Phrasal Verbs at Work Quiz

What does “run something by someone” mean?. To run fast past your boss. To ignore someone’s idea. To explain an idea to get permission. To tell someone to stop talking.

What might your boss say after you run an idea by them?. “Go ahead, sounds good.”. “Please run faster.”. “Stop running in the office.”. “Tell me a joke first.”.

What does “look after something” mean at work?. To watch someone secretly. To do a job or task. To look at something without touching. To run away from a problem.

If someone says, “I’ll look after that,” what do they mean?. I will ignore it. I think someone else should do it. I will watch it from far away. I will do that task.

What does “fill in for someone” mean?. To write their name on a form. To do their job because they’re absent. To replace them forever. To teach them a new skill.

Why might your boss ask you to fill in for a coworker?. Because the coworker is sick or absent. Because they are bored. Because you need more exercise. Because the company is closing.

What does “reach out to someone” mean?. To stretch your arms toward them. To ask them for money. To contact someone by phone, text, or email. To go visit them in person only.

If you say, “I’ll reach out to them,” what will you do?. Contact them. Ignore them. Search for them online. Wait for them to call you.

What does “deal with something” mean?. To trade cards with someone. To fix or solve a problem. To complain about it. To hide from it.

Which situation requires “dealing with something”?. Two coworkers are fighting. You are taking a break. You are drinking coffee. You don’t want to work.

What does “take on something” mean?. To run away from work. To agree to do a job or project. To argue with your boss. To remove tasks from someone else.

What does it mean to “fall behind”?. To walk behind someone. To finish work early. To lose your place in line. To not get work done fast enough.

Why might someone NOT take on a project?. They forgot how to work. They don’t have enough time or resources. They don’t like the color. They want someone else to quit.

What does “catch up” mean?. To work harder to finish on time. To help someone move. To take a nap. To slow down on purpose.

What does “wrap something up” mean?. To put wrapping paper on something. To throw something away. To finish a task. To hide something.

When a teacher says, “Let’s wrap this up,” what will happen?. They start a new lesson. They continue for two more hours. They finish soon. They take a break.

What does “slack off” mean?. To work very hard. To learn a new skill. To work slowly or not work at all. To help coworkers.

Which person is slacking off?. Someone doing extra work. Someone working quickly. Someone sitting and drinking coffee instead of working. Someone asking for more tasks.

What does “follow through” mean?. To run after someone. To complete something from start to finish. To cancel a project. To forget instructions.

Why does Jen have a good reputation?. She works very slowly. She follows through with orders. She forgets customer needs. She never finishes anything.