Phrasal verbs are a critical aspect of the English language, often combining a verb with a preposition or adverb to convey a unique meaning different from the individual words. For aspirants preparing for competitive exams like NDA and CDS, mastering phrasal verbs is essential because they often feature in questions related to word usage, sentence completion, and error spotting.
Why Knowledge of Phrasal Verbs is Crucial
Phrasal verbs are widely used in both formal and informal English. They allow candidates to understand subtle nuances of meaning in sentences, which is crucial when solving complex questions in competitive exams. These verbs often replace more formal phrases, and their mastery is a reflection of a candidate’s command over practical English usage.
In exams like NDA and CDS, phrasal verbs appear in sections such as:
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Completion
- Error Detection
- Comprehension
Having a strong grasp of phrasal verbs allows candidates to:
- Contextual Understanding: Identify and apply the right phrasal verb based on the context, ensuring the sentence flows logically.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Enrich their vocabulary by learning multiple meanings of common verbs when combined with different particles.
- Grammar Precision: Spot errors related to incorrect phrasal verb usage in error spotting questions.
Applying Phrasal Verbs in NDA & CDS Exams
In competitive exams like NDA and CDS, questions testing phrasal verbs require a nuanced understanding of their meanings in context. Candidates need to:
- Identify the correct preposition or adverb that complements the verb to form the phrasal verb.
- Choose the right phrasal verb based on the sentence’s meaning, ensuring it matches the tone and context of the sentence.
Practice through MCQs
In Use of Phrasal Verbs Class 1, an MCQ session was conducted where candidates solved important questions on phrasal verbs. This practice session helped aspirants to:
- Recognize phrasal verbs in varied contexts.
- Strengthen their understanding by applying the phrasal verbs in sentences.
- Gain insight into common phrasal verb-based questions expected in exams like NDA and CDS.
Directions: In the following items, a sentence is given with a blank space that is required to be filled with a phrasal verb. Select the most appropriate response from the options provided and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Q) Be careful with the bomb! The slightest touch might ______!
(a) Set it off
(b) Set it up
(c) Set it out
(d) Set it down
Ans. (a)
Q) Hello! Is that the Grand Hotel? Could you ______ the manager, please?
(a) Put me up with
(b) Put me on to
(c) Put me in for
(d) Put me through to
Ans. (d)
Q) The idea of a balanced diet is difficult to _________ to those who know little about food values.
(a) Put across
(b) Come across
(c) Take in
(d) Make over
Ans. (a)
Q) The battery has run ______.
(a) down
(b) over
(c) out
(d) about
Ans. (c)
Q) Do you think you could ______ these figures for me, just to make sure they’re correct.
(a) Check over
(b) Check off
(c) Check in
(d) Check out
Ans. (a)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS 1 2025 Exam English Live – Use of Phrasal Verbs – Class 1
Conclusion
For candidates preparing for NDA and CDS 1 2025, having a solid understanding of phrasal verbs is non-negotiable. It enhances overall language skills, sharpens grammatical precision, and equips aspirants to tackle phrasal verb-related questions confidently. Therefore, continuous practice and expanding one’s knowledge of phrasal verbs are vital for achieving success in these competitive exams.
