Phrasal verbs (Intransitive verb + preposition)

Phrasal verbs are sometimes used in intransitive clauses with verbs plus prepositions. Study the following sentences.

Samson bumped into his long-lost friend at the exhibition.

Employees are willing to abide by the new rules introduced by the management. (obey)

The student claimed that he was beaten up by the police. (hit)

She failed to account for her absence on Monday. (explain the reason)

The degree course will take four years - that is allowing for unexpected troubles. (considering)

Sometimes parents are unable to answer for their children's behaviour. (be responsible)

Hemantha asked after your health. (asked for information about health)

A young man was here asking for Amanda. (wanting to speak to)

I hope to meet you tomorrow, but do not bank on it. (depend)

The strength of the Government was more than the opposition had bargained for. (expected)

Silva's house has been broken into. (entered by force)

Samson bumped into his long-lost friend at the exhibition. (met unexpectedly)

I told her that her husband had died and she burst into tears. (started crying)

Journalism is a job that calls for a high level of knowledge. (needs)

The new ambassador called on the President. (visited)

May was poor, but she had to care for six children. (look after)

When I was in India I came across many Sri Lankan students studying there. (met by chance)

Quarrels come between married couples occasionally. (spoil their relationship)

He asked me to come into his office. (enter)

The Government has come under pressure to solve the unemployment problem. (forced)

On my way home I came upon Maggie returning from the library. (met unexpectedly)

We can always count on a retired judge for legal advice. (depend)

Suddenly it dawned on me that I will have to appear in court in two weeks. (realised)

She flicked through some old magazines while waiting for her turn.

Her latest book deals with the ethnic problem. (about)

The local authorities are not happy about the way the garbage is disposed of. (thrown away)

We have saved some money which we can draw on in an emergency. (use)

The new directors raised their glasses and drank to the success of the company. (wished)

If you dwell on the past too much, you will have no time to do anything creative. (think)

The high cost of living has eaten into his savings. (used)

Her son wants to embark on an acting career. (begin)

The rival parties refused to enter into any discussion. (start)

In his new book the author has tried to expand on his theories. (give more details)

She fell for the romance of travelling by bus when she was in India. (attracted)

The problems of this country fall into two categories. (belong)

The seniors fell on the fresher who defied ragging. (attacked)

I really feel for her for losing her friend. (feel sorry)

She flicked through some old magazines while waiting for her turn. (looked briefly)

Smoking in public places is frowned upon. (disliked)

I am not at all convinced and I am determined to get at the truth. (discover)

He does not know how he got into journalism. (became interested)

The poor woman could not get over her son's death. (feel better)