BBC Learning English-Education: Phrasal verbs with Georgie
Did you know that I’m really into photography?
Well, you should take it up as a hobby then.
Actually, I’d like to take up a beginner’s photography course first so that I can read up on it.
Yeah, that might help you to brush up on the skills you already have too.
Hello, this is Georgie from BBC Learning English and in this video we are learning some phrasal verbs related to education and learning. Why don’t we take a look at those first sentences?
To be into something means to have an interest in something.
This person, not me, is into photography. Personally, I’m into languages. This verb cannot be separated.
If you take something up, it means you start participating in an activity. In our first interaction, we see the verb used for both a hobby and a course. This verb can be separated.
Read up on something means to learn about something through reading. This person wants to learn a bit about photography theory before spending a lot of time taking photos. This verb cannot be separated.
Brush up on something means to improve the skills that you already have that might have become a little bit rusty. If you’re learning English, you might want to brush up on your listening skills, for example. This verb cannot be separated.
Hey, what are your plans today? Do you want to go to the park?
Sorry, I can’t. I’m working on a photography project. If I go to the park, I’ll fall behind.
Don’t worry, you can catch up quickly.
Come on.
I can’t. I have to hand the project in on Wednesday. That’s in two days.
Okay, fine. See you next weekend then.
Work on something means to put effort and concentration into doing something. You can work on a project, work on a video script, work on your maths homework, etc. This verb cannot be separated.
If you fall behind, it means that you are progressing more slowly than others doing the same activity. This person is worried she will fall behind her classmates, that others will complete the work faster than her.
Catch up means to spend extra time doing something because you didn’t do it earlier. If you fall behind, you often have to work harder in order to catch up.
And finally, when you finish a project, you hand it in to the person or the people who need to see it. This verb can be separated.
Now, if you’re really into phrasal verbs, like most people are, Why not work on writing a few sentences using the verbs we’ve just learned or check out the worksheet on our website. See you next time.
-Phrasal verbs mentioned
be into (something)
have an interest in something
Many teenagers nowadays are into gaming and spend hours playing with friends.
take (something) up
start participating in an activity
During retirement, Mr Johnson took up gardening to stay active and spend time outdoors.
read up on (something)
learn about something through reading
Before starting his business, Jack spent weeks reading up on entrepreneurship.
brush up on (something)
improve your existing skills that may be a bit weak
Mark did a refresher course to brush up on his accounting skills before starting his new job.
work on (something)
put effort and concentration into doing something
She needs to work on her time management so she can meet deadlines more easily.
fall behind
progress more slowly than others doing the same activity
Because of her illness, Sarah fell behind in her coursework.
catch up (on something)
spend extra time doing something because you did not do it earlier
Once Sarah recovered from her illness, she took some time to catch up on her coursework.
hand (something) in
give a finished project to the person or people who need to see it
Once Sarah had caught up on her coursework, she handed it in to her teacher.