WORDS, WORDS, WORDS

Do you find learning Phrasal Verbs confusing? Well, don’t worry - you are not alone. Most students struggle with all the various meanings of the many phrasal verbs in the English language.

There are many reasons why phrasal verbs are confusing. Often the meaning of a phrasal verb is very different from the meaning of the verb alone.

As well, the same phrasal verb may have more than one meaning. For example:GET – to obtain something

Ex: Please get me some milk.

GET AWAY – 1.to escape; 2. to go on holiday

Ex: The criminal got away from the police.

Ex: I’m going to get away this weekend.

A great way to help you to learn phrasal verbs is to always link the phrasal verb with a particular image or situation in your mind. For example, when I hear the phrasal verb GET AWAY, I imagine a criminal running away from the police. As well, when I think of GET AWAY, I can imagine myself planning a holiday. Linking a phrasal verb to a particular idea or situation can help you to remember how and when to use it.

If you would like more information on WORDS, WORDS, WORDS, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca