Phrasal Verbs

On

Verbs with the particle on may indicate: 1) Attachment, Clothing, Addition Some phrasal verbs with the particle on refer to clothing, shoes, etc. Put on a jacket Keep a hat on The idea of attachment is intimately linked to it. All contestants must pin their name tags on. Screw a handle on On is used with some other verbs to transmit the idea of addition: The bill was expensive after they added on my international phone calls. You shouldnt take on too much work. You dont have enough time.

2) Initiation / Beginning Some verbs with on carry the idea of initiation (sometimes to make something start): Put on the lights The new initiative didnt catch on What brought on all that reaction? Weve got a new stimulus plan coming on

3) Continuation On is used with many verbs to convey the idea that something continues. Sometimes the verb indicates what continues and the meaning can be metaphoric. Play on, said the referee! The memory of that day lived on for many years. Some verbs can be very obvious such as go on and carry on. Keep on trying = dont stop trying Hold on / Hang on = to wait sometime To stay on at school / university = continue with your education beyond the minimum expected Get on with something to resume something (after you failed your duties) Get on can also give the idea of progress. How are you getting on? Are you nearly ready? Note: On is normally not used with transitive verbs. You can say they played on but you cant say they played on the game.

4) Incentive On is used with some verbs to indicate incentive. The spectator urged the runner on with cheers and shouts. 5) Performance On is used with some verbs to convey the idea of performance, being on stage. Put on a play to produce a play Bring on a substitute to put on a substitute

Exercise 1 Match the phrasal verbs with the words and phrases: Switch on Stick on Get on The music lives on The National Theatre puts on six plays a year in my memory a stamp the lights with my motherin-law

Exercise 2 What is the best translation for these expressions in English. Make sure you use phrasal verbs. Assumir muito trabalho Causar um resfriado Provar uma roupa Aguarde, por favor!