Everyday Grammar: Solve Problems With Phrasal Verbs

Dr. Jill: Hi John! You look worried. What’s wrong?
John: I have a problem.
Dr. Jill: Really? What kind of problem?
John: My bicycle keeps breaking – the tires go bad, the chain breaks, the gears won’t shift.
Dr. Jill: I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe we can use some phrasal verbs to solve your problem.
John: How so?
Dr. Jill: Phrasal verbs involve a verb and another short word or words. Together, they have a different meaning from what the individual words suggest. And some phrasal verbs have a strong connection with problem-solving.
John: Like what?
Dr. Jill: Figure out. The first step in problem solving is to figure out – or develop an understanding of – what the problem actually is.
John: Ok.
Dr. Jill: So you said your bike keeps breaking.
John: Yes.
Dr. Jill: Who repairs the bike?
John: I do. I put on a new chain yesterday and it is already broken.
Dr. Jill: I think I’ve figured out why your bike keeps breaking. It’s not the bike – it's you, the mechanic.
You’re just not good at repairing bikes.
John: Well, I guess you could be right.
Dr. Jill: So, now you need to work out a way to correctly fix your bike.
John: “Work out” is another phrasal verb! And yes – my cousin is a great mechanic.
Dr. Jill: You should go ahead with your plan to call him. Yes, “go ahead” is another phrasal verb.
John: Wow! “Figure out, work out; go ahead” – all of these are phrasal verbs and all of these connect with problem-solving!
Dr. Jill: It’s too bad your bike-fixing skills aren’t as strong as your grammar skills! And that’s Everyday Grammar.

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