Today we’re going to see a discussion between two people using the following phrasal verbs: break up, bring down, cheer up and get over. Try and work out the meaning of each one by the context:
Mark: Could you please turn off that song, it’s bringing me down.
Paul: You sound miserable, what’s wrong?
Mark: It was mine and Anna’s favorite song.
Paul: Didn’t you break up over a year ago?
Mark: Yeah, but it still hurts and I really miss her.
Paul: You need to get over it! I know what will cheer you up, let’s go to Dave’s house, he’s got a new computer game that you’ll love. Maybe we could take some pizza and beer and make a night out of it.
Mark: Sounds good.
Today’s Phrasal Verbs – Bring Down, Break Up, Cheer Up, Get Over
Bring Down
If something is bringing you down it means that it is making you unhappy. In the above conversation the song is bringing Mark down because it reminds him of his old girlfriend. Here are more examples:
- Stop talking so negatively, you’re bringing me down.
- The news stories are really bringing me down tonight.
Break Up
To break up with someone means to end the relationship.
Cheer Up
To cheer up means to become happier. It is used in the imperative a lot:
- Cheer up Mark, it’s not too bad.
- You have really cheered me up, thanks!
- Let’s go and cheer Mark up, he’s feeling a little down.
Get Over
This means to recover from a problem, an illness or a loss. Mark needs to get over / recover from the break up. His friends want him to get over it because he is still upset after one year.
- I really want to get over this cold, I’ve had it for weeks now.
- Manchester need to get over their recent loss and win the next game.
- Stop worrying about what happened, you need to get over it.
Discussion
What is the best way to break up with someone?
When you’re down how do your friends cheer you up?
What’s the best way to get over a past relationship?
For more phrasal verbs, visit Phrasal Verbs List