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Phrasal verb #005: 'Do up'.

Posted by: Total English | 29.07.2011.

Do up (1) To repair or redecorate a room, a house etc. to make it look better and more modern. For example “We’re doing up the school at the moment. It looks much better!” (2) To close an item of clothing with buttons or a zip. For example “It’s cold outside so you should do up your jacket” (3) To make yourself more attractive by wearing make-up (informal). For example “She spent hours doing herself up for their first date”

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Phrasal verb no. 2. 'Shut up'

Posted by: Total English | 08.06.2011.

“Shut up” is derived from the verb “Shut” meaning “to close (a door).” The phrasal verb “to shut up” means to stop speaking or to silence someone else, such as, “Would someone shut him up! He's talking so loudly that we're going to get in trouble”. Use “Shut up” with caution as it is very direct and often considered rude especially when said to another person. “Be quiet” is a more polite alternative. “Shut up shop” This idiomatic expression is an extension o...

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Phrasal Verb no. 1: 'Take Part in'

Posted by: Total English | 01.06.2011.

We love this phrasal verb, as we use it every day and it makes our students' English sound so much better. 'Take Part in' means 'to participate in'. For example: Every year, I take part in the Florianópolis marathon. I took part in a theatre production last year, or I am taking part in a selection process at work for a new position. But you must note that the preposition is always 'in' (after).

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What are Phrasal verbs?

Posted by: Total English | 27.05.2011.

A phrasal verb is a verb PLUS a preposition or adverb which creates a meaning different from the original verb, for example: GET UP (levantar) WAKE UP (acordar). Each month we will give you a phrasal verb and explain it for you. Enjoy!

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