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Vocabulary > Phrasal verbs >

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5 phrasal verbs with "Switch"

5 phrasal verbs with "Switch"

By Alena Lien, 

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23 September 2020

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Click below to get more information on each phrasal verb.

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Switch on/off



-   To start or stop a device powered by electricity.


["switch on/off"] + [something]


["switch"] + [something] + ["on/off"]

 


  • "Can you switch on the light?"

  • "She switched the printer on but it had run out of ink."




"Turn on/off" or "Switch on/off"

 

This is the same as "turn on/off."



  • "Always remember to turn off the lights if you've turned them on."





Switch on



-   To activate a particular emotion or behaviour, although it is not usually sincere.

 

This is often used in a disapproving way.


["switch on"] + [something]


["switch"] + [something] + ["on"]



  • "Whenever the boss comes in, he'll switch on the charm."




"Turn on" or "Switch on"

 

Here, we can also use "turn on," which I think this is more common than "switch on."



  • "When she doesn't get her way, she'll automatically turn on the waterworks."





Switch off



-   (informal) To stop giving your attention to someone or something.


["switch off"]



  • "I usually switch off when the lecturer starts talking."

  • "It can be difficult to switch off after an intense shift at work."





Switch out



-   To exchange something for something else.


["switch out"] + [something]


["switch"] + [something] + ["out"]



  • "I switch out the students' artwork whenever they complete a project."

  • "It's important to switch out all the old components if you want it to work smoothly."





Switch over to



-   To stop using something and start using another. 


This can also be applied for watching a TV channel or listening to a radio station.


["switch over to"] + [something]



  • "The system should switch over to the generator any time now."

  • "Can you switch over to Channel Nine?"





Switch up



-   To change something, usually to improve it.


["switch up"] + [something]


["switch"] + [something] + ["up"]



  • "You can switch up your workout routine by adding some more exercises."

  • "I tried to switch up the recipe by trying other flavours but it didn't work out."





Related expressions



"Switched on" (informal adjective) - being aware of what is going on, or interested and willing to try new things."



  • "Let's keep the new recruit, he seems pretty switched on."




"Switch up a gear" (informal) - to start doing something more effectively or with more energy.



  • "You'll get better result if you switch up a gear."




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