B2 First: three-word phrasal verbs

It's hard to predict what phrasal verbs you might see in the B2 First exam, but here are some you should try to learn, to help your speaking, writing and use of English.

Look at the phrasal verbs and their definitions for a few minutes and try to remember as many as possible. Then click to hide the information and try to answer the questions.

Note: sb means somebody and sth means something.


Phrasal VerbMeaning
I really look up to him admire sb
He looks down on everybody. think you are better than sb
We have to put up with the cold weather. tolerate (you can't do anything about it)
She came up with a really good plan. think of an idea
He comes across as a bit rude. appear to be
The thief got away with the robbery. not get caught
I always look forward to seeing him. be excited about a future event
I come down with a cold every winter. get sick (usually colds or flu)
I'll never grow out of liking sweets. stop liking
You need to cut down on chocolate. do sth less
Slow down. I can't keep up with you. do sth fast enough
He won't own up to his mistakes. admit sth
I don't get on with him. have a good relationship with sb
I often fall out with my sister. argue and stop being friends
You should make up with your ex-boyfriend. start being friends again after an argument
I think he's going to break up with me. end a romantic relationship
You should stand up for yourself. defend yourself (verbally)
Oh dear. We've run out of bread. used all of something

Practice 1: multiple choice cloze (use of English part 1)

Choose the best word to complete the following sentences.

  1. He thinks he's so fantastic. That's why he _______ down on me.
           
  2. I just can't put _______ with his rude behaviour any more.
           
  3. I'm looking forward _______ on holiday next month.
           
  4. Susan and Steve had a fight last week and they _______ up with each other.
           
  5. The grammar is so difficult, I can't _____ with the other students.
           

Practice 2: open cloze (use of English part 2)

The missing word could be the verb (e.g. bring/brought/bringing), or the particle (e.g. up).

  1. We need to up with a solution to our problem.
  2. Dave got away cheating in the exam.
  3. I feel terrible. I must be down with something.
  4. I should really cut down coffee. I can never sleep at night.
  5. I thought "Inception" was a really complicated film. I couldn't up with the plot.
  6. I grew of playing with dolls when I was 10.
  7. I don't really get with my boss - he's really aggressive.

   


Practice 3: more open cloze

  1. Don't let your boss speak to you like that. You should up for yourself.
  2. I'm calling the police. I just can't put with my neighbour's loud music any longer!
  3. Children often up to celebrities like football players.
  4. William went travelling round the world, but he had to come home when he out of money.
  5. Susan and Steve had a fight last week, but they've up with each other now.
  6. I out with my sister when she borrowed my clothes without asking.
  7. He across as a bit stupid, but he's actually very intelligent.
  8. No one up to breaking the window, but we all thought it was Maria.