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Unit 27: Phrasal verb myths
Dan has a lesson in love

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  2. 2 Reported speech in 90 seconds!
  3. 3 If or whether?
  4. 4 5 ways to use 'would'
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  12. 12 The continuous passive
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  16. 16 Wish
  17. 17 Word stress
  18. 18 Different ways of saying 'if'
  19. 19 Passive reporting structures
  20. 20 The subjunctive
  21. 21 When and if
  22. 22 Inversion
  23. 23 Phrasal verbs
  24. 24 The future
  25. 25 Modals in the past
  26. 26 Narrative tenses
  27. 27 Phrasal verb myths
  28. 28 Conditionals review
  29. 29 Used to - review
  30. 30 Linking words of contrast

Session 1

Phrasal verbs, like love, can have many different meanings. Dan's an expert in both. Follow his 90-second lesson and you can improve your English AND your romantic life

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

English Class

A Dan in love: phrasal verbs with multiple meanings

There are two areas of great mystery in the world: dating and phrasal verbs.

But don't fear: Dan is here to help with a 90-second lesson on multi-word verbs with more than one meaning and... how to succeed in love!

 

 

Watch the video and complete the activity

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Hi Guys! Dan for BBC Learning English here. This time we're going to look at three Phrasal Verbs with multiple meaning. And we're going to give you three red-hot dating tips to help you avoid dating disasters. And all in 90 seconds. Are you ready? Here we go.

So, rule number 1: take out your date somewhere really special that isn't too noisy. 

Take out #1
Invite someone to go somewhere

Remember - it's a date. You're trying to get to know each other. You need somewhere where you can converse freely. Whatever you do, don't take out your phone at any time. 

Take out #2
Remove something from a covered/hidden place

This is because your date might think that they're actually really, really boring and you're already arranging your next date. Disaster!

Now, rule number 2: it's a good idea to pick up a small gift for your date before you arrive. 

Pick up #1
Buy something
(informal)

Nothing special - some flowers or chocolates, maybe a t-shirt with your face printed on it. Whatever you do, don't worry if the atmosphere gets awkward at first. It will pick up.

Pick up #2
Improve (an atmosphere or someone's performance)

Everybody's nervous at first. Once you start to talk and you've had a drink or two... of coffee, or ten...  things will get better.

Rule number 3: if you arrange to meet your date somewhere and you arrive late, make up for it by allowing them to choose where you go for your date. 

Make up (for) #1
Compensate for something wrong

If you like, you can even use the opportunity to get a laugh by making up an elaborate story as to why you're late.

Make up #2
Invent/create (a story or lie)

Nothing special - just "I was on my way to meet you and I was attacked by a dinosaur..." Something like that. Oh, look at that. I just made it. So, did you get it? Now, write these three rules down on your hand and take them with you on your date and I guarantee you'll never have another bad date. Ehem... not a guarantee... ehem...

Now, for more information, please log on to bbclearningenglish.com. I've been Dan; you've been great. Get out there and make love happen. See you next time.

 

 

Summary

Phrasal verbs, like love, can be confusing because often there's more than one meaning. Here are just some of the many examples:

Take out
1. Invite someone to go somewhere.
I'd like to take you out for a drink.

2. Remove something from a hidden/covered place.
He took out a gun and pointed it at the cashier.

3. Withdraw.
I took out £20 from the bank for a bit of shopping. 

Pick up
1. Lift.
Can you pick up that rubbish from the floor, please?

2. Improve (an atmosphere or someone's performance).
Let's come back to this restaurant later when the atmosphere picks up a bit.

3. Take someone in a vehicle.
I can pick you up from college. 

Make up
1.  Invent.
He said he's been chosen to play football for Manchester United but I think he's just making it up.

2. Become friends again after an argument.
It was years after the divorce but eventually Jorge and Ingrid made up.

3. Prepare something.
The pharmacist made up my prescription while I waited.

Give away
1. Reveal a secret.
It was supposed to be a surprise party but I gave it away by leaving the guest list on the kitchen table.

2. Give something for free.
Kanako gave away her old furniture to her sister. 

Bring up 
1. Raise a child.
Yury was born in Belarus but brought up in Russia.

2. Start a topic of conversation.
Linh brought up the subject of marriage again but Giang didn't want to talk about it.

Phrasal verbs: which meaning?

5 Questions

Can you choose the correct definition of the phrasal verbs in these sentences?

Congratulations you completed the Quiz
Excellent! Great job! Bad luck! You scored:
x / y

End of Session 1

That's it for this session. Take Dan's advice and go out there and date! And also remember that phrasal verbs can have more than one meaning.

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Session Grammar

  • Phrasal verbs with multiple meanings

    Take out
    1. Invite someone to go somewhere.
    2. Remove something from a hidden/covered place.

    Pick up
    1. Lift.
    2. Improve (an atmosphere or someone's performance).

    Make up
    1.  Invent.
    2. Become friends again after an argument.

    Give away
    1. reveal a secret.
    2.  give something for free.

    Bring up 
    1. Raise a child.
    2.  Start a topic of conversation.

     

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Session Vocabulary

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