Phrasal verbs are an important part of English vocabulary and are frequently tested in the English section of NDA and CDS examinations. Questions from this topic usually appear in the fill in the blank format, where candidates must select the correct phrasal verb that fits the meaning and context of the sentence. In the English Live Class conducted for NDA & CDS 1 2026 (Live Batch 2), candidates practiced multiple-choice questions designed to improve their understanding of phrasal verbs, their meanings, and their correct usage in sentences.
This session focused on helping aspirants recognize commonly used phrasal verbs and apply them correctly while solving exam-oriented MCQs similar to those asked in defence examinations.
Understanding Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a meaning different from the original verb.
Examples:
- give up – to stop trying
- look after – to take care of
- carry on – to continue
- bring up – to raise or mention
Example sentence:
The cadet decided to give up smoking before joining the academy.
In defence examinations, candidates are required to understand the correct meaning of a phrasal verb and select the appropriate option that completes the sentence logically.
Importance of Phrasal Verbs in NDA and CDS Exams
Phrasal verbs are widely used in everyday English communication. Questions from this topic test a candidate’s vocabulary knowledge, contextual understanding, and ability to interpret sentence meaning accurately. Since the meaning of a phrasal verb often differs from the literal meaning of the verb, candidates must rely on their understanding of usage rather than guessing.
Example question format:
He decided to ___ the meeting because of an urgent task.
Options:
(a) call off
(b) look after
(c) bring about
(d) take over
Correct answer: call off
In this sentence, “call off” means to cancel something.
Commonly Used Phrasal Verbs Practiced in the Live Class
During the session, candidates practiced several commonly used phrasal verbs that frequently appear in competitive examinations.
- Look after – to take care of
Example: She looks after her younger brother. - Carry on – to continue
Example: The officer asked the cadets to carry on with the training. - Put off – to postpone
Example: The meeting was put off due to bad weather. - Bring about – to cause something to happen
Example: The new policy brought about significant changes. - Turn down – to reject or refuse
Example: He turned down the offer politely.
Understanding the meanings of such phrasal verbs helps candidates solve fill-in-the-blank questions accurately.
Types of MCQs Practiced in the Live Class
During the English Live Class, candidates solved various exam-oriented multiple-choice questions designed to strengthen their understanding of phrasal verbs.
- Fill in the Blank with the Correct Phrasal Verb
Candidates selected the phrasal verb that best completed the sentence based on context.
Example:
The committee decided to ___ the proposal.
Correct answer: turn down
- Meaning-Based Questions
Students identified the correct phrasal verb based on its meaning.
- Context-Based Usage Questions
Some questions required careful reading of the entire sentence to determine the correct phrasal verb.
Such practice helped aspirants improve their vocabulary and develop better contextual understanding.
Common Mistakes Made by Aspirants
While attempting questions from this topic, candidates often make certain mistakes, such as:
- Choosing a phrasal verb based only on the main verb without understanding its full meaning
- Confusing phrasal verbs with similar verbs but different particles
- Ignoring the context of the sentence
- Selecting an option that is grammatically correct but semantically incorrect
The live class addressed these common issues and emphasized understanding the meaning and usage of phrasal verbs rather than memorizing them mechanically.
Effective Preparation Strategy
To master phrasal verbs for defence examinations, aspirants should follow a structured preparation strategy:
- Learn commonly used phrasal verbs and their meanings
- Practice fill-in-the-blank MCQs regularly
- Read English newspapers and articles to observe phrasal verbs in context
- Maintain a vocabulary notebook for revision
- Focus on understanding the meaning of the entire sentence before choosing the answer
Consistent practice helps candidates recognize phrasal verbs quickly and select the correct option during the examination.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs form an important part of English vocabulary and are frequently tested in NDA and CDS examinations through fill-in-the-blank multiple-choice questions. In the English Live Class conducted for NDA & CDS 1 2026 (Live Batch 2), candidates practiced important MCQs based on the usage of phrasal verbs and improved their understanding of their meanings and contextual application.
With regular practice and a strong grasp of commonly used phrasal verbs, aspirants can confidently solve questions from this topic and enhance their overall performance in the English section of the upcoming defence examinations.
