Question

Identify the phrasal verb-
I ran into my old school friend today.
a)I ran
b)Ran into
c)Old school
d)Today

Answer 1

Hint: A phrasal verb refers to a verb that includes the main verb together with a preposition or an adverb.

Complete step-by-step answer:

As given in the hint, we know that phrasal verbs are a blend of the main verb and a preposition or an adverb that is different in meaning to the original verb.
Example- We turned off the lights before leaving. Here, the phrasal verb is ‘turned off’ as it includes the main verb and a preposition.
Hence, the phrasal verb in the above-given question is ‘ran into’, because ‘ran’ is the main verb and ‘into’ is a preposition.
Ran + into = ran into (phrasal verb) Also, we know that ‘ran into’ is different in meaning to the original verb. It means to meet someone coincidentally.
Let’s examine the given options:
a)I ran- This is an independent clause, as it has a subject and a verb that express a complete thought. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b)Ran into- It is a phrasal verb, as it includes the main verb and a preposition. Hence, it is the correct option.
c)Old school- ‘Old’ is an adjective that is describing the noun ‘school’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d)Today- It is an adverb that indicates the course of time. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Phrasal verbs are a common part of an informal language or way of talking. Phrasal verbs are not used in formal conversations, as they tend to help you sound casual and natural.