To bring forward something (or bring something forward) is to change its date or time so that it happens earlier than planned. Examples of use: a) They have brought their wedding forward to July. b) Next week’s training session has been brought forward to Friday afternoon. c) Can you bring the meeting forward a week? [...]
Phrasal verb: run something by somebody
May 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To run something by someone is to tell them something so that they can consider it and give their opinion. This phrasal verb can also be run something past someone. Examples of use: a) Your ideas for the business are very interesting; I’ll run them by my boss. b) I would like to run [...]
Phrasal verb: copy in
May 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To copy in somebody (or copy somebody in), is to send someone a copy of an email you are sending to someone else. Examples of use: a) Can you copy me in on your staff emails, please? b) Would you like me to copy you in on all the official correspondence? c) I’ll send [...]
Phrasal verb: burn out
May 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
1. To burn out is to become extremely tired or ill because of too much work or stress. Examples of use: a) You'll burn out if you keep working such long hours without a holiday. b) He burned himself out because he worked too hard. c) She had a very stressful job and was burnt [...]
Phrasal verb: knuckle down
May 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To knuckle down is to start to work or study very hard. Examples of use: a) You need to knuckle down and finish your homework. b) I haven't done much revision for my exams – I must knuckle down before it's too late. c) I'm not very impressed with your work: knuckle down, or you [...]
Phrasal verb: be snowed under
November 15, 2010 By 1 Comment
To be snowed under is to be overwhelmed: to have too much work to do. Informal English. Examples of use: 1. She is totally snowed under at work. 2. We're snowed under at work because two members of staff are on holiday. 3. John started his new business last month and he is snowed under [...]
Phrasal Verb: slave away
May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
To slave away is to work extremely hard, with little or no rest. Examples of use: 1. She's been slaving away in the garden all day. 2. They slaved away night and day to finish the building project by the deadline. 3. Where's Monica? She's slaving away in the kitchen as usual. 4. [...]
