Thinking about Language Read the following sentences carefully to understand the meaning of the italicised phrases. Then match the phrasal verbs in Column A with their meanings in Column B. 1. A communal war broke out when the princess was abducted by the neighbouring prince. 2. The cockpit broke off from the plane during the plane crash. 3. The car broke down on the way and we were left stranded in the jungle. 4. The dacoit broke away from the police as they took him to court. 5. The brothers broke up after the death of the father. 6. The thief broke into our house when we were away.
A
B
(i) break out (ii) break off (iii) break down (iv) break away (from someone) (v) break up (vi) break into
(a) to come apart due to force (b) end a relationship (c) break and enter illegally; unlawful trespassing (d) of start suddenly, (usually a fight, a war or a disease) (e) to escape from someone’s grip (f) stop working
Answer
A
B
(i) break out
(ii) break off
(iii) break down
(iv) break away (from someone)
(v) break up
(vi) break into
(d) of start suddenly, (usually a fight, a war or a disease) (a) to come apart due to force
(f) stop working
(e) to escape from someone’s grip
(b) end a relationship
(c) break and enter illegally; unlawful trespassing
