Technology and Communication Phrasal Verbs

Here are some common phrasal verbs used in technology and communication with their meanings and examples:

Back up

Meaning:

• To make a copy of data to keep it safe.

• To support someone or something; to say that what someone says is true.

Example:

• Don’t forget to back up your files regularly.

• I'll back you up if they don't believe you.

Break down

Meaning:

• When a device stops working.

• To destroy something or make it disappear, especially a particular feeling or attitude that someone has.

Example:

• My laptop broke down during the presentation.

• Attempts must be made to break down the barriers of fear and hostility which divide the two communities.

Hang up

Meaning:

• To end a phone call.

• If you hang up on someone you are speaking to on the phone, you end the phone call suddenly and unexpectedly.

Example:

• She hung up before I could say goodbye.

• Melissa was so angry with him, she hung up the phone abruptly.

Set up

Meaning:

• To install or arrange a device or system.

• To arrange for something to happen.

Example:

• I need to set up my new phone before I can use it.

• I've set up a meeting for Friday.

Plug in

Meaning:

• To connect a device to a power source.

• To connect an electrical device to an electrical system or device so that it can be used, by pushing its plug into a socket.

Example:

• Can you plug in the charger for me?

• Of course the radio isn't working - you haven't plugged it in!

Shut down

Meaning:

• To turn off a computer or system completely.

• If a business or a large piece of equipment shuts down or someone shuts it down, it stops operating.

Example:

• He forgot to shut down the computer before leaving.

• The theatre shut down after more than half a century.

Explanation

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are multi-word expressions consisting of a verb and one or more particles (either a preposition or an adverb). Together, they form a meaning that is often different from the verb’s original meaning.

Structure of Phrasal Verbs:

Verb + Preposition
Example: Look after some text

• Meaning: To take care of someone or something.

• Sentence: "I need to look after my younger brother today."

Verb + Adverb
Example: Give up some text

• Meaning: To stop doing something.

• Sentence: "She decided to give up smoking."

Verb + Adverb + Preposition
Example: Get away with some text.

• Meaning: To escape punishment for something.

• Sentence: "He got away with cheating on the test."

Phrasal Verbs

Word order in Pharal Verbs