EXERCISE 60.2

Each of the following sentences contains a two-word verb. In some sentences, the verb is used correctly; in others, it is used incorrectly. Identify each two-word verb, indicate whether it is a phrasal or prepositional verb, and rewrite any incorrect sentences correctly.

  1. Soon after I was hired for my last job, I learned that the company might lay off me.
    lay off: phrasal verb

  2. I was counting on the job to pay my way through school, so I was upset.
    (correct) count on: prepositional verb

  3. I decided to pick up a newspaper and see what other jobs were available.
    (correct) pick up: phrasal verb

  4. As I looked the newspaper at, I was surprised to see that I was qualified for a job that paid much better than mine.
    look at: prepositional verb

  5. I gave my old job up and took the new one, which made attending school much easier.
    As I looked at the newspaper, I was surprised to see that I was qualified for a job that paid much better than mine.