Introduction to phrasal verbs in English
find out / figure out
“Did you ever figure out why your website wasn’t working?”
“Yeah, I found out that the server was undergoing some maintenance. It’s back online now!”
Figure out = Find the answer to a problem
Find out = Discover some information
turn out / work out
“Good news – everything worked out with my class schedule this semester.”
“Great! How’d you solve the problem with the physics and the chemistry class that were both on Wednesday mornings?”
“It turns out that I don’t actually need to take physics until next semester.”
Work out = end in a good way
Turn out = the end result (can be good or bad)
back out of / not cut out for
“Hey, I heard you backed out of running the after-school volunteer program! How come?”
“Well, I tried doing it for a few weeks, but it was just too stressful. I’m just not cut out for that type of work – I prefer to be part of a team rather than the person in charge!”
Back out of = Not keep an agreement / arrangement
Not cut out for = Not have the necessary qualities
roll out / phase out
“The current customer database system is going to be phased out over the next couple months.”
“Really? So how are we going to keep track of customers and their orders?”
“Apparently they’re rolling out a new system in July.”
Phase out = Remove gradually
Roll out = Launch or introduce a new product or program
hang out / head out
“I’m heading out – see you on Monday.”
“Oh hey, before you go – my friends and I are going to hang out at the park on Saturday – maybe play some soccer, have some lunch – you’re welcome to join us.”
“Thanks! I’ll give you a call.”
Head out = Go out, leave a place
Hang out = Spend time socially in a relaxed and informal way
