What are some difficult topics to bring up with family or friends? Why is this sometimes the case?

So, I’ve been working remotely for a software company for the past two years, and my life has completely changed. At first, I thought it would be a temporary thing, but wow, my career really took off once I got into the rhythm of remote work.

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth. During the first week on the job, my laptop actually broke down during an important client call, and I broke down a little bit after that, not in tears, but in frustration. What’s more, I was working with this client on a huge project, and I wasn’t sure how to proceed, but my manager helped me break down the project into smaller, more manageable tasks, and that really kept me going. Fortunately, things turned out okay.

I have more experience now, but one funny thing is how often I run into problems that I can never anticipate. Like, the other day, I couldn’t get my microphone to work in a Zoom meeting, but I was able to figure out the issue. Not the first time, nor the last time, and I run into people all of the time who have mixed experiences with technology.

In team meetings with colleagues, my boss often brings up new ideas for increasing company sales, and I also bring up my concerns too, especially when we’re asked to work overtime.

And you know what? Remote work isn’t always easy, but it definitely has allowed me to take off and grow professionally in many ways I never imagined. I can’t say I miss commuting because now, I can take off my slippers, step outside, and I’m ready “at the office.”

Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs + particles (like off, up, into) that often have special meanings. Some phrasal verbs have more than one meaning, depending on the situation. That’s what makes them tricky but also very useful!

Let’s look at five common phrasal verbs with multiple meanings:

Take off

• “The plane took off at 3:00 p.m.” (left the ground)
• “His business really took off last year.” (become successful)
• “She took off work to care for her aging father.” (take a break from work)
• “I have to take off now or I’ll miss my train.” (Leave suddenly / depart quickly)
• “He took off his jacket because it was hot.” (remove something like clothes or shoes)

Break down

• “My car broke down on the highway.” (stop working)
• “She broke down in tears after the news.” (lose control emotionally)
• “Let’s break down the process step by step.” (to explain or examine something in smaller parts)

Run into

• “I ran into my teacher at the store.” (met by chance)
• “We ran into some problems with the project.” (encountered unexpectedly)
• “The car ran into a tree.” (collided)

Pass out

• “He passed out from the heat.” (fainted)
• “After a long day, he passed out on the couch.” (fell asleep)
• “They passed out free samples at the event.” (distributed)

Bring/Brought up

• “She brought up an interesting point.” (mention a topic)
• “They brought up five children.” (raise children)
• “He brought up the box from the basement.” (Move something upward)

Understanding phrasal verbs with multiple meanings helps you sound more natural and understand real English in daily life, especially in casual speech and movies. Native speakers use these phrases all the time—so recognizing and using them confidently improves both your comprehension and fluency.

You’ll hear them in many situations:

• Everyday conversations:
  
  • “She was so tired that she passed out as soon as she got home.” (fell asleep)
  • “Let’s not bring that up again.” (mention a topic)
• Workplace communication:
  
  • “Our system broke down yesterday.” (stop working)
  • “We ran into a delay with the shipment.” (encounter unexpectedly)
• Emergency or emotional situations:
  
  • “She broke down when she heard the news.” (lose control emotionally)
  • “He passed out and needed help.” (fainted)

Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.

These questions help you practice using common phrasal verbs with different meanings. Try to speak in complete sentences and explain the situation when possible.

1. Take Off
   
   • Have you ever seen a plane take off or missed a flight?
     ➤ For example: “Yes, I saw the plane take off right before I arrived.”
   • Has anything in your life “taken off” recently (like a skill or hobby)?
     ➤ For example: “My English really took off after I started watching shows in English.”
2. Break Down
   
   • Has your car or computer ever broken down? What happened?
     ➤ For example: “Yes, my car broke down in the rain. It was scary.”
   • Has anyone you know ever broken down emotionally?
     ➤ For example: “Yes, my friend broke down after losing her job.”
3. Run Into
   
   • Have you ever run into someone unexpectedly?
     ➤ For example: “I ran into my old friend at the park.”
   • What kind of problems have you run into at work or school?
     ➤ For example: “I ran into trouble finishing my essay on time.”
4. Pass Out
   
   • Have you ever passed out or seen someone pass out?
     ➤ For example: “I passed out once during a race.”
   • Have you ever passed something out at an event? What was it?
     ➤ For example: “We passed out flyers for a school fundraiser.”
5. Bring Up
   
   • What’s something you don’t like people to bring up in conversation?
     ➤ For example: “I don’t like it when people bring up politics.”
   • Have you ever brought up a difficult topic with a friend or family member?
     ➤ For example: “Yes, I brought up moving away, and it was hard.”