These are verbs with more than one part; the verb and one or two particles.
'close down' = to shut
We have closed down the small local branches and created bigger regional offices.
The factory closed down in the 1970s because it was too expensive to produce here.
'fight against' = to make an effort to stop something happening
All the workers fought against the closure but the plant was no longer profitable.
The unions have been fighting against the proposed changes as they think it will mean job losses.
'go back on something' = to change an agreement
We had come to an agreement but now she has gone back on it.
The company promised to review the situation but went back on its word and didn't.
'put back' = to postpone, delay in time
They promised to make a decision today but it has been put back until next week.
My visit has been put back until a later date when it will be easier to plan.
'fall behind' = not risen as fast as, fail to do something as fast as required
We have fallen behind schedule. It won't be completed on time.
Our salaries have fallen behind the national average with the small increase we have had.
'turn down' = to refuse, not accept
We offered a two per cent increase but it was turned down.
We offered him a much higher salary but he turned it down and didn't join our team.
'fill in for someone' = to replace someone during an absence
I need to brief the person who will be filling in for me while I am on maternity.
I filled in for Jamie while he was on holiday.
'back someone up' = to support or to help
Whenever there is a dispute with someone in my team, my manager always backs me up.
Nobody backed him up when he said he had been discriminated against.
'work out' = to calculate
I don't know how much holiday I have left. I need to work it out.
We need to work out how much this is really going to cost.
'drag on' = to last a long time, go on longer than anticipated
The negotiations are dragging on. I think we'll never reach an agreement.
The meeting dragged on and on. I thought I'd never get home.
Common Phrasal Verbs 2
In English, we use a lot of phrasal verbs. These are verbs with more than one part; the verb and one or two particles. Let's continue looking at some of the most common in the area of Human Resources:
'get on' = to have a good relationship
· I don't like my boss. We just don't get on.
· The atmosphere is terrible. He doesn't get on with his co-workers.
'follow up' = to find out more about or take further action on something.
· Before we offer her the job, we need to follow up on her references.
· The training is followed up by regular refresher courses over a six-month period.
'set up' = to arrange for an activity or event to happen
· I'd like to discuss it further. Can we set up a meeting?
· I've set up interviews with the remaining three candidates.
'make up' = do or pay extra to cover a difference.
· I'd like to leave early on Friday. I'll make up the time next week.
· There was an error in your expenses. We'll make up the difference next month.
'hand in' = to give something
· He's leaving at the end of the month. He has handed in his resignation.
· I haven't handed my time sheet in yet. I must do it now.
'work out' your notice = to continue working through the period after you have resigned.
· They asked him to leave immediately. He didn't have to work out his notice.
· He negotiated a deal so he didn't have to work out his notice and could leave sooner.
'sort out' = to resolve
· We don't know who is going to replace Sue. We have to sort it out soon.
· I have finally sorted out the error on the time sheets. It's all correct now.
'carry on' = to continue
· We still haven't found a suitable candidate. We'll have to carry on looking.
· Until we get the new software installed, we'll have to carry on using the old.
'back out' = to decide not to do something previously agreed.
· They had agreed to do it but then backed out.
· He had accepted the post but backed out at the last minute so we're considering other candidates.
'go with' = to adopt or support an idea or plan.
· I think your idea is a good one. I think we should go with it.
· We're not really sure which agency to go with. We don't think any of them are really what we are really looking for.