Rules & Society — Phrasal Verbs
Society & rules · 8 phrasal verbs · Level B2
abide by
Meaning: to obey and follow rules or decisions
a-BIDE by transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: All players must abide by the rules.
In conversation: Companies abide by the court's decision.
Common partners: abide by the rules · abide by the law
⚠️ Common mistake: Formal — contracts and laws use abide by; everyday speech says follow the rules.
A Visitors abide by house rules here.
B Quiet after ten — noted.
stand for
Meaning: to represent / to tolerate
stand FOR transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: The stars on the flag stand for the states.
In conversation: I won't stand for rude behavior.
Common partners: stand for freedom · not stand for lies
⚠️ Common mistake: Two lives: USA stands for United States (represent); I won't stand for it (tolerate — usually negative!).
A What does CEO stand for?
B Chief Executive Officer.
come under
Meaning: to be subjected to something (criticism, pressure, attack)
come UN-der transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: The mayor came under fire for the decision.
In conversation: Hospitals come under pressure every winter.
Common partners: come under pressure · come under attack
⚠️ Common mistake: Come under is almost always negative: criticism, pressure, fire, attack.
A The plan came under criticism.
B Experts called it too expensive.
opt out
Meaning: to choose not to take part in something
opt OUT intransitive (of + thing) inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: You can opt out of the emails at any time.
In conversation: Two members opted out of the plan.
Common partners: opt out of emails · opt out anytime
⚠️ Common mistake: Opt out OF a program: opted out of the insurance plan. The opposite is opt in.
A You can opt out of ads in settings.
B Already did — much cleaner.
sign off
Meaning: to approve officially / end a broadcast or letter
sign OFF intransitive & transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Managers sign off on the budget before spending starts.
In conversation: The news anchor signs off at eleven.
Common partners: sign off on a plan · sign off for the night
⚠️ Common mistake: Sign off ON a document = approve it: She signed off on the design.
A Did legal sign off on it?
B Yes — we can publish Friday.
shut out
Meaning: to exclude someone / prevent entry
shut OUT transitive separable — a pronoun goes in the middle of the verb
Example: Don't shut out new voices from the discussion.
In conversation: Thick curtains shut out the light.
Common partners: shut out noise · shut out of the conversation
⚠️ Common mistake: In sports, a shutout (noun) = the other team scores ZERO.
A Thick walls shut out the traffic noise.
B Finally, a quiet apartment.
count on
Meaning: to rely on someone or something
count ON transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: You can count on me — I'll be there.
In conversation: We count on the bus being on time.
Common partners: count on a friend · count on it
⚠️ Common mistake: Count on it! = a promise: Consider it done. Friendly and strong.
A Can I count on you Saturday?
B Count on it. Nine sharp.
look down on
Meaning: to think someone is less important than you
look DOWN on transitive inseparable — the object stays after the whole verb
Example: Never look down on people with less education.
In conversation: She hates bosses who look down on staff.
Common partners: look down on others · look down on a job
⚠️ Common mistake: The partner is look up to (admire). Down = contempt; up = respect. The picture teaches both.
A He looks down on fast-food workers.
B Bad attitude — every job matters.
Practice
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