English Grammar – Intermediate

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Grammar Focus

Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English and are made up of a verb + one or more particles (a preposition or adverb). The meaning of the whole phrase is often different from the meaning of the individual words.

🔹 Types of Phrasal Verbs:

• Inseparable: The words must stay together.
  ➤ “She looked after the baby.”
• Separable: The object can go between the verb and particle.
  ➤ “He turned off the light.” = “He turned the light off.”

🔹 Common Examples:

• get up = leave your bed
• turn off = stop a machine or device
• look for = try to find something
• speak up = talk louder
• take off = remove something (e.g., clothes, shoes)

🔹 Example Sentences:
• I usually get up at 7:00.
• Please turn off the lights when you leave.
• She’s looking for her phone.
• He took off his jacket because it was hot.

✅ Always learn phrasal verbs in context because their meaning often can’t be guessed from the words alone.

⚠️ Be careful! Saying “He turned the light up” is not the same as “turned off.” The particle changes the meaning.

🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Phrasal verbs are used very often in spoken English—especially in casual conversations. They help you sound more natural and fluent. Understanding them also helps you follow native speakers more easily.

🔹 Why it’s important:
• Native speakers use phrasal verbs instead of longer formal words.
• You’ll hear them in daily life, movies, and TV shows.
• They can completely change meaning depending on the particle.

✅ Real-life speaking situations:
• Asking for help:
➤ “Can you turn off the AC?”
• Talking about routines:
➤ “I get up at 6:30 every day.”
• Explaining problems:
➤ “I’m looking for my wallet.”
• Social situations:
➤ “Please speak up so I can hear you.”

✅ Listening tip:
Phrasal verbs are often reduced in fast speech:
• “get up” sounds like “geddup”
• “turn off” sounds like “turnoff”
Recognizing these patterns helps you keep up with natural conversation speed and reply appropriately.

Now, practice your language skills with these interactive games.

Talk About Everyday Life with Phrasal Verbs
These questions help you practice phrasal verbs you use in real life. Try using expressions like “get up,” “look for,” “turn off,” “take off,” and “speak up” in your answers.

Morning Routines:
What time do you usually get up during the week?
➤ “I get up at 6:30 because I have an early class.”

Searching for Things:
What is something you looked for recently but couldn’t find?
➤ “I looked for my phone for 10 minutes. It was under the sofa.”

Technology and Home:
What are some things you usually turn off before leaving your house?
➤ “I turn off the lights, the fan, and the coffee machine.”

At School or Work:
Do your teachers or coworkers ever ask you to speak up? Why?
➤ “Yes, I’m shy, and my teacher asks me to speak up in class.”

Daily Habits:
Do you take off your shoes when you enter your house? Why or why not?
➤ “Yes, I take off my shoes because it keeps the house clean.”

Getting Ready:
What clothes or accessories do you take off when you get home?
➤ “I take off my jacket and shoes as soon as I get home.”

Helping at Home:
What things do you help turn off or take care of at home?
➤ “I turn off the TV and help take off my brother’s coat.”

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