Phrasal verbs: Not doing things

Back out – to decide not to do something you agreed to do.

Blot (smth) out (informal)– to forget something unpleasant, or to make someone forget an unpleasant memory or feeling.

Call (smth) off – to decide that something will not happen.

Chicken out (informal) – to not do something you were going to do because you are too frightened.

Drop out – to leave something such as an activity, school, or competition before you have finished what you intended to do.

Duck out of (informal) – to avoid doing something that you were intending to do or had promised to do.

Fob (smb) off (informal) – to give someone something that is not what they want or need.

Get out of – to avoid doing something that you should do or that you said you would do.

Go back on – to fail to do something that you have promised or agreed to do.

Miss out (on) – to lose an opportunity to do or have something.

Pass (smth) up – to not take advantage of an opportunity.

Pull out – b - to stop being involved in an activity, event, or situation.

Shy away from – to avoid someone, or to be unwilling to do something, because you are nervous, afraid, or not confident.

Stand (smb) up – to intentionally fail to meet someone when you said you would.

Walk away from – to stop being involved in a situation because it is difficult to deal with or does not give you any advantages.

Ex.1.  Complete the sentences with off or out.

1.  You don’t have to go to the party tonight. You can still back … if you’d prefer.

2.  For years afterwards, she wanted to blot … the memory of the accident.

3.  They’ll probably call the match … . The ground’s far too wet.

4.  Tom said he would do a parachute jump, but I think he’ll probably chicken … !

5.  I was too busy to sing in the choir every week, so I had to drop … .

6.  I complained about the service and they tried to fob me … with some excuse.

7.  The match isn’t going ahead. The other team have had to pull … .

Ex.2.  Complete the text with from, on, of or up. Use each word twice.

1.  You can’t possibly duck out …. going to the birthday party. He is your best friend, after all.

2.  I’ll be away when it’s Betsy’s party, so I’m going to miss out…. it.

3.  She offered me a free cinema ticket, but I decided to pass it … .

4.  Can you think of a good excuse to get out …. going to the meeting?

5.  I know he is bossy, but don’t shy away … telling him your views.

6.  You promised you’d buy her a car. You can’t go back … what you said.

7.  I know you don’t like her very much, but don’t stand him … again.

8.  You’ll have to do something, Frank. You can’t just walk away … the problem.

Ex.3.Replace the underlined words with phrasal verbs from this page.

1.  My brother used to avoid close friendships because he was nervous. _______

2.  We’ve decided not to take advantage of the chance to go to the UK. _______

3.  We had to cancel the concert because two members of the band were sick. _______

4.  The shop tried to persuade me to take last year’s model._______

5.  I can’t avoid remembering those terrible events._______

6.  I didn’t fail to keep my promise. I did what I said I’d do._______