PHRASAL VERBS ( TRANSITIVE VERBS WITH PREPOSITIONS ( TYPE I )

Transitive Verbs with Prepositions (Type I)



The idioms below are formed with a transitive verb + a preposition. The preposition comes after the object and is followed by another noun phrase

You should understand these expressions, know other ways of saying the same thing, and know which of these synonyms to use in a particular context. You can learn a lot about an idiom if you look at the context of its use. Try to guess the meaning of each idiom as it is used in the following sentences. Then, click on any idiom for explanations and examples, but be aware that these idioms may have other meanings not listed here. Remember: you can use Word Neighbors to find out how frequently any expression is used in English.

1. He tried hard to get ahead, so I can't hold his failure against him.

2. You've done enough of the work; leave what's remaining to your assistant.

3. Support from other scientists lends strength to the new theory.

4. Ten U.S. Senators helped to put the bill through Congress; the U.S. President was very grateful for this special support.

5. He drew pleasure from the fact that he had passed all his exams.

6. My talkative friend called me up and engaged me in a long, boring conversation.

7. I confuse Jim with Mike because I can't tell them apart.

8. The selfless doctor devoted his whole life to helping poor people; thousands turned to him for help.


9. I put freedom above money because, without freedom, money doesn't mean a thing.

10. The disturbed man was considering suicide, but his friends pulled him through this difficult period.