Finding Facts — Phrasal Verbs
Investigation · 8 phrasal verbs · Level B2
look into
Meaning: to investigate something
look IN-to transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Police look into every serious complaint.
In conversation: I'll look into the problem today.
Common partners: look into a problem · look into complaints
⚠️ Common mistake: Look into = investigate (deep); look at = see (surface). Choose by depth!
A Please look into the billing error.
B Right away, sir.
track down
Meaning: to find someone or something after searching
track DOWN transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Reporters track down witnesses for days.
In conversation: I finally tracked down my old teacher online.
Common partners: track down a witness · track down information
⚠️ Common mistake: Track down implies EFFORT and time — you don't track down things on your desk.
A Track down the missing file, please.
B IT found a copy already.
dig up
Meaning: to find hidden information or facts
dig UP transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Journalists dig up old records for their stories.
In conversation: She dug up photos from 1985.
Common partners: dig up information · dig up the past
⚠️ Common mistake: Dig up the past can be negative (old scandals): They dug up his past.
A The reporter dug up the old emails.
B That changes the whole story.
turn up
Meaning: to appear unexpectedly / be found
turn UP intransitive intransitive — no object
Example: Lost things turn up in the strangest places.
In conversation: He turned up an hour late, smiling.
Common partners: turn up late · turn up out of nowhere
⚠️ Common mistake: Turn up (arrive/find) vs turn up the volume (make louder) — a famous twin.
A Your keys will turn up.
B They did — in my coat pocket!
check up on
Meaning: to verify someone is okay or doing what they should
check UP on transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Parents check up on their kids by text.
In conversation: The nurse checks up on patients at night.
Common partners: check up on the kids · check up on progress
⚠️ Common mistake: Check up on = CARE or supervision; check on alone is shorter and similar.
A Check up on Grandma tonight.
B I call her every evening.
ask around
Meaning: to ask many people for information
ask a-ROUND intransitive intransitive — no object
Example: Ask around — someone knows a good plumber.
In conversation: I asked around the office for advice.
Common partners: ask around for help · ask around the office
⚠️ Common mistake: Ask around = MANY people, casual. A formal investigation is not 'asking around'.
A Ask around for a babysitter.
B The neighbors will know one.
get hold of
Meaning: to contact someone / obtain something
get HOLD of transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: I can't get hold of the manager today.
In conversation: Get hold of the report before the meeting.
Common partners: get hold of someone (contact) · get hold of a copy
⚠️ Common mistake: Can't get hold of = can't reach them (busy, away). Very common phone frustration!
A I can't get hold of Lisa.
B Try her office line.
pin down
Meaning: to identify or decide something exactly
pin DOWN transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Doctors can't pin down the cause yet.
In conversation: Let's pin down a date for the wedding.
Common partners: pin down a date · pin down the cause
⚠️ Common mistake: Pin down a PERSON = force them to commit: Pin him down to a yes or no.
A Pin down the meeting time, please.
B Tuesday at ten — locked in.
Practice
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