Phrasal Verbs

Infinitive: string along
PRESENT TENSE
-ING FORM
PAST TENSE
PAST PARTICIPLE
string along & strings stringing along
strung along
strung along
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along
1. string . . . along p.v. [always separated unless passive] When you string people along,
you delay making a decision that they want from you, perhaps because you don’t want to
disappoint them with your decision or perhaps because you are unable to make a decision.
I’ve been asking Carmen to marry me for five years. She keeps telling me that
she’ll decide soon, but she never does. She’s just stringing me along.
The human resources manager said, “Don’t string me along—do you want the
job or not?”
PRACTICE
31-1. On a separate piece of paper, complete the sentences with phrasal verbs from this
unit. Be sure the phrasal verbs are in the correct tense and person.
1. I suggested moving to Minnesota, but my wife _____________ _____________ moving
anywhere cold.
2. My doctor says I should _____________ _____________ scuba diving until my ear gets
better.
3. The health department wants to _____________ _____________ _____________
smoking within 20 years.
4. I saw a funny cartoon in the paper, so I _____________ it _____________ and sent it to
my brother.
5. Some countries have an excellent health care system. No one has to _____________
_____________ medical treatment.
6. I was a little _____________ _____________ by his unfriendliness.
7. I’ve been negotiating with a guy about buying my business, but he will never tell me his
decision. He’s just _____________ me _____________.
8. I’m going to _____________ _____________ this situation to see what the problem is.
9. After the revolution, all members of the royal family were _____________
_____________ _____________.
10. Several scenes of the film had to be _____________ _____________ before the censors
would approve it.
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11. I thought our vacation was going to cost a fortune, but it _____________
_____________ only around $2,500.
12. I had to take a taxi to work yesterday. My car’s motor _____________ _____________
right in the middle of an intersection.
13. David was expecting his new book to be a huge success, but it didn’t _____________
_____________ much—only 900 copies were sold last year.
14. Getting your car’s brakes fixed is not something you should _____________
_____________.
15. Nancy’s attitude toward her boss is so negative that it really _____________
_____________ insubordination.