| Meaning | To request or inquire about something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Driving after drinking alcohol is asking for trouble." |
| Usage | Commonly used in informal and formal contexts to indicate a request for something desired or needed. |
| Meaning | To require or demand something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "The principal called for an explanation for his absence / The situation calls for immediate action." |
| Usage | Often used to emphasize the necessity or urgency of a particular action or response. |
| Meaning | To be naturally suited or talented for something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "She's really cut out for a career in music." "He is not cut out for the job" |
| Usage | Used to describe someone's aptitude or suitability for a particular task or role. |
| Meaning | To participate in or show interest in something. |
|---|---|
| Examples | "He goes in for long-distance running." "I don’t like to go in for teaching" |
| Usage | Indicates a person’s involvement or preference for a particular activity or pursuit. |
| Meaning | To move towards a place or destination. |
|---|---|
| Examples | "We made for the nearest shelter during the storm." "Death control has made for population explosion" |
| Usage | Describes physical movement towards a specific location or goal. |
| Meaning | To compensate for a deficiency or mistake. |
|---|---|
| Examples | "She worked extra hours to make up for the lost time." "He is doing lot of good things now a days to make up for his past bad life" |
| Usage | Used when someone tries to rectify or offset a previous error or shortfall. |
| Meaning | To search for or seek something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Excuse me, can you help me? I am looking for 201 MGM St." |
| Usage | Used when someone is actively trying to find or locate something. |
| Meaning | To give money in exchange for something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Can I pay for this stuff with a debit card?" |
| Usage | Describes the action of settling a financial transaction, typically for goods or services. |
| Meaning | To make preparations or arrangements in advance for something expected or anticipated. |
|---|---|
| Example | "The festival was a disaster because they didn’t plan for such a huge crowd." |
| Usage | Highlights the importance of anticipating and preparing for future events or situations to avoid problems or failures. |
| Meaning | To be deeply attracted to someone; to develop romantic feelings. |
|---|---|
| Example | "I guess he really fell for her in a big way." |
| Usage | Used to describe a strong emotional attraction or infatuation towards someone. |
| Meaning | To accept something less desirable than what one truly wants or deserves. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Dr. Rosy has very high standards. She won’t settle for second best." |
| Usage | Highlights a refusal to compromise on one's expectations or standards. |
| Meaning | To tolerate or accept someone or something, usually implying disapproval or opposition. |
|---|---|
| Example | "I will never stand for him." |
| Usage | Expresses refusal to accept someone's actions, behavior, or presence. |
| Meaning | To collapse inward, usually due to external pressure or force. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Due to the tsunami, the roof of the mud house caved in." |
| Usage | Describes a sudden collapse or giving way of a structure or surface. |
| Meaning | To generate or earn (income, profit, etc.) from something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Her painting's brought in some income to support her." |
| Usage | Used to describe the act of earning or obtaining something, typically money or revenue. |
| Meaning | To request the presence or services of someone or something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Call in an ambulance immediately." |
| Usage | Indicates the urgent or necessary summoning of assistance or support. |
| Meaning | To participate or become involved in an activity or endeavor. |
|---|---|
| Example | "You should always be engaged in some meaningful activities." |
| Usage | Encourages involvement or participation in productive or beneficial pursuits. |
| Meaning | To forcibly enter a building or place illegally, typically for theft or burglary. |
|---|---|
| Example | "The thieves broke in through the kitchen window." |
| Usage | Describes the unlawful entry into a premises with criminal intent. |
| Meaning | To yield or surrender to someone or something; to concede. |
|---|---|
| Example | "At last, the government gave in to the demands of the government employees." |
| Usage | Indicates the act of finally agreeing or submitting after resistance or opposition. |
| Meaning | To investigate or examine something. |
|---|---|
| Example | "The officials looked into the matter and took necessary steps." |
| Usage | Describes the action of examining a situation or problem in order to understand or resolve it. |
| Meaning | To begin and continue to happen or have an effect. |
|---|---|
| Example | "The rainy season has set in." |
| Usage | Refers to the commencement or arrival of a particular season, condition, or situation. |
| Meaning | To include or integrate something into a schedule or plan. |
|---|---|
| Example | "I'll try to work in a Cubs game." |
| Usage | Describes the act of fitting something into an already established schedule or arrangement. |
| Meaning | To attend or watch something, such as a movie or show. |
|---|---|
| Example | "After lunch we took in a movie." |
| Usage | Refers to the action of attending an event or experiencing something visually or audibly. |
| Meaning | To temporarily do someone else's work or duty. |
|---|---|
| Example | "She's the star of the show. No one can fill in for her." |
| Usage | Describes the act of temporarily replacing someone who is absent or unavailable. |
| Meaning | To record one's arrival by signing a register or log. |
|---|---|
| Example | "All visitors to the consulate are asked to sign in." |
| Usage | Refers to the action of officially registering one's presence upon arrival at a location. |
| Meaning | To interrupt or intrude into a conversation or situation. |
|---|---|
| Example | "My father taught me that it's not polite to butt in line." |
| Usage | Describes the act of interfering in a conversation or action without being invited or welcome. |
| Meaning | To have faith or confidence in something or someone. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Do you believe in God?" |
| Usage | Refers to having a strong conviction or trust in the existence or principles of something. |
| Meaning | To exchange something for something else, typically of higher value. |
|---|---|
| Example | "We'll get a good price on our new car if we trade in our old one." |
| Usage | Describes the action of exchanging an old or used item for credit towards a new purchase. |
| Meaning | To secure or confine someone or something with a lock. |
|---|---|
| Example | "It's dangerous to lock in children in a car." |
| Usage | Refers to the action of securing or confining someone or something using a lock. |
| Meaning | To visit someone casually or informally, often without prior notice. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Sarah dropped in on Paris last night." |
| Usage | Describes the act of making an unexpected visit or appearance at someone's place. |
| Meaning | To enter a place or location. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Rosy went into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee." |
| Usage | Describes the action of entering or going inside a specific area or building. |
| Meaning | To allow someone or something to enter a place or location. |
|---|---|
| Example | "That small window doesn't let in enough light to read by." |
| Usage | Refers to granting permission or enabling someone or something to enter a specified area. |
| Meaning | To connect an electrical appliance to a power source. |
|---|---|
| Example | "The iron box is plugged in." |
| Usage | Describes the action of inserting a plug into an electrical outlet to power an appliance. |
| Meaning | To enter a place or location secretly or without being noticed. |
|---|---|
| Example | "If you don't have a ticket for the game, you'll have to sneak in." |
| Usage | Describes the act of entering a place covertly or stealthily, often to avoid detection. |
| Meaning | To clock in or record one's arrival time using a time clock or similar device. |
|---|---|
| Example | "I forgot my card to punch in." |
| Usage | Refers to the action of registering one's attendance or starting work by punching a time clock. |
| Meaning | To enter a vehicle or confined space. |
|---|---|
| Example | "Get in the car!" |
| Usage | Commands someone to enter a vehicle or enclosed area. |
| CARRY OUT | Carry out your job very seriously |
|---|---|
| BREAK OUT | Last night a fire broke out in our street |
| FALL OUT | He left home after falling out with his parents |
| FIND OUT | I couldnot find out the reason for his strange behaviour |
| PUT OUT | The firemen had a tough time putting out the fire |
| SEND OUT | The manager sent out every two months |
| WEAR OUT | Jim felt worn out after a long journey |
| BACK OUT | He had promised to help me, but backed out at the last moment |
| RUN OUT | Our stock of sugar has run out |
| FIGURE OUT | He couldn’t figure out where he put them |
| POINT OUT | She wanted to point out several possible problems |
| LET OUT | The lion let out a loud roar before he attacked the deer |
| BURN OUT | the sun won’t burn out for another four billion years |
| PICK OUT | I have four puppies, so I want to pick one out |
| HAND OUT | Handouts of food and clothing were given to the homeless people |
| START OUT | The stock market started out in negative territory but closed 300 points higher |
| DROP OUT | Dhoni’ father was very disappointed when he dropped out of college |
| HOLD OUT | There are still a few holdouts who don’t have credit cards |
| DRY OUT | My skin always gets dried out in the winter |
| STAY OUT | You can’t come in here. Stay out! |
| WATCH OUT | Watch out when you’re crossing a busy street |
| PRINT OUT | Type a letter and take a print out |
| LOOK OUT | Look out for bears when you camp in the mountains |
| MAKE OUT | How did you make out on the test yesterday? |
| SORT OUT | The mail is sorted out and ready to be delivered |
| CUT OUT | I cut an interesting story out of the newspaper to show to my friend |
| RULED OUT | Ater the hurricane they ruled out moving to Florida |
| CLEAN OUT | When I go home, I found that my place had been cleaned out |
| CLEAR OUT | Clear out! This is a private property |
| COME OUT | How did the investigation come out? |
| EMPTY OUT | The security told me to empty out my pockets |
| FALL OUT | Did she fall out or was she pushed? |
| GO OUT | The forest fire didn’t go out until it started to rain |
| BROUGHT UP | Robert was brought up by his parents as a hard working and intelligent boy |
|---|---|
| CALL UP | The patient could not call up past events |
| LOOK UP | Look up the word in the dictionary |
| TEAR UP | She tore up the letter |
| BACK UP | He was able to achieve this mainly because he was backed up by his wife |
| BREAK UP | She broke up with her boy friend |
| HOLD UP | I was held up in traffic jam |
| GIVE UP | The doctors have given him up but he made a remarkable recovery |
| MAKE UP | He made up an excuse to get leave |
| SHOW UP | Over a thousand people showed up for the news conference |
| THROW UP | I feel like I’m going to throw up |
| WRAP UP | We wrapped up the meeting around 6:00 and went home |
| WORK UP | You have to work up to it |
| CATCH UP | Coca-Cola has caught up with Pepsi in many markets |
| GROW UP | Growing up without a father wasn’t easy |
| FOLLOW UP | The doctor told me he’d need to follow up the treatment with physical therapy |
| WAKE UP | I woke up at 6:00 AM on every day |
| COME UP | Why don’t you come up and see me some time? |
| CALL ON | Yesterday we called on our family friend |
|---|---|
| CARRY ON | They carried on their conversation for a long time |
| GET ON | Robert is getting on well in studies |
| GO BACK ON | I never go back on my promises |
| KEEP ON | She kept on asking me questions the whole time |
| BANK ON | Do not bank on your relatives when you are in difficulties |
| PUT ON | She put on a gray shkirt and a gray woolen cardigan |
| LOOK ON | I look on him as my son |
| GO ON | Go on doing your duty |
| PILE ON | He piled compliments on her |
| CHEAT ON | The teacher caught David cheating on the exam |
| SCREW ON | Make sure you screw each of the nuts on tightly |
| FIGURE ON | You can figure on spending a least hundred bucks if you’re going to that restaurant |
| PLAN ON | What are you planning on doing tonight? |
| COME ON | It was so cold that the heat came on last night |
| CATCH ON | It took me a while, but I finally caught on to him |
| TRY ON | Would you like to borrow this dress for the dance tonight? Here, try it on |
| TURN ON | I wonder why she turned on me like that? |
| HOLD ON | I have been holding on for fifteen minutes. |
| BREAK DOWN | Our car broke down on the way |
|---|---|
| GO DOWN | The prices of houses has gone down |
| KNOCK DOWN | While crossing the road, the old man was knocked down by a motorist |
| LET DOWN | The government let down the farmers badly in the talks |
| LIVE DOWN | The politician could not live down his part bad antecedents |
| PULL DOWN | The government is trying to pull down all opposition against it |
| TAKE DOWN | The students were taking down the notes |
| HANDS DOWN | India won the final match against England hands down |
| PUT DOWN | The army put down the rebellion |
| GET DOWN | He could not get down the stairs |
| SETTLED DOWN | She settled down in France with her husband and two daughters |
| TRACK DOWN | The terrorists were tracked down by Interpol |
| CRACK DOWN | The FBI is planning a major crackdown on organized crime |
| COME DOWN | It’s been raining for an hour! It’s really coming down |
| SLOW DOWN | I was driving pretty fast, but I slowed down after I saw the police car. |
| FALL DOWN | I slipped on some ice on the sidewalk and fell down |
| LAID DOWN | The IRS laid down several new tax regulations |
| RUN DOWN | The man was run down and killed by a speeding taxi |
| SIT DOWN | The teacher told his students to sit down |
| TURN DOWN | My request for a pay raise was turned down |
| BREAK OFF | He broke off in the middle of his speech |
|---|---|
| CALL OFF | The union has called off the strike |
| COME OFF | The meeting did not come off because the minister suddenly fell ill |
| CUT OFF | Water adn electricity supplies have been cut off |
| GET OFF | He got off with his light to injury in the accident |
| HOLD OFF | The ruling party managed to hold off its main rival party in the general election |
| KEEP OFF | Buses and lorries kept off the road in protest against the oil price hike |
| LET OFF | The teacher let him off homework because he was ill |
| PUT OFF | They have put off the wedding |
| SHOW OFF | He showed off his new watch to his friends |
| TAKE OFF | Please take off your shoes before entering |
| TURN OFF | The electrician turned off the main switch before attending the fault |
| SET OFF | He set off for London last night |
Modal auxiliaries Vs Primary auxiliaries
Primary auxiliaries are be, do, have. They are used to form tenses and to frame short answers.
Modal auxiliaries are will, would, may, might, shall, should, can, could, must, dare, need, used, ought. They are used to express moods.