Match each phrasal verb on the left with its correct contextual meaning on the right.
- shore upTo reinforce or strengthen a weak or unstable structure or system
- mull overTo ponder or consider something deeply before making a decision
- whittle downTo reduce the size or quantity of something gradually
- zero in onTo direct focused attention toward a specific target or problem
Answer
The correct pairings are: 'shore up' matches with 'To reinforce or strengthen a weak or unstable structure or system'; 'mull over' matches with 'To ponder or consider something deeply before making a decision'; 'whittle down' matches with 'To reduce the size or quantity of something gradually'; and 'zero in on' matches with 'To direct focused attention toward a specific target or problem'.
Each phrasal verb is accurately paired with its established standard English meaning: 'shore up' refers to strengthening or reinforcing weak support; 'mull over' denotes careful and prolonged deliberation; 'whittle down' signifies incremental reduction; and 'zero in on' represents focusing concentrated attention on a specific target.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs Contextual Meanings