PHRASAL VERBS WITH PLAY — EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
C1–C2 · AdvancedPlay combines with several common particles to produce phrasal verbs used in everyday conversation, journalism, and narrative. Many have specific idiomatic meanings. Definitions are provided in brackets throughout.
Choose the correct preposition or particle to complete each of the following sentences.
1.We'll see how this plays ________ (= develops, ends).
Correct answer: out — play out = develop or come to an end in a particular way.
2.The band played ________. (= continued playing)
Correct answer: on — play on = continue playing.
3.He loved to play ________ (= emphasize) the fact that he was from New York.
Correct answer: up — play up = emphasize or exaggerate.
4.He's just being silly. = He's just playing ________.
Correct answer: around — play around = behave in a silly or irresponsible way.
5.Play ________ the message. I didn't hear it the first time.
Correct answer: back — play back = replay a recording.
6.The politicians are playing ________ the rise in the unemployment rate. (= they are saying that it is not important)
Correct answer: down — play down = minimize the significance of something.
7.I'm not interested in what he has to say, but I'll just play ________. = I'll pretend like I'm interested.
Correct answer: along — play along = pretend to agree or go along with something.
8.The actors played ________ a scene from their new play.
Correct answer: out — play out = perform or act out a scene.
9.The two main actors were great together. They played ________ each other really well.
Correct answer: off — play off each other = interact skillfully, using each other's energy or ideas.
10.Her kids hardly ever play ________ (= misbehave) at home.
Correct answer: up — play up = misbehave or cause trouble.
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
More phrasal verb exercises:
Phrasal verbs with get 1 (C1/C2)
Phrasal verbs with get 2 (C1/C2)
Mixed phrasal verbs 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed phrasal verbs 2 (B1/B2)
Phrasal verbs with break 1 (C1/C2)
Phrasal verbs with call 1 (C1/C2)
Related preposition & idiom exercises:
Prepositions: antonyms 1
Prepositions in idioms 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions in idioms 2 (B1/B2)
Prepositions with phrasal verbs 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions after adjectives 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions after adjectives 2 (B1/B2)
Browse all phrasal verb exercises →
More phrasal verb exercises:
Phrasal verbs with get 1 (C1/C2)
Phrasal verbs with get 2 (C1/C2)
Mixed phrasal verbs 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed phrasal verbs 2 (B1/B2)
Phrasal verbs with break 1 (C1/C2)
Phrasal verbs with call 1 (C1/C2)
Related preposition & idiom exercises:
Prepositions: antonyms 1
Prepositions in idioms 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions in idioms 2 (B1/B2)
Prepositions with phrasal verbs 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions after adjectives 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions after adjectives 2 (B1/B2)
Browse all phrasal verb exercises →
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