Break down or breakdown?
Phrasal verb or a lookalike noun?
English phrasal verbs are verbs combined with a preposition or adverb that together have a unique meaning often different from the individual words.
They are written as separate words.
(to break down)
Their lookalike nouns are written as one word (compound nouns).
(a breakdown)
Here are some examples:
take off vs. takeoff
take off (verb)
To leave the ground and begin to fly:
To become successful or popular:
takeoff (noun)
The act of leaving the ground:
break down vs. breakdown
break down (verb)
To stop functioning (for machinery):
breakdown (noun)
A failure to function properly:
To lose emotional control:
work out vs. workout
work out (verb)
To exercise:
To resolve or find a solution to a problem:
workout (noun)
A session of physical exercise:
set up vs. setup
set up (verb)
To arrange or organize something:
To trick someone:
setup (noun)
The arrangement or organization of something:
break through vs. breakthrough
break through (verb)
To make an important discovery or achievement:
To force a way through a barrier:
breakthrough (noun)
An important discovery or achievement:
Remember, context is key!
Have a look at some more examples of phrasal verbs and lookalike nouns!
or
Return to the Advanced Level Learning Resources
Wir benötigen Ihre Zustimmung zum Laden der Übersetzungen
Wir nutzen einen Drittanbieter-Service, um den Inhalt der Website zu übersetzen, der möglicherweise Daten über Ihre Aktivitäten sammelt. Bitte überprüfen Sie die Details in der Datenschutzerklärung und akzeptieren Sie den Dienst, um die Übersetzungen zu sehen.