Are you looking to level up your English speaking and writing skills? One area that can greatly enhance your language proficiency is mastering phrasal verbs. Today, we’ll explore 15 postponed phrasal verbs that will enrich your vocabulary and boost your fluency.
But first, let’s understand the concept of postponed. It’s an adjective used to describe something that has been rescheduled or delayed to a later time or date than originally planned. When an event, activity, appointment, or task is postponed, it means it will not happen at the initially scheduled time but has been moved to a later time.
Key Takeaways
- Phrasal verbs are a combination of a verb and one or more particles (adverbs or prepositions) that create a new meaning different from the original verb.
- Learning phrasal verbs is crucial for enhancing language skills and communicating more effectively in English.
- Phrasal verbs are commonly used in both spoken and written English, making them essential for effective communication in various situations.
- Phrasal verbs often convey a message more efficiently than using separate words, allowing for more effective and succinct expression of ideas.
- To effectively learn phrasal verbs, it is advisable to study them in small, manageable parts and focus on topics or contexts that interest you.
- By enhancing your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs, you can elevate your English language skills to a higher level of fluency and confidently express yourself in a wide range of conversations and written communication.
What are phrasal verbs?
Definition of phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs are a unique feature of the English language that can often leave non-native speakers puzzled. They are commonly used in everyday conversations and play a significant role in helping English language learners speak fluently. But what exactly are phrasal verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (adverbs or prepositions) that together create a new meaning different from the original verb. The particle can change the verb’s meaning, add emphasis, or indicate direction.
Here are a few examples to help illustrate the concept:
- Take off: to remove clothing or depart on a flight
- Look up: to search for information
- Turn on: to activate or start something
- Give up: to surrender or stop doing something
Understanding the meaning of the phrasal verb as a whole can sometimes be quite different from the individual meanings of the verb and the particle. This contextual understanding is important to use phrasal verbs correctly and effectively.
Importance of learning phrasal verbs
Mastering phrasal verbs is crucial for enhancing your English language skills and communicating more effectively. Here’s why:
- Nativelike fluency: Phrasal verbs are commonly used by native speakers in everyday conversations. Learning them can help non-native speakers sound more natural and fluent.
- Contextual understanding: Phrasal verbs often have multiple meanings depending on the context in which they are used. Learning phrasal verbs can help learners develop their ability to understand the meaning of words based on the surrounding context.
- Widely used: Phrasal verbs are commonly used in both spoken and written English. Being familiar with them is essential for effective communication in various situations.
- Efficient communication: Phrasal verbs often convey a message more efficiently than using separate words. Learning them can help you express ideas more effectively and succinctly.
To effectively learn phrasal verbs, it is advisable to study them in small, manageable parts. By focusing on specific topics or contexts that interest you, such as business phrasal verbs or travel phrasal verbs, you can gradually build your phrasal verb repertoire while making the learning process more enjoyable and relevant to your needs.
By enhancing your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs, you can elevate your English language skills to a higher level of fluency and confidently express yourself in a wide range of conversations and written communication.
15 Postponed Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are an essential aspect of the English language, often causing confusion for non-native speakers. Mastering these combinations of verbs and particles can greatly enhance your language skills and make your communication more effective. In this section, we will explore 15 postponed phrasal verbs that will enrich your vocabulary and boost your fluency.
But before we jump into the phrasal verbs, let’s quickly understand the concept of ‘postponed.’ It is an adjective used to describe something that has been rescheduled or delayed to a later time or date than originally planned. When an event, activity, appointment, or task is postponed, it means it will not take place at the initially scheduled time but has been moved to a later time.
Let’s investigate into the 15 postponed phrasal verbs that you can add to your English repertoire:
- Put off – To delay doing something or to postpone an event.
- Hold off – To delay something temporarily.
- Call off – To cancel something that was planned or scheduled.
- Push back – To move a deadline or date to a later time.
- Set back – To delay the progress of something.
- Wait out – To wait until a difficult or unpleasant situation is over.
- Drag out – To make something last longer than necessary.
- Knock back – To postpone or reject something.
- Move back – To reschedule an event or appointment to a later time.
- Carry over – To move something to a later time or date.
- Shift back – To change the timing of something to a later time.
- Shelve – To postpone or delay something indefinitely.
- Defer – To put off or delay an action or decision.
- Back out – To withdraw from a commitment or agreement.
- Procrastinate – To delay or postpone tasks out of habit or intentionally.
These postponed phrasal verbs provide you with a variety of ways to express and describe delays or rescheduling. By incorporating them into your language skills, you can sound more natural and fluent when discussing postponed events or activities.
Common phrasal verbs
Postponed Phrasal Verbs
Now that you understand the concept of “postponed,” let’s explore some common phrasal verbs related to postponing events or activities. These phrasal verbs will not only enrich your vocabulary, but also enhance your fluency in English.
- Put off: To postpone or delay something. Example: “I had to put off my dentist appointment until next week.”
- Call off: To cancel or nix something that had been planned. Example: “The outdoor concert was called off due to heavy rain.”
- Hold over: To delay or extend something beyond the original date or time. Example: “The theater production was held over for an extra week due to popular demand.”
- Push back: To reschedule an event or activity for a later time. Example: “The meeting has been pushed back to 3 p.m.”
- Move back: To change the date or time of an event to a later time. Example: “The wedding has been moved back to the spring.”
- Set back: To delay the progress or timing of something. Example: “The unexpected setback set back the completion date of the project.”
- Reschedule: To arrange a new time or date for something. Example: “We need to reschedule our appointment for next month.”
- Procrastinate: To delay or put off doing something. Example: “I tend to procrastinate when it comes to cleaning my apartment.”
- Defer: To postpone or delay an action or decision. Example: “We decided to defer the final decision until next week.”
- Hold off: To delay taking action or making a decision. Example: “Let’s hold off on making a decision until we have more information.”
- Shelve: To postpone or put aside something for a later time. Example: “We’ve decided to shelve the project for now and focus on other priorities.”
- Reschedule: To arrange a new time or date for something. Example: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to reschedule the event.”
- Put on hold: To temporarily postpone or delay something. Example: “The project has been put on hold until further notice.”
- Delay: To cause something to happen at a later time than originally planned. Example: “The flight
Tips for learning phrasal verbs
Learning phrasal verbs can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can enhance your English language skills and become more fluent in no time. Here are some tips to help you master phrasal verbs effectively:
Practice with Context
One of the best ways to learn and remember phrasal verbs is to practice using them in context. Contextual practice helps you understand how phrasal verbs are used in real-life situations and improves your overall comprehension.
- Create example sentences: Think of scenarios where you can use the phrasal verbs you’re learning. Write down example sentences that demonstrate their meaning and usage.
- Read and listen to authentic English material: Engage with newspapers, novels, articles, and podcasts to encounter phrasal verbs in their natural context. Pay attention to how they are used and try to understand the context through the surrounding words and sentences.
- Converse with native English speakers: Engaging in conversations with native speakers allows you to practice using phrasal verbs in a practical setting. It also gives you an opportunity to receive feedback and learn from their experiences.
Use Flashcards
Flashcards are an excellent tool for memorizing phrasal verbs and their meanings. They offer a convenient and portable way to review and reinforce your understanding of these language structures.
- Create flashcards: Write the phrasal verb on one side of the flashcard and its meaning and example sentence on the other side. Review the flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory.
- Categorize flashcards: Organize your flashcards based on themes or topics. For example, you can group them according to verbs (e.g., “take off,” “look up”), prepositions (e.g., “back up,” “get out”), or common scenarios (e.g., “going out,” “getting ready”).
- Quiz yourself: Test your knowledge by looking at the phrasal verb and trying to recall its meaning and usage. Alternatively, you can see the example sentence and identify the correct phrasal verb.
Watch Movies or TV Shows
Watching movies or TV shows in English is an enjoyable way to expose yourself to phrasal verbs used naturally in conversations and everyday situations.
- Choose authentic content: Select movies or shows that reflect the cultural context and language you want to learn. Look for genres that interest you, such as comedies, dramas, or documentaries.
- Pay attention to subtitles: Use subtitles to help you understand the dialogue and identify phrasal verbs in context. Even if you don’t rely on them for comprehension, they can serve as a helpful reference while you learn.
- Actively listen for phrasal verbs: Train yourself to identify phrasal verbs while watching by listening carefully to the dialogue. Take note of their meaning and usage in the scenes to reinforce your understanding.
By practicing with context, using flashcards, and watching movies or TV shows, you can improve your phrasal verb skills and enhance your English language proficiency. Incorporate these tips into your learning routine and watch your fluency soar.
Remember to review your phrasal verbs regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment and use them in your own conversations and writing. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using phrasal verbs naturally and confidently in your everyday English communication.
Resources for learning phrasal verbs
If you’re looking to improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs in English, there are several resources available to assist you. Here are a few options that can enhance your learning experience:
Online Dictionaries
Online dictionaries can be a valuable tool for learning and clarifying the meanings of phrasal verbs. They provide comprehensive definitions and usage examples, offering a solid foundation for expanding your vocabulary. Some reputable online dictionaries specifically cater to phrasal verbs, allowing you to easily search for and explore different phrasal verb combinations. Here are a few trusted online dictionaries to consider:
- Merriam-Webster
- Cambridge Dictionary
- Collins Dictionary
Phrasal Verb Books
Phrasal verb books are an excellent investment if you prefer a comprehensive and organized approach to learning. These books typically provide explanations, contextual examples, and exercises to help you practice and reinforce your understanding of phrasal verbs. They often cover a wide range of phrasal verbs, ensuring that you have access to a diverse set of usage scenarios. Consider these popular phrasal verb books:
- “English Phrasal Verbs in Use” by Raymond Murphy
- “The Complete Phrasal Verbs Handbook” by Jamie Flockhart
- “Essential English Phrasal Verbs” by Matthew Monk
Language Learning Apps
In the digital age, language learning apps offer convenience and flexibility in improving your knowledge of phrasal verbs. These apps typically provide engaging exercises, quizzes, and interactive lessons to make your learning experience enjoyable and effective. Many apps also incorporate features like audio pronunciations and progress tracking to help you stay motivated and monitor your advancement. Some well-regarded language learning apps for mastering phrasal verbs include:
- Duolingo
- Memrise
- Babbel
By utilizing these resources, you can enhance your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs. Remember to engage with these tools regularly, practice using phrasal verbs in different contexts, and review your progress periodically. Keep in mind that mastering phrasal verbs is an ongoing process, so perseverance and consistency are key to achieving fluency in English communication.
So, whether you prefer online dictionaries, phrasal verb books, or language learning apps, there are plenty of options available to support your journey in learning phrasal verbs effectively.
No concluding paragraph or sentence.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned some effective strategies for mastering phrasal verbs, you are well-equipped to enhance your English language skills. By practicing with context and utilizing flashcards, you can improve your understanding and usage of these often challenging verb phrases.
Plus to these tips, exposing yourself to phrasal verbs in natural conversations is crucial. Watching movies or TV shows can provide valuable exposure and help you become more familiar with their usage in everyday language.
To further support your learning journey, there are various resources available. Online dictionaries, phrasal verb books, and language learning apps can all be valuable tools for expanding your knowledge and improving your grasp of phrasal verbs.
Remember, consistency is key. Regular review and practice will solidify your understanding and ensure that phrasal verbs become second nature to you.
With these strategies and resources at your disposal, you are well on your way to mastering phrasal verbs and becoming a more confident English speaker. Keep up the great work and enjoy the journey of expanding your language skills!
