100 Important Phrasal Verbs in Context - Part 1

Ask out:

To take out somebody, usually with the intention of starting a romantic relationship.

Example:
Remember the girl I met the other day? I asked her out.

Back down:

To cease wanting something or vowing to do something, because lots of people are against you.

Example:
David finally backed down and apologized.

Back up:

This one has 4 different meanings.

1- Driving or walking backwards.

Example:

Wait please, can you back up a little? You drove past the house.
The lady stood too close to me in line, so I asked her to back up.

2- When you support someone or something.

Example:
It would have been excellent if Sarah had backed up her argument about global warming with some facts.
Please back me up on this, so I can finish the task on time.

3- When you back up a computer file, you make a copy of it so that if the original file is damaged or lost, you can use the copy.

Example:

It drives me nuts when I forget to back up my work and I lose it.

Break down:

This phrasal verb has many meanings, we will try to cover 4 and see them within a context.

1- To burst into tears without being able to control your emotions.

Example:

Hearing about her boyfriend cheating broke her down in tears.
Seeing the horrific news on TV broke Michelle down.

2- A machine or vehicle stops working if it breaks down.

Example:

We had to push our car off the road because it broke down.

3- When you break down a complex idea, process or situation into simpler ones.

Example:

Please break the idea down into simple terms, so everyone can understand it.

4- To separate something into smaller parts.

Example:

Can you break down our expenses by year and by city?

Call Off:

To cancel a previously scheduled event.

Example:

The storm forced them to call off the beach party.

#phrasalverbs #learnenglish #englishwithmovies