💋 So, are you getting back together or not?
You had a massive argument in the middle of the pub. Drinks were thrown, dramatic ultimatums were issued, and you both stormed off. Now it’s the next day. It’s time to swallow your pride and decide if you want to fix things. To talk about apologizing, negotiating, and resolving conflict, native speakers rely heavily on Phrasal Verbs. Let’s learn how to effectively talk it over before it's too late.
- Swallow your pride (idiom): To decide to do something even though it makes you feel embarrassed or ashamed (like admitting you were wrong).
- Make up (phrasal verb): To forgive someone and become friendly again after an argument.
1. The Cheeky Dictionary: 8 Phrasal Verbs for Peace
Practice: drag a word, or select it and choose a gap.
1. They broke up last month, but I heard a rumour they are going to .
2. You need to to your mistakes and apologize for being so rude.
3. It's not a big deal. You should just and stop worrying about it.
4. He is incredibly stubborn. Even when he is completely wrong, he refuses to .
5. Take a deep breath and before you send an angry text message.
6. After shouting at each other for an hour, they finally decided to hug and .
7. We have a lot of issues, but I think if we go to dinner and , we can fix this.
8. The relationship is complicated, but they really love each other, so they will .
Choose a word, then choose a gap.
2. Grammar Mechanics: The Pronoun Trap
Phrasal verbs are notorious for breaking the rules. Some of them are Separable (you can split the verb and the preposition apart) and some are Inseparable (they must stay glued together).
| Type | The Grammar Rule | Cheeky Example |
|---|---|---|
| Separable (Talk over, Work out) |
If the object is a pronoun (it, him, her, them), it MUST go in the middle. | "We need to talk it over." (🚨 NEVER: "talk over it") |
| Inseparable (Get back together, Make up with) |
The object ALWAYS goes at the very end. You cannot split these verbs. | "I want to get back together with him." (🚨 NEVER: "get back him together with") |
3. Reading: The Morning After the Fight
Notice how Emma and Sophie use phrasal verbs to dissect last night's drama!
4. Interactive Practice: Mending the Mess
Exercise A: The Pronoun Trap
1. Which sentence is grammatically CORRECT?
2. Which sentence is grammatically CORRECT?
Exercise B: Complete the Phrasal Verb
Type the missing preposition to complete the resolution.
1. He finally admitted he was wrong and owned to his mistakes.
2. I missed her too much, so we decided to get together.
5. Speaking Practice: Spilling the Tea ☕
- Are you usually the first person to back down in an argument, or are you too stubborn?
- Do you think it's a good idea for couples to get back together after a breakup, or is it better to move on?
- What is the best way to help a friend calm down when they are furious about a date?
- If your partner betrays your trust, can you just let it go, or is it impossible to forgive?
- When you have a serious problem with someone, do you prefer to text them, or meet face-to-face to talk it over?