Phrasal verbs with Spin in English
Phrasal verbs with the word Spin: Everything You Need to Know
The English language is rich in fascinating and versatile words, and spin is one of them. At first glance, this word might seem simple, but it offers a variety of uses, from the literal “to rotate” to the figurative “to twist facts.” And when combined with phrasal verbs, the possibilities expand even further!
Did you know that with “spin,” you can describe losing control on the road, creating something new, or even putting a positive twist on events? For instance:
- The car spun out on the icy road.
- The show spun off a sequel.
In this article, we’ll explore how the word spin functions in grammar, its meanings, and the most common phrasal verbs and idioms it forms. By the end, you’ll enrich your vocabulary and learn to use “spin” like a native English speaker.
What is “Spin”?
The word spin in English is a verb that means “to turn” or “to rotate,” often quickly. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
- The wheels began to spin.
- She tried to spin the story to make herself look better.
Grammar of “Spin”
- Past Simple: spun
- Past Participle: spun
- Present Participle: spinning
Phrasal Verbs with Spin
Phrasal verbs with spin add nuance to its basic meaning. Here are the most common ones:
Spin out
- Meaning 1: To lose control (often related to vehicles) or to prolong time.
- The car spun out on the icy road.
- Meaning 2: To make something last as long as possible.
- He spun out the presentation to fill the extra time.
Spin off
- Meaning 1: To create something new from something existing; to produce a spinoff.
- The company spun off a new subsidiary.
- The show was so popular that it spun off a sequel.
- Meaning 2: To produce an unexpected additional benefit.
- The investment spun off a surprising amount of profit.
Spin around
- Meaning: To turn around or rotate suddenly.
- She spun around when she heard her name.
- The kids spun around the playground for hours.
Spin down
- Meaning: To gradually slow down or reduce speed.
- The fan spun down after being turned off.
Spin up
- Meaning: To start up or accelerate a process.
- The IT team spun up a new server overnight.
Phrases and Idioms with Spin
In addition to phrasal verbs, spin appears in several popular phrases and idioms:
Put a spin on something
- Meaning: To interpret something in a particular way, often to present it favorably.
- The politician tried to put a positive spin on the bad news.
Spin one’s wheels
- Meaning: To waste time or effort without making progress.
- I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels in this job.
Spin a yarn
- Meaning: To tell exaggerated or fictional stories.
- He loves to spin a yarn about his adventures.
How to Use “Spin” in Learning English
To master the various meanings and phrases with spin, try these tips:
- Practice in context: Create your own sentences using the word and its phrasal verbs.
- Watch movies: Pay attention to how “spin” is used in different contexts.
- Listen to music: Sometimes, lyrics include idioms that make understanding easier.
The word spin and its phrasal verbs are excellent tools to expand your English vocabulary. Practice using these examples, experiment with meanings, and enjoy the richness of the English language.