Advanced phrasal verbs
call off, come up with, put up with, iron out.
The rules
- "call off" = cancel.
- "come up with" = think of an idea or plan.
- "put up with" = tolerate.
- "phase in" = introduce gradually ("phase out" = remove gradually).
- You "iron out" small difficulties so things run smoothly.
- "tail off" = slowly become smaller or weaker.
Examples
- The meeting was called off because the manager was ill.
- We need to come up with a better plan.
- I can’t put up with this noise any longer.
- The new rules will be phased in over two years.
- To solve small problems
- Sales have tailed off since the summer.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The meeting was _____ off because the manager was ill.
2.We need to _____ up with a better plan.
3.I can’t _____ up with this noise any longer.
4.The new rules will be phased _____ over two years.
5.What does "to iron out" problems mean?