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• What are three-word phrasal verbs?


  • Phrasal verbs that consist of three parts.
  • Example: "My brother dropped out of school before he could graduate."
• What does the phrasal verb "break in on" mean?

  Interrupt (a conversation)
• Provide an example of "break in on".


  I was talking to Mom on the phone when the operator broke in on our call.
• What does "catch up with" mean?

  Keep abreast
• Provide an example of "catch up with".


  After our month-long trip, it was time to catch up with the neighbors and the news around town.
• What does "check up on" mean?


  Examine, investigate
• Provide an example of "check up on".

  The boys promised to check up on the condition of the summer house from time to time.
• What does "come up with" mean?

  To contribute (suggestion, money)
• Provide an example of "come up with".


  After years of giving nothing, the old parishioner was able to come up with a thousand-dollar donation.
• What does "cut down on" mean?

  Curtail (expenses)
• Provide an example of "cut down on".


  We tried to cut down on the money we were spending on entertainment.
• What does "drop out of" mean?

  Leave school
• Provide an example of "drop out of".


  I hope none of my students drop out of school this semester.
• What does "get along with" mean?

  Have a good relationship with
• Provide an example of "get along with".


  I found it very hard to get along with my brother when we were young.
• What does "get away with" mean?

  Escape blame
• Provide an example of "get away with".


  Janik cheated on the exam and then tried to get away with it.
• What does "get rid of" mean?

  Eliminate
• Provide an example of "get rid of".


  The citizens tried to get rid of their corrupt mayor in the recent election.
• What does "get through with" mean?

  Finish
• Provide an example of "get through with".


  When will you ever get through with that program?
• What does "keep up with" mean?

  Maintain pace with
• Provide an example of "keep up with".


  It's hard to keep up with the Joneses when you lose your job!
• What does "look forward to" mean?

  Anticipate with pleasure
• Provide an example of "look forward to".


  I always look forward to the beginning of a new semester.
• What does "look down on" mean?

  Despise
• Provide an example of "look down on".

  It's typical of a jingoistic country that the citizens look down on their geographical neighbors.
• What does "look in on" mean?


  Visit (somebody)
• Provide an example of "look in on".


  We were going to look in on my brother-in-law, but he wasn't home.
• What does "look out for" mean?

  Be careful, anticipate
• Provide an example of "look out for".

  Good instructors will look out for early signs of failure in their students.
• What does "look up to" mean?

  Respect
• Provide an example of "look up to".

  First-graders really look up to their teachers.
• What does "make sure of" mean?

  Verify
• Provide an example of "make sure of".


  Make sure of the student's identity before you let him into the classroom.
• What does "put up with" mean?

  Tolerate
• Provide an example of "put up with".


  The teacher had to put up with a great deal of nonsense from the new students.
• What does "run out of" mean?

  Exhaust supply
• Provide an example of "run out of".

  The runners ran out of energy before the end of the race.
• What does "take care of" mean?

  Be responsible for