Mastering 240 English Dependent Prepositions, Phrasal Verbs and Idioms in the Context: Part One

By Daniel Williams

In these 30 units, you are going to learn 240 dependent prepositions, phrasal verbs and idioms that will enlarge your vocabulary and sharpen your fluency.
Each unit consists of eight words or expressions with explanations, followed by “gap-filling” exercises with answers at the end of the unit.
The book is ideal for use in the classroom or for self-study.
Happy studying!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Apr 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9785604970805

Book preview

UNIT 2

At first glance – when first considering something, before you have looked at it more carefully

*** at first blush (synonym)

To put on a brave face – to try to appear as if a problem does not worry you or not to show how upset or disappointed you are about the situation

To get over – to start feeling well again after something unpleasant or bad has happened to you; to find a way to deal with or solve a difficult problem

To succeed in – to be successful in doing something

Solution to – a method of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation

***to find a solution to

***to provide a solution to

To flick through – to look at pages of a book, magazine very quickly

To be absorbed in – to be deeply interested or involved in something and not paying attention to anything else; to be preoccupied with something

To increase by – to grow or become larger or greater in amount, number, volume, size

Ex 1

Fill in: at first glance, to put on a brave face, to get over, to succeed in, a solution to /to find / provide a solution to, to flick through, to be absorbed in, to increase by

A

1.No one can ___________ business without taking certain risks. 2. Cruises seem more expensive than package holidays ___________, but the cost usually covers everything except drinks and laundry. 3. The deficit in trade with China ___________ 1.8 times. 4. I could tell my boyfriend _______________ when the officer arrested him for driving without a license. 5. I ____ so ____________ my work that I lost track of time. 6. It took him several months to _________ the disappointment of losing his job. 7. She picked up the remote, pointed it at the television and ____________ the channels. 8. Do you have an alternative ___________ the problem? 9. Although all of these species appear quite similar ___________, there are considerable differences. 10. The class were struggling to ___________ a Maths problem. 11. If current trends continue, tourism in the state will ___________ 10%. 12. I knew he was shattered, though he _____________. 13. The writer ___________ his writing that he forgot to flick the ashes from his cigar. 14. It took him months to _________ Mary when she finished the relationship. 15. I've only had a couple of minutes to ___________ your project but it seems to be fine. 16. Reward yourself each time you ___________ breaking a bad habit. 17. In 1995 analysts predicted that the earnings of technology companies would ___________ 16 %. 18. I really didn't want to

spend Christmas with my husband's parents, but I ____________ and suffered through it with a smile. 19. She's been completely __________ her home life since she got married. 20. The property looked great ___________, but the inspector's list of problems made me change my opinion. 21. Solar panels and wind power are now being seriously canvassed as the __________ energy problems in Europe. 22. Oh, Susan, it's just a crush. You'll ________ Billy soon enough. 23. While I was waiting for my husband, I _________ the catalogue. 24. You need to be an egotist to __________ politics.

B

1. He took out a notebook, and _______________ the pages. 2. ______, the place looked abandoned and deserted. 3. Given current trends, car usage will ____________ 80 - 140 % over the next 30 years. 4. My hands were shaking with terror, but I ________________ and stepped out onto the stage to deliver my speech. 5. I remained there more than half an hour ___________ grief and reflection. 6. His determination has helped him ______________ the banking industry. 7. I have no idea how we're going to ___________ this problem. 8. There is no obvious _______________ the problem. 9. Profits ___________ €1.5m, despite the difficult economic conditions. 10. The ceasefire will only provide a temporary ____________ the crisis. 11. It was clear _____________ that they had not died of their wounds. 12. She has finally ___________ passing her driving test. 13. Peter was so ____________ his book that he didn't even notice me come in. 14. Our shop is doing so badly; it looks like everyone will lose their jobs but I'm __________________ to cheer up my colleagues. 15. Sitting on

the bed and feeling totally exhausted, I _____________ the remaining twenty-two channels. 16. Your grief won't disappear overnight. It takes time to ____________ the death of someone close to you.

Ex 2

Choose the best word or phrase to fill in the blank

1. _____________________, the food prices seemed reasonable

a. For the first look b. At the first glance c. At first glance

2. I tried to put on a _____________ but it was impossible and I started crying in front of the entire team.

a. courageous image b. brave face c. smiling face

3. It took her years to ____________ the shock of her husband dying.

a. get over b. get down c. get