Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 0%

Which TWO of the following questions contain a phrasal verb?

Rationale

Will you please put the campfire out before you leave? and Will you please put my friend up for the night? contain phrasal verbs.

Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs that create new meanings. In this case, "put out" and "put up" exemplify such constructions, representing distinct actions beyond the meanings of "put" alone.

A (Will you please put the campfire out before you leave?) CORRECT

This sentence includes the phrasal verb "put out," which means to extinguish a fire. It demonstrates a specific action that is commonly expressed in English using this idiomatic phrase.

B (Will you please put my friend up for the night?) CORRECT

Here, "put up" is a phrasal verb meaning to provide someone with accommodation. This phrase conveys a particular meaning that differs from simply using the verb "put," making it a classic example of a phrasal verb.

C (Will you please put the package on the table?) YOUR ANSWER

In this case, the phrase "put on" is not used idiomatically; it simply describes the action of placing a package on the table. Thus, it does not form a phrasal verb since it does not take on a new meaning beyond the individual words.

D (Will you please put your coat in the closet?) YOUR ANSWER

Similar to choice C, "put in" describes a straightforward action without any idiomatic nuance. It merely indicates the action of placing a coat inside a closet and therefore does not constitute a phrasal verb.

Conclusion

Phrasal verbs enrich the English language by combining verbs with prepositions or adverbs to create unique meanings. In the identified sentences, "put out" and "put up" effectively illustrate this concept, while the other options utilize straightforward verb constructions without the idiomatic depth characteristic of phrasal verbs. Understanding these nuances aids in grasping the complexities of English vocabulary.

Related Questions

View all