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Hi, welcome to a new episode of The Art of Business English. This week we have the third instalment of my mini-series on phrasal verbs with two particles. This will help you to get moving in the right direction to speak English correctly and naturally.

If you are not sure what 3-word phrasal verbs are, then make sure you check out the first two episodes of the series. You can look at episode 198 here and 199 here.

Today, I am going to share with you ten 3-word phrasal verbs that contain the preposition “for”.

Let’s start learning!

Make up for

Meaning:

To compensate for something bad with something good.

Example:

“I worked extra hours to make up for the time I had missed.”

Watch the episode here

Be in for

Meaning:

To be going to experience something unpleasant very soon.

Example:

“We are going to be in for one grumpy budget day next week.”

Put down for

Meaning:

To record an offer of help or contribution.

Example:

“You can put me down for a 60€ donation to the charity.”

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Speak for oneself

Meaning:

To have obvious implications; to require no explanation.

Example:

“Her fantastic record as a manager speaks for itself.”

Stand/stick up for

Meaning:

To speak or act in defence or support of a person, cause of belief.

Example:

“Workers need to stand up for their rights, or they risk losing them.”

Sit in for

Meaning:

To substitute or take someone’s place

Example:

“Henry will be sitting in for Karren, while she is away on holiday for the next two weeks.”

Look out for

Meaning:

To try to notice someone or something.

Example:

“Over the next six months we will be launching several innovative products; look out for the next bulletin.”

Come in for

Meaning:

To be subjected to.

Example:

“The company came in for a lot of criticism about the way it tried to hide its environmental record.”

Be out for

Meaning:

To pursue something, particularly for personal benefit or gain.

Example:

“Many traders are out for all they can get and show little regard for others.”

Be there for

Meaning:

To provide comfort, support or be available to someone

Example:

“The nice thing about our friendship, is that you are always there for me.”

Final thoughts

So, that’s it from me today. I hope you found this episode interesting and useful. Since phrasal verbs are difficult to learn, my advice to you is to expose yourself to as much English as you can. Listen to podcasts from good media organisations, read as broadly as you can, watch films in English. All of these will help you pick up the correct usage even though you are not conscious of the rules.

As always, if you have further questions or if you would like some advice, please leave us a comment on the blog.

See you all next week.


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Andrew


Andrew is the CEO and founder of the Art of Business English. Besides teaching and coaching native Spanish speakers in Business English, he is also passionate about mountain biking, sailing and healthy living. When He is not working, Andrew loves to spend time with his family and friends.

Andrew Ambrosius

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