Advanced English Grammar and Phrasal Verbs Practice

Posted on Mar 20, 2026 in English

Phrasal Verbs Practice

A. Choose the correct phrasal verb

  1. The teacher had to call off the meeting because too many students were absent.
  2. I need to check up on my little brother while my parents are working.
  3. When did this problem come about?
  4. We have run out of milk. Can you buy some?
  5. He was very nervous but he managed to pull through and finish the presentation.
  6. I really look up to my older sister. She’s my role model.

B. Fill in the gaps with the correct phrasal verb

(act up – bring back – fall behind – get along with – hand in – move on – pick up – set up – take on – work out)

  1. We need to set up a plan before starting the project.
  2. He doesn’t get along with his classmates very well.
  3. This song brings back memories of my childhood.
  4. If you don’t study, you will fall behind in class.
  5. The company decided to take on three new employees.
  6. My car acted up this morning and I arrived late.
  7. You must hand in your homework tomorrow.
  8. After the breakup, it was difficult for her to move on.
  9. I’ll pick you up at the station at 6.
  10. The maths problem was difficult but I finally worked it out.

C. Match the phrasal verbs with their meanings

  • 1. drop by — d) arrive unexpectedly
  • 2. find out — a) discover
  • 3. give up — f) stop trying
  • 4. put off — b) postpone
  • 5. carry on — c) continue
  • 6. sort out — g) organise / solve a problem
  • 7. take over — h) take control of something
  • 8. turn up — e) appear

D. Rewrite the sentences using a phrasal verb

  1. The plane left at 8 p.m. → The plane took off at 8 p.m.
  2. She invented a very good excuse. → She made up a very good excuse.
  3. Please write the information in your notebook. → Please write down the information in your notebook.
  4. The business closed permanently last year. → The business closed down last year.
  5. We must reduce the amount of sugar we eat. → We must cut down on the amount of sugar we eat.

Vocabulary: The Office Dilemma

Starting a new job can be a challenge, especially when you have to (1) excel among many experienced professionals. I usually arrive at the office (2) bright and early to prepare my tasks before the rest of my (3) staff arrive. My boss told me that being proactive is a great (4) asset for the company, and if I do well, there is plenty of (5) room for advancement.

However, last week was difficult. My manager had to (6) call off a very important meeting because two clients were like (7) chalk and cheese and could not agree on anything. They spent hours going (8) back and forth without reaching a conclusion. This situation started to (9) stress out the whole team. I had to (10) take on more responsibilities than usual to help (11) sort out the mess.

Luckily, I (12) get along with my supervisor very well, and she helped me understand the (13) ins and outs of the new project. She even let me (14) take (time) off for a few days after the deadline to recover. I know that in this industry, some deals can (15) make or break a career, so you can never (16) slack off or lose focus. (17) By and large, I believe this experience is very (18) rewarding. Even if I have to work (19) overtime sometimes, I am happy to (20) earn a living in such a dynamic environment.

Exercise 2: Match the words with the definitions

  • 1. Perk — c) A benefit or extra advantage of a job.
  • 2. Self-employed — e) Someone who works for themselves.
  • 3. Resign — a) To resign or formally leave a job.
  • 4. Look into — b) To investigate or get information about something.
  • 5. Vacancy — g) An available or unoccupied post to fill.
  • 6. Chalk and cheese — d) Totally different; like night and day.
  • 7. Dismiss — f) To ignore, reject, or discard an idea.
  • 8. Duty — j) A responsibility or function of your role.
  • 9. Excel — h) To be better than others or stand out.
  • 10. On and off — i) Intermittent; happening at intervals.

Exercise 3: Choose the correct answer

  1. I was feeling a bit down, but seeing my friends really cheered me up.
  2. We need to go over the marketing plan one more time before the meeting.
  3. My car broke down in the middle of the highway, and I had to call a tow truck.
  4. Don’t give up the project just because it’s difficult; you’re almost done!
  5. I’m trying to cut down on sugar because I want to be healthier.
  6. Could you please turn up the volume? I can’t hear the news.
  7. She has always looked up to her older sister because she is very successful.
  8. We had to call off the wedding because of the heavy rain.
  9. I finally pulled off the courage to ask for a promotion.
  10. Please fill out the form and hand it in at the reception.

Inversion

  1. Never have I seen such a beautiful sunrise.
  2. Hardly had he finished his meal when the waiter took the plate.
  3. Not only does she sing beautifully, but she also plays the piano.
  4. Under no circumstances should you leave the door unlocked.
  5. Seldom have I heard such a talented musician.
  6. Only then did they realize their mistake.
  7. Little did we know that the surprise was waiting for us.
  8. No sooner had he sat down than the phone rang.
  9. Only in this forest can you find this rare species.
  10. Not a single soul did I see in the street.
  11. Had I known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.
  12. Rarely does she go out on weekdays.
  13. On no account should you tell the truth.
  14. Not until midnight did the rain stop.
  15. Never have I been so insulted in my life.

Reported Speech

  1. Paul said (that) he couldn’t finish that report that day.
  2. The teacher told me not to open the window then.
  3. Sarah said (that) if she had more money, she would buy a house there.
  4. They explained (that) they had to leave the following morning.
  5. My mother asked me where I had put her keys the day before.
  6. Mark said (that) he wouldn’t be able to come to the party that night.
  7. My dad ordered me to clean my room before I went out.
  8. She asked him if he had ever seen a ghost in that house.
  9. They said (that) if it rained, they wouldn’t go to the beach.
  10. My mother told me (that) I shouldn’t shout at my sister.
  11. The boss said (that) he might arrive late the following Monday.
  12. She begged me not to tell anyone what had happened there.
  13. My friend said (that) if he were me, he would study more for the exam.
  14. Tom said (that) he hadn’t seen Mary at the cinema two days before.
  15. The old lady asked if I could help her with those bags then.