Fixing Problems — Phrasal Verbs
Problem solving · 8 phrasal verbs · Level B1
iron out
Meaning: to solve small problems and disagreements
I-ron OUT transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: We ironed out the last details of the contract.
In conversation: Let's iron out the schedule problems today.
Common partners: iron out the details · iron out differences
⚠️ Common mistake: Iron out is for SMALL problems and wrinkles — the picture is ironing a shirt smooth.
A We can iron out the budget issues.
B Thursday's meeting, then.
patch up
Meaning: to repair something quickly / fix a relationship
patch UP transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: They patch up the roof every fall before the winter rains.
In conversation: The brothers patched up their argument.
Common partners: patch up a hole · patch up a friendship
⚠️ Common mistake: A patch is quick and temporary — patch up now, fix properly later.
A Patch up the fence for now.
B Proper repair can wait until spring.
cover up
Meaning: to hide the truth about something bad
COV-er UP transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: The company tried to cover up the mistake.
In conversation: Don't cover up errors — report them.
Common partners: cover up a scandal · a cover-up (noun)
⚠️ Common mistake: A cover-up (noun, with hyphens) = the hiding itself: a political cover-up.
A Never cover up a safety problem.
B Agreed — we report it today.
own up
Meaning: to admit you did something wrong
own UP intransitive (to + thing) inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Own up to your mistake and apologize.
In conversation: He finally owned up to breaking the window.
Common partners: own up to a mistake · own up and apologize
⚠️ Common mistake: Own up TO something: own up to lying. The TO is part of the pattern.
A Own up — who ate the last cookie?
B Fine. It was me. Worth it.
make up for
Meaning: to do something good to balance a bad thing
make UP for transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: I'll make up for missing your birthday.
In conversation: Hard work can make up for a late start.
Common partners: make up for lost time · make up for a mistake
⚠️ Common mistake: Make up FOR the bad thing: make up for being late (bring coffee!).
A How can I make up for forgetting?
B Cook dinner Friday. All is forgiven.
sort through
Meaning: to organize or examine things one by one
sort THROUGH transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Sort through these old photos this weekend.
In conversation: She sorted through hundreds of emails.
Common partners: sort through papers · sort through photos
⚠️ Common mistake: Sort THROUGH = go item by item (searching/organizing); sort OUT = solve a problem. Different!
A Sort through the mail, please.
B Bills in this pile, letters in that one.
mess up
Meaning: to make a mistake / do something badly
mess UP transitive & intransitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: I messed up the presentation dates.
In conversation: Don't mess up — this test matters.
Common partners: mess up a test · mess up badly
⚠️ Common mistake: Mess up is informal but universal. In formal writing: make an error.
A I messed up the order numbers.
B Fix them now and tell the client honestly.
slip up
Meaning: to make a small careless mistake
slip UP intransitive intransitive — no object
Example: Even experts slip up sometimes.
In conversation: He slipped up and used the wrong name.
Common partners: slip up once · a slip-up (noun)
⚠️ Common mistake: A slip-up is SMALL and accidental — bigger than zero, smaller than a disaster.
A I slipped up on question four.
B One question won't fail you.
Practice
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