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Difficulty: HardPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

Match each phrasal verb or prepositional verb in Column A with its precise contextual definition in Column B as used in standard English.

  • Prevail uponSuccessfully persuade or induce someone to take a specific action
  • Square withBe consistent with or accord with a given statement or principle
  • Taper offGradually reduce or diminish in volume, degree, or intensity
  • Reckon withTake into consideration or confront a powerful force or factor

Answer

The correct pairings are: 'Prevail upon' matches with 'Successfully persuade or induce someone to take a specific action'; 'Square with' matches with 'Be consistent with or accord with a given statement or principle'; 'Taper off' matches with 'Gradually reduce or diminish in volume, degree, or intensity'; and 'Reckon with' matches with 'Take into consideration or confront a powerful force or factor'.
Each verb is accurately paired with its standard idiomatic definition: 'Prevail upon' signifies persuading someone to act; 'Square with' indicates agreement or consistency with established facts; 'Taper off' describes a gradual decrease in intensity or quantity; and 'Reckon with' means taking a significant force or factor into consideration.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the phrasal verb 'Prevail upon'.
Identify that 'prevail upon' means to persuade or urge someone successfully to do something.
The particle/preposition 'upon' following 'prevail' indicates transitive persuasion directed toward an individual.
2
Analyze the prepositional verb 'Square with'.
Determine that 'square with' means to conform, agree, or be consistent with facts, evidence, or principles.
To make one account 'square with' another means ensuring both align without contradiction.
3
Analyze the phrasal verb 'Taper off'.
Determine that 'taper off' denotes a gradual decline, decrease, or diminution in intensity, frequency, or quantity.
The particle 'off' combined with 'taper' signifies progressive reduction toward a minimum or conclusion.
4
Analyze the prepositional verb 'Reckon with'.
Recognize that 'reckon with' means to take a person, factor, or obstacle into account or to contend with them.
Combining 'reckon' with 'with' extends calculation to active accommodation or confrontation of a key factor.

Key Concept

Contextual Meaning of Phrasal and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

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