Phrasal verbs: problems and change

Vocabulary in this set

Use ten phrasal verbs to analyze causes, manage setbacks, and describe change.

1. bring about

   Phrase

   to cause to happen or occur

   The storm brought about significant damage to the town.

2. break down

   Phrase

   to the act of dividing something into its constituent parts or components, analyzing it into smaller elements, or causing something to stop functioning or fall apart.

   She broke down the task into smaller steps.

3. put out

   Phrase

   to extinguish or publish

   He quickly put out the small fire before it could spread further.

4. hold up

   Phrase

   to support or withstand, or to delay or impede

   I don't have enough money to pay you now, I will have to hold up my payment until next week.

5. bring down

   Phrase

   to cause a downfall or reduce in level

   The economic crisis brought down many businesses in the region.

6. break out

   Phrase

   to start suddenly, like a fire or war

   The war broke out unexpectedly, catching everyone by surprise.

7. hold back

   Phrase

   to restrain or withhold

   It's important not to hold back information that could be crucial for the investigation.

8. move up

   Phrase

   To advance or progress to a higher position or level.

   After years of hard work, she finally moved up to a managerial position.

9. turn around

   Phrase

   to reverse a situation or outcome

   With strategic changes, they managed to turn around the company's financial situation.

10. go up

    Phrase

    Go up

    To move from a lower position to a higher one.