Phrasal Verbs A to Z

Mastering Movement: Phrasal Verbs Starting with "M"

Introduction

Phrasal verbs are an indispensable part of the English language, providing a unique way to express actions, movements, and ideas. For learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), acquiring a solid understanding of phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency and confidence in both spoken and written English. This lesson zeroes in on phrasal verbs that start with the letter "M", offering insights into their meanings and demonstrating their usage through practical examples. By the end of this session, you'll be better equipped to integrate these expressions into your everyday language, enriching your conversations and writings with nuanced expressions.

1. Make up: To invent a story or lie; to reconcile after a disagreement.

   • Example: They made up a story about why they were late. / After the argument, they made up quickly.

2. Make out: To discern or understand; also refers to engaging in kissing or caressing.

   • Example: I can't make out what he's trying to say. / They were making out in the back row of the cinema.

3. Make over: To completely transform the appearance of someone or something.

   • Example: They made over the old car to look brand new.

4. Make off with: To steal something and escape with it.

   • Example: The thieves made off with the jewels.

5. Make for: To go towards a place; to contribute to a result.

   • Example: He made for the exit as soon as the meeting ended. / This decision makes for a lot of confusion.

6. Move on: To leave the current place or to get over an emotional experience.

   • Example: After the break-up, she found it hard to move on.

7. Move out: To leave a residence or place of living.

   • Example: I plan to move out of my parents' house next month.

8. Move in: To start living in a new home.

   • Example: They're excited to move in next weekend.

9. Move up: To advance in position or time.

   • Example: She moved up to a managerial position.

10. Move over: To change your position to make space for someone else.

    • Example: Can you move over a bit so I can sit down?

11. Mark down: To reduce the price of something.

    • Example: All winter coats have been marked down by 30%.

12. Mark up: To increase the price of something; to make corrections or annotations on a document.

    • Example: The shop marked up the price due to high demand.

13. Mull over: To think deeply about something.

    • Example: He's mulling over the job offer.

14. Mess up: To make a mistake or to handle something badly.

    • Example: I really messed up on the exam.

15. Mix up: To confuse two or more things; to stir or blend together.

    • Example: I always mix up their names. / Mix up the ingredients in a bowl.

16. Mop up: To clean or remove (often liquid) with a mop; to complete the final parts of a task.

    • Example: After the spill, we mopped up the mess.

17. Muster up: To gather or summon (usually courage or strength).

    • Example: She mustered up the courage to speak in public.

18. Make do: To manage with the available resources, even if they are not ideal.

    • Example: We didn't have all the ingredients, so we made do with what we had.

19. Make of: To understand or have an opinion about something.

    • Example: What do you make of his strange behaviour?

20. Melt down: To reduce something to liquid form by heating; to have a breakdown or crisis.

    • Example: The company is melting down old jewellery to create new pieces.

21. Move aside: To step to one side; to leave a position for someone else.

    • Example: Please move aside and let the ambulance through.

22. Map out: To plan or outline something in detail.

    • Example: We need to map out our strategy for the next quarter.

23. Muddle through: To manage to do something despite difficulties or confusion.

    • Example: We didn't know what we were doing, but we muddled through.

24. Muster out: To discharge from the military.

    • Example: He was mustered out of the army after ten years of service.

25. Make away with: Similar to make off with; to steal.

    • Example: The burglars made away with a valuable painting.

26. Mull around: To think about something, often without coming to a conclusion.

    • Example: I've been mulling around the idea of starting my own business.

27. Measure up: To be as good as something or someone else.

    • Example: He's worried he doesn't measure up to her expectations.

28. Measure out: To carefully calculate or allocate a certain amount of something.

    • Example: Measure out two cups of flour for the cake.

29. Miss out on: To fail to take advantage of an opportunity.

    • Example: If you don't apply now, you might miss out on the scholarship.

30. Make for: To result in; to contribute to creating a particular result or situation.

    • Example: Good communication makes for a strong team.

By integrating these "M" starting phrasal verbs into your English usage, you'll not only enrich your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to express complex ideas and emotions more effectively. Remember, consistent practice in various contexts is key to mastering these versatile linguistic tools.