Phrasal Verbs

Studying phrasal verbs is certainly an important part of the process for those who want to develop their English skills.

My students usually get astonished when they are presented to a long list of phrasal verbs. They always claim there are so many combinations, meanings and uses. How are they going to be able to "remember" and use them effectively in everyday situations?

Well, to start with, I've got to say that miracles do not exist.

Of course I do not expect anybody to know all the phrasal verbs taught in class by heart. However, it is important to study and try to do your best to incorporate them while you are speaking and/or writing in English.

Let's see two tricky phrasal verbs:

Pass away - to die

Pass out - to become unconscious for a short time (faint)

Here are the hints I give my students:

• First of all, keep a small notebook to write down the phrasal verbs you learn. In case you feel more comfortable, that's a good idea to write not only the phrasal verbs, but also the definitions in English (as shown above).

• After that, write a simple sentence using the phrasal verbs. Try to associate them to something/someone of your interest. For example, if you like some movie starts or singers, you can think of a sentence relating them.

The vocalist was really down in the dumps when his father passed away.

The press mentioned she'd passed out because of some eating disorders.

 In case you're a visual student, that would be really good to attach a picture gotten from some magazines/newspapers/online to help you remember the meanings.

That's it!

Enjoy your studies and good luck on the phrasal verbs!

Mrs. Juliana Mariusso