Vocabulary: Phrasal Verbs (Intermediate to Advanced) (B2) - Lesson 4: Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings

Lesson 4: Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings

The Importance of Context

One of the most challenging parts of mastering phrasal verbs is that a single phrasal verb can have several different, unrelated meanings. How do you know which one is being used? The answer is context. The words and situations surrounding the phrasal verb are the key to unlocking its correct meaning. This lesson will show you how to identify the right definition based on the situation.

Key Vocabulary

• Context (noun) | បរិបទ
  The situation, events, or information that are related to something and that help you understand it.
• Meaning (noun) | អត្ថន័យ
  The idea or thing that a word, sign, or sentence represents.
• Distinct (adjective) | ដែលខុសគ្នា
  Clearly separate and different.

Key Examples of Multi-Meaning Phrasal Verbs

Let's explore some common phrasal verbs that have distinct meanings. Pay close attention to the example sentences.

1. To Take Off

• Meaning A: To leave the ground (for an aircraft).
  Example: The plane will take off for Bangkok in 20 minutes.
• Meaning B: To remove something (usually clothing).
  Example: It was hot, so I decided to take off my jacket.
• Meaning C: To become successful or popular very quickly.
  Example: The new café in Kampot really started to take off during the high tourist season.

2. To Make Up

• Meaning A: To invent a story or excuse.
  Example: He was late, so he had to make up a story about traffic.
• Meaning B: To reconcile or become friends again after an argument.
  Example: After their disagreement, the two friends talked and decided to make up.
• Meaning C: To constitute or form a whole.
  Example: International tourists make up a large part of the visitors to Bokor Mountain.

3. To Run Into

• Meaning A: To meet someone unexpectedly.
  Example: I was so surprised to run into my old teacher at the market in Kampot!
• Meaning B: To collide with something (e.g., in a vehicle).
  Example: Be careful when you park your moto, you don't want to run into another one.

Usage Note: The Key is Context

The only way to know which meaning of a phrasal verb a speaker is using is to use the context clues in the sentence.

• If you hear, "I need to go for a run," the context of exercise tells you it means moving fast.
• If you hear, "The factory can run 24 hours a day," the context of the factory tells you it means 'to operate'.

Strategy: When a sentence doesn't make sense, ask yourself: "Could this word have another meaning?" This is a key B2 'repair' strategy.

In Conversation

Dara and Vanna are talking about their day.

Vanna: How was your meeting with the manager?

Dara: It was difficult. I was late, so I had to make up an excuse about my moto breaking down.

Vanna: Oh no! Did you have an argument? Is that why you had to make up?

Dara: Haha, no! Not that meaning. I didn't need to 'become friends again'. I had to 'invent' a story! The context is important.

Vanna: I see! English is tricky. It reminds me of yesterday, I went to the market and I managed to run into our old friend, Piseth. It was great to see him.

Dara: That's lucky! Better to run into a friend than to run into a wall!

Check Your Understanding

1. "Her business really started to take off." What does 'take off' mean here?
   • a) To remove clothing
   • b) To leave the ground
   • c) To become successful
   Answer: c) To become successful

2. "Women make up 60% of the university's students." What does 'make up' mean here?
   • a) To invent a story
   • b) To form a whole
   • c) To become friends again
   Answer: b) To form a whole (constitute)

3. "I didn't want to run into my boss on my day off." What does 'run into' mean here?
   • a) To collide with
   • b) To meet unexpectedly
   • c) To jog towards
   Answer: b) To meet unexpectedly

Your Mission

1. My Sentences: In your notebook, choose ONE meaning for each phrasal verb (take off, make up, run into) and write your own original sentence. Try to use a local Cambodian context!
2. Context is Key: Write a short story (2-3 sentences) where a character has to "make up" an excuse.
3. Find Another One: Use a dictionary to find another phrasal verb with at least two meanings. Write down the verb and two example sentences in your notebook. A good one to search for is "get over".