Phrasal Verbs With On Exercises

Mastering Phrasal Verbs with "ON": A Comprehensive Guide with Exercises

Phrasal verbs, those pesky combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs, are a cornerstone of natural English. Understanding them is crucial for fluency and comprehension. This article focuses specifically on phrasal verbs using the preposition "on," exploring their diverse meanings and providing ample exercises to solidify your understanding. We'll delve into the nuances of each phrasal verb, providing clear definitions and examples to help you confidently incorporate them into your everyday speech and writing. Let's get started!

Understanding Phrasal Verbs with "On"

Phrasal verbs with "on" are incredibly versatile, their meanings often significantly different from the verb alone. The addition of "on" fundamentally alters the verb's core meaning, creating a new, often idiomatic expression. Unlike many other prepositional verbs, "on" in phrasal verbs often implies continuation, intensification, or a direct impact. We’ll explore many examples below, categorized for clarity.

Category 1: Emphasis and Continuation

This category focuses on phrasal verbs that emphasize an action or highlight its continuation.

• Carry on: This means to continue doing something.
  • Example: "Despite the rain, they carried on with their picnic."
• Go on: This has several meanings. It can mean to continue, to happen, or to speak.
  • Example (continue): "Go on, tell me what happened."
  • Example (happen): "What's going on over there?"
  • Example (speak): "She went on and on about her trip."
• Live on: To survive or subsist on something.
  • Example: "They lived on rice and beans for months."
• Put on: To place clothing or accessories on oneself.
  • Example: "Put on your coat, it's cold outside." It can also mean to increase something, like the volume of a TV ("Put on the volume") or to perform a show ("The actors put on a brilliant performance").
• Turn on: To activate something (e.g., a light, machine).
  • Example: "Please turn on the lights."

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate phrasal verb from the list above (carry on, go on, live on, put on, turn on).

1. The music was too loud; please ______ the volume.
2. Despite the setbacks, the team decided to ______ with the project.
3. ______, tell me everything that happened last night.
4. After losing his job, he had to ______ very little money.
5. It's freezing! ______ your scarf and gloves before you go out.

Category 2: Impact and Attack

These phrasal verbs suggest a direct impact or an aggressive action.

• Call on: To visit someone, often unexpectedly.
  • Example: "I'll call on you tomorrow afternoon." It can also mean to request assistance or information. ("The teacher called on John to answer the question").
• Come down on: To criticize someone harshly.
  • Example: "The boss came down on him for being late."
• Get on: To board transportation (a bus, train, plane). (Note: this is more commonly used with 'at' or 'onto', depending on the context).
  • Example: "We got on the bus just as it was leaving." It also means to make progress or have a good relationship. ("How are you getting on with your studies?")
• Go on about: To talk excessively and tediously about something.
  • Example: "He went on and on about his new car." (Note the overlap with the previous meaning of 'go on')
• Press on: To continue with determination, despite difficulties.
  • Example: "Despite the storm, they pressed on towards their destination."
• Settle on: To decide on something after careful consideration.
  • Example: "After much deliberation, they settled on a date for the wedding."

Exercise 2: Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list above to complete the sentences:

1. The manager ______ him for his poor performance.
2. Let's ______ the next topic for the meeting.
3. We need to ______ the plane now before it's too late.
4. She ______ her vacation, completely ignoring all my questions.
5. They ______ despite facing significant challenges.
6. I'll ______ you later this week to discuss the details.

Category 3: Dependence and Reliance

These phrasal verbs emphasize reliance or dependence on something.

• Depend on: To rely on someone or something.
  • Example: "I depend on my alarm clock to wake me up."
• Feed on: To eat or consume something, often regularly.
  • Example: "The lions feed on zebras." This implies a regular pattern.
• Insist on: To demand something.
  • Example: "She insisted on paying for dinner."
• Rely on: To depend on someone or something. (Similar to "depend on", but often suggests a greater level of trust).
  • Example: "You can always rely on him to be there for you."

Exercise 3: Complete the following sentences using the appropriate phrasal verb from the list above:

1. Vampires ______ blood.
2. Don't ______ me to solve all your problems!
3. I can ______ my family to support me during the tough times.
4. He ______ getting a promotion, even though it is not guaranteed.
5. The teacher ______ the students completing the assignment.

Category 4: Additional Phrasal Verbs with "On"

Here are a few more phrasal verbs with "on" that don't neatly fit into the previous categories:

• Bring on: To cause something to happen (usually something negative).
  • Example: "The cold weather brought on his asthma."
• Count on: To rely on someone or something. (Similar to "depend on" and "rely on").
  • Example: "You can count on me to help you."
• Expand on: To provide more detail or information about something.
  • Example: "Could you expand on that point?"
• Figure on: To plan on something or expect something.
  • Example: "I'm figuring on leaving around noon."
• Focus on: To concentrate or concentrate on something.
  • Example: "We need to focus on completing the project on time."
• Hear on: To overhear something.
  • Example: "I heard on that he was leaving the company."
• Hit on: To find an answer or solution unexpectedly. (This also has another meaning of to flirt with someone).
  • Example: "I hit on the solution while taking a shower."
• Keep on: To continue doing something, persistently.
  • Example: "Keep on trying, even if it's difficult."
• Look on: To watch something or someone without interfering.
  • Example: "We looked on as the fire spread."
• Move on: To continue, to proceed, to proceed to the next item.
  • Example: "Let's move on to the next chapter."
• Play on: To use something to one's advantage. This can also mean to exploit something.
  • Example: "The comedian played on the audience's expectations."
• Touch on: To mention something briefly.
  • Example: "I'll only touch on the main points in this presentation."

Exercise 4: Use the appropriate phrasal verb from the list above to complete each sentence:

1. The teacher will ______ several important topics in today's lecture.
2. Don't ______ this opportunity!
3. The lawyer ______ the evidence provided by the suspect.
4. The detective _______ the clue while reviewing the case file.
5. The hikers ______ despite the exhaustion.
6. He hopes to ______ a new job soon after graduation.
7. The sudden noise ______ the baby's fear.
8. I ______ the concert, mesmerized by the performance.
9. Let's ______ to the next agenda item.
10. The professor ______ the key concepts of the lecture.

Explanation of Scientific Basis (Linguistic Perspective)

The diverse meanings of phrasal verbs with "on" highlight the inherent creativity and dynamism of the English language. From a linguistic perspective, the preposition "on" acts as a semantic extender, modifying the verb's core meaning and creating a new semantic field. The meaning is not simply a combination of the individual meanings of the verb and the preposition, but a holistic, often idiomatic interpretation. This process reflects the principle of compositionality in semantics, where the meaning of a complex expression is not always predictable from the meanings of its parts. The context plays a crucial role in disambiguating the intended meaning of the phrasal verb, underscoring the importance of exposure and practice in mastering their usage. The evolution of these phrasal verbs also reflects the inherent flexibility and continuous evolution of the English lexicon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: How can I learn phrasal verbs effectively?

  • A: Consistent practice is key. Use flashcards, create sentences with them, read widely, and try to actively incorporate them into your conversations.

• Q: Are there any resources to help me learn more phrasal verbs?

  • A: Many websites and textbooks offer comprehensive lists and exercises focusing on phrasal verbs.

• Q: Is it okay to use phrasal verbs in formal writing?

  • A: While some phrasal verbs are perfectly acceptable in formal writing, others are considered too informal. It's best to err on the side of caution and use more formal alternatives when in doubt.

• Q: Why are phrasal verbs so important?

  • A: They are essential for achieving fluency and sounding natural in English. Native speakers use them frequently, and omitting them can make your speech sound stiff and unnatural.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs is a journey, not a destination. This article has provided a detailed exploration of phrasal verbs with "on," offering a range of exercises to test your understanding. Consistent practice and immersion in the language are vital for effectively integrating these essential phrases into your English vocabulary. Remember to actively engage with the exercises, review the examples, and continue seeking opportunities to use these phrasal verbs in real-life contexts. By doing so, you'll significantly enhance your English fluency and communication skills. Good luck!