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I confuse myself when i try to use phrasal verbs in conversation!!

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David Little  #446324  Mon, 26 Nov 07 07:09 AM
Greetings to you buddies
                Whenever I catch in a conversation with my friends I would try to use phrasal verbs unconciously,but wrongly at times as well..For example I would use use phrasal verb like this:

(Just before his interview) Hey Sam let me know how it turns down.( instead of "how it turns out").
Just because of this I have started to avoid phrasal verbs in my speech,which really has made my speech even more plain and with out color.How can I get rid of this problem friends?
Thank you.Embarrassed [:$]
  
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Mister Micawber  #446333  Mon, 26 Nov 07 08:30 AM

Acquiring phrasal verbs is no different from acquiring any other vocabulary:  listen, use, practice, review.

  
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Vorpar  #446334  Mon, 26 Nov 07 08:31 AM

Practice.

If you watch a movie or tv show, or just hear a phrase you like, write it down and take a look at the list once in awhile.

Also, every language learner has the same problems, try not to worry too much about it. Since you learn by doing, making mistakes will help you learn faster.

I can't speak for everyone, but I wouldn't make fun of someone that makes language mistakes. (unless they're a native speaker Wink [;)] )

  
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David Little  #446424  Mon, 26 Nov 07 01:42 PM
Thank you Mister Micawber and Vorpar for your reply.
  
Grammar Geek  #446430  Mon, 26 Nov 07 01:59 PM
 Vorpar wrote:

I can't speak for everyone, but I wouldn't make fun of someone that makes language mistakes. (unless they're a native speaker Wink [;)] )

Me neither. Actually, I would respect an English learner who was trying to use such idiomatic language, and if I knew the person well, I would quietly provide the correct phrase.

  
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Barbara, who answers in American English.
David Little  #446775  Tue, 27 Nov 07 03:24 AM
Thank you Grammar Geek.I appreciate your helping tendency.
  
Marius Hancu  #446973  Tue, 27 Nov 07 03:35 PM
Buy it and study a page a day:

Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs

by National Book Company, Richard A. Spears



  
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CalifJim  #447172  Wed, 28 Nov 07 01:01 AM
How can I get rid of this problem friends?
Some students find it easier to study them in groups by the adverbial particle, not by the main verb.  Thus, instead of practicing turn up, turn down, turn around, turn over, turn in, etc. all at once, practice show up, turn up, wind up, pop up, jump up, wake up, get up, etc. in a group, then turn out, pop out, stand out, find out, etc.

It seems that the adverbial particle is so small and insignificant sounding that it's harder to tell one meaning from another when the main verb doesn't change, but it's easier to remember different verbs, all of which have the same adverbial particle.

Whether this is true of not -- who knows? -- but it might be worth a try.

Another method is to study opposites at the same time:  take in, bring out; put up, take down; go away, come back; etc.

In any case, you need to make as many sentences as possible, using these verbs.  Check with us on the forum to be sure your sentences are OK.  Once you're sure they're OK, memorize them.  Use them as often as you can.

CJ

  
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English_Learner  #447898  Thu, 29 Nov 07 05:35 PM
 Grammar Geek wrote:
...and if I knew the person well, I would quietly provide the correct phrase.

I will be very thankfull for ANY & EVERY correction/explanation.

  
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