Phrasal Verbs

split up

(separable) to divide

The bank robbers split the money up equally.

stand in for

(inseparable) to take someone's place

Mary stood in for her boss while he was away.

stand out

(intransitive) to be prominent or conspicuous

Max?s car stands out among all of the cars in the parking lot because of its florescent green paintjob.

stand up

(intransitive) to rise to an erect position

All of the people in the courtroom stood up when the judge entered.

stay in

(intransitive) to not go out

Bill decided to stay in this weekend because he was tired of going out.

stay out

(intransitive) to not return home past the regular time

Bill got angry when his wife stayed out all night.

stop by

(inseparable) to stop for a brief visit (usually on the way to somewhere else)

Max stopped by Mary's house on his way home from school.

take apart

(separable) to dismantle or disassemble

Max took the engine of his car apart, but couldn't put it back together.

take back

(separable) to retrieve something you gave or said

I take it back. Mark isn't nearly as dumb as I said.

take back

(separable) to return

Max took the defective radio back to the sore where he bought it.

take down

(separable) to lower

Max took his pants down so that the nurse could give him an injection.

take down

(separable) to dismantle; disassemble; take apart

Max took down his tent and went home.

take down

(separable) to lower one's self-esteem

Mary's constant criticism has taken Max down considerably.

take in

(separable) to reduce in size; make smaller

Max lost a lot of weight and had to have all of his pants taken in.

take in

(separable) to give shelter to; to receive as a guest, or lodger

The Smiths took Barney in while he was in town.

take in

(separable) to see for enjoyment

We took in the sights in the morning and took in a movie later in the evening.

take off

(separable) to remove from something

I'm going to take my jacket off. It's hot in here. Take you hand off my knee. I'm not that kind of girl.

take off

(intransitive) to depart (aircraft)

When the plane takes off, you must have your seatbelt on and your seat must be in its upright position.

take on

(separable) undertake; assume; acquire

Max took on a lot of new responsibilities.

take on

(separable) to contend against an opponent

I think I can take on Mike Tyson.

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