Monday, 10 May 2010

Verb Phrase B








































































































































































































































































back downstop defending your opinion in a debateJane never backs down. She always wins arguments.
back outnot keep (a promise, agreement,deal)Sam backed out at the last second.
back out of +not keep (a promise, agreement, deal)Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second.
back * up +give supportYou need examples to back up your opinion.
back upmove backwards, reverseCould you back up a little so I can open this drawer.
bawl * outcriticize, reprimand (inf.)She bawled him out for arriving late.
bear down on +biteThe soldier had to bear down on the leather strap while the doctor removed a bullet from the soldier's arm.
bear down on +take strong measures againstThe U.S.A. is bearing down on drug traffickers.
bear on +have to do withThis information may bear on this case.
bear upwithstandI didn't think he would bear up so well in that situation.
bear up under +withstandHow did he bear up under such extreme pressure.
bear with +be patientPlease bear with me while I fill out the paperwork.
blow invisit unexpectedly (inf.)My cousin blew in unexpectedly with his entire family.
blow overpass without creating a problemAll this negative publicity will blow over in a couple of weeks.
blow * up +make explode;destroy using explosivesThe terrorists blew the bridge up.
blow upexplodeThe bomb blew up before they could defuse it.
blow upsuddenly become very angryWhen Joan heard the news, she blew up and rushed out of the room.
break * down +analyze in detailWe need to break this problem down in order to solve.
break downstop working properlyThe truck broke down in the desert.
break downbecome mentally illShe broke down after her husband died.
break * in +wear or use something new until it is comfortableI need to break these shoes in before I go hiking.
break ininterruptWhile we were discussing the situation, Terri broke in to give her opinion.
break inenter a place unlawfullyThe burglar broke in between midnight and 3 AM.
break in on +interrupt (a conversation)Jane broke in on the conversation and told us to get back to work.
break into +enter a house unlawfullyThe burglar broke into the house between midnight and 3 AM.
break into +interrupt (a conversation)Jane broke into the conversation and told us what she knew.
break * off +end somethingSally broke her engagement to John off.
break outappear violentlyViolent protests broke out in response to the military coup.
break out +use something extravagant for celebrationHe broke out the champagne to celebrate his promotion.
break out  of +escapeThe murderer broke out of the prison.
break * up +break into piecesI broke the cracker up into pieces and put it in the soup.
break * up +disperse (a crowd), stop (a fight)The police broke the demonstration up before it got out of control.
break upend a relationshipSam and Diane broke up again. What a rocky relationship.
bring * about +cause to happenDemocracy brought about great change in the lives of the people.
bring * along +bring withWhen we go to the forest, bring your wildlife guide along.
bring * aroundchange someone's mind, convince someoneShe doesn't want to go, but we'll eventually bring her around.
bring * awaylearn or gain (from an experience)My trip across the Sahara was difficult, but I brought a new appreciation for life away from the experience.
bring * off +succeed at something difficult or unexpectedYou robbed the bank! I can't believe you brought that off.
bring * on +cause somethingI can't believe she got so angry. What brought that on?
bring * out +highlight, stressYour new shirt brings out the color of your eyes.
bring * over +bring to someone's houseWhen you visit me, why don't you bring over your son.
bring * torevive consciousnessWe used smelling salts to bring her to after she fainted.
bring * up +mentionI didn't want to bring up the fact that she was unemployed.
bring * up +raise ( a child)Sam was brought up in South Carolina.
brush * off +ignore something or someone (inf.)Mary brushed her ex-boyfriend off at the party.
burn * down +destroy by setting fire toThe children burned the house down while playing with matches.
burn downburn until completely gone (building)Two buildings burnt down in the fire.
burn upbe hotI am burning up in here - open the window.
burn upconsume by fireThe papers were burned up in the fire.
burn * up +destroy by fireHe burnt up the files.
buy * out +buy the shares of a company or the shares the other person owns of a businessPacific Inc. was bought out by a company from Oregon.
buy * up +purchase the entire supply of somethingWe bought up all the beer in the store.

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