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English-Learners.com proudly presents:
ESSENTIAL ENGLISH IDIOMS (Phrasal Verbs)
( Elementary )
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Here are the most common and essential English idioms which are used commonly in our daily conversations. At least two examples are attached to the idioms for the better comprehension. At the end of the idioms some tests and questions have been provided to you.
to get in/ to get on: to enter or to board a vehicle
To get in is used for cars, to get on is used for all other forms of transportation.
to get out of/to get off : to leave or to descend from a vehicle
To get out of is used for cars, to get of is used for all other forms of transportation.
to put on: to place on oneself (usually said of clothes) (S)
to take off : to remove (usually said of clothes) (S)
to call up: to telephone (also: to give someone a call ) (S)
To call can be used instead of to call up, as in the first example below.
to turn on: to start or cause to function (also: to switch on) (S)
to turn of f : to cause to stop functioning (also: to switch off, to shut off ) (S)
Turn on and turn off, as well as their related forms, are used for things that flow, such as electricity, water, gas, etc.
right away: very soon; immediately (also: at once)
to pick up: to lift from the floor, table, etc., with one’s fingers (S)
sooner or later : eventually, after a period of time
to get up: to arise, to rise from a bed
For the last definition a noun phrase must separate the verb and particle.
at first : in the beginning, originally
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Exercises
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each sentence below.
1. His alarm clock is always set for six o’clock. He arises at the same time every day.
a. turns off
b. gets up
c. puts on
2. She telephoned her friend to tell him about the meeting. They decided to drive there together.
a. turned on
b. took off
c. called up
3. It’s 4 P.M. now, and this important letter must be mailed today. Can you take it to the post office immediately ?
a. at first
b. right away
c. sooner or later
4. Be sure to switch off the light before you leave the house.
a. to turn off
b. to take off
c. to get off
5. Pat placed her new hat on her head while looking in the mirror.
a. picked up
b. put on
c. gets on
6. Remove your jacket and sit down for a few minutes.
a. Turn on
b. Get on
c. Take off
7. I want to stay unmarried for a while, but I hope to get married eventually.
a. sooner or later
b. right away
c. at first
8. In the beginning I thought that it was Bob who was in the car.
a. To get on
b. At once
c. At first
9. He boarded the bus at Broadway and 79th Street.
a. got off
b. got on
c. picked up
10. John took the pencil with his fingers and began to write a note.
a. turned on
b. got off
c. picked up
Jean’s alarm clock makes a loud ringing noise. She _____________________ the alarm clock immediately after it rings each morning. However, she doesn’t rise from bed _______________. She waits a few minutes before she _______________.
Jean enjoys lying in bed for a while, but ________________ she gets up. Then she ______________ the bedroom light and goes to her closet. She _______________ her pajamas and ______________ her work clothes.
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these are just phrasal verbs and spoken phrases. idioms are different.