Exercises

a) Match the phrases in italics to the phrasal verbs below. Use them in the appropriate tense form.

to be run off one’s feet	to run off at the mouth	to run across
to run dry	to run rings round	to run with
to run high	to run the risk	to run over
to run before one can walk	to run someone close	to run a mile
to run riot	to run its course	to run after

1. Throughout the evening he was talking for hours on end without stopping. 2. If somebody offered¹¹ me this I would be so alarmed! 3. Look! The river is on the point of becoming dry. 4. This year Italian footballers seemed to be reaching Spain in skills but in the Final the latter won very easily again. 5. While the doctors were arguing about the treatment his illness was gradually proceeding without changes to come to its crucial end. 6. The bath is overfilled with water already, turn off the tap, quickly! 7. While idly turning the pages of the book I suddenly saw that very text I’d been looking for. 8. It’s too difficult to be keeping both jobs; I’m constantly busy and exhausted. 9. When he saw her his feelings were so intense that it seemed everyone could hear his heart beating. 10. I’m not sure he’ll take this risk to try mountaineering. 11. No, you can’t start skating without training; you don’t know the technique. Don’t be in a hurry. 12. Be careful with him; he is in the habit of cheating everyone he communicates with. 13. The garden became untidy and weedy after the owner’s death. 14. He’s chasing persistently other sports companies to promote their goods.

b) Correct mistakes in the following sentences.

1. The police ran him out only yesterday. 2. She said she was prepared to run up over her problems if we supported her. 3. After he’d run this off they became reassured in their being right. 4. Run alone, darling, there’s a car on the road! 5. He ran up me furiously as though I were to blame for the matter! 6. David ran off at seeing the dog. 7. We’ve run out over bread; could you go to the baker’s and buy

some? 8. This serial began when I left college and is still running along for ages. 9. The car rushed along the street and ran at the bus. 10. Hey, there you are! I’ve run

you on earth, you know! 11. The ship ran foul of into the cruiser in total darkness. 12. He dissipated and ran into a sand after he’d started drinking. 13. He is sure to run you off town if he finds out! 14. He likes travelling and is forever at the run. 15. The thief ran over with the family silver.

c) Complete the sentences below with a phrasal verb.

1. Everyone in their family is … …fat. 2. The Olympics are … … their close. 3. The machine has … …ruin, we’ll have to take it to the adjusting shop. 4. She’s madly in love with him; he’d click with his fingers and she’d come … . 5. The boss will … an … for you if you agree to take the project. 6. Everyone realised the strong feeling of encouragement which … … his speech. 7. They’ve succeeded in volleyball recently and no wonder if they … you … in today’s competition. 8. He is in the habit of having things his own way, giving orders and … the … . 9. The boy has completely … … without his parents. 10. … the car … before driving on such a long distance; it’s too new and needs to be prepared for exploitation. 11. … the hare and hunt with the hounds if you want to be promoted here. 12. The baby is … a temperature, send for the doctor immediately. 13. While strolling along the street she … … her ex-husband. 14. She realized what had happened only after the robber … … with her purse. 15. We … … him trying to delay him and keep from making a mistake.