Phrasal Verbs List 

By Gargi Ghosh   

Phrasal verbs are one of the most challenging aspects of the English language for non-native speakers. However, it is essential to learn them since they play a crucial role in everyday communication. 

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and an adverb or a preposition, such as "look up" or "give in." They have specific meanings that are different from the individual words' meanings, making them difficult to understand and use. Learning phrasal verbs is essential for effective communication, whether you're conversing with friends, conducting business, or writing an academic paper. For instance, using phrasal verbs can help express subtleties in meaning, such as making requests, giving orders, or expressing emotions.

Moreover, phrasal verbs are frequently used in spoken English, making them a vital part of conversational fluency. Native speakers frequently use phrasal verbs in informal settings, so learning them can help non-native speakers sound more natural and confident.

List of Phrasal Verbs along with their meanings and examples

do somebody/ something over
beat up, ransack 
your house has been done over, thieves have got into it and stolen things from it

do something over
do again 
The paintwork will need doing over soon

do away with something
discard
These ridiculous rules and regulations should have been done away with years ago.

do something up
fasten, close
Do you know how to do up your seat belt?

drop out
quit a class, school, etc
I dropped out of Commerce because it was too difficult.

drop back
move back into a position/group
Chandreyee dropped back to third place when she fell off her bike.

drop in/ by/ over
come without an appointment
I might drop in/by/over for coffee sometime this week.

dress up
wear nice clothing
It's a Michelin Star restaurant so we have to dress up.

drop somebody/ something off
take somebody/ something somewhere and leave them/it there
I have to drop my daughter off at school before I come over.

ask around
ask many people the same question
I asked around but nobody has seen my journal.

add up to something
equal
Your purchases add up to 1205 Rs.

back something up
reverse
You'll have to back up your car so that I can get out.

back somebody up
support
My father backed me up over my decision to quit my job and pursue higher studies.

blow up
explode
The racing car blew up after it crashed into another car.

blow something up
add air
We have to blow 50 balloons up for Subhadeep's birthday party.

break down
stop functioning (vehicle, machine)
Our bus broke down at the side of the highway in the snowstorm.

break down
get upset
The man broke down when the police told him that his wife had died.

break something down
divide into smaller parts
Our teacher broke the chapter down into three separate parts.

break-in
force entry to a building
Somebody broke in last night and stole our PlayStation.

break into something
enter forcibly
The firemen had to break into the classroom to rescue the children.

break something in
wear something a few times so that it doesn't look/feel new
I need to break these shoes in before we run next week.

break-in
interrupt
The TV station broke in to report the news of the prime minister's death.

break up

start laughing (informal)
The kids just broke up as soon as the clown started talking.

break out
escape
The prisoners broke out of jail when the guards were celebrating.

break out in something
develop a skin condition
I broke out in a rash after our camping trip.

bring somebody down
make unhappy
This sad music is bringing me down.

bring somebody up
raise a child
My uncle and aunt brought me up after my parents died.

bring something up
start talking about a subject
Rachel Greene walks out of the room every time Ross brings up paleontology.

bring something up
vomit
He felt so sick that he brought his dinner up in the toilet.

Another reason why learning phrasal verbs is essential is that they are commonly used in academic writing and literature. By learning phrasal verbs, one can read and understand academic texts that contain them. Also, using phrasal verbs while writing can make the text more engaging and well-written. In conclusion, learning phrasal verbs is important for effective communication in spoken and written English, improving fluency, and sounding more natural. It may be challenging at first, but with persistent practice, one can master the art of using phrasal verbs to convey a deeper meaning.

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator, an artist, and a graphic designer. A winner of awards in the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), and Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021). She has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.  

Male Rights Are Important Too

The Dangers of Unchecked Female Aggression 

https://bit.ly/34FNXin (Image Source)

                                      ©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

By Gargi Ghosh      

Women have long been the victims of various forms of violence and harassment. This issue has been widely discussed and addressed by many women’s rights groups, and significant progress has been made in raising awareness of the issue and combating it in various ways. However, the flip side of this problem also exists, which is often ignored. Women who harass men, file false charges, or get away with assaulting men are rarely talked about. It is high time that these women are called out and protested against.

It is a common misconception that women cannot harass or abuse men. The truth is that any form of unwanted sexual attention, or physical, or psychological trauma inflicted upon males is also harassment. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to overlook or trivialize issues concerning men. This unjustified attitude can often lead to men being left vulnerable, with no recourse or recourse that can cause more harm than good.

A significant form of abuse that many men face is the filing of false charges. These charges can be about sexual assault, harassment, or physical abuse that did not happen. It’s an injustice that isn’t only suffered by individuals who are wrongfully convicted, but also by those who are traumatized by the court process and social consequences that come with such allegations. Men who are proven innocent still face social exclusion, employment difficulties, and character assassination.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is the fact that women who assault men often get away with it. The issue of double standards in such cases is astounding. Men are expected to endure the aggression or are often blamed for provoking the attack. This expectation is not only appalling, but it can also lead to men becoming timid and suffering from severe psychological traumas. Like women, men also need to feel safe and secure, and they deserve to be protected and justice to be served when they become victims of abuse.

If left unchecked, these women who harass men, press false charges, and get away with assaulting men may form an extremist group in the future.  Extremism is a term that can trigger a lot of responses but such a group may become a legitimate concern if men continue to be marginalized and not given their share of the spotlight. Most importantly this can not be the answer to age-old chauvinism and the malpractices of patriarchy. 

In conclusion, the issue of harassment and assault should not be gender-driven. Women who harass men, press false charges, or get away with assaulting men shouldn’t get a free pass. They should be held accountable for their actions. Failure to do so may fuel resentment among men who are left feeling victimized, which could lead to dire consequences. Men who are victims of abuse should not be ignored, and their rights to justice deserve protection like women. Both genders need to work together to build safe spaces for everyone.

 ©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator and an artist. A winner of awards in the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), and Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021). She has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.  

Harmful Impacts of Gender Roles 

                             ©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

By Gargi Ghosh      

From the moment a child is born, society assigns gender roles that dictate how the child should behave, dress and think. At a young age, girls are taught to be submissive, nurturing, and emotional. They are given toys like dolls and play kitchens, while boys are given action figures and toy cars. Girls are encouraged to wear dresses, play with makeup and be pretty, while boys are told to be tough, play sports, and pursue careers in fields like science and engineering. This differentiation affects society in significant ways by limiting individuality, perpetuating stereotypes, and contributing to inequality.

These gender roles limit individuality as children are expected to fit into a predetermined mold. Girls who show an interest in sports or science are viewed as tomboys, while boys who enjoy playing with dolls or dressing up in costumes are labeled as sissies. This creates a society where people feel as though they have to conform to gender norms in order to be accepted.

Additionally, these gender roles perpetuate stereotypes about what it means to be feminine and masculine. Girls learn that they are supposed to be weak and submissive, while boys learn that they are supposed to be strong and dominant. These stereotypes can lead to aggression and toxic masculinity, as boys feel the need to prove their masculinity through violence and aggression.

The phrases "boys don't cry" and "men don't feel pain" are harmful societal expectations that reinforce toxic masculinity and stifle emotional expression in men. These expectations have devastating effects on men and society as a whole.

The expectation that boys and men should not cry or show vulnerability teaches young boys to suppress their emotions, leading them to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms and mental health issues later in life. This societal expectation also reinforces the idea that men should be strong and dominant, leading to a culture in which men feel pressure to suppress their emotions and appear invincible, even when experiencing pain or suffering.

This can also perpetuate gender-based violence and limit the equality of women, as emotions are seen as "feminine" and therefore, less valued. This can encourage men to view expressing emotions as a weakness and make them less likely to listen and understand women's emotions.

Finally, the idea that "men don't feel pain" can lead to men ignoring physical discomfort and health issues, leading to worse health outcomes and a higher mortality rate. It is important to understand that emotional expression and experiencing pain are essential aspects of the human experience, regardless of gender. By breaking down these harmful stereotypes, we can create a society that values emotional intelligence, healthy expression, and equality for everyone.

Finally, this unfair differentiation leads to inequality. Women are often paid less than men for doing the same job and are less likely to be promoted to leadership positions. This is because society views women as weak and emotional, and not capable of being strong leaders. Similarly, men who exhibit traits that are considered too feminine are judged harshly, leading to discrimination and prejudice.

In conclusion, this unjust conditioning of little girls and little boys has a tremendous impact on society. It limits individuality, perpetuates stereotypes, and contributes to inequality. It's time to break down these gender roles and allow children to pursue their interests and passions regardless of their gender. Only then can we create a society that values individuality and treats every individual with equal respect and dignity.

 ©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator and an artist. A winner of awards in the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), and Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021). She has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.  

Synonyms & Antonyms

 Important Synonyms & Antonyms

       

                                                                 

By Gargi Ghosh                                                                     

Synonyms & Antonyms- Meaning 

A synonym is a word or phrase that means the same or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. An antonym is a word or phrase that has the opposite meaning of another word or phrase

List of Synonyms 

Confident	Bold
Cement	Plaster
Contrary	Dissimilar
Dull	Blunt
Fake	Counterfeit
Stain	Blemish
Sacred	Divine
Restrained	Confined
Hazard	Peril
Hasty	Impetuous
Impious	Unholy
Morbid	Macabre
Conceit	Egotism
Deceit	Deception
Dissuade	Counsel
Feeble	Week
Forsake	Abandon
Bandit	Hijacker
Community	Association
Gaunt	Sturdy
Adversity	Misfortune, Calamity
Adamant	Stubborn, Inflexible
Admonish	Counsel
Alien	Foreigner, Outsider
Amplify	Augment
Authentic	Accurate, Credible
Bleak	Grim
Bewitching	Charming
Baffle	Astound, Faze
Batty	Insane, Silly
Barren	Desolate, Sterile
Bustle	Commotion, Tumult
Benevolent	Benign, Generous
Capable	Competent
Chastise	Admonish
Cease	Terminate, Desist
Compassion	Kindness, Sympathy
Concur	Approve, Agree
Economical	Frugal

List of Antonyms

Calm	Stormy
Scorn	Praise
Ceased	Begin
Sarcastic	Courteous
Savage	Civilized, Polished
Sympathy	Antipathy
Jovial	Morose
Lavish	Scarce
Malice	Kindness
Despair	Contentment
Eradicate	Plant
Dismantled	Constructed
Opaque	Translucent
Respite	Continuance
Gaunt	Sturdy
Bold	Timid
Captivity	Liberty
Cease	Begin
Consent	Disagree
Contrary	Similar
Compressed	Expand
Confident	Cowardly
Concord	Discord
Eager	Indifferent
Gloomy	Bright
Hideous	Attractive
Humility	Pride
Insolvent	Solvent
Lenient	Severe
Lunacy	Sanity
Malice	Kindness
Prompt	Negligent
Persuade	Dissuade
Remorse	Ruthlessness
Savage	Civilized
Sublime	Ridiculous
Stranger	Acquaintance
Successful	Destitute

Learning synonyms and antonyms is important because it helps to increase vocabulary, improve communication skills, and enhance writing abilities. When a person is familiar with synonyms and antonyms, they are able to express themselves more effectively, avoid the repetition of words, and make their speech or writing more interesting and varied. Being able to understand and use synonyms and antonyms also increases comprehension skills, which helps in reading comprehension and understanding of words in context.

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator with a quest for knowledge and passionate about various forms of arts. A winner of awards for the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021). She has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.  

 

7 Effective Habits of Successful Students 

 

By Gargi Ghosh 

*Updated on 2/5/2023

As a student, it can be challenging to balance the demands of college, extracurricular activities, and personal life. However, successful students are those who manage to find a balance and consistently achieve their goals. In this article, we will explore 7 effective habits of a successful student that can help you achieve academic success..

 

1. Time Management

Effective time management is crucial for students. Successful students know how to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks to ensure they complete everything on time. They create a schedule that allows them to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life. This includes setting aside specific time slots for studying, completing assignments, and participating in other activities.

 

2. Active Listening

Successful students are active listeners. They pay attention in class, take notes, and ask questions when they need clarification. They engage with the material and actively participate in discussions to gain a better understanding of the subject.

 

3. Consistent Study Routine

Developing a consistent study routine is key to success as a student. Successful students establish a consistent routine that includes reviewing class notes, completing assignments, and studying for exams. 

 

4. Collaboration

Collaboration is a valuable skill for students. Successful students work well in groups and participate in class discussions to gain a better understanding of the material. They share ideas, work together to complete projects, and help each other when needed.

 

5. Goal Setting

Successful students set specific goals and develop a plan to achieve them. They set academic goals, such as achieving a certain grade or improving their GPA, and also set personal goals, such as improving time management skills or developing new interests. 

 

6. Good Communication

Good communication is essential for success as a student. Successful students communicate effectively with teachers and classmates, asking for help when they need it and offering assistance to others when they can. They actively participate in class discussions and seek feedback from their teachers to improve their performance.

 

7. Positive Attitude

Finally, successful students maintain a positive attitude towards learning. They view challenges as opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge and believe in themselves and their ability to succeed. They take ownership of their education and are motivated to achieve their goals.

 

In conclusion, developing effective habits as a student is key to achieving academic success. By managing your time effectively, being an active listener, developing a consistent study routine, collaborating with others, setting specific goals, communicating effectively, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can become a successful student and achieve your goals.

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator, an artist, and a graphic designer, as well as an author and former Principal. A winner of awards in the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), and Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021), she has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.