When you get into the world of phrasal verbs and idioms, English becomes an exciting adventure. Today we’re going to explore some colloquial expressions that can make your everyday conversations more lively.
Chance Meetings: “Bump Into” and “Stumble Across”
Have you ever met someone unexpectedly while walking down the street, or found something that you were not searching for? In English, we use the expressions “bump into” and “stumble across” quite a bit to describe these sorts of things.
Bump Into: Meeting someone by accident.
Example: I bumped into an old friend at the mall yesterday!
Stumble Across: To accidentally find something
Example: As I went through my room I stumbled across my university yearbook.
By knowing these phrases you will be able to depict events in life more dynamically.
Relationships Navigation: “Hook Up”, “Drift Apart”, and “Split Up”
The ups and downs of relationships are a roller coaster ride on which English provides just enough words:
Hook Up: First it means beginning a new relationship.
Example: After meeting at a friend’s party they hooked up and clicked immediately.
Drift Apart: Slowly moving away from being close friends with someone
Example: They used to be best friends but drifted apart after graduation from college.
Split Up: Ending a relationship
Example: They broke up after several angry disagreements took place between them.
These colourful idiomatic expressions enable one to discuss personal relationships briefly whether in their bloom or when facing problems with ease.
Handling Troubles : “Put Up With” and “Mess Around”
Life is not always easy; sometimes we have to bear unpleasant experiences or deal with problematic people.
Put Up With – tolerate bad situation or person
Example- She puts up with so much noise from her neighbors,
Mess Around – treat without serious intentions
Example – He really messed up my life when he forgot our appointment.
Problem Resolution: “Figure Out” and “Deal With”
Here’s how you can talk about solving problems if they come:
Figure Out – understand a problem and work out a solution for it
Example – I need some time to figure out what’s wrong with my computer.
Deal With – take steps to face the problem/challenge
Example – She dealt with the matter professionally and efficiently.
Overcoming Challenges: “Grapple With” and “Get Over”
Challenges can be daunting sometimes requiring deep engagement or moving on
Grapple With – find solutions to tough problems
Example- He was grappling with that decision for weeks before he decided.
Get Over – recover from an ordeal/emotional hurt
Example- It is hard but eventually he will get over his disappointment.
Conclusion
Improving on these phrasal verbs and idioms could go a long way to make your English conversation skills better which in turn make for smoother conversations with the natives. Enjoy using them next time you are chatting with a friend or a workmate! And, remember that speaking them during real conversations is the best way to commit them to memory.
Are you prepared to take your knowledge of everyday English deeper? Have fun investigating and incorporating these words into your daily talks!
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