What are phrasal verbs and idioms?

An idiom is a phrase with a meaning that is often difficult to understand by looking at the individual words.

A phrasal verb consists of a verb (e.g. put, take, give, get, etc.) and one or two particles (e.g. off, out, by, up, etc.).

There are thousands of phrasal verbs and idioms in English. One of the best ways to learn them is by studying them in the context of a particular topic. In this lesson the topic is neighbours.

Phrasal verbs: move in/out; get along (with sb); get on (with sb); help (sb) out; lock sb in/out

Idioms: next door (to sb/sth); break the ice; have sth in common; lend sb a hand; give sb a lift; all by yourself; on your own; get out and about; keep sb company

Getting on with the neighbours

We live next door to a young family. When we first moved in we invited them for tea to break the ice, and, since then, we’ve got along well. We have a lot in common, and they’re always willing to help  out. One day I got locked out, and Millie, the wife, gave me a lift to my husband’s office to get a spare key.

On the other side there’s an old lady living all by herself who doesn’t get out and about much. It’s so sad; she needs someone to keep her company.

next door (to sb/sth): in the next house or flat.

move in: start living in a new house or flat. OPP move out.

break the ice: say or do sth that makes people feel more relaxed, e.g. at the beginning of a party.

get along: have a friendly relationship (also get along with sb). SYN get on well (with sb).

have sth in common: have similar interests (also have sth in common with sb).

help (sb) out: help sb in a difficult situation. SYN lend sb a hand.

lock sb out/in: lock a door so that sb cannot get out or in.

give sb a lift: take sb somewhere in your car.

all by yourself: completely alone (‘all’ adds emphasis). SYN on your own.

get out and about: go to places where you can meet people.

keep sb company: go or be with sb so that they are not alone.

Source: Oxford University Press

Now, it´s your turn. Here you have some tasks to do:

1 Good or bad? Write G or B.

1  We have a lot in common.        

2  You get along with your neighbour.   

3  Someone gave you a lift.       

4  You got locked in.

5  Your friend offers to keep you company.     

6  A noisy neighbour has just moved in.                      

7  You can’t get out and about for 

8  Someone helps you out with your studies.

2 Complete the questions.

1  Do you live all ............. yourself? If not, who with?

2  What do you have ..............common with the people next .............. to you?

3  How would you break the ...................if you had new neighbours?

4  Do you have any elderly neighbours? Do you ever .............them company?

5  Have any of your neighbours .................. you a lift? If so, where to?

6  Have you ever got ................... out of your house and asked a neighbour for help?

7  Which of your neighbours do you get ................... well with, and why?

8  Do your neighbours ever lend you a .................. with things?

 
3  Write a short essay about the topic using phrasal verbs and idioms:
    "You and  your niighbours. Do you have a good relationship with them?"