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Difficulty: MediumPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

Match each phrasal verb listed on the left with its corresponding contextual meaning on the right.

  • whittle downTo gradually reduce the number or size of something
  • mull overTo think deeply and carefully about a proposal or idea
  • knuckle downTo apply oneself earnestly and set to work with determination
  • weed outTo remove or eliminate undesirable elements from a group

Answer

'Whittle down' matches 'To gradually reduce the number or size of something'; 'Mull over' matches 'To think deeply and carefully about a proposal or idea'; 'Knuckle down' matches 'To apply oneself earnestly and set to work with determination'; and 'Weed out' matches 'To remove or eliminate undesirable elements from a group'.
Each phrasal verb is accurately paired with its standard English definition: 'whittle down' means to diminish gradually; 'mull over' means to contemplate; 'knuckle down' means to work earnestly; and 'weed out' means to remove unwanted components.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of each phrasal verb provided in the list.
Determine the precise idiomatic meaning of 'whittle down', 'mull over', 'knuckle down', and 'weed out'.
Phrasal verbs combine verbs with particles to form figurative meanings distinct from their literal component words.
2
Pair each phrasal verb with its matching definition.
'Whittle down' aligns with gradual reduction; 'mull over' aligns with deep reflection; 'knuckle down' aligns with hard work; 'weed out' aligns with eliminating unwanted elements.
Matching each expression with its formal Standard English definition confirms accurate vocabulary comprehension for standard examinations.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
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Topics

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

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