Introduction
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, especially in business communication. They are combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs that create a new meaning. Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for the TOEIC test, as they frequently appear in both the Listening and Reading sections. Mastering them can help you understand conversations and written texts more effectively.
Explanation
A phrasal verb consists of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the meanings of its individual words. Here are some common phrasal verbs you might encounter on the TOEIC:
Look into: To investigate or examine.
Example: The manager will look into the complaint.
Come up with: To think of an idea or plan.
Example: She came up with a great marketing strategy.
Turn down: To reject or refuse an offer.
Example: He turned down the job offer because it was too far away.
Common mistakes
Misunderstanding the meaning: Learners often guess the meaning of a phrasal verb based on the verb alone. Remember, the particle changes the meaning significantly.
Incorrect particle usage: Using the wrong preposition or adverb can lead to confusion. For example, look for (to search) is different from look into (to investigate).
Tips for the TOEIC test
Context is key: Pay attention to the context in which the phrasal verb is used. It can help you infer the correct meaning.
Listening practice: Phrasal verbs are common in spoken English. Listen to business conversations or podcasts to get used to hearing them in context.
Reading practice: When reading business articles or reports, highlight phrasal verbs and note their meanings.
Mini practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb from the list: look into, come up with, turn down.
The team needs to ________ a solution to the declining sales by next week.
After much consideration, she decided to ________ the internship offer.
The company will ________ the issue of delayed shipments immediately.
Answers
come up with
turn down
look into