Phrasal Verbs and Lookalike Nouns (2)

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)
Examples:
look out vs. lookout
look out (for) (verb)
To be careful or vigilant:
- "Look out for any suspicious activity in the neighbourhood."
lookout (noun)
A person who watches for danger or trouble:
- "He was stationed as a lookout during the operationA
To watch for danger:
- "We kept a lookout all night, but nobody approached."
cut back vs. cutback
cut back (on) (verb)
To reduce in quantity or number:
- "We need to cut back on our expenses this month."
cutback (noun)
A decrease in production or services:
- "The company announced a series of cutbacks due to the economic downturn."
A reduction in quantity:
- "The budget cutbacks affected many departments."
make up vs. makeup
make up (verb)
To reconcile after an argument:
- "Let's make up after our argument; I hate fighting with you."
To invent a story:
- "He made up an excuse for being late."
makeup (noun)
Cosmetics used to enhance appearance:
- "She applied her makeup carefully before the important interview."
run down vs. rundown
run down (verb)
To stop functioning due to lack of energy:
- "The old clock will run down if you forget to wind it."
To criticize someone or something:
- "She always runs down her own achievements."
rundown (noun)
A summary or review of information:
- "Can you give me a quick rundown of what happened at the meeting?"
check out vs. checkout
check out (verb)
To leave a hotel:
- "Don't forget to check out of the hotel before noon."
To investigate or examine something:
- "You should check out that new restaurant downtown.
checkout (noun)
The place where you pay for goods in a store; also refers to the process of checking out items from a library, etc.:
- "There was a long line at the checkout in the supermarket."
Remember, context is key!