Advanced Phrasal Verbs Matching Exercise
Instructions
Match each phrasal verb in the left column with its correct definition in the right column. Drag your finger or cursor from an item on the left to its corresponding item on the right to mentally connect them. This exercise is designed for advanced (C1) learners. The phrasal verbs are commonly used in formal and informal contexts.
Phrasal Verbs
- 1. To mull over
- 2. To fizzle out
- 3. To shore up
- 4. To rope in
- 5. To clam up
- 6. To cave in
- 7. To bank on
- 8. To phase out
Definitions
- A. To gradually stop using something.
- B. To suddenly stop talking, often because of shyness or secrecy.
- C. To think carefully about something over a period of time.
- D. To end weakly or unsuccessfully after a promising start.
- E. To depend on something happening or someone doing something.
- F. To persuade or involve someone in an activity, often reluctantly.
- G. To strengthen or support something that is weak or failing.
- H. To finally agree to something after refusing for a period of time.
Show Answers & Explanations
Check your matches below. Each correct pair is shown with a brief explanation of usage.
1. To mull over → C.
(e.g., “I need a few days to mull over their proposal before I decide.”)
2. To fizzle out → D.
(e.g., “The protest started strong but fizzled out after a week.”)
3. To shore up → G.
(e.g., “The government took measures to shore up the economy.”)
4. To rope in → F.
(e.g., “They roped me in to help organize the conference.”)
5. To clam up → B.
(e.g., “He clammed up as soon as I asked about his finances.”)
6. To cave in → H.
(e.g., “After hours of negotiation, they finally caved in to our demands.”)
7. To bank on → E.
(e.g., “We’re banking on good weather for the outdoor event.”)
8. To phase out → A.
(e.g., “The company will phase out the old software by the end of the year.”)