Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings Exercises
B2-C1 Level
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The key to handling multiple meanings is always context. Consider "turn up": with volume, it means to increase the level; with arriving, it means to appear ("He turned up an hour late"); and with lost objects, it means to be discovered. The surrounding words always point to the correct meaning. Advanced learners should try to learn at least two or three meanings for common phrasal verbs rather than just one. Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced exams deliberately test less common meanings, so knowing only the basic meaning can lead to wrong answers.
Quick Rule
same verb + same particle = different meanings depending on context
- 1.She took off her gloves as she entered the warm room. (removal — remove clothing or accessories)
- 2.The small business took off after being featured on television. (success — become suddenly popular)
- 3.Nobody could work out why the computer kept crashing. (problem-solving — find the answer)
- 4.He works out at the gym every morning before breakfast. (exercise — do physical training)
- 5.It didn't turn out the way we expected at all. (result — have a particular outcome)
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with the correct particle. Pay attention to context - these phrasal verbs have different meanings! Complete the sentence with the correct particle.
Please take _____ your shoes before you come inside.
The plane will take _____ in ten minutes.
I go to the gym to work _____ three times a week.
Can you work _____ how much we need to pay?
The meeting has been put _____ until next Monday.
Her negative attitude really put me _____.
She likes to make _____ stories to tell her children at bedtime.
My alarm clock goes _____ at 6 AM every morning.
This new song is really taking _____ on social media.
Don't leave the milk out - it will go _____ in this heat.
They had an argument but made _____ the next day.
Everything will work _____ in the end. Don't worry!
She spends an hour every morning putting _____ make-up.
He suddenly went _____ without saying goodbye to anyone.
The rain put _____ our plans to have a picnic.
I don't believe that excuse - I think you're making it _____.
The bomb could go _____ at any moment! We need to leave now!
Her business really took _____ after she appeared on TV.
I need to work _____ a solution to this problem before tomorrow.
The milk has gone _____ - it smells terrible!
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