THE ULTIMATE PHRASAL VERB BOOK - Noel's ESL eBook Library

Infinitive
present tense -ing form past tense past particip
wear down
wear down & wears down wearing down wore down worn down
1. wear... down p.v. When something wears down or when someone wears something
down, the top or surface gradually disappears because of friction.
The feet of thousands of visitors a year have worn down the marble steps.
The mechanic told me that my car's brake pads have worn down badly and need to be replaced.
worn down part.adj. After the top or surface of something has gradually
disappeared because of friction, it is worn down.
The marble steps are very old and worn down.
The tread on these tires is dangerously worn down.
2. wear ... down p.v. When people wear you down, they gradually persuade you, through
persistent pressure, to change your mind about a decision.
He wouldn't tell me the answer, but little by little, I wore him down.
She still will not give us permission, but I think we're wearing her down.
EXERCISE 17a — Complete the sentences with phrasal verbs from this section. Be
sure the phrasal verbs are in the correct tense.
1. I waved to Jim when I saw him across the street, and he ________ ________ and talked to me.
2. This company has been ________________ since that idiot was made the manager.
3. Don't leave the newspaper where the dog can get it. He'll totally________ it
4. We need a lot of things from the supermarket. When are you _______ _________ town?
5. Jake told the boss I was drinking on the job, and I got fired, but I ________ ________ ________
Jake — I told his wife about his girlfriend.
6. During the American Revolution, the French fleet ________ ________ and helped the Americans
fight the British.
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