimately, we want to engage with our customers9 and bring them the best products we can.’
¹ a company pays for their product to be featured in a film
² a company promotes their products in an unconventional
way, often on a low budget
³ how a business wants to be seen by its customers
⁴ increase knowledge of a brand among potential customers
34
English Collocations in Use Advanced
⁵ become very popular through social media
⁶ time featured on e.g. TV, without payment
⁷ reporting in the press
⁸ a famous person is paid to promote a product
⁹ communicate with customers
Exercises
15.1
Match a word from each box to form collocations.
marketing free product
income consumer brand
15.2
placement behaviour identity
campaign airtime bracket
Complete each sentence using a collocation from 15.1.
in it. All the top-brand
1 I enjoyed the film, but there was a lot of
cars, phones, watches and so on. It was a bit distracting.
2 We want to build a really strong
as a trustworthy company.
3 One of the aims of our research was to identify certain patterns of
: specifically where they bought our products and how much they spent.
4 This is a luxury brand, clearly aimed at consumers in the higher
.
5 Our latest
was very successful – sales increased by over 20%!
6 The company were really lucky – there was a whole news item on their latest innovation, so they
got a lot of
as a result.
15.3
Complete the collocation forks. Use a dictionary to find one more word to add to each list.
1
loyalty
satisfaction
needs
expectations
3
identity
awareness
recognition
2
segmentation
share
4
development
design
placement
dictionary.cambridge.org
15.4
Look at B. Choose the correct collocation.
1 It’s been 10 years since Kate first set up our in-office / out-of-office / in-house marketing team, and
now we employ 13 marketers working in 3 countries.
2 We want to increase brand understanding / awareness / recognise among young professionals.
3 Our last campaign went airtime / guerrilla / viral and was shared on social media all over the world.
4 One way to measure customer / target / brand satisfaction is to put a questionnaire on your
website, and ask questions about how happy people are with your service.
5 We got a lot of public / press / paper coverage when we gave out free energy monitors as part of
last year’s ‘Energy Week’.
6 The objective / customer / target audience for our new sportswear range is active parents.
15.5
Read these remarks by different people. Then answer the questions.
Chloe: We want to encourage people to keep buying our products and so we give them
discounts when they spend a certain amount of money.
Thierry: To promote a monster film, we created giant ‘footprints’ on the beach. People loved it!
Clare: If we want to emphasise how healthy the snack bars are, we could get a famous sports
personality to appear in the ads.
Bruno: We invited some potential customers to look at the new packaging and give their feedback.
Veronique: Our market research focused on finding out the age and gender of our customers.
Freddy: We asked people to tell us where they shopped and how often they bought our products.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Who wanted to know about the demographic profile of their customers?
Whose company used a focus group to do some research?
Who is talking about celebrity endorsement?
Who wanted to know about their customers’ buying habits?
Who is talking about customer loyalty?
Whose company uses guerrilla marketing?
English Collocations in Use Advanced
35
16
A
Customer services
Shopping online or on the high street
Most companies carry out surveys1 to find out what customers or potential customers feel about
their products and services. I answered one recently about online shopping. I personally much
prefer to go shopping on the high street rather than to shop on the internet. You get a much better
impression of whether something is good value for money or truly fit for purpose2 when you
can touch it. And I feel if you have a problem with a purchase, it’s easier to go back and make a
complaint if you’ve bought something from a shop. But shopping online has its advantages, and
many companies offer you a discount when you place an order online. And, of course, lots of online
companies have plenty of regular customers and plenty of satisfied customers. I suppose the
bottom line is that it’s good for us as consumers to have as much healthy competition as possible.
1
B
or do surveys, NOT make surveys 2 good at doing what it is supposed to do
Complaining about service
I ordered a skirt online and I’m furious. On their website they promise prompt service. In
fact they said they offered next-day delivery but it took ten days to come. When I rang up to
complain they put me on hold and then never got back to me! Then, when the skirt eventually
arrived, the zip was broken. It’s really poor quality – though the website says all their clothes
are top quality. I’m going to kick up such a fuss1. Of course, I’ll demand a full refund2, but I’d
really like an apology as well. And I’ll certainly take my custom elsewhere3 in future.
1
2
C
3
(informal) make a very forcible complaint
ask for all my money back (NB NOT strongly
demand because the verb demand cannot be
made stronger in English – it is already strong
enough)
not buy from the same place again
Company promise
If you have grounds for complaint1, please contact our Head Office at the address
below. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service and all our products
conform to safety regulations2. We honour all commitments3 to customers. We take
very seriously any complaints about poor service. So if you feel that one of our products
does not come up to standard4, then we will immediately offer you a replacement. We
promise to handle all complaints promptly.
1
2
a reason for complaining
obey all the rules or laws relating to safety
3
4
do what we said we would do
reach appropriate standards
Tip
Learn more collocations relating to the topic of customer service by looking at the customer
services page of a company website, for example, that of John Lewis, a British department store:
www.johnlewis.com/customer-services. Make a note of any interesting collocations.
36
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
16.1
Look at A. Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
16.2
Have you ever made a complain to the management about the food in a restaurant?
I hate making shopping on Saturdays as the town is so crowded then.
If you want your shopping delivered, you can put your order with us online or by phone.
We made a large-scale customer survey before developing our new product range.
On-the-web shopping is proving increasingly popular.
I was surprised by the weak quality of the acting in that film we saw last night.
Choose the correct collocation.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
This shop gives very good worth / cost / value for money.
Every business wants satisfactory / satisfied / satisfying customers.
He is an economist who believes in the advantages of healthy / rich / fertile competition.
I don’t need next-day delivery but service should be reasonably punctual / prompt / present.
I hate it when you phone a company and get put on hole / hang / hold for ages.
Dan kicked up a terrible fuss / foot / fever about the service we received.
The hotel manager dealt / handled / honoured our complaint very efficiently.
We can’t sell our old cooker because it doesn’t perform / inform / conform to modern
safety regulations.
9 I would prefer not to take my custom somewhere / anywhere / elsewhere.
10 The service at the hair salon did not run / come / do up to standard.
16.3
Complete the emails using words from the opposite page.
Reply
Forward
Forward
Dear Sir/Madam,
Dear Mr Cole,
I am writing to complain about the service I received in
your Cambridge branch.
Thank you for your letter regarding your purchase
of a suit from us. We apologise for the inconvenience
caused to you.
I bought a suit there recently but it is poorly cut and
does not fit well, even though it is the size I normally
take. I am a (1)
customer of yours and
have never had any problems before. I returned the suit
to the shop the next day, but the manager refused to
give me a full (2)
.
I request that you look into this matter and
(3)
this complaint seriously. Otherwise
I may be forced to take my (4)
elsewhere.
Yours faithfully,
John Coleon 01727 717317.
16.4
Reply
Our company is committed to (5)
an excellent service and selling (6)
quality garments. We therefore enclose the requested
refund and trust that you will continue to shop with
us and will never again have (7)
for
complaint about our goods.
Yours sincerely,
Jason Campbell
Customer Services Manager
Complete the crossword.
Across
1 When choosing new offices you must ensure that they will be fit
for
.
3 To get your money back, you’ll have to prove you have
for
complaint.
4 I have no option but to demand a
refund.
5 I am afraid that your service simply fails to come up to
.
6 As a respected firm we always
all our commitments.
7 It is our policy to offer students a
on books and stationery.
Down
2 Your helmets do not conform to safety
.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
English Collocations in Use Advanced
37
17
A
Student life
Courses and qualifications
When she was a small child, Amelia’s teachers identified her as having
unusual intelligence and remarkable mental agility1, and they put her on
a special programme for gifted children. Amelia won a scholarship to
attend a local grammar school. By the age of eighteen, she was a straight-A
student2. She applied to3 several universities and was fortunate enough to
secure a place at Cambridge University to read4 English Literature.
In the first academic year of the English Literature programme, the core
subjects5 were The development of the novel and Contemporary poetry.
Amelia had a large number of set texts6 to read. It was hard work but she
loved it. Her professors were all distinguished scholars and her courses
were taught by some of the world’s leading authorities in the field. She
completed her studies with considerable success and graduated from university last year. In the
meantime, her parents have decided that it is time they made up for their lack of formal education
and they have signed up for a number of evening courses7. Eventually they hope to meet the entry
requirements for university entrance and to be able to complete a degree as mature students8.
1
ability to think quickly and clearly
a student who always gets very good marks
3
formally requested a place at
4
(formal and increasingly old-fashioned)
do or study
2
B
5
subjects which all the students on the course
have to do
6
specific books which students must study
7
or enrolled on … courses
8
students who are older than average
Harry’s school report
1
2
maTHEmaTiCS
Harry’s work has shown a marked improvement this term. However, his
attention occasionally wanders in class.
EnGliSH
Harry has a natural talent for English. He achieved full marks1 in the last
class test.
FREnCH
There is room for improvement in Harry’s work in French. He seems to find
it difficult to learn vocabulary by heart.
GEOGRaPHy
Harry has a thirst for knowledge and is a quick learner. It is a pity that
sometimes his concentration in class wavers2.
SCiEnCE
Harry has demonstrated an ability to apply what he learns to the wider
world. He showed considerable initiative in the way he approached his
project on energy.
PHySiCal
EDuCaTiOn
Although Harry has a proven ability3 for tennis, he will not make any
progress until he stops playing truant4. This must not continue.
100%
concentration is not steady
3
4
ability shown by his achievements
being absent without permission
Common mistakes
You attend school to acquire knowledge, NOT get knowledge.
38
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
17.1
Answer the questions using collocations from A.
1
2
3
4
5
6
17.2
What happens when you successfully complete a degree course?
What do you call students who are in their thirties or older?
What are, for example, Harvard, the Sorbonne and Cambridge University?
What kind of people teach at Harvard, the Sorbonne and Cambridge University?
What do you call children who are particularly intelligent or have special talents?
What do you call students whose marks are always excellent?
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17.3
We were all very impressed by the student’s mental
My grandmother is very intelligent but she’s had little formal
I’ve never found it easy to learn scientific formulae by
I’d love to study medicine there but it’s very hard to get a
For the first-year Shakespeare exam we had to read six set
I am so proud of you for managing to get full
Your work is not too bad but there is certainly still room for
Your little girl has shown herself to be a very quick
The test has been designed to enable pupils to demonstrate their
I hope to study there but I may not be able to meet the entry
heart.
place.
education.
ability.
requirements.
agility.
learner.
marks.
texts.
improvement.
Complete this teacher’s letter to the parents of a problem pupil.
Dear Mr and Mrs Greaves,
from school
We are very concerned about Peter’s behaviour. He has played (1)
three times this month and has been seen in town in school hours. When he does come to class, his
attention (2)
and he does not seem able to concentrate on his lessons. He does not
seem to understand the work and yet he never asks any questions or requests any help. The only time he
(3)
any initiative is in devising excuses for not having done his homework. Although
he has a (4)
talent for art, he is not even taking any interest in art lessons.
This is disappointing, as last year there was a (5)
improvement in Peter’s work
and we hoped he might (6)
a scholarship. However, unless he starts to
(7)
school regularly and to put more effort into his studies, he will certainly not
even meet the (8)
for the university course he has plans to (9)
on next year.
I would be grateful if you could come into school to discuss this situation further.
Yours sincerely,
Thomas Brooker
(Headteacher)
17.4
Answer these questions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
17.5
What are the core subjects for pupils at primary school in your country?
Have you ever signed up for a course that you didn’t complete?
If you could take a degree course now, what subject would you like to read?
Which university would you apply to?
When does the academic year begin and end in your country?
What do you need to do to secure a place at university in your country?
Use a dictionary to find different words to complete each collocation.
1 a thirst for
2 join a
3 his
4 proven
wavers
dictionary.cambridge.org
English Collocations in Use Advanced
39
18
A
Writing essays, assignments and reports
Preparing for a research assignment
Here is an extract from a study skills leaflet given to students at a university, containing advice on
how to tackle a research project. Note the collocations in bold.
•
•
•
•
•
•
All students are expected to submit a 5,000-word report, detailing their research
project and presenting their findings.
Select a research topic in discussion with your tutor. You will need to formulate a
working hypothesis1 when you begin your study. The purpose of your research is to
see if your data supports the hypothesis2.
If you are undertaking3 a study which involves informants or volunteers, read the
advice on research ethics4 in the department handbook.
A key section of your report will be a literature review. This is not simply a summary
of your background reading, but an in-depth critique5 of the most important books
and articles, where you can show your awareness of current research.
Make sure you provide6 a rationale for your study, and always back up your
conclusions with evidence; never exaggerate any claims you make.
Wherever appropriate, you should lay out your results in the form of tables, charts
and diagrams.
1
a theory which can be used provisionally but
may change
2
We usually do not say prove the hypothesis; prove is
too strong.
3
(formal) carrying out; (informal) doing
B
4
a system of standards which control how research
is done
5
examination and judgement of something, done
carefully and in great detail
6
(formal) give
Other collocations often used in essays, reports and assignments
The book offers a vigorous1 defence of free-market economics and makes the case for
privatisation of all state-owned industries. It confronts issues which are of current importance in
developing countries.
McGraw puts the case for single-sex primary education but he fails to tackle all of the issues that
opponents of this approach to early schooling have raised.
This essay cannot give an exhaustive2 account of climate change; it focuses only on the risk to sea
levels. Recent research indicates that sea levels are rising very rapidly.
Physicists have recently begun to formulate new theories about the nature of the universe. The big
question is how to test these theories.
Although Kristov’s book covers a lot of ground, it does not offer a full explanation of the events
leading to the civil war. Indeed, the thrust3 of Kristov’s argument is that such an account cannot be
written, since the people with first-hand4 knowledge of those events are no longer living.
This essay provides a critical analysis5 of international trade agreements.
1
4
2
5
very strong and forceful
extremely detailed
3
the main idea or opinion that is discussed
experienced directly
a detailed study or examination which
assesses quality
Common mistakes
We say do research, NOT make research. The internet is a good place to do research.
40
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
18.1
Complete each sentence using a verb from the box in the appropriate form.
cover indicate present provide put
review tackle test undertake
1 It is a huge task to
2 Fischler
3 Chapter 2
research is needed.
4 I have
5 The research
6 The next step was to
7 The essay
8 The book
9 The lecturer
18.2
a study involving hundreds of participants.
her findings at an international biochemistry conference last year.
the literature on urban regeneration and concludes that more
a rationale for the study in the introduction to this essay.
that owning a pet increases life expectancy by five years.
the theory by carrying out a set of experiments.
a lot of ground.
a number of issues which were previously ignored.
the case for a dramatic change in economic policy.
Rewrite each sentence using a form of the words in brackets.
1 The system of standards for conducting research are described in the university’s research
manual. (ethic)
2 You need to make an examination and judgement of the arguments which is very detailed. (depth,
critique)
3 You need to read books and articles which give you information about the subject. (background)
4 You do the analysis in order to find out whether the data indicate that your initial idea was correct.
(hypothesis)
5 All the interviewees were people who had knowledge of the situation from direct experience.
(first)
6 It is impossible to give a complete explanation of the decline of agriculture in the 1960s. (full)
18.3
Complete each sentence using a word from the box in the correct form. Then number the
events in the order in which they would occur in real life.
Write a
Form a
1
Make the
18.4
analysis of previous studies.
hypothesis.
out your results in tables and diagrams.
your report.
a topic.
for studying the topic in the introduction.
case
critical
lay
select
submit
work
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
The trust of Torsten’s argument is that public transport can never replace the private car.
Economists reformed a new theory of inflation in the late 1980s.
It is important that we should front the issue of climate change immediately.
In her essay, she put forward a vigorated defence of the European Union’s constitution.
I shall not attempt to give an exhausting account of population growth in this essay.
The article does not back down its conclusions with enough convincing evidence.
Over to you
Find an article on the internet relating to an academic subject that is important to you. Print it out
and highlight any useful collocations you notice in it.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
41
19
A
Social life
Organising your social life
Reply
Forward
Hi Nadia,
How was your weekend? My old school friend Emma came on a flying visit1, which was fun. We
had a girls’ night out on Saturday with a couple of other friends. We went out for a meal to a
local restaurant. So much for me sticking to my diet!
Emma was here for a surprise party for her parents on Sunday. She and her brother wanted to
spring a surprise on2 them for their 30th wedding anniversary – they thought 30 years together
definitely called for a celebration3 – so they decided to throw a party for them. The vicar who’d
married them even put in an appearance4! They asked me along too and it was lovely, a really
special occasion. I was just sorry I couldn’t spend much quality time5 with Emma, but it was
only a whirlwind visit6. What about you? Is life its usual busy social whirl7? Do you still go
clubbing every weekend?
Claire
1
a visit that doesn’t last long
to surprise
3
meant that a celebration was appropriate
4
came just for a short time
2
B
5
time where people can give their complete
attention to each other
6
brief and very busy visit
7
non-stop set of social events
Formal entertaining
PENNISTON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL
Dear Councillor Patel,
First let me thank the County Council for playing host to1 the welcome reception for our
international colleagues and for making us so welcome at County Hall last week. We were also
grateful that you were able to find time to pay us a visit at our weekly meeting, where we were
delighted to hear that you intend to join the festivities at the opening ceremony of the festival.
We would further like to invite you and your spouse to attend a formal function, to be held at the
Castle Hotel, Penniston, on 27 July, at 7.30 pm, to mark the closing of the festival.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Janowski (Committee Chair)
1
CASTLE HOTEL PENNISTON
Whether you are planning a formal party, a
family gathering2 or simply want to wine and
dine3 new business contacts in a convivial
atmosphere4, the 16th-century Castle Hotel
is the perfect venue5. Our 24 bedrooms,
restaurants and Function Room can be reserved
by calling us on 1327 5547655 or by booking
online at www.castlepenniston.com.
42
English Collocations in Use Advanced
providing the facilities for
social event where a family comes together, usually to
celebrate something
3
take out for dinner and drinks
4
(rather formal) a very friendly and
welcoming atmosphere
5
place where a public event or meeting happens
2
Common mistakes
We say organise a barbecue or have a
barbecue, NOT make a barbecue.
Exercises
19.1
Complete the conversation words from the opposite page.
Marta: How was Will’s (1)
retirement party?
Dave: Great. You should have seen his face; he really had no idea about it and he was so moved. It
was a really nice gesture for the company to (2)
a party for him like that. They
really wined and (3)
us. And even the MD put in an (4)
!
What happened to you? I was surprised not to see you there.
Marta: Oh, well I was planning to come, but then my friends (5)
a surprise on me
too that same night.
Dave: Was it a (6)
occasion?
Marta: Yes, it was my birthday and my friends had arranged a girls’ (7)
out and
invited lots of friends that I hadn’t seen for ages.
Dave: Sounds great. Happy birthday, by the way.
19.2
Choose the correct collocation.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
19.3
Rewrite each sentence using a collocation from the opposite page. Then say whether the
sentence you have written is more or less formal.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
19.4
My parents have always gave / made / had my friends feel very welcome.
My aunt came on a quality / whirling / flying visit last week.
It’s quite difficult to hold on / keep with / stick to a diet when you’re eating out with friends.
You’ve passed your exam! Well, that takes / gives / calls for a celebration!
We hope you will give / find / spend time to visit our exhibition of students’ artwork.
It’s important to try to spend plenty of welcome / convivial / quality time with your family.
My sister’s life is a constant special / active / social whirl.
I recommend you pay / spend / go a visit to the folk museum while you’re in Dekksu.
Athens threw / gave / played host to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
We could go to a nightclub later.
The restaurant has a really friendly atmosphere.
Rio de Janeiro held the Olympics in 2016.
She has a mad social life.
I have to go to a formal function on Thursday.
We invite you to join in the fun at the opening of the Arts Festival.
Grapsley Park is a great place for an outdoor concert.
Which do you prefer:
1 when you’re too tired to cook, ordering a
takeaway or eating out?
2 plain food or rich food?
3 having a family gathering or having a barbecue
with friends?
4 giving a dinner party or going out for a meal?
5 paying your friends a visit or playing host to
friends at your own home?
6 a whirlwind visit from a friend, or a relative
who stays for a week?
English Collocations in Use Advanced
43
20
A
Talking
Types of language and conversation
Some conversations are not serious. They consist of idle chatter, in which the speakers just
exchange pleasantries1 or share juicy2 gossip about their friends and colleagues, exchanging
news and spreading rumours. Rumours are always flying around in any society, of course. But
sometimes when you engage someone in conversation, it may become more serious. You may
open your heart to the person you are talking to, for example. You may even find yourself drawn
into an argument. Some people always want to win an argument; for others, losing the argument
is not important as they simply enjoy a good discussion. If you are in a very noisy place, it can
become impossible to carry on a conversation of any kind and it is also hard for parents to hold a
conversation when there are small children in the room.
1
B
(formal) make polite conversation
2
(informal) interesting because it is shocking or personal
Managing topics
Reply
Forward
Hi Sophia,
As you know, I wanted to talk to my parents yesterday about my plans for dropping out of
university but I didn’t have much luck. First of all, I found it very hard to broach the subject1.
As soon as I started explaining how badly I wanted to start earning, one of them would
change the subject. It was as if they were deliberately trying to avoid something they sensed
was going to be a problem. Eventually I managed to bring up the subject again and they
finally started to take me seriously. I tried not to overstate my case2 for leaving and just put
things as simply as I could. But then they started to bombard me with questions3. Why did
I really want to leave? What would I do? Did I realise that I would get a much better job with
a degree? Dad didn’t listen to my answers – he just started making broad generalisations
about the importance of education. He went on and on for about half an hour before telling me
to drop the subject and never refer to it again. So I’m not sure what to do next. Any advice?
Liam
1
2
C
44
3
begin a discussion of a difficult topic
give too much importance or seriousness to a point of view
ask me lots of questions
Adjective + noun phrases
collocation
example
meaning
bad/strong/foul
language
TV dramas today use much more bad/
strong/foul language than they did 40
years ago.
swear words, taboo language; foul suggests
much stronger disapproval than bad or strong
four-letter
words
Please try to express your feelings
without using four-letter words.
swear words, taboo words (many of which
have four letters in English)
opening gambit
‘You’re a teacher, aren’t you?’ was his
opening gambit.
a remark made in order to start a conversation
a rash promise
Don’t make any rash promises. Think
before you agree to anything.
promises made without thinking
an empty
promise
She’s full of empty promises. You
shouldn’t believe a word she says.
promises made which the speaker has no
intention of keeping
a tough
question
Do I regret anything? That’s a tough
question.
difficult question to answer
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
20.1
Look at A. Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20.2
It can be hard to carry out a serious conversation in a noisy room.
He finds it very difficult to open his head and talk about his feelings to anyone.
I don’t like discussing things with people who always want to gain every argument.
My mother always used to tell me not to spill unkind rumours.
I usually find it better not to get driven into an argument with Paul.
We had a very enjoyable time just sitting in the park enjoying some idling chatter.
I managed to resist all his attempts to engage me into conversation.
I’ve never talked to him much – we’ve done no more than change pleasantries.
Complete each sentence using a word from the box in the appropriate form.
bring broach drop hold lose strong take tough
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20.3
Match the two parts of these collocations.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20.4
the argument because I didn’t know enough about the subject.
I
I think it’s time we
the subject of our marriage with our parents.
No one will
your ideas seriously unless you present them more effectively.
My mother can’t get used to hearing well-dressed young people using
language in public places.
Whenever I try to
up the subject of moving to London, he leaves the room.
I’ve said I’m sorry – why can’t you just
the subject?
They’re sure to ask you some
questions at your interview but you can take
time to think before you answer.
I felt so ill last week that I could barely
a conversation.
juicy
broad
exchange
take
four-letter
tough
rash
opening
promise
generalisations
gambit
question
seriously
word
gossip
news
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1 Please stop talking about this subject immediately. (drop)
2 Sam has a habit of promising things that he has no intention of doing. (empty)
3 You must give due importance to the lab’s safety regulations. (seriously)
4 It’s better not to spend too long trying to make your point. (overstate)
5 Could we please start talking about something else? (subject)
6Did you hear the rumours that people were spreading about your boss last
year? (flying)
7 There are rather a lot of rude words in the play. (language)
8 Such general statements tend to be rather meaningless. (broad)
9 The way he began the conversation took me by surprise. (gambit)
10 The children asked me lots and lots of questions about my trip. (bombard)
English Collocations in Use Advanced
45
21
A
In the news
Political newspaper headlines
A
PM CALLS APRIL ELECTION1
B
MINISTER RESIGNS FROM OFFICE
C
PARTY SECURES SLIM MAJORITY2
D
ISLANDS DECLARE INDEPENDENCE
E
GOVERNMENT’S HUMILIATING DEFEAT
F
PARTY PRESENTS SHOW OF UNITY3
G
UNPOPULAR REGIME TOPPLED4
H
LEFT PROCLAIMS VICTORY5
I
ARMY SEIZES POWER
J
1
4
officially announces that an election will take place
wins a small majority
3
publicly appears to be united
(journalistic) made to fall (of regime or
government)
5
makes an official announcement of victory
6
(formal, journalistic) makes/gives a speech
2
B
PRESIDENT DELIVERS KEY SPEECH6
TV
The police have been carrying out a nationwide search
for 22-year-old Ryan Tait, who has not been seen since
trouble broke out on Saturday night at the hotel where
he was working. This evening they announced that they
had found some vital clues but there are currently no
plans to call off the search1.
Following the robbery of over
$10m from its main city branch,
the bank has offered a substantial
reward to anyone providing
information leading to the
recovery of the money.
Management and workers at the troubled Longside car factory have
finally agreed to enter into talks and hopes are growing that they may
soon reach agreement. The dispute arose some weeks ago when
management tried to introduce new working conditions. Workers
have held demonstrations in the city in support of Longside staff.
Management described the situation as a test of strength and union
attempts to negotiate a settlement2 have so far proved unsuccessful.
However, an independent arbitrator has acted as a go-between3 and has
succeeded in brokering4 an agreement to talk.
TV chiefs have bowed to5 public pressure and have entered into an agreement not to show
scenes of gun violence on prime-time6 television. They will hold a press conference later today
where they will explain their decision to impose this degree of censorship.
1
4
2
5
stop searching
have formal discussions in the hope of coming
to an agreement
3
delivered messages between people who were
reluctant or unable to speak to each other
46
English Collocations in Use Advanced
arranging
given in to
6
most popular time of day for watching TV
Exercises
21.1
The sentences below come from the stories beneath some of the headlines in A.
Which headline does each sentence go with? Two of the headlines are not used.
1 A military coup has taken place and the country’s popular monarch now faces exile.
2 In last night’s vote, the government’s new education bill was rejected.
3 Paul Cox, minister in charge of public finance, has decided that he wishes to spend more time with
his family.
4 Previous rifts between rival ministers would appear to have been healed.
5 The Conservatives have succeeded in gaining 200 of the 390 seats.
6 The country will now be going to the polls somewhat earlier than anticipated.
7 Widespread and well-orchestrated rebellions have achieved their aim of overthrowing the
country’s dictator.
8 The country has voted that it no longer wishes to be ruled by its 19th-century colonisers.
21.2
Complete this news item with collocations from the opposite page. The first letters are
given to help you.
Last night the Culture Minister (1) d
as
in which she promised to try to (2) b
an a
between the government and the film industry with regard to the decision to
(3) i
stricter c
on films. After the speech,
which was broadcast (4) on p
t
, the minister
(5) h
a press c
. She promised to appoint
an independent negotiator to (6) a
as a
(7) g
-b
in the hope that the government and the
film industry would soon (8) r
a
.
21.3
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
21.4
The President has finally agreed to the public’s demand to hold a referendum. (bowed)
Early this morning the Eco-democratic Party announced it had won the election. (victory)
The police detective discovered the clue which led to the stolen jewels being found. (recovery)
The police will not stop searching until the child has been found. (call)
We were on holiday when the recent political troubles started. (broke)
The police are searching the whole country for the missing boy. (carrying)
The two parties will try to come to an agreement today. (settlement)
Today thousands of students demonstrated against the increase in fees. (held)
Explain the difference between the sentences in each pair.
1 The rally is a test of the army’s strength.
The rally is a show of the army’s strength.
2 The police have found vital clues.
The police have found significant clues.
3 The woman has offered a small reward for the return of her cat.
The woman has offered a substantial reward for the return of her cat.
4 The politician delivered a passionate speech.
The politician made a passionate speech.
5 The countries involved in the dispute have agreed to enter into talks.
The countries involved in the dispute have entered into an agreement.
Over to you
Use a dictionary to find extra collocations for:
to hold a
to broker a
to
(an) agreement
a
majority
English Collocations in Use Advanced
47
22
A
Current affairs
Current affairs in the press
Golfer Rick Tate has issued an abject1
apology for his disorderly conduct at the
weekend. However, he refused point-blank2
to provide an explanation for his behaviour
and today further damaging disclosures3
about his private life have been published in
The Daily Planet.
The leader of the opposition has accused the
Prime Minister of misleading the electorate
in his public pronouncements on security. He
has demanded that the PM clarify his position
without delay. The PM’s office has declined to
comment.
The head of the National Union of Students
(NUS) has re-opened the debate on tuition
fees as evidence emerges of government
plans to raise them still further. The NUS is
committed to taking a firm stance4 against
tuition fees and has flatly rejected5 claims
that it may be about to change its position.
B
48
The President has issued a statement relating
to the health of her husband, who is critically
ill in a private hospital following a massive
heart attack. Regular updates on his condition
will be provided.
Migrant workers seeking permission6 to stay
in this country may have to submit a detailed
account of their work and personal lives to the
visa authorities before they are given leave7
to stay.
1
(formal) humble
completely refused
3
sensitive, private information which has
been revealed
4
(formal) position
5
(formal) completely denied
6
(formal) asking permission
7
(formal) permission
2
Feelings and reactions in connection with current affairs
verb + noun
example
meaning
take issue with
I take issue with some of the points made in the
speech.
(formal) disagree with
gauge reaction
The government leaked the story to the press in
order to gauge public reaction.
test the response
excite speculation
The incident has excited speculation that the
couple may be about to divorce.
(formal) caused rumours to
circulate
air a grievance
Workers have aired their grievances to reporters
about the new pay structure.
(formal) complained
adjective + noun
example
meaning
a dissenting voice
When it came to the vote, there was only one
dissenting voice.
(formal) person who disagreed
a vociferous
opponent
Our local MP is a vociferous opponent of having
a casino in our city.
someone who opposes something
loudly and publicly
passionate
entreaty
Plans to extend the airport went ahead, despite
passionate entreaties from local residents.
requests made because of strong
beliefs
a throwaway
comment
I don’t think the politician really meant to say she
was leaving the party – it was just a throwaway
comment.
an unintentional remark which
should not be taken seriously
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
22.1
Correct the two collocation errors in each sentence.
1 The committee, with one disagreeing voice, voted to take a firm post on the issue.
2 It was only a throwoff comment but it has thrilled a lot of speculation.
3 As new evidence submerges of government involvement in the scandal, people are beginning to
question the Prime Minister’s public pronunciations on the affair.
4 The prince refused blink-point to provide a detailing account of his actions that night.
5 The minister was accused of mislaying the electorate when he said that very few migrant workers
had been handed leave to stay in the country.
22.2
Look at A. Complete each sentence using the word in brackets in the appropriate form.
1 The film star’s son was arrested for
behaviour. (order)
2 The reporter asked the minister to
the government’s position on health service
reform. (clear)
3 The jury felt that the accused had been unable to provide a satisfactory
as to
why he had gone to the house. (explain)
4 The council will issue a
at the close of their meeting today. (state)
5 She
rejected the allegation that she had a financial motive. (flat)
6 Anyone seeking
for permanent residence here is subject to a set of standard
checks. (permit)
7 There have recently been a number of damaging
in the press about the
politician’s personal financial affairs. (disclose)
8 After years of silence on the issue in the press, teachers are now hopeful that the debate on school
discipline will be
. (open)
22.3
Complete each second sentence using a collocation from the opposite page. Both
sentences should have the same meaning.
1 The singer has strongly and publicly opposed the war.
of the war.
The singer has been a
2 We carried out market research to see whether the public would like our new car.
We carried out market research to
to our new car.
3 The rock star made an emotional request for the earthquake victims, which produced a huge
response.
The rock star’s
for help for the earthquake victims produced a
huge response.
4 The team will post accounts of their progress on their website every few days.
The team will post
on their progress on their website.
5 The newsletter allows staff to complain openly about conditions.
The newsletter gives staff the chance to
publicly.
6 I opposed the committee’s stance on this matter.
I
with the committee’s stance on this matter.
7 The actor would not say anything about the accusations that had been made.
The actor
on the accusations that had been made.
8 The doctors announced that the film star was very ill indeed.
The doctors announced that the film star was
.
9 The politician made a public statement humbly regretting his derogatory comments about
the town.
for his derogatory comments about
The politician issued an
the town.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
49
23
A
Festivals and celebrations
Talking about festivals
GOLDEN APPLE WEEK
(3–9 SEPT)
Every year, the villagers of Hartsby
hold an unusual festival – the Week
of the Golden Apple. Hartsby, at the
centre of the apple-growing region,
celebrates this tradition, which dates back to the
Middle Ages, at the beginning of every September. The
festival is held to celebrate the apple harvest. Come
and join in the festivities and eat as many apples as
you want! Tickets £5 (children £2).
Ballynoe Fiddle Festival
(18 JULY)
This fun festival falls on the third Saturday
of July, and the village becomes the
centre of wild music for the whole day.
The festival celebrates the birthday of
Pat Davey, a famous local musician. This
year’s special guests include Anne O’Keeffe
(fiddle) and Ger Downes (guitar), who will
uphold1 the annual tradition of playing
at the house where Darvey was born.
1
also keep up
(journalistic/literary) very old
3
also festival marks
4
usually refers to the time around
Christmas and New Year
2
B
Traditional festivities
(18 DEC)
It may be winter, dark and cold, but the village of Taft will be in
festive mood on December 18th. Wearing traditional dress,
the women of the village perform dances around a huge fire in
the main square, while the men keep up the age-old2 tradition
of wearing large, brightly coloured hats and carrying lanterns. The
event marks3 the beginning of the festive season4.
Different religions often have movable feasts1 which depend on the phases of the moon.
There is a rich tradition of music and dance in central Sweden.
Jazz and blues are part of the cultural heritage of the southern United States.
Every year the town puts on a firework display as part of the festival.
We have a proud tradition of raising funds for charity through our annual town festival.
This month some of our students are observing the festival of Ramadan.
In a break with tradition this year’s festival will feature modern dances alongside traditional ones.
1
C
FIRE AND LIGHT FESTIVAL
can refer to any arrangement, plan or appointment where the date is flexible
A wedding celebration
Look at this speech by the best man (usually the bridegroom’s best or oldest male friend) at a
wedding. He mixes informal and formal collocations, which can have a humorous effect.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, according to long-standing1 tradition, I now
have to make a speech, but it’ll be very short, so here goes. I never
thought Theo would ever get hitched2, but he’s finally decided to
tie the knot3. Yesterday he was suffering from pre-wedding nerves,
but today he looked calm and happy as he and Jade were joined in
matrimony4. So now, I’d like to propose a toast5 to the bride and
groom. Please raise your glasses. To Jade and Theo! May they have
many years of wedded bliss6!’
1
5
2/3
6
which has existed for a long time
(informal) get married
4
(formal: used as part of the marriage ceremony) married
also make a toast
(usually used slightly humorously) happiness
through being married
Common mistakes
Dress is an uncountable noun when it refers to a style of clothing (e.g. traditional dress, formal
dress). Don’t say traditional dresses; this would mean dresses for women only.
50
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
23.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
23.2
This year’s National Day festival
In this region we have a rich
A group of children performed
This year’s festival represents a break
The tradition of carol singing dates
The people are determined to uphold
The town holds its annual
Our village has a proud tradition
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
23.3
All the men wore traditional dresses consisting of green jackets and white trousers.
The festival makes the beginning of the Celtic summer.
The festival is part of the region’s cultural inherit.
Hundreds of people, locals and tourists, join on the festivities.
The annual ‘Day of the Horse’ drops on 30 March this year.
Everyone in the village was in feast mood as the annual celebrations began.
The average age at which couples tie the strings is rising.
This region has a ripe tradition of folk singing and dancing.
Getting joined to matrimony is a significant reason for celebration.
The area is famous for observing a number of age-standing traditions.
Read these remarks by different people. Then answer the questions.
Alicia:
Brona:
Monica:
Erik:
Evan:
1
2
3
4
5
23.4
a traditional dance from the region.
the tradition, despite opposition.
festival in spring.
celebrates 50 years of independence.
of giving food to older villagers every New Year.
with tradition, as it will be held in May.
tradition of poetry, music and dance.
back hundreds of years.
Grandparents’ Day is a movable feast, depending on when Easter falls.
Every year we put on a display of traditional arts and crafts.
Nowadays, only older people observe the Festival of the Dead.
The festive season usually gets underway towards the middle of December.
The harp is part of the cultural heritage of Wales.
Who is talking about the beginning of a period of celebration?
Who is talking about something that represents the identity of a group of people?
Who is talking about something that happens on a different day each year?
Who is talking about something that not everyone celebrates?
Who is talking about people organising an exhibition of some sort?
Answer these questions about weddings.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Does get hitched mean get (a) engaged (b) married (c) divorced?
What kind of happiness do married couples hope for?
What do the bride and bridegroom ‘tie’ when they get married?
What is the difference between making toast and making a toast?
What phrase means the nervousness people feel before they get married?
What formal expression meaning to marry is used in the marriage ceremony?
Why do people raise their glasses?
Are the two expressions referred to in questions 1 and 3 formal or informal?
Over to you
Look up a festival that is special in your country on the Internet. What information in English can
you find about it? Make a note of any interesting collocations in the text. A good starting-point for
your search might be: www.festivals.com.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
51
24
A
Cosmetics and fashion
Advertisements for beauty products
Tressy Products
EcoCream has anti-aging
properties. It has been
clinically proven to
banish wrinkles.1 Daily
application of this luxury
cream will make fine
lines and other signs of
aging disappear, leaving
you with a flawless
complexion.
For long-lasting
colour and to treat
sun-damaged hair
use Tressy Products.
You’ll feel good and
you’ll look good if
you eat one of our
tasty snacks whenever
you’re feeling
peckish.2 Each
one is only 60
Enjoy the unrivalled service
at our exclusive beauty
salon in London’s West End.
Daisy shampoo will bring
out the natural highlights
in your hair.
calories and is
1
rich in vitamin D.
B
get rid of lines
(informal) feeling hungry
Interview with a fashion model
Reporter: Would you say that fashion has always been important
to you?
Lily: Well, ever since I was a child, I’ve loved reading glossy
magazines1, looking at the photos and finding out
what’s in fashion.
Reporter: And as you grew up, did you buy designer label clothes?
Lily: Oh, no! I couldn’t afford them, and I was actually quite
happy with high-street fashion2. But I loved looking
at fashion shows on TV, especially when Paris or Milan
designers launched their new collections.
Reporter: And now you are the one showing us the new season’s
look3 and setting the trend4!
Lily: That’s right. I still can’t quite believe it.
Reporter: So what should we be wearing this year?
Lily: Well, there is a stunning range of new leisurewear about
to hit the high street5. It’s based on the new adventureinfluenced trend we saw coming out of Paris and I think
it’s going to be a hugely popular look. And it’s going to be comfortable to wear too.
Reporter: That’s good. So, have you ever let yourself become a fashion victim6?
Lily: Well, I must admit I’ve worn some excruciatingly uncomfortable shoes in the past, so
I’m happy to report that flat shoes are definitely back in fashion!
1
magazines printed on high-quality paper
with lots of photos and adverts
2
clothes bought in ordinary shops rather than
from special fashion designers
3
the new fashion style
52
2
English Collocations in Use Advanced
4
starting the fashion
become available in chainstores
6
a person who always wears fashionable
clothes even if they make them look
ridiculous or don’t suit them
5
Exercises
24.1
Look at A. Add a word to each sentence to make the language typical of advertisements.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
24.2
These vitamins have been proven to protect the body from winter viruses.
Our snacks cost only 99p.
We manage a number of spas in Paris and New York.
Our new shampoo will subtly bring out the highlights in your hair.
Our lipsticks come in a range of colours.
We guarantee you will be impressed by the service provided by all our hotels.
Our new concealer will make the lines around your eyes disappear.
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
24.3
I don’t believe those ads that claim their creams have anti-aging
While working in France, Amy launched her new summer
Why not have a bowl of soup or a banana if you’re feeling a bit
We guarantee that you will see instant results with our luxury hand
You should use this shampoo to revive your sun-damaged
Sometimes I wish it were really possible to banish
This five-star hotel offers its guests unrivalled
The designer’s new range of beautiful shoes has just hit the
At the airport she bought herself a couple of glossy
This part of town is famous for its classy hotels and exclusive
peckish.
hair.
wrinkles.
magazines.
high street.
cream.
salons.
properties.
collection.
service.
Complete this article from a fashion magazine using collocations from B. The first letters
are given to help you.
A
stunning (1) r
of new summer clothes is about to (2) h
a high street near
you. Vibrant colours are (3) b
in fashion, and there were also many more practical designs
in the collections (4) l
last week at the Paris fashion show than we have seen for some time.
The Paris designs instantly (5) s
the trends which have quickly been taken up and adapted for
the mass market. Such adaptations for the (6) h
street fashion stores may not carry designer
(7) l
but they allow us all to wear the new (8) s
look. We are confident that
this will be a hugely (9) p
look as it is designed with comfort as well as elegance in mind. So
there’s no need to be a fashion (10) v
this summer!
24.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Find three collocations for each word. One is in this unit. Use a dictionary such as the
Cambridge Online Dictionary to find two more.
1
2
3
luxury
excruciatingly
flawless
4
unrivalled
5
6
launch
exclusive
English Collocations in Use Advanced
53
25
A
Commuting
The daily commute
Greg:
I live in a small town in the US. Outside the big cities there are very few local transport
links, so I have to drive to work. It’s a busy commuter route so I end up getting stuck
in traffic¹ most days. Luckily, there’s also a toll road2 I can take for part of the trip. It’s
expensive but isn’t as crowded – even in rush hour.
Paola:
I travel about an hour each way on a crowded commuter train and it’s often difficult to
get a seat. My season ticket3 is very expensive because I always have to travel at peak
time4. Sometimes, when there are engineering works5 or cancellations, we have to take a
replacement bus service which is even slower!
Lars:
I live in Denmark and lots of people commute by bike here. We have a good cycle
network and most roads have separate cycle lanes which are very safe. I enjoy cycling
and it’s often quicker, especially when there’s traffic gridlock6 on the main roads into
Copenhagen.
Akiko:
I live in a commuter town outside Tokyo and there’s a very good bus and rail network
here. The trouble is, it’s really busy – overcrowded trains are normal. There’s even a
special person employed by the underground to push people onto the trains!
1
be slowed down by heavy traffic
a road you have to pay to use
3
a ticket which is valid for a certain period of
time (often a month or a year)
2
B
4
t he time when most people want to go somewhere, often
leading to higher prices (opp. off-peak)
5
repair or maintenance work
6
when roads are so blocked with traffic that nothing is moving
Problems and solutions
The minister for transport is being interviewed about current
transport problems and future policies.
Interviewer:So, Minister, we’ve been hearing a lot on the
news recently about all the problems faced by
commuters: packed trains1, fare rises, train
strikes. What is the government planning to do?
Minister:Well, this government’s policy has always been to
invest in infrastructure and to provide more local
transport services for the hard-working commuters of this country.
Interviewer:But for commuters facing a ten percent hike2 in fares for services which are constantly
running late or not at all, that policy doesn’t seem to be working.
Minister:
Train operators are re-investing the majority of their profits in new trains and better
services and the government is supporting that. In addition, we are trying to ease
traffic congestion3 in big cities by restricting private car use and encouraging carsharing programmes and park-and-ride schemes4. The congestion charge5 in
London has helped to reduce traffic and improve air quality and our road-building
programmes have aimed to alleviate bottlenecks6 in key areas.
Interviewer:I’m glad you mentioned traffic. Commuters who drive also seem to be facing increasing
difficulties, such as road closures and detours which in turn cause lengthy tailbacks7
and bring traffic to a standstill8. It’s not surprising more people are choosing to work
from home more regularly!
1
5
2
6
trains which are very crowded
expecting a quick increase 3 reduce traffic jams
4
schemes where people can park their cars out of
town and take a bus into a town/city centre
54
English Collocations in Use Advanced
charge for vehicles which enter a specific zone within a city
a
reduce places where too many cars try to get through at the
same time
7
long queues of traffic 8 stop (traffic) completely
Exercises
25.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1 Jaime uses the AP-7 toll
2 The cost of a season
3 Transrail apologised to passengers after a
series of peak4 We are calling on the city council to build more cycle
5 The government has announced four new projects to
improve rail
6 The new road taxes will fund improvements
to commuter
25.2
a ) time delays on morning services.
b) trains in the downtown area.
c) lanes and provide bike racks in
the centre.
d) road when he drives into Valencia
every day.
e ) ticket has increased by ten
percent – more than inflation!
f ) networks around our major cities.
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1 The construction work in the city centre has caused traffic to a standstill and cars have been
queuing on the ring road for several kilometres.
2 The town now has three park-and-drive schemes which will help keep cars out of the centre.
3 Environmental campaigners are arguing that widening the motorway will do nothing to allow
bottlenecks but will only increase the volume of traffic.
4 Rail passengers at all the main stations were protesting today at train rises of more than 2.3%.
5 The new government has promised to invest to infrastructure projects to improve road and rail
links around the country.
6 The Nato summit will mean road closings around the area for security reasons.
25.3
Complete the word puzzle.
Across
1 If the train isn’t running, there’s usually a
bus service, but it can be slow.
3 There are usually
works on that line at
weekends, so trains are delayed.
5 I’m sick of travelling on
trains. The rail
company really must do something about
the overcrowding.
6 The accident caused a
of 10 km
around the city yesterday as cars were
stopped on the motorway.
7 The drive to work for many people was
longer than usual this morning, as there
were roadworks on a key
route into
Liverpool city centre.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Down
2 City councillors have proposed introducing a
charge to reduce traffic and pollution.
4 There was complete traffic
this morning when a lorry overturned and blocked the main junction.
25.4
Rewrite each sentence using a collocation from the opposite page based on the word in
brackets.
1 I hate travelling during the time when everyone else is travelling as it’s always so crowded. (rush)
2 Since the high-speed train link to the capital arrived in 2015, this has become a popular place
where people live while travelling to another place for work. (town)
3 Commuters are furious as they are going to have a big rise in fares for the second time this year. (hike)
4 It is hoped that the new tunnel will reduce traffic jams by taking cars out of the centre.
(congestion)
5 Services on West Express Trains are delayed this morning due to high winds and flooding. (running)
English Collocations in Use Advanced
55
26
A
Travel and adventure
An exciting trip
CURRENT ARTICLES
ARCHIVE
ABOUT
PHOTOS
CONTACT
I’d always had a thirst for adventure and often get itchy feet so I
could hardly contain my excitement when I set off for South America
for a year. It was a very arduous1 journey. I should have broken the
journey2 somewhere but I did it all in one go. Next time, I’ll have a
stopover3 in São Paolo, have a bit of a rest and do the sights there
before travelling on.
After two fantastic weeks in the Amazon I got a flight on a low-cost
airline to Rio de Janeiro. I then tried to get a flight to Peru but they
were all full, so they put me on standby4. Luckily I got a seat.
In Peru I went trekking in the Andes. The guide took us off the
beaten track and I felt like an intrepid5 explorer from another
century in some unexplored wilderness. There was a real sense of
adventure. One day we actually got hopelessly lost. We were afraid
they’d have to send out a search party to look for us. But then we
met some locals who helped us get back on to our path.
1
4
2
5
difficult, tiring, needing a lot of effort
stopped for a short time
3
have a brief (usually) overnight stay in a place when
on a long journey to somewhere else, usually by air
B
made me wait to see if a seat became available
brave, with no fear of dangerous situations
Articles about travel adventures
North Pole Expedition
Some longed-for sunny spells have boosted the
spirits1 of three British women hoping to set
a polar trekking record. The women have faced
severe weather conditions since setting off to
walk to the North Pole 18 days ago. However,
the team’s base camp manager said she had
spoken to them yesterday by satellite phone and
they had been relieved to report the weather
was sunny and their spirits were high2.
1
made feel more cheerful
2
London to Tangier by train
Whilst this journey may not compare in
terms of sheer epic grandeur to some of the
great American train journeys, it does have
a special charm all of its own. It may not
be cheap but if you keep your eyes peeled,
you can find some surprisingly good deals.
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to3 a
sleeping compartment, you can always just
curl up in your seat for the night. Let the
rhythmic motion and the dull rumbles of the
train lull you to sleep. The first leg of the
journey gives you very little indication of
what lies ahead …
they were in a positive mood
3
you can’t afford
Tip
Look at www.nationalgeographic.com or an adventure travel company such as
www.keadventure.com.
56
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
26.1
Complete these descriptions of TV documentaries using a word from the box.
arduous
1
2
3
26.2
beaten
intrepid
sense
sights
John Howes presents essential holiday tips
for those heading off the
track, while Anneke Zousa does the
of New York in record
time.
In this fascinating film, Grieshaus gives us
a picture of the largely
wilderness of the Kara Kum Desert.
4
5
Like a(n)
explorer of
the 19th century, James Westly travelled
with only two companions.
trekking
unexplored
In 1957, Anna Trensholm went
through the mountains
of north-eastern Turkey and filmed every
step of her way. This unique footage reveals
the harshness of her
journey.
This film conveys a genuine
of adventure, as we
travel with its makers through the dense
jungles of Guyana.
Choose the correct collocations.
CURRENT ARTICLES
ARCHIVE
ABOUT
PHOTOS
CONTACT
I have always had itchy (1) hands / feet / fingers and last summer I had the amazing opportunity to
travel to the – for me at least – (2) unexplored / unplanned / unprepared territory of the Gobi Desert.
My budget wouldn’t (3) spread / stretch / afford to travelling on a normal flight but I couldn’t find a
(4) low-cost / low-key / low-cut airline to fly me there. In the end, I got a (5) stand-up / stand-off /
standby ticket and it was not too expensive. Once there, I joined a group and we made a journey
on horseback into the desert. You wouldn’t believe the sheer (6) very / mere / epic grandeur of the
region. If you keep your eyes (7) peeled / scaled / washed you can see all sorts of amazing plants
and creatures. We were lucky with the weather. We were told that the previous group had had to
(8) meet / face / address severe weather (9) circumstances / coincidences / conditions. Our main
problem was that one day we got (10) hopelessly / fearlessly / carelessly lost and they had to send
out a search (11) group / party / set to find us. We felt so stupid. Anyway, the Gobi Desert may not
be everyone’s choice of holiday destination but I can assure you that it (12) does / gets / has a
very special charm of its own.
26.3
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
26.4
At the beginning the journey was straightforward. (leg)
I couldn’t afford to travel first class. (stretch)
After we arrived at our base camp we felt more cheerful. (boosted)
There will be periods of sunshine in most areas today. (spells)
We broke our journey to Australia in Singapore. (stopover)
Jack has always longed to have adventures. (thirst)
Grandmother is very cheerful today. (spirits)
The movement of the ship helped me to fall asleep. (lulled)
Use a dictionary or the Cambridge Online Dictionary to find two more collocations for these words.
1 arduous
dictionary.cambridge.org
2 wilderness
3 uncharted
English Collocations in Use Advanced
57
27
A
Sport
Sports training
Read this blog entry by a professional swimmer trying out a new training camp.
CURRENT ARTICLES
ARCHIVE
ABOUT
PHOTOS
CONTACT
It’s week two of our training programme here in the New Zealand
training camp. We’ve had the chance to do1 several extreme
sports like white-water rafting and rock climbing. I’ve also acquired
quite a taste for2 snowboarding. I didn’t like it much at first – I
found it really hard to keep my balance. But my instructor said she
was sure I’d get the hang of it3 in a couple of hours, so I decided
to take up the challenge and, sure enough, I mastered it. I thought
I was pretty fit4 but I’m really having to push myself to the limits5
to be able to cope. I’m so shattered at night that it only takes me
about two seconds to fall into a deep sleep. Anyway, despite the
tiredness, I’m having a whale of a time6. Anybody would jump at
the chance7 to try out some of these sports, I’m sure. Must go to
bed now to summon up the energy for tomorrow. Let’s hope all
this will help me keep in shape8 for the next swimming tournament!
1
5
2
6
NOT make
begun to enjoy
3
(informal) become able to do something
4
(informal) fairly fit
B
make a considerable effort
(informal) having a fantastic time
7
(informal) really like to do something
8
stay in good physical condition
Sports news
In the cricket match between
Australia and South Africa the score
currently stands at 65 for 3 wickets.
We’ll bring you the latest scores on
the hour, every hour.
The mood amongst the crowd reached
fever pitch1 at yesterday’s match
between India and Pakistan. In the last
few minutes of the game Khan played
brilliantly and secured a convincing
victory for Pakistan.
The teams took the field2 to the applause of 40,000
spectators. Despite putting up a determined
performance, the England team seemed unable to
break through the formidable Italian defence. After
some impressive tackles, Italy was awarded a penalty
just before half time. The penalty was missed, much
to the delight of ...
1
2
became very excited/agitated
went on the pitch
3
4
Yesterday’s match was full of excitement
with three players being given yellow
cards and some controversial free
kicks. The game was lost when the
Blues scored an own goal3 in the last
two minutes. The crowd went wild4.
scored a goal in error against their own team
became crazy with excitement (can also be used for
other emotions, such as rage)
Tip
Listen to commentaries in English relating to a sport that interests you and find a website
dedicated to that sport. Note down any collocations about the sport that you notice being
frequently used. You may find this website useful: www.bbc.com/sport.
58
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
27.1
Look at A. Choose the correct collocation.
1 I’m finding it hard to summon up / acquire / reach the energy to do anything much in the evenings
these days.
2 Have you ever tried any formidable / fever / extreme sports?
3 I didn’t realise how difficult the marathon would be when I originally took / had / got up
the challenge.
4 I don’t think I could ever acquire / educate / achieve a taste for bungee jumping.
5 I’d rise / jump / take at the chance of a trip to Venice if I were offered one!
6 It won’t take you long to get the balance / taste / hang of cross-country skiing as you’re such
an experienced downhill skier.
27.2
Complete each sentence using a word from the page opposite.
1 Don’t
yourself to the limits now. Conserve some strength for later on.
2 I’m having a
of a time learning how to surf, though I find it almost impossible
to
my balance.
3 I’ve just heard the
scores. Italy’s winning and excitement’s reaching fever
.
4 The score in the rugby match currently
at 27 to 5 and France looks set to
win a convincing
.
5 You must try harder to keep in
over the winter. You could walk to work instead
of going by bus, for example.
6 John Shane was given a yellow
for performing an illegal tackle on an opponent.
7 The captain took the free
and it reached Jobbs, who instantly scored.
8 Fortunately for Wales, Scotland
every penalty that they were
during the match.
9 When the headteacher offered a prize to the pupils who built the best raft over the holidays,
children from every class decided to take up the
.
27.3
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
27.4
I’d love to meet Usain Bolt, wouldn’t you? (jump)
The spectators stood and clapped as the teams went on to the pitch. (took)
You should only attempt this climb if you have a reasonable level of fitness. (pretty)
The crowd was extremely excited at the end of the match. (wild)
We very much enjoyed our time in Australia. (whale)
I decided to be brave and start my own business. (challenge)
The little boy soon learnt how to ride his bike without stabilisers. (hang)
The team captain felt dreadful when he kicked the ball into his team’s goal. (own)
Complete each sentence using the word in brackets in the appropriate form.
football scores sent through to my mobile. (late)
I get the
The home team won a
victory. (convince)
Our team put up an excellent
. (perform)
It took some time before our team succeeded in breaking through the Reds’
and scoring our first goal. (defend)
5 After being
a penalty, the player scored the winning goal. (award)
1
2
3
4
English Collocations in Use Advanced
59
28
A
Plans and decisions
Decisions and solutions
Hans Brokaw, head of a company that manufactures garden furniture, is announcing to his senior staff
plans he is making for the business to be exclusively online.
As you know, for some time now we’ve been toying1 with the idea of transferring all our
business to online-only sales as a long-term solution to the problem of finding good retail
outlets. You’ll remember that at the last team meeting Rob unveiled2 a plan to move
the business to the web in three phases over nine months. And Philippa did a great job
drumming up support3 for the move among the sales and marketing people. Since then,
as you also know, we’ve had a slight change of plan, and, acting on a suggestion4 from
the logistics team, we’ve now decided that the move should happen over 12 months.
In order to implement5 such a plan, we need to draw up a schedule and stick to6 that
schedule.
HANS BROKAW
So I’d like to make a tentative suggestion7. Before we launch the scheme, I think we
should invite the web designers to come here and take us through the process from their
side. That will give us the opportunity to exercise greater control over things. I don’t think
we should just leave everything to their discretion8. I’m just aware of how important it’s
going to be to cover every eventuality9 before we commit 100% to going online.
We propose to end our relationship with the garden centres where we currently sell. We’ve
reached this decision after careful consideration. We do believe that realistically it’s
the only option open to us. The deciding factor was losing our biggest customer – the
Greenway garden centre chain. After that, we really had no choice.
1
6
2
7
considering, but not in a focused way
showed / made known for the first time
3
increasing support for something
4
doing something as a result of a suggestion
5
put into operation
B
keep to
a suggestion that you are not sure will be accepted
8
leave everything to their judgement
9
consider all possible situations and difficulties
Making plans
Note the collocations in this speech at the start of an annual youth summit.
Good morning, friends, and welcome to our summit, the first of what we plan to
be an annual event! I have been waiting for this day with eager anticipation1
for a long time. We came up with the idea five years ago and preparations
have been underway2 ever since. There was a certain amount of necessary
groundwork3 to do, of course, before our sponsors were able to reach the
decision to support us. But then we were able to turn our attention to how best
to put our ideas into practice.
1
C
f eeling of great excitement about something that
is going to happen
2
3
happening
work done in preparation
Rejecting plans
Someone may declare outright opposition or outright hostility to a plan. [say they are completely
opposed/hostile] A plan can be rejected out of hand. [totally rejected] Those who do not like a plan or
piece of work may offer constructive criticism. [criticism which is useful and intended to help or improve]
Common mistakes
Note that we come to or arrive at a conclusion, NOT make a conclusion.
60
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
28.1
Match the two parts of these collocations.
1
2
3
4
5
6
28.2
unveil
stick to
make
leave it
drum up
cover
Complete each conversation to make B agree with what A says.
1 A:
B:
2 A:
B:
3 A:
B:
4 A:
B:
5 A:
B:
6 A:
B:
28.3
every eventuality
a lot of support
something a reality
a schedule
a plan
to someone’s discretion
I think we should do what Ruby is proposing.
Yes, I think we should definitely act
her suggestion.
We need to make a timetable for what needs to be done.
Yes, we need to draw
a schedule.
We need a lot of discussion before we can put the scheme into operation.
Yes, we need a couple of meetings before we can implement the
We need to be able to have more influence over what’s happening.
I agree. We must
greater control over things.
It’s not an answer to the problem that will solve it permanently.
I agree. It’s not a
solution.
We don’t really have that choice.
I agree. That
is not open to us.
.
Complete each sentence using a word from the box.
change consideration factor groundwork launch outright suggestion
1
2
3
4
5
6
28.4
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
28.5
, we decided not to sell the business.
After careful
We’ll do the necessary
and then
the scheme in May.
I was very shocked to encounter such
hostility to my plan.
Money is always the deciding
in business decisions.
It was only a tentative
, not a final decision.
There’s been a slight
of plan, I’m afraid.
Final preparations for the music festival are now undergone.
I was very upset when they rejected my suggestions out of foot.
The company came on with the idea of encouraging customers to recycle packaging.
I don’t think you will find it easy to get your ideas into practice.
He declared his offright opposition to the plan.
Constructed criticism is always welcome, but negative criticism is not.
Complete the word puzzle.
Across
.
3 It’s difficult to put the idea into
5 He leaves me to
the plans for our holidays.
6 We should
on this suggestion at once.
Down
1 The kids are full of
anticipation.
2 We need to
a decision today.
3 There’s been a change of
.
4 I
with a few ideas, but rejected them.
1
3
2
4
5
English Collocations in Use Advanced
6
61
29
Film and book reviews
Note the collocations in these reviews of the same film from different publications.
Quality newspaper
LARISSA
Larissa is an excellent film. It tells the story of what happens when a young woman decides to try to find
out what really happened to her grandmother, who disappeared in Russia in the 1930s under mysterious
circumstances. As the suspense builds up, Larissa sets off an amazing chain of events. It’s an incredibly
gripping film and its direction shows startling originality.
Movie review app
It was certainly a bold experiment1 to cast Jenni Adams as a woman twice her age, but
Jenni is a very accomplished actor and a consummate professional2, and she carried it off
brilliantly. And the rest of the star-studded cast gave a dazzling display of their talents too.
The film, which documents an extraordinary series of events, was spectacularly successful
in the US – The New York Times gave it glowing reviews3, and not without good reason.
1
a brave and risky thing to do
2
(formal) complete professional
3
very positive reviews
Popular (tabloid) newspaper
Whoever decided to cast Jenni Adams
in the role of the disappearing grandma
in Larissa must have been out of their
mind. An unmitigated disaster4, strongly
influenced5 by the very worst kind of
Hollywood sentimentality. The only
4
5
total disaster
or heavily influenced, but NOT highly influenced
Entertainment magazine
Larissa
STARRING
Jenni Adams
DIRECTED BY
Joel Hanson
8
good thing was the theme music. The
cinema next door was showing Screech
of the Vampire – now that I would highly
recommend6 … if you can bear the
suspense7!
6
thoroughly recommend is also possible
7
can stand the excitement
I usually think highly of Joel Hanson’s films but this one, based on a
novel by Slevan Gorsky, is a dismal failure. In spite of the all-star cast,
the film just didn’t hold my attention the way the book did. I was a
college student when I read it, but it made a lasting impression8 on me.
It fired my imagination more than any other book has ever done, and
awakened my interest in Russia in the 1930s so much that my poor
old bookshelves are groaning with books on Russian history! The film,
however, simply failed to create9 the atmosphere of Leningrad in the
1930s which the book achieved so successfully.
we can also say an indelible impression, meaning a permanent one
9
also evoke the atmosphere
Common mistakes
Someone can have a considerable reputation or a well-deserved reputation, but NOT a
high reputation.
62
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
29.1
Complete the review using words from the opposite page. The first letter is given to help you.
1,000 NIGHTS
NOW PLAYING
The recently released film 1,000 Nights does not have a (1) s
cast but it will not fail to make a (2) l
impression with its
startling (3) o
and its dazzling (4) d
of new talent. Jon Hayden is cast in the (5) r
of Tim
Alexon, a man of principles trying to make his way in the world of big business.
It is Hayden’s first appearance on the big screen, but he shows himself as an
exceptionally (6) a
actor playing the little man caught
up in an intriguing and at times terrifying (7) s
of events.
The use of unknown actors was a bold (8) e
but it
turned out to be (9) s
successful. 1,000 Nights will
(10) f
the imagination of even the most cynical of viewers.
29.2
Cross out the option which cannot be used in each sentence.
1
2
3
4
Alla Repina has a high / considerable / well-deserved reputation as a character actor.
The all-star / star-studded / starring cast is set to make the film a box-office success.
My cousin highly / spectacularly / thoroughly recommended the play.
The plot is based on an extraordinary series / burst / chain of events that happened in New York in
the early 1800s.
5 The stage sets were obviously strongly / highly / heavily influenced by the work of the surrealist
artist Salvador Dalí.
6 The film made a(n) consummate / lasting / indelible impression on me.
7 The author evoked / created / wrote a magical atmosphere.
29.3
Complete each sentence using a word from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
29.4
.
.
Name the following:
1
2
3
4
29.5
I admire that producer because he is such a consummate
.
We all began to feel increasingly nervous as the suspense built
All that writer’s books have received glowing
.
The central character’s actions set off an amazing chain of
.
To my mind the play is an unmitigated
.
Making a film lasting six hours was quite a bold
.
I’m afraid the novel didn’t really succeed in holding my
.
I couldn’t watch the film at the most exciting point – I just couldn’t bear the
an actor whose work you admire
a film director whom you think highly of
a film that has recently been spectacularly successful
a book that has awakened your interest in a different place or period of history
Two of the collocations on the opposite page are strongly negative ways of saying that
something did not succeed. Which are they?
Over to you
Go to www.imdb.com (The Internet Movie Database) and read some of the items and reviews there.
Make a note of any useful collocations not in this unit.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
63
30
A
Regulations and authority
Health and safety regulations
Dear colleague,
As you are probably aware, the government has recently passed new laws relating to
health and safety in the workplace. These new regulations have been introduced1 to
standardise procedure in workplaces across the country and ensure that employers
adhere to standards.
The enclosed guide details the steps you need to take in order to comply with these new
laws. All employers have an obligation to carry out a risk assessment2. Failure to do so
will leave us in breach of the law3. The purpose of the risk assessment is to minimise
danger to employees and also to make it easier for employers to satisfy the requirements
of the regulations.
All department heads have an obligation to read the information in the guide carefully.
Please do so, and if you have any further questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Health and Safety Officer
1
also brought in
2
an exercise to identify and assess risks
3
(formal) breaking the law
Common mistakes
We say: We could not arrive at an agreement or We could not reach an agreement, NOT
We could not get to or We could not find an agreement.
B
Planning permission
If you wish to build, say, an extension to your house, it is absolutely essential1 to seek permission2
to do so. If your plan is approved, then you will be granted permission3 to build. But it is becoming
more difficult to obtain permission4 as the government has introduced new legislation which has
tightened controls5. It can take quite some time after putting in an application for permission to
be given. This is because the planning officers have to ensure that your plans do not infringe the
regulations6 relating to building in your area.
Be wary of treating the planning officers as faceless bureaucrats7; they are in a position of
considerable authority, though some of them are more vigorous about exercising authority8 than
others. Some will be prepared to cut through the red tape9 for you, whereas others might seem to
be doing all they can to block your plans, especially if they think you are trying to flout the rules10.
1
NOT very essential
(formal) ask for permission
3
(formal) given permission
4
(formal) receive permission
5
made the rules tougher
6
(formal) break the rules
2
7
used as an insult to officials, suggesting that they
lack character
8
(formal) using that authority
9
deal quickly and effectively with bureaucratic
procedures
10
(formal) intentionally break the rules
Tip
Language relating to the law and to regulations often has its own special, often formal, collocations.
These are more likely to be used in written English, so avoid using them in informal speech.
64
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
30.1
Complete these collocations from A using a word from the box.
1
requirements
5
a new law
2
an obligation
6
in regulations
3
at an agreement
7
to standards
4
out a risk assessment
8
authority
30.2
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence to make it more formal.
adhere
bring
exercise
pass
arrive
carry
have
satisfy
1 You will be punished if you continue to ignore the rules.
2 All our sister organisations stick to the standards listed in the Code of Practice.
3 We asked for permission to build on a field next to our house and after some time we were
given that permission.
4 It is important that all citizens should do what the law says they should do.
5 If your business doesn’t meet the legal requirements, you may find yourself prosecuted for
breaking company law.
30.3
Complete this letter of complaint using words from the opposite page.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to complain about the behaviour of our town council. When its members were
of authority, they promised to (2)
the ridiculous
elected to (1)
amount of red tape that is choking modern society. Yet all they have done is (3)
still more pointless new legislation, thus (4)
controls over the ordinary family.
They have turned out to be no better than their predecessors, (5)
bureaucrats,
all of them. Their latest decision – to (6)
a plan to build a multi-million new
council office block – is an absolute disgrace!
Yours faithfully,
Edward Williams
30.4
Complete the word puzzle.
1
Across
1 The builders had friends in high places and got away
with flouting the
for several years.
2 It is hard to find staff who
all our requirements.
3 Extreme sports are risky, but we do all
we can to minimise the
to participants.
4 I chose not to
my authority and impose
a punishment as it was a special holiday.
5 It is absolutely
that we do not put staff at risk.
6 By building a house without permission the builder
found himself in
of the law.
7 It took time but eventually we
permission to
demolish our garage.
Down
1 Before the shop opens for business you must carry out
.
a
30.5
dictionary.cambridge.org
2
3
4
5
6
7
Find one other possible collocation for each of the verbs in the box in 30.1.
Use a dictionary to help you.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
65
31
A
The environment
Damaging the environment
Read this extract from a report on getting rid of waste.
Disposal of household waste is a daunting task for local authorities. Towns and cities cannot
just dump1 such waste and hope it will go away. Household waste contains many materials and
substances which are extremely harmful to the environment, and authorities need long-term
solutions. Efforts to recycle waste are only a partial solution. Meanwhile, the problem of toxic2
waste remains. One expert recently warned that the risks to public health are so great that we
may have less than a decade to avoid an environmental catastrophe on a global scale.
1
B
dispose of in an irresponsible manner
2
poisonous
Climate change and its consequences
Here is an interview with Gary Prime, an American rock star known
for his support of environmental campaigns, who is visiting London.
Interviewer: Would you agree that climate change is the most urgent
issue facing us today?
Prime: Definitely. You only have to look at the changing weather
patterns in many parts of the world. It’s absolutely vital
that we change our ways before it’s too late. Parts of Europe
which used to be cooler now experience intense, searing heat1, and temperatures
soar above the average every summer. Other areas suffer widespread flooding on a
regular basis. We can’t continue in this way without there being dire2 consequences.
Interviewer: So what can people do in the face of this irreversible climate change?
Prime: Well, for a start we can all reduce our carbon footprint3 by flying less, and reduce
our food miles4 by buying local produce. Some airlines have schemes now for
offsetting carbon emissions5.
Interviewer: Flying’s only one part of it, though. Most of the problems come from vehicle
emissions and power stations.
Prime: True, but there are things we can do about that too. Buy a
hybrid car6, develop alternative energy sources for homes,
solar heating for instance, and build more offshore7 wind
farms. Oil supplies will run dry8 within 50 years. Renewable
energy can make a real difference. And politicians shouldn’t
be afraid of introducing green taxes9 and incentives to
encourage eco-friendly design in architecture. With sufficient
will, we can find a solution.
Interviewer: Gary Prime, thank you for giving up your time for this interview.
Prime: No problem. I’ve got just enough time to catch my flight to Los Angeles.
1
extreme heat 2 extremely serious
amount of carbon dioxide created by a person/business
4
distance food has to travel between where it is grown or
made and where it is consumed
5
paying for an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide to be
saved elsewhere
3
6
a car can alternate between different
energy sources (e.g. petrol and battery)
7
at sea, away from the coast
8
run out
9
taxes relating to the protection of the
environment
Common mistakes
• We say absolutely vital, NOT very vital.
It’s absolutely vital that everyone plays their part in combating climate change.
• We say find a solution, NOT give a solution.
We need to find a solution to the problem of energy supplies.
66
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
31.1
Read these remarks by different speakers, and then answer the questions.
Sylvia:
Tomas:
Marcos:
Gerard:
Ulla:
1
2
3
4
5
31.2
Who mentions public health?
Who is complaining about people dumping toxic waste?
Who is talking about avoiding the use of something which is harmful to the environment?
Who is explaining about recycling household waste?
Who is sounding a warning about an environmental catastrophe?
Complete each sentence using a word from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
31.3
We found that poisonous chemicals had been thrown into the river.
We have to protect everyone from illnesses caused by environmental problems.
We can collect glass and plastic from homes which can then be re-used.
We are heading for a major disaster in terms of the pollution of the oceans.
We must stop using this chemical. It can destroy plant and animal life.
We looked out to sea and spotted some
wind farms.
dry within the next 200 years.
Oil supplies are likely to
It’s absolutely
that we all do something to reduce global warming.
As a green organisation we only use architects who specialise in
design.
Continued use of fossil fuels will have
consequences in the long term.
The airline has a scheme where you can
your carbon emissions.
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using a collocation from the opposite
page based on the word in brackets.
1 How far our food travels before we consume it should be a concern for everyone. (mile)
2 Energy which comes from inexhaustible sources, such as wind, is our greatest hope for the
future. (renew)
3 The region has experienced flooding over large areas in recent years. (wide)
4 We have caused the world’s climate to alter in a way that cannot be changed back. (change)
5 We must do something to eliminate the problem of toxic waste. (solve)
6 We should all try to reduce the amount of carbon we emit. (foot)
7 Wind farms located out at sea can provide a partial solution to the problem. (shore)
8 The minister chairs a committee aiming to improve the way we get rid of rubbish from our
homes. (dispose)
31.4
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Temperatures expanded during the summer months and reached a record high.
We must change our way before it is too late.
They now have a sun heating system in their house; it’s very economical.
The desert experiences soaring heat during the day but is cold at night.
The weather designs have changed in recent years: winters are milder, summers are hotter.
He has one of those mixed cars which alternates between petrol and battery power.
The government must present green taxes so people who damage the environment pay more.
Vehicle transmissions are the main source of pollution in big cities.
We need to find alternative energy origins for private homes.
Over to you
Go to the United Nations Environment Programme website at www.unep.org and
make a note of useful collocations you find there connected with the environment.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
67
32
A
Town and country life
City life
Read this advertisement for new houses in the city and note the collocations.
Secure your new home now in the
exciting city of Lorchester
In the bustling1 centre you can enjoy high-quality urban living, with
reliable public transport and shops and restaurants whose long
opening hours will suit your busy lifestyle.
Phone us now on 00345 877223 to visit our extensive range of show
houses and apartments, or take a virtual tour at www.incitilife.com.
1
B
full of busy activity
Country life versus city life
Jerome has just moved from his home village into a big town. He emails Rosie about it.
Reply
Forward
Hi Rosie,
Well, I did it. I moved into town. I must say I don’t miss the rustic charm1 of life in the back of
beyond2! For some people my old village is a rural idyll, but for me it was always just a quiet
backwater3 in the middle of nowhere where nothing ever happened and where I was bored
rigid4. I’ve only been in town a week, but I love everything about it – the crowded streets, the
hectic pace5 of life, the fact that you can get a cappuccino or hail a taxi at two in the morning.
So when are you coming to visit?
Jerome
1
4
2
5
appeal that is simple and picturesque
an extremely isolated place
3
a quiet, isolated village
C
(informal) extremely bored
very busy and fast pace
City Council plans
GOOD NEWS FOR INNER CITY LIFE
City councillors last night approved extensive plans for urban regeneration.
Key features of the plan include the restoration of derelict buildings1 and a treeplanting scheme.
The hope is that the inner city will soon resemble the leafy suburbs as an attractive
and desirable place to live. Planners believe that an increase in the number of
residential dwellings2 in the town centre will ease the problem of congested roads
and night-time crime: with commercial and recreational facilities within walking
distance and open all hours, it is hoped that many people will choose to leave their
cars at home, and that it will be safer to walk on the street at night.
1
68
buildings that are not cared for and are in a very bad condition
English Collocations in Use Advanced
2
(formal, official) homes
Exercises
32.1
Complete each sentence with the city and the country in the correct space.
1
2
3
4
5
32.2
.
.
The roads are very congested. The streets are very crowded.
We live in the inner city. They live in the leafy suburbs.
He lives in a quiet backwater. She lives in a bustling city centre.
I enjoy urban living. I love my rural idyll.
Put the collocations in the box into pairs that are similar in meaning.
city life
long opening hours
rustic charm
in the back of beyond
urban living
in the middle of nowhere
rural idyll
32.4
.
Explain the difference in meaning between the sentences in each pair.
1
2
3
4
32.3
There is a less hectic pace of life in
than in
.
It’s much easier to hail a taxi in
than in
.
You are less likely to find reliable public transport in
than in
You are more likely to find rustic charm in
than in
You are more likely to find congested roads in
than in
open all hours
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using a collocation from the opposite page.
1 The village is regarded as a quiet place where nothing happens, but the people who live
there love it.
2 She lives in a simple cottage miles away from any other inhabited places.
3 The government plans to provide funds to subsidise the modernisation and improvement of
our cities.
4 The city announced a plan to plant more trees.
5 The south side of the city is an area where many people would like to have a home.
6 The city council has declared that part of the town may only be used for people’s homes.
32.5
Find collocations on the opposite page with the opposite meaning to these phrases.
1
2
3
4
5
6
32.6
dictionary.cambridge.org
32.7
smart, modern buildings
quiet roads (2 answers)
a quiet city centre
urban decay
the urban nightmare
restricted opening times
(2 answers)
Use a dictionary to find three collocations for these words.
1 countryside
2 landscape
3 village(s)
Answer these questions.
1 Do any types of TV programmes or films bore you rigid? If so, what types?
2 Would you consider living in a remote country village in your country to be living in a
rural idyll?
3 Do you have a reliable public transport system in the place where you live?
4 Are there any derelict buildings where you live?
5 What sort of facilities are there within walking distance of the house or flat where you live?
English Collocations in Use Advanced
69
33
Personal finance
A
Managing your finances
Read this leaflet on personal financial management given out by a university to its students.
Note the collocations.
KEEPING AFLOAT1 – HOW TO MANAGE YOUR FINANCES
While you’re doing your degree, your main source of income may be a student loan or, if you’re lucky, a
grant or scholarship. But you may well still need to supplement2 your income by getting some kind of
part-time work. Here are some tips for avoiding financial problems:
• Open a current account at the campus bank – they have a team there specialises in helping
students with their financial matters.
• If you get into debt, try to clear3 your debts as soon as possible.
• If things are difficult, you may have to economise by, say, cutting down on
luxuries. This is far better than running up huge debts4.
• If you have a credit-card debt, try to make a payment every month, however
small. Never exceed your agreed credit limit.
• It’s a bad idea to borrow heavily to repay your debts. Always seek advice from
your bank about how to clear outstanding5 debts and pay back loans.
• Never run up an overdraft6 if you can avoid it. If you do need one, remember that most banks will
offer students an interest-free overdraft.
1
having enough money to pay what you owe
(can also be staying afloat)
2
add something to something to make it larger
or better
3
pay in full
B
4
continuing to spend and therefore owing a large
amount of money
5
not yet paid
6
amount of money that a customer with a bank
account is temporarily allowed to owe to the bank
Financial crimes and disputes
These newspaper extracts are all concerned with financial crimes and problems.
Mr Ambrose spent a fortune staying at
expensive hotels. He managed to run up3
a bill of £17,000 at one hotel. He used his
employer’s funds and falsified4 records.
He made fraudulent claims for travel
expenses.
Credit-card fraud1 has reached an alltime high. One in ten people is a victim
of identity theft2 and the crime is on the
increase.
People are being encouraged to put
down a deposit5 on new homes, thanks
to low interest rates. But if borrowers
default on repayments6, banks are
obliged to call in loans7.
1
crime of misusing another person’s credit card
without their permission
2
stealing someone’s personal details, usually in
order to access their bank accounts or credit cards
3
accumulate
4
changed something, e.g. a document, in order to
deceive people
70
English Collocations in Use Advanced
The company is now under new
management. Its backers have written off
debts8 of £500,000 on the promise of new
cost-cutting measures designed to solve
the company’s financial problems.
5
pay a sum of money in advance as part of a
total payment
6
fail to pay a debt
7
demand that people pay back the money the
bank has lent to them
8
accepted that an amount of money has been lost
or that a debt will not be paid
Exercises
33.1
Match words from each box to form collocations from the opposite page and use them
to complete the sentences below.
borrow
1
2
3
4
5
33.2
dictionary.cambridge.org
make
spend
stay
supplement
afloat
a fortune
heavily
my income
a payment
I
of €500 every month to my credit-card account.
When I was a student I got a job in a fast-food outlet to
.
I used to
on books when I was at university.
I had no grant or scholarship, so I had to
to finance my studies.
Small firms find it difficult to
when costs and interest rates are
high.
Copy and complete the collocation bubbles using words from the box. Some words
collocate only with debt, some only with overdraft and some with both. Use a
dictionary to help you find one more collocation for each bubble.
to arrange a(n)
a bad
to clear a(n)
to get into
deep in
a hefty
to pay off a(n)
-ridden
to be in
facility
to get a(n)
the national
DEBT
OVERDRAFT
to run up a(n)
an unauthorised
33.3
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1 The firm has huge debts and has had to borrow $10 million. The new chief executive has
introduced cost-cutting methods.
2 When I left university I had no upstanding debts, unlike most of my friends, who owed
thousands of pounds.
3 The manager falsified company recordings and stole money from her employer.
4 I had no resource of income, so I had to get a job, and quickly.
5 We placed down a deposit on a new car last week.
6 She faulted on her loan repayment and had to sell her business.
7 Many people don’t trust online banking because they are afraid of identification theft.
8 If we don’t cut up on luxuries, we’re going to find ourselves in serious debt.
9 There are special offers for students who enter a current account at the university bank.
10 You will pay a lot of interest if you go over your discussed credit limit.
33.4
Answer the questions about collocations from the opposite page.
1 What object is a person or company being compared to when we use the collocation keep or
stay afloat metaphorically?
2 What are you eventually expected to do with a loan?
3 If a bank calls in a loan, do they (a) give it (b) write it off (c) demand full payment?
4 If someone defaults on a payment, do they (a) not make it (b) make it in full (c) partially make it?
5 What is the crime called when someone makes illegal use of another person’s credit card?
33.5
Complete each sentence using the word in brackets in the appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
The accused was found guilty of
company records. (false)
The insurance company takes all
claims very seriously. (fraUd)
I try to make a
into my savings account every month. (paY)
Identity
is becoming an increasingly common crime. (thief)
I was glad that the bank was able to offer me an
overdraft. (interest)
English Collocations in Use Advanced
71
34
The economy
Budget speech
As we can all testify, this country’s economy is strong and
getting stronger.
Our measures to curb inflation1 have proved highly
successful. The rampant inflation2 of the previous
government is a thing of the past. Inflation currently stands
at 2 percent. The strength of the current economic climate
suggests that interest rates are unlikely to be raised
again this year. This should help us to build up a culture of
investing for the long-term.
This government has steered the economy through seven
years of uninterrupted economic growth; a trend which
is set to continue with our major success in stimulating
growth. And in the latest quarter, the economy has been
growing at an annual rate of 2.5 percent.
All indicators show that industry is thriving3. But we are
particularly proud of the steady growth experienced by
small businesses. We have made it our aim to safeguard
their interests4 and the healthy economy we have created
has enabled them to increase output. The plummeting
profits5 caused by the previous government’s misguided
policies are now safely behind them.
Our goal is to establish world-class public services through
investment and reform in order to ensure that taxpayers
receive real value for money. Public spending goes to
provide strong and dependable public services. These are
vital to extend opportunity, tackle social exclusion6 and
improve people’s life chances.
The taxes that we levy7 allow us to allocate resources to achieve that goal. And we have met
with considerable success8. In particular, we must now build on the success9 of the climatechange levy we introduced last year.
Another of our goals is to win the battle against the black economy. If left unchecked10, the
black economy – I think here particularly of the loss to our economy of undeclared earnings11
and other tax–evasion practices – will push up costs12 and lead to rising unemployment. This
government is committed to its eradication.
1
control inflation [continuous increase in prices]
very dramatic, uncontrolled inflation
3
doing very well
4
protect their interests
5
rapidly falling profits
6
the problems of the underprivileged, of those who
have less fortunate places in society than others
2
72
English Collocations in Use Advanced
7
impose or introduce
been very successful
9
develop previous success
10
not stopped
11
income that people fail to report to the tax
authorities
12
make costs rise
8
Exercises
34.1
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
34.2
The government is finding it very difficult to curb
The country is suffering because of the current economic
Although heavy industry is in decline, service industries are
The CEO is anxious to safeguard his company’s
New machinery has enabled the factory to increase its
The tax authorities plan to tackle the issue of undeclared
The budget plan explains how we intend to allocate our various
We must tackle and solve the problems caused by social
Which of these phrases would a finance minister be likely to use about the economy
under his/her own guidance and which about the economy under a previous rival
government?
build on success
extend opportunity
meet with success
thriving black economy
rampant inflation
safely steer the economy
thriving industry
levy heavy taxes
steady growth
uninterrupted growth
Find the opposite of the underlined words in these collocations on the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
34.4
leave inflation unchecked
poor value for money
rising unemployment
34.3
exclusion.
interests.
inflation.
climate.
resources.
output.
thriving.
earnings.
to invest for the short term
to restrict opportunity
declared earnings
falling unemployment
stunting growth
6
7
8
9
10
soaring profits
private spending
to reduce costs
to lower interest rates
to abolish a levy
Complete each sentence using words from 34.3 (either those underlined above or
their opposites) in the appropriate form.
1 The government has more control over
than over
spending.
2 Tax inspectors make spot checks to ensure we do not have any
earnings.
3 If you have a steady and secure income, then it may be sensible to invest for the
rather than the
term.
4
unemployment is a sign of a healthy economy.
5 If the government wants to slow down the economy by
interest
rates, then a company’s costs will be
and so their profits may
.
6 A progressive government will want to
opportunity and to
growth.
7 A political party might think it was a good idea to slow growth down but it would be very
unlikely to say that it wanted to
growth.
8 The government has decided to
a levy on commercial waste collection in
order to encourage recycling.
Over to you
Go to www.economist.com/index.html. Enter your own country in the Search box
and select an article that interests you. Make a note of any more useful collocations
relating to the topic of the economy.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
73
35
A
Social issues
Facing and solving social problems
Read these short reviews of books about social problems and note the collocations in bold.
To Dream a Better Life BY KEN LOMOND
How can we best address the issues
surrounding large-scale economic migration?
Can economic migration be seen as a force
for good1, rather than always seen as a
problem that must be tackled? This book
offers a novel2 solution.
Disaster and After BY SANDRA HALEY
Should rich nations provide relief when
disasters occur in poorer countries, or is this
too little, too late? Haley’s book calls for a
fresh drive7 to address the issue, and makes a
plea8 for governments to break the cycle9 of
dependency.
Cities in Crisis BY MARK GOLANZ
A Fragile Calm BY ALEXANDER FLEIG
When law and order break down,
when riots erupt3 and public disorder4
threatens the social fabric5, politicians
tend to take draconian6 measures
Problems of run-down10 areas in big cities
are the subject of this book. Antisocial
behaviour, underage drinking and
dysfunctional11 families all come under
intense scrutiny in this wide-ranging study.
which rarely work. Fleig’s book looks at
alternatives and offers lessons from history.
1
a positive influence
new and original
3
burst out suddenly
4
expression of dissatisfaction by crowds of
people, especially about a political matter
5
social structure
2
B
6
extremely severe
new effort
8
an urgent or emotional request
9
bring a stop to a negative pattern of behaviour
10
in a very bad condition
11
not behaving normally
7
Neighbourhoods and housing
In these extracts from meetings where local problems are being discussed, the second
speaker echoes the ideas of the first speaker by using the collocations in bold.
A: The problems faced by poorer households are very complex indeed.
B: Yes, there are many issues affecting low-income families, and they are indeed
complex.
A: When someone becomes homeless, our immediate task is to find a roof for them.
B: Yes, our job is to provide shelter as quickly as possible.
A: Fifteen percent of families are living in houses without running water. Many are in
houses which are so bad no one should be living in them.
B: That’s right. Too many people are living with poor sanitary conditions and it’s
unacceptable that there are houses are unfit for human habitation.
A: The problem is that houses are too expensive for most ordinary families.
B: Yes, the government should do something to provide affordable housing.
A: The people who encourage others to commit violent acts should be dealt with firmly.
B: That’s right. Anyone inciting violence deserves harsh punishment.
A: The thing is, people should be more vigilant about crime in their local communities.
B: Yes, it would be good if more neighbourhood watch schemes could be introduced.
C
74
Other collocations connected with social issues
He was arrested for possessing an illegal substance. [formal: an illegal drug]
Families who claim benefits often feel ashamed. [financial support from the state]
Green organisations are increasingly important as a force for change in the world today.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
35.1
Complete each sentence using a verb from the box in the appropriate form. You do
not need to use all the verbs in the box.
address answer break break down break up
finish give incite make provide supply
1
2
3
4
How can we
Aid agencies
In 1997, law and order
Social workers try hard to
occurs.
5 Community leaders
differences.
6 People who
35.2
the issue of alcohol abuse?
emergency relief, but is this always the best thing?
completely and there was chaos.
the cycle of abuse in families where violence
a plea for understanding and tolerance of cultural
violence should be severely punished.
Complete each sentence using a collocation from the opposite page.
.
1 The house has no roof, and there are rats in it. It is unfit
2 The lack of a mains water supply means that they have very poor
.
3 At night you often see 14- and 15-year-olds consuming alcohol. The city has a big problem with
.
4 That part of the city has many homes where people behave very badly with regard to others
around them. There is a big problem with
.
5 Hundreds of people protested in the streets, and sometimes things got violent. For several
days there was major
.
6 Neighbourhood committees can have a positive influence in the community, and indeed most
people believe they are a force
.
35.3
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1
2
3
4
5
6
35.4
Poor people often have to claim
The city council introduced a
The government took some draconian
All governments need to address
The authorities had to provide
As the discontent grew, riots
the issues of global poverty and disease.
shelter and food to the earthquake victims.
benefits in order to survive financially.
erupted in all the major cities.
neighbourhood watch scheme.
measures to prevent public disorder.
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1 The violence threatened the sociable fabric.
2 The minister said it was time for a fresh driving to cut crime.
3 Customs officials found some illegitimate substances in the
passenger’s luggage.
4 The run-out areas of the city are often dangerous at night.
5 We hope our new organisation will be a force for political
changing.
6 He proposed a novelist solution to address the issue of social
inequality.
7 Multifunctional families are a difficult problem for social
workers.
8 The union representative did a plea for the workers to
stand firm.
9 There were scenes of publicity disorder on the streets
last night.
10 It is very difficult for young people to find affordable
building.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
75
36
A
Science and technology
Technology in business
Scientists and technologists are pushing back the frontiers1 of
knowledge every day. Scientists publish their findings2 and they are
developed into commercial applications. We have become very skilled
at harnessing3 technology in all sorts of creative ways. New cuttingedge design4 is transforming our daily lives and our businesses. But
things do not always run smoothly5. There can be difficulties installing
equipment and hardware can suffer from wear and tear6. Viruses can
cause systems to crash and lead to the loss of important data.
A power cut may cause machinery to lose power and production may
be halted until power is restored. If computers have to be shut down7
for even a short time, it can cause a variety of problems.
1
5
2
6
extending the limits
results
3
making use of
4
the most innovative design
work without problems
damage caused by ordinary use
7
switched off completely
Common mistakes
• Findings is almost always used in the plural. Scientists publish their findings, NOT finding.
• Research is uncountable. They published some interesting research, NOT researches.
B
Innovations
We asked you to tell us which technical innovation has
most improved your life.
— I never carry much ‘real money’. I just put a card in a slot and enter my PIN.
— It's so much easier to swipe a card than use a traditional key.
— Remember when you had to rush out to the bank in your lunch hour? Online banking is
fantastic.
— My music collection used to take up a whole wall of my room. Now I’ve got far more
music stored on my phone.
— How did people manage without mobile phones? I love downloading new apps!
— Wi-Fi hotspots1 are fantastic – I can easily get online using my own laptop.
— I travel a lot and it’s great to be able to get remote access to my email.
— Remember when you had to get off the sofa to switch channels on your black and white
TV? Now you turn your huge flat-screen TV on and off by remote control!
— High-definition TV – the picture is fantastic compared with before.
— I use satnav2 in the car all the time – much easier than looking at a paper map.
1
public places where people can access the internet via a wireless signal
2
Tip
Go to www.newscientist.com and click on a link that appeals to you.
76
English Collocations in Use Advanced
short for satellite navigation
Exercises
36.1
Look at A. Correct the collocation errors in these sentences. In some sentences there
is more than one error.
1 If you switch off your computer without shutting it properly, you may lose data.
2 I didn’t expect everything to run gently in my new job but I didn’t imagine it would be quite
as difficult as it was.
3 Alex had some technical problems initiating his new computer equipment.
4 The company is famous for its cutting-side design.
5 If they’d serviced their machines regularly, they wouldn’t have had to halt producing.
6 Vic dreams of making a discovery that would help to push out the frontiers of science.
7 Scientists usually publicise their findings in academic journals.
8 There was a power break this morning. The power went off at ten and it wasn’t restorated
till midday.
9 Noah loves pure research but his brother is more interested in the application of research to
practical projects and in harassing new technology for commercial ends.
10 They carried out researches over a ten-year period and finally published their finding
this month.
36.2
What are the people in the pictures doing? Answer using a collocation from B.
3
1
She’s
2
.
4
He’s
36.3
He’s
.
.
She’s
.
Answer these questions using collocations from the opposite page.
1 What three technological developments have made watching television a better experience?
2 What might happen if the computer systems in a company suddenly became overloaded, or
there was a serious problem with the software or hardware?
3 Is it always necessary for people to visit the bank personally to do their business?
4 What might you try to find at an airport if you, say, wanted to check your email from
your own laptop?
5 You want to watch TV but a boring programme has come on. What do you do?
6 You are tired of performing the same tasks on your phone. You want something different.
What can you do?
7 What eventually happens to electrical items that you use a lot?
36.4
dictionary.cambridge.org
Use a dictionary to help you answer the questions.
1 What collocations with screen can be used to mean (a) TV and (b) the cinema?
2 What can online collocate with as well as shopping and banking?
3 What can remote collocate with as well as access and control?
English Collocations in Use Advanced
77
37
Health and medicine
A
Maintaining good health
Do you want to enjoy good health? Or perhaps you want to reduce
your stress levels? Build up your strength by doing plenty of
exercise1. It’s better to start with gentle exercise unless you already
do a lot of sport2. It’s equally important to watch what you eat.
There’s no need to go on a diet: just eating the right food will help
you to build up resistance to disease.
1
B
NOT making exercise
2
NOT make sport
Treatment
When Alexa was diagnosed with a serious medical condition, she was worried that
she might have to have an operation1. However, her doctor first prescribed a course of
medication. Fortunately, she responded well to treatment, and made a full recovery.
1
NOT make an operation
2
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
• Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• If you think you have taken an overdose2, consult a doctor immediately.
• If you suffer any of the side effects3 mentioned in this leaflet, or any other
adverse4 reactions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
C
78
taken too much of a drug
unwanted secondary
effects of a drug
4
negative
3
Illness
collocation
example
meaning
a streaming cold
I’ve had a streaming cold for days now.
a heavy cold
shake off a cold
I wish I could shake off this cold – I’ve had
it for nearly two weeks.
get rid of a cold
be in poor health
My gran’s been in poor health for years.
not be very well
an infectious disease
There are a number of infectious diseases
which mainly affect children.
diseases caught from someone
with that disease
a rare illness/disease
The baby was born with a rare illness.
an illness that seldom occurs
suffer from a chronic
disease
Oscar Wilde suffered from a chronic ear
disease which ultimately led to his death.
to have a disease which usually
lasts throughout a person’s life
critically ill
She’s still critically ill in hospital.
extremely/dangerously ill
fight for one’s life
The accident has left three people fighting
for their lives.
in danger of dying
fall into / come out of
a coma
The boxer fell into a coma after receiving
a blow to the head and didn’t come out of
the coma for five days.
become unconscious;
regain consciousness
a massive heart attack
He suffered a massive heart attack.
a very serious heart attack
untimely/premature
death
We were all saddened by the young
woman’s untimely/premature death.
death at too early an age
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
37.1
37.2
Look at A. Combine the words in the box to form eight collocations. Use each word only once.
suffer
watch
do
do
enjoy
exercise
sport
good
exercise
what
gentle
on
health
levels
chronic
of
you
plenty
reduce
disease
eat
stress
diet
from
go
a
Complete the collocation forks.
1
2
3
37.3
your
go on a
a balanced
a sensible
to
resistance
your strength
a medical practice
an infectious
a rare
an incurable
5
a nasty
a heavy
a streaming
6
a
of antibiotics
of treatment
of physiotherapy
Match each question with its answer.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
37.4
of flu
of medicine
of penicillin
a
4
Is the man still in a coma?
What did Tasha’s grandfather die of?
How did Tim’s uncle respond to treatment?
Why did Sam have to stay in hospital?
Your little boy has a runny nose, hasn’t he?
What sort of medical condition has he got?
What cured Julian’s brother?
Why does Tony look so worried?
How does Joe plan to build up his strength?
Is the patient recovering yet?
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
He had to have an operation.
A massive heart attack.
A rare but not incurable disease.
His friend is critically ill.
Yes, he’s had a streaming cold since Sunday.
A course of medication.
By doing some gentle exercise.
He initially had some adverse reactions.
He’s still fighting for his life.
He came out of it this morning.
Complete each short dialogue using a collocation from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Anna:
Ben:
Clara:
Dean:
Ellie:
Fran:
Grant:
Harry:
Inga:
Joan:
Karl:
Lotte:
Masha:
Nina:
Orla:
Luisa:
Edward:
Rita:
Did the medication the doctor prescribed help you?
.
Yes, but it has had some rather unpleasant
Mozart died when he was just 35.
Yes, he had a very
.
Have you still got that cold?
Yes, I just can’t
.
Your aunt doesn’t look very well.
Yes, I’m afraid she is in rather
.
Why do they only sell these tablets in small packets?
To try to prevent people
.
Make sure you don’t take more than the doctor told you to.
Don’t worry. I would never
.
What did the doctor say about your grandfather’s painful leg?
She has referred him to a surgeon. He has to
.
Do you have to change your diet if you’re diabetic?
Well, you have to
.
What’s the prognosis for your uncle now he’s had a kidney transplant?
He’s still feeling rather weak but he’s expected to
English Collocations in Use Advanced
.
79
38
A
Criminal justice
Expressing views about crime and punishment
Look at these extracts from calls to a radio phone-in programme called Your Call to Jeremy,
which on this occasion is about crime and punishment.
My view is that if someone is
put on trial and is found guilty
and given a sentence, then they
should have to serve out2 their
sentence. Releasing someone
early for good behaviour is a
complete nonsense.
Hello, Jeremy. I want to know
why financial criminals in the
City always seem to escape
punishment while poor people
always seem to receive custodial
sentences1 even for committing
minor offences.
We’re facing soaring5 crime rates
in this city and it’s about time the
criminals were brought to justice.
And I’m sick of hearing about
extenuating circumstances6 –
that someone had a deprived
childhood, or they’re not fit to
stand trial. Rubbish!
Jeremy, I’d like to point out that
there have been a couple of
serious miscarriages of justice3
recently and people don’t seem
to realise how damaging this is.
No one should face trial on the
basis of unreliable evidence or
trumped-up charges4.
1
a sentence to be served in a prison or similar
institution
2
serve the full amount of time
3
situation where innocent people are found guilty
B
invented and false accusations
rising very fast
6
circumstances that lessen the blame, also
mitigating circumstances
5
Courts and trials
These newspaper extracts contain typical collocations about courts and trials.
A key witness gave evidence today in the
Misthorpe murder trial. The witness claimed
to have seen the accused leaving Ms Bartram’s
house. The trial was adjourned1 until March
7th. The accused, 27-year-old Liam Grout, was
remanded in custody2.
In a unanimous verdict3 today in Raylton
District Court, Clare Irene Wilson, 37, was
found not guilty of murder. The judge said
the prosecution had failed to prove beyond
reasonable doubt that Ms Wilson was guilty.
Mr Hanry had denied all knowledge of the
alleged fraudulent business deal. His lawyers
attempted to show that Derek Yardley was an
unreliable witness. Despite suggestions that
the judge might dismiss the case4, he found
in favour of Mr Hanry and awarded damages5
to him.
Mary Jones was released this morning after her
lawyers successfully contested the verdict6 which
sentenced her to prison for three years. The
judge, Mr James Egdon, overturned the verdict
in the Court of Appeal. Mary Jones herself did
not appear in court but later said that she felt
justice had been served.
1
was suspended till a later time or date
send to prison until the trial begins or continues
3
verdict which all the decision makers agree to
4
decide that the case is not worth considering
2
80
4
English Collocations in Use Advanced
5
ordered the organisation or person who
has been responsible for causing injury or loss
to pay money to the victim as compensation
6
disagreed with the verdict and tried to change it
Exercises
38.1
Rewrite the underlined part of each of these extracts from conversations to make
them sound more like extracts from newspaper reports.
1 An increasing number of crimes per head of the population have been recorded in the last
12 months.
2 Why should young criminals get away without being punished for crimes just because of
their age?
3 The lawyers disagreed with the court’s decision.
4 The judge threw out the case because he felt the evidence was not strong enough.
5 John Jones said he didn’t know anything about the robbery.
6 The judge said that the trial would now take place next month.
38.2
Choose the correct collocation.
1 Someone might get out of prison early for soaring / extenuating / good behaviour.
2 If you get a custodial sentence, you go to prison / only serve the sentence if you commit another
crime / have to do some community service.
3 If you are remanded in custody, you are allowed to go home / obliged to pay some money /
kept in prison.
4 If you serve out a sentence, you are released from prison early / kept in prison for the full
amount of time / kept in prison for life.
5 If charges are trumped up, they are accurate / invented / exaggerated.
38.3
Correct the mistakes with prepositions in the collocations.
1
2
3
4
5
38.4
Complete each sentence using a word from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
38.5
He was put in trial for murder.
He was later remanded on custody.
The witness appeared on court for the first time today.
The murderer was soon brought into justice.
The case against Mr Sharp was proved over reasonable doubt.
of justice recently.
Unfortunately, there have been a number of
The lawyer claimed that there were some
circumstances.
This is the sixth time the accused has
in court.
The jury was quick to reach a
verdict, finding the accused guilty.
The accused
all knowledge of the crime, but no one believed her.
Charles Weiss was
damages for the injury he had suffered.
The newspaper said
had been served by the conviction of Joe Lee.
The trial has been
until next week.
He has been in court on several previous occasions but only for committing
offences.
For each word, find two collocating words in the box. Then write sentences using each
of the collocations.
c
ontest face evidence evidence guilty not guilty overturn sentence stand witness
1
2
3
4
5
find
give
trial
unreliable
verdict
English Collocations in Use Advanced
81
39
A
War and peace
Ten days of war
Bitter enemies, the Eastern and the Western regions of the country are once more
engaged in hostilities. Our timeline charts the latest fighting.
JAN 1
JAN 4
JAN 6
JAN 8
The Eastern region accuses the Western region of stockpiling weapons1. The Western
region accuses the Eastern region of creating instability2 in the area. Both sides deploy
troops3 to the area.
The Western region attacks an Eastern region border town. The Eastern region claims it was
an unprovoked attack and violence erupts along the border. The violence escalates4 with
a spate of attacks5 on both sides of the border. Both regions claim that innocent victims
have been caught in the crossfire6.
The Eastern region goes on the offensive and makes a pre-emptive strike7 on the capital
of the Western region. Bombs are dropped in the city centre and it is claimed that they hit
their intended targets, but that some collateral damage8 was inevitable.
The Western region launches a counter-attack on the Eastern region by making surgical
strikes9 on a number of industrial cities. They also seize power in the Eastern region border
town and major rail centre. Both sides suffer a large number of casualties but neither is
willing to call for a ceasefire10.
1
building up large quantities of weapons
making the area unsafe
3
send soldiers
4
violence increases dramatically
5
a large number of attacks
6
shot by accident as they were in the wrong
place at the wrong time
2
B
82
7
an attack made to prevent the enemy from
attacking you
8
unintentional killing of civilians and
destruction of non-military targets – term
used by those who cause it to make it sound
less serious
9
short and narrowly targeted military attacks
10
an agreement to stop fighting
Ending fighting
collocation
example
meaning
uneasy truce
The uneasy truce came to an end when the
rebels attacked the capital.
a truce that could easily be broken
fragile peace
There is a fragile peace in the area with
hopes it will soon strengthen.
a peace that could easily be
destroyed
ceasefire comes into
effect
The ceasefire will come into effect at
midnight.
agreement to stop fighting starts
from this time
restore peace
The aim of the talks is to restore peace in
the area.
stop the fighting
bring stability
At last the treaty has brought stability to
the region.
made the region feel safe
disband an army
It will be hard to persuade the warlords to
disband their army.
send the soldiers home, as the
army is no longer in existence
lift a blockade
They have agreed to lift the blockade on
our ports.
stop preventing goods from
entering
withdraw troops
The country agreed to withdraw their
troops from the area.
take their soldiers out
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
39.1
Look at A. Complete the collocations used in these newspaper headlines.
1
2
3
39.2
BORDER AREA HIT BY
OF ATTACKS
ERUPTS AFTER
ELECTIONS
PRE-EMPTIVE
LAUNCHED LAST NIGHT
4
5
6
CIVIL SOCIETY CALLS FOR A
1
2
3
4
What is the UN’s aim?
What success have they had?
When will it start?
For how long have they been engaged
in hostilities?
5 Has the situation been getting better?
6 What is the relationship generally like
between the two sides?
Complete each sentence using a collocation from the box.
collateral damage
launch a counter-attack
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
39.4
ARMY SEIZES
IN NIGHT-TIME COUP
Read the article and answer the questions using full sentences.
UN attempts to restore peace to this troubled
region may finally be meeting with some success.
A ceasefire has been agreed and will come into
effect from midnight tomorrow. It is hoped this
will bring an end to a decade of escalating violence
between these two historically bitter enemies.
39.3
JOURNALISTS
IN THE CROSSFIRE
create instability
lift the blockade
fragile peace
suffer casualties
go on the offensive
surgical strikes
The enemy have agreed to
on our ports.
The general said that we have carried out some
on the enemy.
There are hopes that the
will develop into something more lasting.
It was their decision to
first …
… and so we had no choice but to
.
It is believed that the aim of the invading army is to
in the region.
He mentioned
but didn’t say exactly how many civilians died.
Our army is certain to
, given the strength of the opposition.
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences. There may be more than one error.
1 The ceasefire makes into effect today and all hope it will bring stable to the area again.
2 The government has promised to retreat its troops next year.
3 There is an uncomfortable truce between the two sides at the moment.
4 When peace is replaced, we shall be able to deform the army.
5 The newspaper reported that the enemy had felt a defeat despite the fact that they had
employed large numbers of troops to the area.
6 They accused us of piling weapons and of preparing to launch a provoked attack.
7 Some argue that the nuclear deterrent has prevented violence from excavating.
Over to you
Choose a conflict currently in the news and find reports of it in different English-language
newspapers. At www.thebigproject.co.uk/news you can find links to large numbers of these.
Note down collocations that you notice being used in several different reports.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
83
40
A
Friendship
Friendship over a lifetime
Read this introduction to an article about friendship from a popular science magazine.
FRIENDSHIP
Do you have a lot of close friends? Are they lifelong friends?
Childhood friends? Have you ever met someone and instantly
felt that you’ve made a friend for life?
People with a large circle of friends may well have discovered
the secret of a long and happy life, according to recent
scientific research which suggests that having good friends may
actually help us live longer.
For many, the most important friendship is a long-term
relationship1 with a partner or a spouse. However, the
research shows that platonic relationships2 are equally
valuable. Whether your social network is made up of firm
friends or casual acquaintances, socialising could impact
positively on your life expectancy.
1
B
usually referring to a romantic relationship
2
relationships which are not romantic or sexual
Making, keeping and losing friends.
Read these messages about friendship.
My closest friend and I have been on bad terms ever since I sent her a text about her boyfriend,
which she took the wrong way. Now I don’t know how to to heal the rift1. Any advice?
Katie 17:02
Maybe you should have a heart-to-heart chat with her to explain what you meant? If you leave it,
the relationship will eventually break down.
Ryan 17:02
I think you should put some distance between you for a while. Let her cool off.
Amy 17:03
An old friend of mine came under attack at work so I sprang to his defence2 but he didn’t thank
me – instead, he told me not to interfere!
Scott 17:05
It sounds as if he didn’t deserve your moral support3. He should apologise to you if he wants to
stay on friendly terms.
Chloe 17:05
I find it hard to forge4 new relationships after one of my closest friends turned all my other friends
against me.
Lucy 17:06
It takes time to win someone’s trust and when they abuse that trust it hurts.
Artur 17:06
1
end a serious disagreement between friends
acted very quickly to defend him
3
showing that you approve of someone and
what they are doing
4
form or create
2
84
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Common mistakes
Remember, the collocation is make friends, NOT get
friends or find friends. At first it was difficult to make
friends at my new school, but then I met Richard.
Exercises
40.1
Choose the correct collocation.
1 I was contacted by a childish / childhood / childlike friend I hadn’t seen for years.
2 Louisa has a very moral / close / casual relationship with Kelly. They’ve been friends for over
20 years.
3 Foraging / Forcing / Forging good relationships helps us live longer.
4 Mason was a long-life / lifelong / lifelike friend of my father’s.
5 She has quite a wide circle / circulation / cycle of friends.
6 It’s hard to form life-term / long-time / long-term relationships when you’re in a job that
involves a lot of travelling.
40.2
Complete each sentence using an adjective from the box.
bad casual close complete cordial firm friendly moral social stable
1 I don’t know her well – we’re just
acquaintances.
2 We have been on
terms ever since Jack refused to return the money I
lent him.
3 For many people the Internet plays an important role in developing new
networks.
4 Jack Whitley was a
confidant of the Prime Minister in the 1980s.
5 Their relationship hasn’t been very
. They’ve broken up and got back
together again several times.
6 She told her entire life story to a
stranger on a train.
7 Bethan and I have been
friends for many years.
8 Thanks for all the
support you gave me when I needed it.
9 Leslie and I have remained on
terms despite our professional
disagreements.
40.3
Rewrite each sentence using a synonym of the underlined words to create collocations
from the opposite page.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
40.4
From the moment they met they knew they would be friends for ever.
She always leapt to Angela’s defence if anyone criticised her.
He very quickly gained his employer’s trust and was given a very important job.
She when I had problems at work.
I arranged a meeting to try to resolve the rift between Hilary and Jake.
I’m sorry that you interpreted what I said the wrong way.
Their relationship collapsed when she discovered he was seeing someone else.
We’ve been very good friends ever since our first day at primary school.
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1
2
3
4
5
We should have a head-to-foot chat to resolve our differences.
She got under attack from some colleagues at work who didn’t like her.
If you disuse someone’s trust you deserve to lose their friendship.
We tried hard to have the relationship work but failed.
I think you need to make some distance between yourself and Eduardo.
Over to you
Horoscopes are a good source of vocabulary on relationships. Read English
ones now and then in a newspaper or online at, say, www.horoscopes.co.uk,
and make notes of any useful collocations you find.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
85
41
A
Youth and age
Childhood
Ever since he was a newborn baby, Harry’s adoring parents were
convinced he was a child prodigy1 and pandered to his every whim2,
so that he soon grew into a spoilt brat3. As a young teenager, he hung
around with the rest of the town’s disaffected youth4, and was on the
verge of becoming a juvenile delinquent5. But then a music teacher
realised he had a talent for singing and helped him to see the error
of his ways6. He spent the rest of his teenage years singing for a band
which made a considerable contribution to popular youth culture.
1
young genius
did every little thing that he wanted even when it was not appropriate
3
(informal, disapproving) an unpleasant child, one who behaves badly
and whose parents allow to behave as he/she wishes
2
B
4
y oung people who do not accept
society’s values
5
a criminal who is still legally a minor
6
understand his mistakes
Middle age
Amy and Stewart got married young. They had a baby1 and then
another a year later and quickly fell into the pattern of family life.
They concentrated so much on providing a stable environment for
their children that they neglected their relationship and soon began to
take each other for granted2. The children left home and went off to
university and Stewart began to go through a midlife crisis3. He said
he was bored with his daily routine and he wanted to go off and travel
the world while he was still young enough. Amy thought he was just going through a phase4 but
she felt she had no choice but to respect his wishes. She said nothing to stop him as he bought a
red sports car and set off on a road trip through Europe.
1
2
C
NOT got a baby
not value each other
3
4
period of dissatisfaction in the middle of one’s life
going through a period of strange or difficult behaviour
Old age
Louise and John are in their seventies now. They say they don’t feel
their age1 except for ‘the occasional twinge2’. They both admit to
the occasional ‘senior moment3’ and John can sometimes be a bit
of a grumpy old man4. They don’t have to support their family any
more, so they live quite a comfortable life5. When they were younger,
they were quite poor but those days are only a hazy memory now. At
home they are surrounded by things of great sentimental value to
them and it has become their habit to spend the evenings poring over their photo albums. These
are full of pictures that rekindle memories6 of days gone by. Louise and John are happiest when
their grandchildren come to stay. They give them their undivided attention. In fact, they don’t
let them out of their sight. Sometimes the grandchildren complain about this but Louise always
explains, ‘We just want to make sure you don’t come to any harm.’
1
feel as old as they are
a slight ache from time to time
3
moment of forgetfulness
2
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English Collocations in Use Advanced
4
(informal, uncomplimentary) an old man who is always
complaining about things
5
note how live often collocates with a life
6
bring back memories
Exercises
41.1
Combine the words in the box to form five collocations presented on the opposite page.
baby
brat
child
juvenile
newborn
delinquent
disaffected
youth
spoilt
prodigy
A number of other collocations using words from the box are possible apart from those
presented in A. What are they?
41.2
Complete these short dialogues using collocations from 41.1.
1 A:
B:
2 A:
B:
3 A:
B:
4 A:
B:
5 A:
B:
41.3
Georgia can play all Mozart’s violin concertos and she’s only nine.
.
Yes, I’ve heard she’s a
Meena has just had a son. I want to get him a present.
Well, they’ve got lovely things for
in the shop next to the hospital.
Why did the police decide to build that new unit for young offenders?
It was suggested by a businessman who’d once been a
himself.
Tim’s older boys are nice but the youngest screams if he doesn’t get his own way.
Yes, he’s a
. His parents give him whatever he wants.
I’ve read a lot recently about young people who feel alienated from society.
Yes, there seems to have been a spate of headlines about
.
Correct the collocation errors in these sentences.
1 It is all too easy to make your close friends and your family for granted.
2 Liz’s got four children and she’s just bought herself a sports car. Do you think she’s going against
some kind of midlife crisis?
3 My sister got a baby boy last month.
4 You’ll spoil your daughter if you keep on wandering to her every whim.
5 My parents are vegetarians, so I admire their wishes and don’t eat meat in their house.
6 Sorry, I must be having an elderly moment. I just can’t remember your name!
7 Jacqui insists she has seen the mistake of her ways.
8 Don’t worry about your daughter leaving home. She won’t go to any harm.
9 Make sure you don’t let the child out of your view.
41.4
Explain the difference between:
1
2
3
4
5
6
41.5
dictionary.cambridge.org
leaving home and leaving the house.
a hazy memory and a distinct memory.
a grumpy old man and a dear old man.
an occasional twinge and a sudden twinge.
become a habit and develop a habit.
fall into a pattern and fit into a pattern.
Cross out the word in each set which does
not form a normal collocation.
1 live / lead / go / have a comfortable life
2 a firm / familiar / pleasant / stable
environment
3 feel / look / talk / show your age
4 go through a crisis / stage / divorce / problem
5 undivided / perfect / careful / close attention
6 share / wake up / rekindle / stir up memories
7 have adventures / a baby / visitors / an increase
8 sentimental / sensitive / practical / outstanding value
English Collocations in Use Advanced
87
42
A
Celebrities and heroes
Contents of a celebrity magazine
Page
CONTENTS
23
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PAOLA SIMONE. Paola lets us in on the
secrets of her fairytale wedding and the lavish lifestyle1 she now leads.
27
JOEY WINTER HOSPITAL SHOCK. Sources close to Joey tell us their concerns
about the singer’s recent operation.
30
ACTRESS PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT reveals the truth about her prenuptial
agreement2 with footballer Tyrone Finton.
34
A ROYAL ROMANCE. Melissa, the new girlfriend of Prince Henrik of Glosvatt is
ready to sell her story to the highest bidder3. Who will buy it?
41
COURT SCANDAL. Tennis ace Bach Handar in the second of two in-depth
interviews. Handar reveals some of the secrets about match fixing that kept
him in the full glare of publicity for much of last year.
1
rich and extravagant way of life
legal agreement made before marriage dealing with the
distribution of money and property in the event of a divorce
2
B
3
person who is prepared to pay most in
an auction
Speech at an awards ceremony
We are here today to celebrate the achievements of Monty Sharpe, a
remarkable film director. Monty’s first full-length feature film, Lincoln’s
Boyhood, about the life of Abraham Lincoln, was highly praised by the critics
and received nominations for a number of prestigious awards.
Monty’s film-making goes back a long way. He made several short films at
university which received rave reviews in the student press. After university
he soon realised his ambition of working in cinema when he got his first job
at Sheepton Studios.
Monty soon began directing and enjoyed a meteoric rise1 to fame. Critics
have heaped praise on all his work, highlighting his unique approach to
film. It is my great honour today to be presenting this award to him. The
Director’s Star is the highest accolade2 which can be offered to anyone
in his profession. We offer Monty this award not only because of his own
achievements but also because his work has had a significant impact3 on all
of our leading young directors and will do so for many years to come. Let me
share with you some of the glowing tributes4 which we have received from
other directors …
1
2
rapid rise­­
top symbol of praise and approval
3
4
NOT strong impact
(journalistic) extremely positive comments
Common mistakes
Be careful with the word success. We say The song enjoyed or had great success all over the
world, NOT made great success. You can, however, make a success of something. For example:
She made a success of her new job and was promoted after a short time.
88
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
42.1
Look at A. Are these sentences true or false?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
‘Sources close to the Prime Minister’ means ‘members of the Prime Minister’s family’.
A lavish lifestyle is one that occasionally breaks the law.
The highest bidder is the most important person asking for something.
A fairytale wedding is likely to cost a lot of money.
If someone lets you in on a secret, they tell you something not generally known.
A prenuptial agreement is an agreement made just after a couple marry.
The ‘full glare of publicity’ is a metaphor based on the idea of a bright light shining on someone
or something.
8 An exclusive interview suggests that the interview does not include much information about the
interviewee’s private life.
42.2
Complete each sentence using a word from the opposite page.
1 Shelly Winter enjoyed a meteoric
to fame in Hollywood in the 1990s.
2 Carlos never realised his
of becoming a top footballer and played for
his local team for 20 years.
3 The critics have
praise on De Suta’s latest film and it has been
nominated for an Oscar.
4 In 2016, his latest novel received a
for an award but it did not win
the prize.
5 The film was
praised by some critics but it received some negative
reviews too.
6 Imelda Fry gave an interview to Celeb magazine but she didn’t
many secrets.
7 The film
great success on both sides of the Atlantic.
8 He
a success of his career in music and travelled the world.
42.3
Match each question with its answer.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
42.4
What kind of lifestyle did they have?
What kind of interview did you get?
What kind of impact did he have?
What are we here to celebrate?
What does she want to sell?
What have you got to present?
What sort of agreement did they sign?
What sort of accolade did she get?
What kind of wedding did they have?
What kinds of tributes were paid to him?
a ) An exclusive one.
b) The highest.
c) A fairytale one.
d) Glowing ones.
e ) A prenuptial one.
f ) A very significant one.
g ) Her achievements.
h) An award.
i ) Her story.
j ) A lavish one.
Which collocations from this unit are the opposites of these expressions?
1
2
3
4
a superficial interview
a gradual rise to fame
a minor impact
a simple lifestyle
Over to you
Read an article from a current issue of a celebrity magazine. You will find one at
www.hellomagazine.com. How many collocations from this unit can you find?
Highlight any interesting new collocations that you find in it.
English Collocations in Use Advanced
89
43
A
Negative opinions about people
Lecturers and students
Students these days are not what they used to be. Half of them are
bone idle1 and the others have an attitude problem2. They seem to let
anyone in to university these days. I have one very slippery customer3 in
one of my classes. He’s more interested in mindless violence than books
and is ready to pick a fight4 at any opportunity.
1
2
(informal) extremely lazy­­
a negative, uncooperative attitude­­
3
4
(informal) someone who cannot be trusted­­
provoke a fight
Lecturers these days say that students have no respect for authority but
they seem to hold us in contempt5. I always seem to take the flak6 if there’s
a problem in class, as they have decided that I am a disruptive influence7
who poisons the atmosphere for other students. But, as I see it, if a class
is a disaster, the blame rests8 fairly and squarely with the lecturer. They
shouldn’t be allowed to shirk their responsibilities9 to us students.
5
7
B
despise­ 6 be held responsible­­
someone who encourages others to behave in­­a negative way
8
9
it is the fault of­­
pay no attention to their responsibilities
Critical exclamations
These collocations are quite forceful, but can also be used humorously. A rising intonation combined
with a smile will soften them.
‘I am appalled that you would stoop to that level!’ [do something as bad as that]
‘That was a really dirty trick to play!’ [nasty/dishonest thing to do]
‘I think Ron is a nasty piece of work!’ [an unpleasant, untrustworthy person]
‘Your behaviour was totally out of order!’ [very inappropriate]
‘It was a downright disgrace to behave like that!’ [absolutely disgraceful]
‘I wouldn’t trust Eva an inch!’ [wouldn’t trust at all]
C
Other collocations relating to opinions about people
example
meaning
I’ll never tell you a secret again. You have totally betrayed my trust.
disappointed me because I
trusted you
He did really well, given that he is only a child. It’s not fair to belittle
his achievements.
make what he has done seem
unimportant
You’re letting his good looks cloud your judgement.
affect your judgement negatively
Your essay was not bad, but I have a few minor niggles.
small complaints
How did you manage to overlook such a glaring error?
obvious mistake
He said he was leaving me because he was sick of my constant nagging.
complaining or criticising all the time
Common mistakes
Note that we say deep dissatisfaction, NOT strong dissatisfaction. For example, I am
writing to express my deep dissatisfaction about …
90
English Collocations in Use Advanced
Exercises
43.1
Look at A. Find a collocation that matches each of these definitions.
1
2
3
4
43.2
an untrustworthy person
senselessly violent behaviour
not take one’s duties seriously
provoke a fight
5
6
7
8
be blamed
spoil the mood
despise
someone who has a negative impact (on others)
Find a collocation on the opposite page that could be used about these people.
1 A colleague, Sara, doesn’t seem to you to do any work at all.
Sara’s
.
2 Another colleague, George, seems to be making the atmosphere at work less pleasant than it
used to be.
at work.
George is
3 You suspect your neighbour, Glyn, is involved in some illegal activity.
I wouldn’t
.
4 You always thought your sister, Josie, was rather silly but now she has done something
particularly bad. (give two answers)
Josie’s behaviour was
.
5 You are not completely satisfied with the translation
work done by your student because there are a few
small errors.
I have some
with your translation.
6 You think your new neighbour looks like a very
unpleasant person.
My new neighbour looks
43.3
Complete these collocations using a verb from the box.
belittle
hold
1
2
3
4
5 the blame
43.4
.
betray
pick
cloud
play
have
rests
someone’s trust
in contempt
an attitude problem
a fight
have
stoop
6
7
8
9 would never
10
someone’s achievements
someone’s judgement
a dirty trick
to that level
no respect for
Complete each sentence using the word in brackets in the appropriate form.
1
2
3
4
5
6
The papers are increasingly full of stories of
violence. (mind)
Your work is full of
errors. (glare)
I’m afraid your daughter is a
influence in my lessons. (disrupt)
Such dreadful behaviour is a downright
. (grace)
It’s very unkind to belittle her
in that way. (achieve)
His parents’ constant
made him keen to leave home. (nag)
English Collocations in Use Advanced
91
44
A
References
A reference for a student
I am happy to act as a referee for Ilona Hradetska, who has applied to do a course in
archaeology at your university. Ilona has a keen interest1 in archaeology and although she
lacks experience, she makes up for this in her enthusiasm for the archaeology of the classical
world. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge2 of Ancient Greece and Rome. However, she has
already managed to accumulate some practical experience3 as she worked on a dig for two
weeks in Greece last April, and she is looking forward to honing4 her practical skills at the
same dig over the summer holiday. Her dream of pursuing her interests in archaeology is of
paramount importance5 to her and I am sure she has the ability to meet the challenges6 of
the course.
1
4
2
5
very strong interest
very extensive knowledge
3
(formal) gain experience
B
making perfect
(formal) extremely important
6
deal with the difficult aspects
A job reference
It is my pleasure to provide a reference for Phil Lee, who has applied for the post of marketing
manager in your company. I can wholeheartedly recommend Mr Lee for this position as I have
every confidence in his ability to perform the tasks1 indicated in your job description. He has
remarkable financial acumen2 and excellent interpersonal skills. He is a good team player and
while working here has revealed a remarkable talent3 for handling difficult situations. It goes
without saying that you can trust him implicitly4. I am confident that if you were to offer him
the position he would quickly become an invaluable member of your team.
1
2
C
92
perform tasks is a more formal way of saying carry out tasks
talent in financial matters
3
4
(formal) showed a talent
trust him totally
Common errors
error
correction
He has high computer skills.
He has good/advanced computer skills.
He has a high education.
He is highly educated.
He has a good level of education.
An engineer with high qualifications is
required.
A well-qualified engineer is required.
An engineer with good qualifications is required.
He has a high knowledge of English.
He has a good / an advanced knowledge of English.
She has a large knowledge of all subjects.
She has an extensive / a comprehensive knowledge of
all subjects.
She has big/great experience of teaching.
She has considerable experience of teaching.
She managed to get a good relationship with
her boss.
She managed to establish/develop a good relationship
with her boss.
Mrs Day is a very appreciated member of staff