A detailed list of phrasal verbs beginning with 'M', each provided with definitions and contextual examples, designed to aid ESL students in expanding their vocabulary and mastering English communication.

Mastering "M": A Comprehensive Guide to Phrasal Verbs

 

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are a critical component of the English language, offering nuanced ways to express actions, ideas, and emotions. For learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), understanding and effectively using phrasal verbs beginning with the letter "M" is essential for achieving fluency and confidence in both spoken and written English. This lesson delves into such phrasal verbs, demystifying their meanings and showcasing their usage through practical examples. By the end of this guide, you will have a deeper understanding of these expressions, enabling more dynamic and nuanced communication in English.

  1. Make up: To invent something or reconcile.

    • Example: They made up a story about finding a lost treasure. / After arguing, the two friends made up.
  2. Make out: To discern or understand; also, intimate physical contact.

    • Example: I couldn’t make out the sign in the distance. / The couple was making out in the park.
  3. Make over: To completely change the appearance.

    • Example: She made over the old furniture to look modern.
  4. Make of: To have an opinion.

    • Example: What do you make of his proposal?
  5. Make for: To go towards; to contribute to.

    • Example: He made for the door as soon as the meeting ended. / This makes for a better environment.
  6. Make off: To escape.

    • Example: The robbers made off with the stolen goods.
  7. Make into: To transform.

    • Example: They made the spare room into an office.
  8. Move on: To proceed or advance.

    • Example: It's time to move on and forget about the past.
  9. Move out: To leave a residence.

    • Example: I plan to move out and find my own place next month.
  10. Move up: To be promoted.

    • Example: She moved up to a managerial position last year.
  11. Move in: To start living in a new home.

    • Example: They're excited to move in together next weekend.
  12. Move over: To make space.

    • Example: Can you move over so I can sit down?
  13. Mess up: To make a mistake; to ruin.

    • Example: I really messed up the presentation today.
  14. Mix up: To confuse two or more items; to combine.

    • Example: I always mix up their names. / Mix up the salad before serving.
  15. Mark up: To increase the price; to annotate.

    • Example: The store marked up the prices during the holiday season.
  16. Mark down: To reduce in price.

    • Example: They've marked down the winter coats by 30%.
  17. Mull over: To think deeply about.

    • Example: He mulled over the decision for days.
  18. Muster up: To gather or summon (courage, strength).

    • Example: She mustered up the courage to speak in front of the crowd.
  19. Mop up: To clean liquid spills; to complete the final parts of a task.

    • Example: After the party, we had to mop up the mess.
  20. Map out: To plan in detail.

    • Example: We need to map out our strategy for the next year.
  21. Muddle through: To manage to do something despite difficulties.

    • Example: Somehow, we muddled through the project and met the deadline.
  22. Measure up: To meet expectations.

    • Example: He's worried he doesn't measure up to her standards.
  23. Measure out: To apportion a specific quantity.

    • Example: Please measure out a cup of flour for the recipe.
  24. Miss out: To fail to take advantage of.

    • Example: Don't miss out on this great opportunity.
  25. Mix in: To combine or include.

    • Example: Mix in the eggs one at a time into the batter.
  26. Move aside: To step to one side; to make way.

    • Example: The crowd moved aside to let the ambulance through.
  27. Muster out: To discharge, especially from military service.

    • Example: After the war, many soldiers were mustered out.
  28. Mellow out: To relax or become less intense.

    • Example: After the meeting, we all just needed to mellow out.
  29. Mull around: To think about without coming to a decision.

    • Example: I've been mulling around the idea for a while now.
  30. Muck about/around: To waste time; to fool around.

    • Example: Stop mucking about and get to work.

By familiarizing yourself with these "M" starting phrasal verbs, you'll enhance your ability to communicate more precisely and vividly in English. The key to mastering these expressions lies in consistent practice and application in various contexts, so make sure to integrate them into your daily language use.

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