The grammar of phrasal verbs – B2 English Grammar Test

1a  Match the types of phrasal verbs (A–D) to the sentences (1–8).

A   phrasal verb without an object

B   separable phrasal verb with an object

C   inseparable phrasal verb with an object

D   inseparable three-part phrasal verb

1   This is too difficult. I give up.   …A…

2   We’re looking for signs of intelligence.

3   Can you check up on her please?

4   I made the story up.

5   Wendy and Owen got off the bus.

6   Mischa set off at half past six.

7   Smart people sometimes look down on others.

8   My ancestors didn’t pass their brains on to me, sadly.

1b  Answer the question.

In which sentence could you replace the object with it?

……………………………………………………..

2  Match the question beginnings (1–6) and endings (A–G). There is one extra ending which you do not need to use.

A   patience?

B   broken down?

C   the answers out quickly?

D   the human brain?

E    on recently?

F    your phone off at school?

G   a sibling sometimes?

3  Rewrite the incorrect sentences. Add it in the correct place.

1   That box is too heavy. Put down.

      ……That box is too heavy. Put it down. ……

2   I’m tired. I’m going to sit down.

      ……………………………………………….

3   I need to focus on my work.

      ……………………………………………….

4   This is a difficult problem but I think we can work out.

      ……………………………………………….

5   The crab took the shell and used a rock to crack open.

      ……………………………………………….

6   I was so tired I couldn’t wake up.

      ……………………………………………….

7   This language is difficult but I’m sure you’ll pick up.

      ……………………………………………….

8   The party? I’m really looking forward to.

      ……………………………………………….

4  Cross out the mistakes in the sentences. Write the correct sentences.

1   Your shoes are dirty please take off them.

      ……Your shoes are dirty please take them off. ……

2   Last night broke down my car.

      ……………………………………………….

3   My uncle is so clever, I really look up him.

      ……………………………………………….

4   It’s a big a decision. I need to think through it.

      ……………………………………………….

5   Some children pick it up the language really quickly.

      ……………………………………………….

6   I look forward see you soon.

      ……………………………………………….

7   I’ve tried but I can’t figure out this.

      ……………………………………………….

8   I’m studying how children grow themselves up.

      ……………………………………………….

5  Complete the text with the correct form of the phrasal verbs in the box. Add it, if necessary.

While I 1……was putting on…… my jacket to leave the house, I heard music coming from my laptop. I was quite confident that I 2……………………. ten minutes earlier, but obviously I hadn’t. I went back to my bedroom and saw the laptop. Music 3……………………. of the speaker but the screen was frozen. Just then, I realised that I had forgotten 4……………………. my psychology assignment. ‘Oh no’, I thought. ‘I’m going to lose all my work.’ I told myself 5……………………. and not to panic. I shut down the laptop, then I 6……………………. back again. Thankfully I hadn’t lost anything. But this laptop is really old and it 7……………………. battery really quickly in the last few weeks. I think I’m going 8……………………. and get a newer one.