📚 B2 Level · Phrasal Verbs
🧑🤝🧑 15 Essential Phrasal Verbs
for People & Society
Complete B2 Level English Grammar Tutorial
Master 15 essential phrasal verbs used in everyday social life — with definitions, grammar notes, authentic examples, and usage tips.
🎯 Introduction
Language is not just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists — it is about connection. The way we talk about the people in our lives, the relationships we build, and the society we live in reveals a great deal about who we are. In English, one of the most powerful and natural ways to express these ideas is through phrasal verbs.
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a new meaning — often very different from the original verb. Native speakers use them constantly in everyday conversation, in films, in books, and in the workplace. Mastering phrasal verbs is, therefore, a key step in moving from an intermediate to an advanced level of English fluency.
In this tutorial, you will study 15 essential phrasal verbs connected to the theme of People and Society. These verbs will help you talk about family life, friendships, conflicts, respect, personal growth, and social relationships — all topics that are central to human experience. Each phrasal verb is presented with a clear definition, detailed explanation, grammar notes, and multiple example sentences to help you understand and use it naturally.
📘 The 15 Phrasal Verbs: Full Explanations
1
💬
Ask After
📌 Meaning: To ask for news about someone's health or well-being.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. The object always follows the particle after.
💬 Examples in Context
- When I bumped into Mrs. Taylor at the supermarket, she asked after my mother and hoped she was feeling better.
- My colleagues always ask after my children whenever I return from a long holiday.
- He called his old university friend just to ask after him and catch up on life.
2
👨👩👧
Bring Up
📌 Meaning: To raise a child until he or she becomes an adult.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is separable. You can say bring up a child or bring a child up. When using a pronoun, it must go between the verb and particle: bring them up ✅ / bring up them ❌
💬 Examples in Context
- She was brought up by her grandparents after her parents moved abroad for work.
- It takes enormous patience and dedication to bring up children in today's fast-paced world.
- He was brought up in a small rural community, which shaped his values and outlook on life.
- Parents who bring up their children with strong values tend to raise more confident adults.
3
❤️
Fall For
📌 Meaning: (1) To fall in love with someone; (2) To be deceived by a lie, trick, or scheme.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. It has two distinct meanings depending on context.
💬 Examples in Context
- She completely fell for him the moment they met at the community event.
- I can't believe he fell for that old trick — it was so obviously a scam.
- Many people fall for misleading headlines without reading the full article.
- He fell for her kind personality and her genuine interest in helping others.
4
💢
Fall Out (With)
📌 Meaning: To have an argument with someone and stop being friends as a result.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. The person you argue with follows with.
💬 Examples in Context
- Sarah and her best friend fell out over a misunderstanding about money.
- He fell out with his brother years ago and they haven't spoken since.
- It's easy to fall out with people when you're under a lot of stress.
- After they fell out, neither of them was willing to apologise first.
5
🤝
Get On (With)
📌 Meaning: To have a good or friendly relationship with someone.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. It is one of the most frequently used phrasal verbs in British English for describing relationships.
💬 Examples in Context
- She gets on with all of her colleagues, which makes the workplace a pleasant environment.
- Do you get on with your neighbours, or is there tension between you?
- I've always got on well with my in-laws, which has made family gatherings enjoyable.
- Children who get on with their teachers tend to perform better academically.
6
🌱
Grow Up
📌 Meaning: To become older; to develop from a child into an adult.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is intransitive — it does not take a direct object. It can also be used informally to tell someone to behave more maturely.
💬 Examples in Context
- He grew up in a large, close-knit family in the countryside.
- As children grow up, their needs and priorities change significantly.
- She didn't grow up speaking English, but she became fluent through years of study.
- "Oh, grow up!" she said, frustrated by his childish behaviour.
7
😤
Look Down On
📌 Meaning: To think that you are better than someone else; to treat others as inferior.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. It describes a negative social attitude of superiority or contempt.
💬 Examples in Context
- Some wealthy individuals look down on those who come from less privileged backgrounds.
- She never looked down on anyone, regardless of their social status or education.
- It is important not to look down on people simply because they have different beliefs or lifestyles.
- He felt that his boss looked down on him because he hadn't attended a prestigious university.
8
🌟
Look Up To
📌 Meaning: To admire and respect someone.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. It is the opposite of look down on. People often use it to talk about role models and mentors.
💬 Examples in Context
- Many young athletes look up to professional sportspeople as role models.
- She has always looked up to her older sister for her strength and determination.
- It is important for children to have positive figures they can look up to in society.
- He looks up to his father, who worked hard to provide a better life for the family.
9
🤗
Make Up
📌 Meaning: To become friends again after an argument or disagreement.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is separable. You can say make up with someone or make it up with someone.
💬 Examples in Context
- After a week of not speaking, the two friends finally made up and hugged each other.
- It takes courage to make up with someone after a serious argument.
- They made up their differences and decided to move forward together.
- Have you made up with your sister yet, or are you still not talking?
10
🕊️
Pass Away
📌 Meaning: To die — a polite and gentle way of saying someone has died.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is intransitive — it does not take a direct object. It is a euphemism used in both formal and informal contexts.
💬 Examples in Context
- His grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of ninety-two.
- The community was deeply saddened when the beloved teacher passed away.
- She passed away after a long illness, surrounded by her family.
- It has been two years since my aunt passed away, and we still miss her deeply.
11
😠
Pick On
📌 Meaning: To repeatedly treat someone badly or unfairly; to bully or target someone.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. It is commonly used to describe bullying behaviour in schools, workplaces, or social groups.
💬 Examples in Context
- The older students used to pick on the younger ones during break time.
- She felt that her manager was picking on her unfairly during team meetings.
- It is never acceptable to pick on someone because of their appearance or background.
- Why do you always pick on him? He hasn't done anything wrong.
12
💔
Put Down
📌 Meaning: To criticise someone or make them feel stupid or worthless.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is separable. You can say put someone down or put down someone. When using a pronoun: put her down ✅ / put down her ❌
💬 Examples in Context
- He constantly put her down in front of their friends, which was deeply hurtful.
- A good leader never puts down their team members — they encourage and support them.
- She was tired of being put down every time she shared a new idea at work.
- Stop putting yourself down — you are more capable than you think.
13
🏡
Settle Down
📌 Meaning: (1) To become calm after being upset or excited; (2) To establish a stable life in one place, often by getting married and living quietly.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is intransitive. It has two related meanings — one emotional, one social/lifestyle-related.
💬 Examples in Context
- After the argument, it took her a long time to settle down and think clearly.
- Many people in their thirties begin to feel ready to settle down and start a family.
- He travelled the world for years before finally deciding to settle down in a small coastal town.
- The children were too excited after the party to settle down and go to sleep.
14
✊
Stand Up For
📌 Meaning: To defend or support someone or something in an argument or difficult situation.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is inseparable. It reflects courage and moral integrity in social situations.
💬 Examples in Context
- She always stands up for her colleagues when they are treated unfairly by management.
- It takes real bravery to stand up for what you believe in, even when others disagree.
- He stood up for his friend when the other students were bullying him.
- We must all stand up for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.
15
😲
Take Aback
📌 Meaning: To surprise or shock someone — usually used in the passive voice: be taken aback.
🔷 Grammar Note: This phrasal verb is most commonly used in the passive voice: be taken aback by something. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
💬 Examples in Context
- She was completely taken aback by the warm welcome she received from the community.
- He was taken aback by his friend's sudden decision to move abroad.
- I was taken aback when I heard how rudely he had spoken to the elderly woman.
- The whole team was taken aback by the unexpected announcement from the director.
🔄 Summary Table
| # | Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ask after | Ask for news about someone | Inseparable |
| 2 | Bring up | Raise a child to adulthood | Separable |
| 3 | Fall for | Fall in love with; be deceived by | Inseparable |
| 4 | Fall out (with) | Argue and stop being friends | Inseparable |
| 5 | Get on (with) | Have a good relationship with | Inseparable |
| 6 | Grow up | Become older / mature | Intransitive |
| 7 | Look down on | Think you are better than others | Inseparable |
| 8 | Look up to | Admire and respect someone | Inseparable |
| 9 | Make up | Become friends again after an argument | Separable |
| 10 | Pass away | Die (polite expression) | Intransitive |
| 11 | Pick on | Treat someone badly / bully | Inseparable |
| 12 | Put down | Criticise / make someone feel stupid | Separable |
| 13 | Settle down | Become calm; establish a stable life | Intransitive |
| 14 | Stand up for | Defend or support someone | Inseparable |
| 15 | Take aback | Surprise or shock (usually passive) | Passive form |
💡 Key Learning Tips
- Learn phrasal verbs in context — always study them in sentences, not in isolation.
- Notice separable vs. inseparable verbs — this affects how you construct sentences correctly.
- Group by theme — learning phrasal verbs by topic (like people and society) helps you remember them more easily.
- Use them in your writing and speaking — the more you practise using them actively, the more natural they will feel.
- Keep a vocabulary journal — write down new phrasal verbs with example sentences and review them regularly.
🌍 Conclusion
The phrasal verbs covered in this tutorial are not just linguistic tools — they are windows into the way English speakers think and talk about human relationships and social life. From the warmth of asking after a friend, to the pain of being picked on or put down, to the joy of making up after a disagreement — these expressions capture the full range of human experience. By mastering these 15 phrasal verbs, you will be able to speak and write about people and society with greater naturalness, depth, and confidence. Use them in your conversations, your essays, and your everyday interactions, and you will quickly notice the difference they make to your English fluency.
✏️ Exercise 1
Multiple Choice
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Choose the correct phrasal verb (A, B, or C) to complete each sentence. Click the green arrow after each question to reveal the answer.
📌 Example — How to Answer
She _______ her younger brother because he always got better grades.
- A) looked up to
- B) picked on
- C) settled down
✅ Answer: B) picked on — She repeatedly treated her brother badly out of jealousy, which matches the meaning of pick on.
1
My grandmother always _______ my father whenever she met his old friends.
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Correct Answer
A) asked after
The grandmother was asking for news about her son's well-being — this matches ask after.
2
He was completely _______ by the news that his colleague had resigned without warning.
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Correct Answer
B) taken aback
The unexpected resignation caused shock and surprise — taken aback is used in passive voice to express this.
3
She _______ in a strict household where discipline and respect were highly valued.
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Correct Answer
C) was brought up
The sentence describes how she was raised as a child — bring up in the passive form fits perfectly here.
4
After weeks of not speaking, the two sisters finally _______ and went out for dinner together.
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Correct Answer
A) made up
After a period of not speaking, they reconciled and restored their friendship — this is the meaning of make up.
5
Many teenagers _______ celebrities and athletes as their role models.
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Correct Answer
B) look up to
Teenagers admire and respect celebrities as role models — look up to expresses admiration and respect.
6
The elderly man _______ quietly in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family.
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Correct Answer
B) passed away
Pass away is a gentle, polite way of saying someone died — perfectly suited to this sensitive context.
7
It is unacceptable for teachers to _______ students who are struggling academically.
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Correct Answer
A) put down
Criticising or belittling struggling students is described by put down — to make someone feel stupid or worthless.
8
After years of travelling, she finally decided to _______ in a small village near the coast.
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Correct Answer
C) settle down
After years of travelling, choosing to live permanently in one place is described by settle down.
9
He _______ the new employee and defended her when the manager was unfair.
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Correct Answer
A) stood up for
Defending someone who is being treated unfairly is the exact meaning of stand up for.
10
She _______ his charm immediately, not realising he was being dishonest.
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Correct Answer
B) fell for
Being deceived by someone's charm without realising the dishonesty is described by fall for — to be tricked or fooled.
✅ Check your score: Count how many answers you got correct out of 10.
🌟 8–10 correct: Excellent! | 💪 5–7 correct: Good effort! | 📖 0–4 correct: Review the tutorial and try again!
✏️ Exercise 2
Fill in the Blank
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Complete each sentence using the correct phrasal verb from the word box below. Use each verb once only. Click the green arrow after each question to reveal the answer.
📦 Word Box
ask after
bring up
fall out
get on
grow up
look down on
make up
pass away
pick on
take aback
📌 Example — How to Answer
It is wrong to _______ people just because they have less money than you.
✅ Answer: look down on — The sentence describes treating others as inferior, which matches the meaning of look down on.
1
My neighbour called to _______ my husband after his recent surgery.
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Correct Answer
ask after
The neighbour was enquiring about the husband's health and well-being — this is exactly what ask after means.
2
It can be very challenging to _______ children as a single parent.
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Correct Answer
bring up
Raising children to adulthood, especially alone, is described by bring up — to look after a child until they become an adult.
3
She was deeply _______ by the kindness of strangers during her difficult time.
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Correct Answer
taken aback
Being surprised and moved by unexpected kindness is expressed by taken aback — used here in its passive form.
4
They _______ over a disagreement about money and haven't spoken for months.
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Correct Answer
fell out
Having an argument that leads to stopping being friends is described by fall out — the result here is months of silence.
5
He _______ in a multicultural city, which gave him a broad perspective on life.
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Correct Answer
grew up
Developing from a child into an adult in a specific place is described by grow up — here, the city shaped his worldview.
6
Do you _______ well _______ your new flatmates, or is there tension?
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Correct Answer
get on / with
Get on with means to have a good relationship with someone — the two-part structure requires both get on and with.
7
After a long illness, her beloved grandfather _______ last winter.
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Correct Answer
passed away
Pass away is a polite, sensitive way to say someone died — appropriate here given the emotional context of a long illness.
8
The school introduced a strict policy to prevent older students from _______ younger ones.
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Correct Answer
picking on
Repeatedly targeting and bullying younger students is described by pick on — used here in its gerund form after from.
9
It took them several weeks to _______ after their argument at the wedding.
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Correct Answer
make up
Reconciling and becoming friends again after a disagreement is the meaning of make up — the wedding argument caused a prolonged rift.
10
Some people _______ those who did not attend university, which is very unfair.
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Correct Answer
look down on
Treating people as inferior because of their educational background is described by look down on — a negative attitude of superiority.
✅ Check your score: Count how many answers you got correct out of 10.
🌟 8–10 correct: Excellent! | 💪 5–7 correct: Good effort! | 📖 0–4 correct: Review the tutorial and try again!
✏️ Exercise 3
Error Correction
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Each sentence below contains one mistake related to the phrasal verb. Find the mistake and write the corrected sentence. Click the green arrow after each question to reveal the answer.
Some questions include a hint to guide you in the right direction. Look out for notes about meaning, prepositions, verb forms, and adverb use.
📌 Example — How to Answer
Find the mistake in this sentence and correct it:
She was completely taken aback from the unexpected announcement.
✅ Corrected: She was completely taken aback by the unexpected announcement.
The correct preposition after taken aback is by, not from.
The correct preposition after taken aback is by, not from.
1
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
He asked after for his old teacher when he returned to his hometown.
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Corrected Sentence
He asked after for his old teacher when he returned to his hometown.
He asked after his old teacher when he returned to his hometown.
Remove "for" — ask after is already a complete phrasal verb and does not need an extra preposition.
2
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
She was bring up by her aunt after her parents divorced.
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Corrected Sentence
She was bring up by her aunt after her parents divorced.
She was brought up by her aunt after her parents divorced.
In the passive voice, the past participle form is required — bring must become brought.
3
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
I can't believe you fell for with that ridiculous story — it was clearly a lie!
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Corrected Sentence
I can't believe you fell for with that ridiculous story — it was clearly a lie!
I can't believe you fell for that ridiculous story — it was clearly a lie!
Remove "with" — fall for is a complete phrasal verb. Adding "with" creates an incorrect double-particle structure.
4
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
They fell out from each other after a heated argument about politics.
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Corrected Sentence
They fell out from each other after a heated argument about politics.
They fell out with each other after a heated argument about politics.
Replace "from" with "with" — the correct form is fall out with someone, not fall out from.
5
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
My children get on good with their cousins whenever they visit.
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Corrected Sentence
My children get on good with their cousins whenever they visit.
My children get on well with their cousins whenever they visit.
Replace "good" with "well" — well is an adverb modifying the verb phrase, while "good" is an adjective and grammatically incorrect here.
6
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
He grew up to become a kind and responsible adult.
💡 Hint: Is the phrasal verb being used correctly in context here? Check the meaning carefully.
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Corrected Sentence
He grew up to become a kind and responsible adult. ✅
This sentence is actually correct. Grow up is used appropriately here to describe the process of developing from a child into an adult. No correction is needed.
7
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
She has always looked up on her older brother for his courage and integrity.
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Corrected Sentence
She has always looked up on her older brother for his courage and integrity.
She has always looked up to her older brother for his courage and integrity.
Replace "on" with "to" — the correct phrasal verb is look up to (to admire), not look up on, which does not exist.
8
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
The community was taken aback from the sudden closure of the local school.
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Corrected Sentence
The community was taken aback from the sudden closure of the local school.
The community was taken aback by the sudden closure of the local school.
Replace "from" with "by" — the fixed expression is always taken aback by something. "From" is never used with this phrasal verb.
9
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
It is important to stand up to the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.
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Corrected Sentence
It is important to stand up to the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.
It is important to stand up for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.
Replace "to" with "for" — stand up for means to defend or support someone or something, while stand up to means to resist or confront someone directly.
10
Find and correct the one mistake in this sentence:
Parents should never put their children down on in front of others.
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Corrected Sentence
Parents should never put their children down on in front of others.
Parents should never put their children down in front of others.
Remove "on" — put down is the correct two-word phrasal verb. The object goes between put and down, and no extra particle is needed.
✅ Check your score: Count how many corrections you identified correctly out of 10.
🌟 8–10 correct: Excellent! | 💪 5–7 correct: Good effort! | 📖 0–4 correct: Review the tutorial and try again!
✏️ Exercise 4
Sentence Transformation
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Rewrite each sentence using the phrasal verb given in brackets so that the meaning stays the same. Do not change the meaning. You may need to change the form of the phrasal verb. Click the green arrow after each question to reveal the answer.
Pay close attention to tense, subject, and sentence structure when rewriting. The phrasal verb must be used correctly and naturally in the new sentence.
📌 Example — How to Answer
Original sentence:
"My uncle died peacefully after a long illness."
PASS AWAY → Rewrite using this phrasal verb:
✅ My uncle passed away peacefully after a long illness.
Pass away replaces "died" — same meaning, more polite register.
Pass away replaces "died" — same meaning, more polite register.
1
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"My parents raised me in a small village in the north of England."
BRING UP
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
I was brought up in a small village in the north of England.
The subject shifts to "I" and the passive voice is used — brought up replaces "raised" with the same meaning.
🔷 Grammar: bring up → was brought up (passive, past simple)
2
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"The two friends had an argument and stopped speaking to each other."
FALL OUT
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
The two friends fell out and stopped speaking to each other.
Fall out replaces "had an argument" — it naturally implies the breakdown of the relationship that follows.
🔷 Grammar: fall out → fell out (past simple)
3
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"She has always admired and respected her grandmother for her wisdom."
LOOK UP TO
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
She has always looked up to her grandmother for her wisdom.
Look up to replaces "admired and respected" — it is inseparable, so the object follows directly after "to".
🔷 Grammar: look up to → has always looked up to (present perfect)
4
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"After the argument, they became friends again and went out for coffee."
MAKE UP
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
After the argument, they made up and went out for coffee.
Make up replaces "became friends again" — it is the natural, idiomatic expression for reconciliation after a disagreement.
🔷 Grammar: make up → made up (past simple)
5
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"Some people treat those from poorer backgrounds as if they are inferior."
LOOK DOWN ON
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
Some people look down on those from poorer backgrounds.
Look down on replaces the longer phrase "treat … as if they are inferior" — it captures the attitude of superiority concisely.
🔷 Grammar: look down on → look down on (present simple, inseparable)
6
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"The older boys repeatedly targeted and bullied the new student."
PICK ON
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Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
The older boys kept picking on the new student.
Pick on replaces "repeatedly targeted and bullied" — using "kept + -ing" preserves the sense of repeated, ongoing behaviour.
🔷 Grammar: pick on → kept picking on (past continuous habit)
7
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"His manager always criticised him and made him feel worthless in front of the team."
PUT DOWN
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
His manager always put him down in front of the team.
Put down replaces "criticised him and made him feel worthless" — as a separable verb, the pronoun "him" goes between put and down.
🔷 Grammar: put down → put him down (separable — pronoun between verb and particle)
8
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"After years of travelling, he decided to live permanently in one place and start a family."
SETTLE DOWN
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
After years of travelling, he decided to settle down and start a family.
Settle down replaces "live permanently in one place" — it is intransitive and captures both the physical and lifestyle meaning naturally.
🔷 Grammar: settle down → settle down (infinitive after "decided to")
9
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"She defended her colleague when the director treated him unfairly."
STAND UP FOR
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Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
She stood up for her colleague when the director treated him unfairly.
Stand up for replaces "defended" — it is inseparable, so the object always follows directly after "for".
🔷 Grammar: stand up for → stood up for (past simple, inseparable)
10
Rewrite this sentence using the phrasal verb given:
"Everyone was shocked and surprised by the politician's sudden resignation."
TAKE ABACK
→
Write your answer here…
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✓
Model Answer
Everyone was taken aback by the politician's sudden resignation.
Taken aback replaces "shocked and surprised" — it is almost always used in the passive voice followed by the preposition by.
🔷 Grammar: take aback → was taken aback by (passive voice — past simple)
✅ Check your score: Count how many transformations you completed correctly out of 10.
🌟 8–10 correct: Excellent! | 💪 5–7 correct: Good effort! | 📖 0–4 correct: Review the tutorial and try again!
✏️ Exercise 5
Reading in Context — Cloze Passages
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Read each short passage carefully. Fill in each numbered gap with the correct phrasal verb from the word box provided beneath the passage. Use each verb once only per passage. You may need to change the form of the verb. Click the green arrow after each passage to reveal the answers.
Pay attention to verb tense, subject agreement, and the surrounding context of each gap. The correct phrasal verb must fit both grammatically and in meaning.
📌 Example — How to Answer
Read the passage and fill in the gaps:
When Maria was a child, she (1) ______ in a small coastal town. Her parents worked hard to (2) ______ her and her three brothers well.
Word box: grew up · bring up
✅ (1) grew up — describes developing from a child in a specific place.
✅ (2) bring up — to raise children; infinitive after "to".
Full sentence: "Her parents worked hard to bring her and her three brothers up well."
✅ (2) bring up — to raise children; infinitive after "to".
Full sentence: "Her parents worked hard to bring her and her three brothers up well."
1
Passage 1 — A Family Story
Thomas had always 1______ his father, a man who had worked tirelessly to support the family. Thomas 2______ in a modest neighbourhood, where neighbours always 3______ each other whenever someone was unwell. His father had 4______ Thomas and his siblings with strong values, teaching them never to 5______ anyone, regardless of their background.
looked up to
grew up
asked after
brought up
look down on
⌄
✓
Answers — Passage 1
(1)
looked up to
Thomas admired and respected his father — look up to in past perfect: "had always looked up to".
(2)
grew up
Thomas developed from a child in a specific neighbourhood — grow up in past simple.
(3)
asked after
Neighbours enquired about each other's health — ask after in past simple.
(4)
brought up
The father raised Thomas and his siblings — bring up in past perfect: "had brought up".
(5)
look down on
Never treating others as inferior — look down on in bare infinitive after "never to".
2
Passage 2 — A Difficult Friendship
Claire and Donna had been close friends for years, but one day they 1______ over a misunderstanding. For weeks, they refused to speak. Some of their mutual friends tried to 2______ the situation, but neither woman was ready. Eventually, Claire decided to 3______ Donna when a mutual friend told her that Donna had been 4______ by a serious illness in the family. Claire realised that life was too short to stay angry, and the two friends finally 5______.
fell out
make up
ask after
taken aback
made up
⌄
✓
Answers — Passage 2
(1)
fell out
They had an argument and stopped being friends — fall out in past simple.
(2)
make up
Friends tried to help them reconcile — make up in bare infinitive after "tried to".
(3)
ask after
Claire decided to enquire about Donna's well-being — ask after in bare infinitive after "decided to".
(4)
taken aback
Donna was shocked by the illness — taken aback in passive voice: "had been taken aback".
(5)
made up
They reconciled and became friends again — make up in past simple.
3
Passage 3 — A Workplace Challenge
When Priya joined the company, she quickly noticed that her manager often 1______ junior employees in meetings, making them feel worthless. He also seemed to 2______ anyone who had not attended a top university. Priya was not the kind of person to stay silent. She 3______ her colleagues whenever the manager was unfair. Over time, her teammates began to 4______ her for her courage. Eventually, the manager's behaviour was reported, and the whole team was 5______ by how swiftly the company took action.
put down
look down on
stood up for
look up to
taken aback
⌄
✓
Answers — Passage 3
(1)
put down
The manager criticised and belittled junior employees — put down in past simple; separable with object between verb and particle.
(2)
look down on
The manager treated others as inferior based on education — look down on in bare infinitive after "seemed to".
(3)
stood up for
Priya defended her colleagues — stand up for in past simple: "stood up for".
(4)
look up to
Teammates began to admire and respect Priya — look up to in bare infinitive after "began to".
(5)
taken aback
The team was shocked by the swift action — taken aback in passive voice: "was taken aback by".
4
Passage 4 — Growing Up and Moving On
James 1______ in a large city, but he always dreamed of a quieter life. After his beloved grandfather 2______ at the age of ninety, James began to reflect on what truly mattered. He had spent years being 3______ by a school bully who had made his childhood difficult. But now, as an adult, he was ready to leave the past behind. He decided to 4______ in a small village, find a partner, and start a family. He also 5______ well with his new neighbours from the very first day.
grew up
passed away
picked on
settle down
got on
⌄
✓
Answers — Passage 4
(1)
grew up
James developed from a child in a large city — grow up in past simple.
(2)
passed away
The grandfather died — pass away in past simple, used as a polite euphemism.
(3)
picked on
The bully repeatedly targeted James — pick on in past participle: "being picked on" (passive continuous).
(4)
settle down
James chose to establish a stable life in one place — settle down in bare infinitive after "decided to".
(5)
got on
James had a good relationship with his neighbours — get on in past simple: "got on well with".
5
Passage 5 — A Love Story
Nina had never expected to 1______ someone at a community event, but the moment she met Daniel, she felt an instant connection. They 2______ immediately and spent hours talking. However, a few months later, they 3______ over a trivial misunderstanding. Nina was deeply upset. Her mother called to 4______ her and encouraged her to be patient. After a week of reflection, Nina and Daniel 5______ and agreed never to let small misunderstandings come between them again.
fall for
got on
fell out
ask after
made up
⌄
✓
Answers — Passage 5
(1)
fall for
Nina fell in love with someone — fall for in bare infinitive after "expected to".
(2)
got on
They had a good relationship immediately — get on in past simple: "got on".
(3)
fell out
They argued and stopped getting along — fall out in past simple.
(4)
ask after
The mother called to enquire about Nina's well-being — ask after in bare infinitive after "to".
(5)
made up
They reconciled after their disagreement — make up in past simple.
✅ Check your score: Count how many gaps you filled correctly out of 25 (5 passages × 5 gaps).
🌟 22–25 correct: Excellent! | 💪 15–21 correct: Good effort! | 📖 0–14 correct: Review the tutorial and try again!
✏️ Exercise 6
Dialogue Completion
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Read each short dialogue carefully. Fill in the gaps using the correct phrasal verb from the word box provided beneath each dialogue. Use each verb once only per dialogue. You may need to change the form of the verb. Click the green arrow after each dialogue to reveal the answers.
Pay attention to who is speaking, the context of the conversation, and the correct verb form needed in each gap. Dialogues reflect real-life, natural English usage.
📌 Example — How to Answer
Read the dialogue and fill in the gap:
Anna: Did you hear that Mr. Harris ______ last week? It was so sudden.
Ben: Yes, I know. He was such a kind man. The whole community will miss him.
Ben: Yes, I know. He was such a kind man. The whole community will miss him.
Word box: passed away
✅ passed away — a polite way of saying someone died; past simple tense fits the context of "last week".
1
💬 Dialogue 1 — At a School Reunion
Sarah: It's so good to see you again! How have you been? I actually (1) ______ you when I bumped into your mum last month.
Mark: That's so kind of her! I've been well, thanks. You know, I still can't believe how much we've all changed since we (2) ______ here.
Sarah: I know! Do you remember how that teacher used to (3) ______ the quieter students in class? It was awful.
Mark: Yes! But luckily, we always (4) ______ each other. Nobody faced it alone.
Sarah: Exactly. I always (5) ______ you for that — you were always the first to speak up.
Choose the correct phrasal verb for each gap:
Mark: That's so kind of her! I've been well, thanks. You know, I still can't believe how much we've all changed since we (2) ______ here.
Sarah: I know! Do you remember how that teacher used to (3) ______ the quieter students in class? It was awful.
Mark: Yes! But luckily, we always (4) ______ each other. Nobody faced it alone.
Sarah: Exactly. I always (5) ______ you for that — you were always the first to speak up.
asked after
grew up
pick on
stood up for
looked up to
⌄
✓
Answers — Dialogue 1
Sarah: It's so good to see you again! How have you been? I actually asked after you when I bumped into your mum last month.
Mark: That's so kind of her! I've been well, thanks. You know, I still can't believe how much we've all changed since we grew up here.
Sarah: I know! Do you remember how that teacher used to pick on the quieter students in class? It was awful.
Mark: Yes! But luckily, we always stood up for each other. Nobody faced it alone.
Sarah: Exactly. I always looked up to you for that — you were always the first to speak up.
Mark: That's so kind of her! I've been well, thanks. You know, I still can't believe how much we've all changed since we grew up here.
Sarah: I know! Do you remember how that teacher used to pick on the quieter students in class? It was awful.
Mark: Yes! But luckily, we always stood up for each other. Nobody faced it alone.
Sarah: Exactly. I always looked up to you for that — you were always the first to speak up.
(1)
asked after
Sarah enquired about Mark's well-being through his mum — past simple after "I actually".
(2)
grew up
They developed from children in the same place — past simple after "since we".
(3)
pick on
The teacher repeatedly targeted quieter students — bare infinitive after "used to".
(4)
stood up for
They defended each other — past simple after "we always".
(5)
looked up to
Sarah admired and respected Mark — past simple after "I always".
2
💬 Dialogue 2 — Between Two Colleagues
Lisa: Have you noticed how our new manager (1) ______ anyone who didn't go to a top university? It's so unprofessional.
Tom: I know. And he keeps (2) ______ James in every meeting. It's becoming a real problem.
Lisa: I was completely (3) ______ when HR said they were aware of it but hadn't acted yet.
Tom: Same here. We should (4) ______ James and report it together.
Lisa: Agreed. Nobody should be (5) ______ like that at work.
Choose the correct phrasal verb for each gap:
Tom: I know. And he keeps (2) ______ James in every meeting. It's becoming a real problem.
Lisa: I was completely (3) ______ when HR said they were aware of it but hadn't acted yet.
Tom: Same here. We should (4) ______ James and report it together.
Lisa: Agreed. Nobody should be (5) ______ like that at work.
looks down on
picking on
taken aback
stand up for
put down
⌄
✓
Answers — Dialogue 2
Lisa: Have you noticed how our new manager looks down on anyone who didn't go to a top university? It's so unprofessional.
Tom: I know. And he keeps picking on James in every meeting. It's becoming a real problem.
Lisa: I was completely taken aback when HR said they were aware of it but hadn't acted yet.
Tom: Same here. We should stand up for James and report it together.
Lisa: Agreed. Nobody should be put down like that at work.
Tom: I know. And he keeps picking on James in every meeting. It's becoming a real problem.
Lisa: I was completely taken aback when HR said they were aware of it but hadn't acted yet.
Tom: Same here. We should stand up for James and report it together.
Lisa: Agreed. Nobody should be put down like that at work.
(1)
looks down on
The manager treats others as inferior — present simple after "how our new manager".
(2)
picking on
The manager repeatedly targets James — gerund (-ing) after "keeps".
(3)
taken aback
Lisa was shocked by HR's inaction — passive voice: "was completely taken aback".
(4)
stand up for
They should defend James — bare infinitive after modal "should".
(5)
put down
Nobody should be belittled at work — passive infinitive after "be".
3
💬 Dialogue 3 — A Family Conversation
Mum: Your aunt called earlier. She wanted to (1) ______ you — she heard you'd been unwell.
Dan: That's sweet of her. You know, she's the one who really (2) ______ me after Dad left. She was always there.
Mum: I know. She (3) ______ you both beautifully, even when things were hard.
Dan: I really (4) ______ her for that. She never complained once.
Mum: She's an incredible woman. I was so sad when her husband (5) ______ last year. She misses him terribly.
Choose the correct phrasal verb for each gap:
Dan: That's sweet of her. You know, she's the one who really (2) ______ me after Dad left. She was always there.
Mum: I know. She (3) ______ you both beautifully, even when things were hard.
Dan: I really (4) ______ her for that. She never complained once.
Mum: She's an incredible woman. I was so sad when her husband (5) ______ last year. She misses him terribly.
ask after
brought up
brought up
look up to
passed away
⌄
✓
Answers — Dialogue 3
Mum: Your aunt called earlier. She wanted to ask after you — she heard you'd been unwell.
Dan: That's sweet of her. You know, she's the one who really brought up me after Dad left. She was always there.
Mum: I know. She brought up you both beautifully, even when things were hard.
Dan: I really look up to her for that. She never complained once.
Mum: She's an incredible woman. I was so sad when her husband passed away last year. She misses him terribly.
Dan: That's sweet of her. You know, she's the one who really brought up me after Dad left. She was always there.
Mum: I know. She brought up you both beautifully, even when things were hard.
Dan: I really look up to her for that. She never complained once.
Mum: She's an incredible woman. I was so sad when her husband passed away last year. She misses him terribly.
(1)
ask after
The aunt enquired about Dan's health — bare infinitive after "wanted to".
(2)
brought up
The aunt raised Dan after his father left — past simple, separable with object after "up".
(3)
brought up
The aunt raised both children — past simple; object "you both" follows the particle.
(4)
look up to
Dan admires and respects his aunt — present simple after "I really".
(5)
passed away
The husband died — past simple; polite euphemism appropriate for this emotional context.
4
💬 Dialogue 4 — Two Old Friends Catching Up
Emma: I heard you and Sophie (1) ______ a few months ago. Is everything okay now?
Jake: Yes, thankfully. We (2) ______ last week. It took a while, but we got there.
Emma: I'm glad. Life's too short to stay angry. Do you still (3) ______ well with her flatmates?
Jake: Most of them, yes. Though one of them (4) ______ her sometimes, which I find really upsetting.
Emma: That's not right at all. Has Sophie considered moving out and (5) ______ somewhere new on her own?
Choose the correct phrasal verb for each gap:
Jake: Yes, thankfully. We (2) ______ last week. It took a while, but we got there.
Emma: I'm glad. Life's too short to stay angry. Do you still (3) ______ well with her flatmates?
Jake: Most of them, yes. Though one of them (4) ______ her sometimes, which I find really upsetting.
Emma: That's not right at all. Has Sophie considered moving out and (5) ______ somewhere new on her own?
fell out
made up
get on
picks on
settling down
⌄
✓
Answers — Dialogue 4
Emma: I heard you and Sophie fell out a few months ago. Is everything okay now?
Jake: Yes, thankfully. We made up last week. It took a while, but we got there.
Emma: I'm glad. Life's too short to stay angry. Do you still get on well with her flatmates?
Jake: Most of them, yes. Though one of them picks on her sometimes, which I find really upsetting.
Emma: That's not right at all. Has Sophie considered moving out and settling down somewhere new on her own?
Jake: Yes, thankfully. We made up last week. It took a while, but we got there.
Emma: I'm glad. Life's too short to stay angry. Do you still get on well with her flatmates?
Jake: Most of them, yes. Though one of them picks on her sometimes, which I find really upsetting.
Emma: That's not right at all. Has Sophie considered moving out and settling down somewhere new on her own?
(1)
fell out
Jake and Sophie had a falling out — past simple after "I heard you and Sophie".
(2)
made up
They reconciled — past simple after "We".
(3)
get on
Jake has a good relationship with the flatmates — bare infinitive after auxiliary "Do you still".
(4)
picks on
One flatmate repeatedly targets Sophie — present simple, third person singular.
(5)
settling down
Sophie establishing herself in a new place — gerund (-ing) after "considered moving out and".
5
💬 Dialogue 5 — A Heart-to-Heart
Mia: I completely (1) ______ his charm at first. I thought he was wonderful.
Cara: I remember. We were all a bit (2) ______ by how confident he seemed.
Mia: Exactly. But then he started to (3) ______ me in front of his friends. It was humiliating.
Cara: That's awful. You should never let anyone (4) ______ you like that.
Mia: I know that now. I (5) ______ with him eventually, and honestly, it was the best decision I ever made.
Choose the correct phrasal verb for each gap:
Cara: I remember. We were all a bit (2) ______ by how confident he seemed.
Mia: Exactly. But then he started to (3) ______ me in front of his friends. It was humiliating.
Cara: That's awful. You should never let anyone (4) ______ you like that.
Mia: I know that now. I (5) ______ with him eventually, and honestly, it was the best decision I ever made.
fell for
taken aback
put down
put down
fell out
⌄
✓
Answers — Dialogue 5
Mia: I completely fell for his charm at first. I thought he was wonderful.
Cara: I remember. We were all a bit taken aback by how confident he seemed.
Mia: Exactly. But then he started to put down me in front of his friends. It was humiliating.
Cara: That's awful. You should never let anyone put down you like that.
Mia: I know that now. I fell out with him eventually, and honestly, it was the best decision I ever made.
Cara: I remember. We were all a bit taken aback by how confident he seemed.
Mia: Exactly. But then he started to put down me in front of his friends. It was humiliating.
Cara: That's awful. You should never let anyone put down you like that.
Mia: I know that now. I fell out with him eventually, and honestly, it was the best decision I ever made.
(1)
fell for
Mia was deceived by and attracted to his charm — past simple after "I completely".
(2)
taken aback
Everyone was surprised by his confidence — passive adjective after "were all a bit".
(3)
put down
He belittled Mia in front of others — bare infinitive after "started to".
(4)
put down
Nobody should belittle Mia — bare infinitive after causative "let anyone".
(5)
fell out
Mia ended the relationship after an argument — past simple after "I"; followed by "with him".
✅ Check your score: Count how many gaps you filled correctly out of 25 (5 dialogues × 5 gaps).
🌟 22–25 correct: Excellent! | 💪 15–21 correct: Good effort! | 📖 0–14 correct: Review the tutorial and try again!
✏️ Exercise 7
Guided Writing — Short Paragraphs
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Read each writing prompt carefully. Write a short paragraph of 60–80 words in response, using all of the phrasal verbs listed for that prompt. The phrasal verbs must be used correctly and naturally. Click the green arrow after each prompt to reveal a model answer.
Your paragraph will be assessed on accurate use of phrasal verbs, grammatical correctness, coherence, and natural expression. Try writing your answer before revealing the model.
📋 Writing Checklist — Use This Before Revealing the Answer
- All required phrasal verbs are included
- Each phrasal verb is used with the correct meaning
- Verb forms are grammatically correct
- The paragraph is 60–80 words
- Ideas flow naturally and coherently
- The paragraph addresses the prompt fully
📌 Example — How to Answer
Writing prompt: "Write about a person who influenced you when you were young."
Required phrasal verbs:
grew up
looked up to
brought up
Model answer:
I grew up in a small town where my grandmother had a huge influence on my life. She had brought up my mother and her siblings entirely on her own, working two jobs to make ends meet. I always looked up to her for her resilience and warmth. She taught me that hard work and kindness are the most important values a person can have.
Word count: 72 words ✅ | All 3 phrasal verbs used correctly ✅
I grew up in a small town where my grandmother had a huge influence on my life. She had brought up my mother and her siblings entirely on her own, working two jobs to make ends meet. I always looked up to her for her resilience and warmth. She taught me that hard work and kindness are the most important values a person can have.
Word count: 72 words ✅ | All 3 phrasal verbs used correctly ✅
1
📝 Topic: Childhood & Family
"Describe your childhood environment and the values your family instilled in you. How did the place and people around you shape who you are today?"
🔑 Required Phrasal Verbs:
📏 60–80 words
grew up
brought up
looked up to
ask after
⌄
✓
Model Answer — Prompt 1
I grew up in a close-knit village where everyone knew each other. My parents brought me up with strong values — honesty, generosity, and respect for others. Neighbours would always ask after one another whenever someone was going through a difficult time. I always looked up to my father most of all. His quiet strength and compassion shaped the person I have become, and I carry those lessons with me every day.
🔍 Phrasal Verb Usage Breakdown
grew up
Past simple — describes developing from a child in a specific place.
"I grew up in a close-knit village…"
brought up
Past simple, separable — object "me" placed between verb and particle.
"My parents brought me up with strong values…"
ask after
Past simple, inseparable — used after modal "would" for habitual past.
"Neighbours would always ask after one another…"
looked up to
Past simple, inseparable — expresses admiration and respect.
"I always looked up to my father most of all…"
Writing Tip: Using "would + infinitive" (e.g. "would always ask after") is a natural way to describe habitual actions in the past — it sounds more sophisticated than just using the past simple.
2
📝 Topic: Friendship & Conflict
"Write about a time when a friendship was tested. What caused the problem, and how was it resolved?"
🔑 Required Phrasal Verbs:
📏 60–80 words
fell out
stand up for
make up
get on
⌄
✓
Model Answer — Prompt 2
A few years ago, my closest friend and I fell out over a misunderstanding that had been building for months. At the time, I felt that she had failed to stand up for me when I needed her most. We stopped speaking for several weeks. Eventually, we met for coffee and finally made up. Since then, we have got on better than ever, with a deeper understanding and respect for each other.
🔍 Phrasal Verb Usage Breakdown
fell out
Past simple, intransitive — describes the breakdown of the friendship.
"…my closest friend and I fell out over a misunderstanding…"
stand up for
Bare infinitive after "failed to" — inseparable; object follows "for".
"…she had failed to stand up for me…"
made up
Past simple, intransitive — describes reconciliation after the conflict.
"…we met for coffee and finally made up."
got on
Present perfect — describes the ongoing improved relationship.
"Since then, we have got on better than ever…"
Writing Tip: Using "Since then, we have…" (present perfect) after a past event creates a natural narrative arc — it shows how the past event still affects the present situation.
3
📝 Topic: Social Attitudes & Behaviour
"Write about the dangers of judging people by their background or education. What attitudes should we avoid, and how should we treat others instead?"
🔑 Required Phrasal Verbs:
📏 60–80 words
look down on
pick on
put down
stand up for
⌄
✓
Model Answer — Prompt 3
It is deeply harmful when people look down on others simply because of their background or level of education. Those who pick on vulnerable individuals or put others down in public create environments of fear and inequality. Such behaviour damages self-esteem and discourages people from reaching their potential. We all have a responsibility to stand up for those who are treated unfairly and to challenge prejudice wherever we encounter it.
🔍 Phrasal Verb Usage Breakdown
look down on
Present simple, inseparable — describes a general attitude of superiority.
"…people look down on others simply because of their background…"
pick on
Present simple, inseparable — describes targeting vulnerable people.
"Those who pick on vulnerable individuals…"
put down
Present simple, separable — object "others" placed between verb and particle.
"…or put others down in public…"
stand up for
Bare infinitive after "to" — inseparable; expresses moral responsibility.
"We all have a responsibility to stand up for those who are treated unfairly…"
Writing Tip: Using "We all have a responsibility to…" is a powerful way to end a paragraph on a social issue — it shifts the tone from description to a call to action, which is typical of B2+ writing.
4
📝 Topic: Life Stages & Change
"Write about a person who went through a significant life change. Describe what changed, how they adapted, and what the outcome was."
🔑 Required Phrasal Verbs:
📏 60–80 words
settle down
grew up
passed away
taken aback
⌄
✓
Model Answer — Prompt 4
My uncle grew up dreaming of adventure, and for years he travelled the world without any fixed plans. When his mother passed away, however, everything changed. He was completely taken aback by how much her absence affected him. For the first time, he felt a deep need for stability and connection. He returned home, bought a small house, and finally settled down — something nobody had ever expected of him.
🔍 Phrasal Verb Usage Breakdown
grew up
Past simple, intransitive — describes his development and early ambitions.
"My uncle grew up dreaming of adventure…"
passed away
Past simple, intransitive — polite euphemism for death; triggers the life change.
"When his mother passed away, however, everything changed."
taken aback
Passive voice — past simple — "was completely taken aback by" expresses shock.
"He was completely taken aback by how much her absence affected him."
settled down
Past simple, intransitive — describes choosing a stable, permanent life.
"…and finally settled down — something nobody had ever expected of him."
Writing Tip: Using a dash (—) followed by a comment (e.g. "something nobody had ever expected") is an effective stylistic device at B2+ level. It adds a reflective, personal tone to your writing.
5
📝 Topic: Relationships & Trust
"Write about a relationship — romantic or otherwise — in which trust was broken and then rebuilt. What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?"
🔑 Required Phrasal Verbs:
📏 60–80 words
fell for
taken aback
fell out
make up
get on
⌄
✓
Model Answer — Prompt 5
I completely fell for my business partner's vision when we first met — his enthusiasm was infectious. When he made a major decision without consulting me, I was deeply taken aback. We fell out badly, and for months the tension was unbearable. Eventually, we sat down, talked honestly, and managed to make up. Today, we get on far better than before, having learned to communicate openly and respect each other's boundaries.
🔍 Phrasal Verb Usage Breakdown
fell for
Past simple, inseparable — used here to mean being convinced by/attracted to an idea.
"I completely fell for my business partner's vision…"
taken aback
Passive — past simple — "was deeply taken aback" expresses shock and hurt.
"…I was deeply taken aback."
fell out
Past simple, intransitive — describes the serious breakdown of the partnership.
"We fell out badly, and for months the tension was unbearable."
make up
Bare infinitive after "managed to" — describes eventual reconciliation.
"…and managed to make up."
get on
Present simple — describes the current, improved relationship.
"Today, we get on far better than before…"
Writing Tip: Ending with a present-tense reflection (e.g. "Today, we get on far better…") after narrating past events is a classic B2 writing technique — it shows contrast between past and present and gives the paragraph a satisfying conclusion.
✅ Self-Assessment: Compare your paragraph to the model answer for each prompt.
🌟 All verbs used correctly + natural flow: Excellent B2 writing! | 💪 Most verbs correct: Good effort — review the breakdown notes. | 📖 Several errors: Re-read the tutorial and try rewriting.
✏️ Exercise 8
Multiple Choice
Phrasal Verbs — People & Society | B2 Level
📋 Instructions: Choose the correct option — A, B, C, or D — to complete each sentence. Only one answer is correct. Click the green arrow after each question to reveal the answer and a full explanation of why the other options are wrong.
Read each sentence carefully and consider meaning, grammar, and collocation before choosing. Distractors are designed to test your knowledge of similar-looking or similar-sounding phrasal verbs.
🔑 Answer Options Key
A Option A
B Option B
C Option C
D Option D
📌 Example — How to Answer
She was completely _______ by the news of her promotion.
A taken aback
B taken after
✓ taken aback
D taken over
✅ Answer: A — taken aback
Being surprised by unexpected news = taken aback by. "Taken after" means to resemble a relative; "taken over" means to assume control.
Being surprised by unexpected news = taken aback by. "Taken after" means to resemble a relative; "taken over" means to assume control.
1
He has always _______ his grandfather, who overcame enormous hardship to build a better life for the family.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
B
looked up to
He has always looked up to his grandfather, who overcame enormous hardship to build a better life for the family.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B
looked up to ✅ — to admire and respect someone; perfectly fits the context of admiring a grandfather's resilience.
A
looked down on ❌ — means to consider someone inferior; the opposite meaning of what is needed here.
C
looked after ❌ — means to take care of someone physically; does not express admiration or respect.
D
looked into ❌ — means to investigate something; completely unrelated to the meaning required.
🔷 Grammar: present perfect — "has always looked up to" (inseparable; object follows "to")
2
The two sisters _______ over a misunderstanding about their mother's will and refused to speak for almost a year.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
B
fell out
The two sisters fell out over a misunderstanding about their mother's will and refused to speak for almost a year.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B
fell out ✅ — to have an argument that damages a relationship; the result (refusing to speak) confirms this meaning.
A
made up ❌ — means to reconcile after an argument; contradicts the fact that they refused to speak.
C
fell for ❌ — means to fall in love with someone or be deceived; neither meaning fits this context.
D
got on ❌ — means to have a good relationship with someone; the opposite of what the sentence describes.
🔷 Grammar: past simple — "fell out" (intransitive; followed by "over + reason")
3
My colleague called to _______ me after she heard I had been in hospital. It was a kind gesture.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
C
ask after
My colleague called to ask after me after she heard I had been in hospital. It was a kind gesture.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
C
ask after ✅ — to enquire about someone's health or well-being; the hospital context confirms this meaning perfectly.
A
ask for ❌ — means to request something; does not convey enquiring about someone's health.
B
ask about ❌ — while similar in meaning, "ask about" is not a fixed phrasal verb in this context and sounds unnatural here.
D
ask over ❌ — means to invite someone to your home; completely unrelated to enquiring about health.
🔷 Grammar: bare infinitive after "called to" — "ask after" is inseparable
4
It is deeply unfair to _______ people who did not have access to higher education — intelligence is not determined by a degree.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
C
look down on
It is deeply unfair to look down on people who did not have access to higher education — intelligence is not determined by a degree.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
C
look down on ✅ — to treat others as inferior; the word "unfair" and the social context confirm this negative attitude.
A
look up to ❌ — means to admire someone; the opposite meaning — it would make the sentence a compliment, not a criticism.
B
look out for ❌ — means to watch for danger or to protect someone; does not fit the context of social judgement.
D
look into ❌ — means to investigate; unrelated to attitudes towards people.
🔷 Grammar: bare infinitive after "It is unfair to" — "look down on" is inseparable
5
After weeks of tension, the two colleagues finally _______ and agreed to put the disagreement behind them.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
B
made up
After weeks of tension, the two colleagues finally made up and agreed to put the disagreement behind them.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B
made up ✅ — to reconcile after a disagreement; "put the disagreement behind them" confirms this resolution.
A
fell out ❌ — means to have an argument; contradicts "put the disagreement behind them" which implies resolution.
C
grew up ❌ — means to develop from a child into an adult; unrelated to resolving a workplace conflict.
D
settled down ❌ — means to establish a stable life in one place; does not describe reconciliation between people.
🔷 Grammar: past simple — "made up" (intransitive; no object required)
6
The school introduced a zero-tolerance policy after reports that older pupils had been _______ younger, more vulnerable students.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
C
picking on
The school introduced a zero-tolerance policy after reports that older pupils had been picking on younger, more vulnerable students.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
C
picking on ✅ — to repeatedly bully or target someone; "zero-tolerance policy" and "vulnerable students" confirm bullying behaviour.
A
standing up for ❌ — means to defend someone; the opposite of bullying — this would not require a zero-tolerance policy.
B
putting down ❌ — means to belittle verbally; while related, it lacks the sense of repeated targeting that "picking on" conveys.
D
getting on with ❌ — means to have a good relationship with; the opposite of the negative behaviour described.
🔷 Grammar: past perfect continuous passive — "had been picking on" (gerund -ing after auxiliary)
7
After years of travelling and working abroad, she decided it was time to _______, buy a home, and start a family.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
C
settle down
After years of travelling and working abroad, she decided it was time to settle down, buy a home, and start a family.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
C
settle down ✅ — to establish a stable, permanent life in one place; "buy a home and start a family" are classic collocations with this verb.
A
grow up ❌ — means to develop from a child into an adult; she is already an adult who has been travelling.
B
pass away ❌ — means to die; completely unrelated to choosing a stable lifestyle.
D
bring up ❌ — means to raise a child; she has not yet started a family, so this is premature in the sequence.
🔷 Grammar: bare infinitive after "time to" — "settle down" is intransitive
8
Nobody in the office expected the manager to resign — everyone was completely _______ by the announcement.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
B
taken aback
Nobody in the office expected the manager to resign — everyone was completely taken aback by the announcement.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B
taken aback ✅ — to be shocked or surprised; "nobody expected" and "completely" confirm the strong sense of surprise.
A
taken over ❌ — means to assume control of something; does not describe a reaction of surprise.
C
taken after ❌ — means to resemble a parent or relative in appearance or character; unrelated to this context.
D
taken up ❌ — means to start a hobby or activity; does not describe an emotional reaction to news.
🔷 Grammar: passive adjective — "was completely taken aback by" (fixed expression; always followed by "by")
9
When the new employee was being treated unfairly, it was her team leader who _______ her and reported the issue to HR.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
B
stood up for
When the new employee was being treated unfairly, it was her team leader who stood up for her and reported the issue to HR.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B
stood up for ✅ — to defend or support someone who is being treated unfairly; "reported the issue to HR" confirms active defence.
A
stood up to ❌ — means to confront or resist someone directly (e.g. a bully); here the action is defending the employee, not confronting someone.
C
stood in for ❌ — means to temporarily replace someone in their role; unrelated to defending someone.
D
stood out for ❌ — not a standard phrasal verb in this context; "stand out" means to be noticeable, which does not fit here.
🔷 Grammar: past simple — "stood up for" (inseparable; object always follows "for")
10
She _______ in a multicultural city, which gave her a broad perspective and a deep appreciation of different cultures.
⌄
✓
Answer & Explanation
D
grew up
She grew up in a multicultural city, which gave her a broad perspective and a deep appreciation of different cultures.
🔍 Why the Other Options Are Wrong
D
grew up ✅ — to develop from a child into an adult in a specific place; the city shaping her perspective confirms a childhood/upbringing context.
A
brought up ❌ — means to raise a child; requires a human subject who does the raising (e.g. "Her parents brought her up"), not the person who was raised.
B
settled down ❌ — means to establish a stable life as an adult; does not describe childhood development in a place.
C
passed away ❌ — means to die; completely unrelated to growing up or cultural development.
🔷 Grammar: past simple — "grew up" (intransitive; followed by "in + place")
✅ Check your score: Count how many questions you answered correctly out of 10.
🌟 9–10 correct: Outstanding! | 💪 6–8 correct: Good work — review the explanations. | 📖 0–5 correct: Re-read the tutorial and try again!
