Discussion & Argument — Phrasal Verbs
Discussion · 8 phrasal verbs · Level B2
talk over
Meaning: to discuss something thoroughly
talk O-ver transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Let's talk over the plan before Friday.
In conversation: They talked over their differences calmly.
Common partners: talk over a problem · talk it over
⚠️ Common mistake: Talk over = discuss together calmly. (Talk over someone = speak while they speak — rude, different!)
A Let's talk over the budget.
B Tonight after dinner — bring the numbers.
side with
Meaning: to support one person in an argument
side WITH transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: In the debate, she sided with the students.
In conversation: Don't side with him just because he's your friend.
Common partners: side with a friend · take sides (related)
⚠️ Common mistake: Side with a PERSON in a disagreement: The judge sided with the tenant.
A The manager sided with the client.
B Unfair — but final.
butt in
Meaning: to interrupt a conversation rudely
butt IN intransitive intransitive — no object
Example: Don't butt in while others are talking.
In conversation: He kept butting in during the meeting.
Common partners: butt in on a conversation · butt in with comments
⚠️ Common mistake: Butt in is informal and critical — about manners, not microphones.
A Sorry to butt in, but the building is closing.
B That's the one good interruption.
cut in
Meaning: to interrupt someone who is speaking
cut IN intransitive intransitive — no object
Example: She cut in before he could finish.
In conversation: Please don't cut in — let her complete the point.
Common partners: cut in mid-sentence · cut in with a question
⚠️ Common mistake: Cut in is a bit more neutral than butt in — but still an interruption.
A He cut in with the real numbers.
B Rude timing, great data.
speak out
Meaning: to express your opinion publicly and honestly
speak OUT intransitive (against/for) inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Workers spoke out against the new policy.
In conversation: She isn't afraid to speak out.
Common partners: speak out against injustice · speak out publicly
⚠️ Common mistake: Speak out AGAINST bad things; speak out FOR good causes. Speak up = volume/nerve; speak out = public honesty.
A Residents spoke out against the plan.
B The council listened — change is coming.
back down
Meaning: to admit you were wrong or stop arguing your position
back DOWN intransitive intransitive — no object
Example: He refused to back down in the negotiation.
In conversation: She backed down when she saw the evidence.
Common partners: back down from a demand · refuse to back down
⚠️ Common mistake: Back down FROM a position/demand: He backed down from his claim.
A Neither side will back down.
B Then the talks continue tomorrow.
stick to
Meaning: to continue with a plan or opinion without changing
stick TO transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Stick to the plan — no last-minute changes.
In conversation: She sticks to her story every time.
Common partners: stick to the plan · stick to the facts
⚠️ Common mistake: Stick to THE FACTS is great debate advice: no inventions, only facts.
A Stick to the schedule, team.
B Two more stops — we're on time.
give in
Meaning: to finally agree after resisting
give IN intransitive (to + demand) inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Good negotiators give in slowly — one small point at a time.
In conversation: He gave in to pressure from investors.
Common partners: give in to pressure · give in and agree
⚠️ Common mistake: Give in TO demands/pressure: She gave in to their requests.
A The company gave in to the union.
B A raise for everyone, then.
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