28.04.2016 |

Episode #8 of the course “Common English phrasal verbs: Part 2” by Angela Boothroyd


set off

1. To set off is to start a journey.

Examples of use:

a) What time are we setting off?

b) They set off for home.

c) There are roadworks on the motorway so you’d better set off

d) He set off from Paris last Sunday.

e) We set off for London with only £20 in our pockets.

f) I’m looking forward to setting off on my summer holiday.

 

2. To set off something (or set something off) is to cause something to start or happen.

Examples of use:

a) The loud music set off the baby’s crying.

b) The proposed wage cuts set off a work-to-rule.

c) He came home with lipstick on his collar which set off a huge argument.

d) News headline: Nick Clegg is about to set off an almighty row over universities.

 

3. To set off something (or set something off) is to cause something to explode or start to ring loudly.

Examples of use:

a) The smoke from the fire set off the smoke alarm.

b) They set a bomb off outside the building.

c) A spark set off the fireworks.

8.1 Phrasal verbs 2


settle down

1. To settle down is to start living in a place where you plan stay for a long time, especially after living in many different places or travelling a lot.

Example of use:

I worked in many different countries when I was younger, but I came back to the UK in 2005 and settled down and got married.

 

2. When two people settle down together they set up a life together and perhaps get married, buy a house and start a family.

Example of use:

a) Alice and Peter are settling down and buying a house together. They’re getting married in June.

b) They make a lovely couple. I hope they settle down

 

3. To settle down is also to become calm and quiet.

Examples of use:

a) I wish the children would settle down and go to sleep- I’m exhausted!

b) Settle down class, and get your books out. Today we’re going to learn about phrasal verbs.

c) There was tension between the rival football fans but the situation has settled down now.

8.2 Phrasal verbs 2

 

Recommended book

“McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs” by Richard Spears

 

Share with friends