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Compound Nouns -- Verb Phrases Caution about Compound Nouns and Verb Phrases Some solid and hyphenated compound nouns closely resemble verb phrases. Be sure, however, to treat the elements in a verb phrase as separate words. |
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Nouns |
Verb Phrases |
| We had a breakdown in communications. | When communications break down, we lose. |
| She did a thorough follow-up of the report. | We wanted to follow up on your recommendation. |
| He operates a drive-in. | Drive in to your dealer. |
| He was a high school dropout. | Don't drop out of high school. |
| He arrived at the time of the takeoff. | Planes cannot take off or land now. |
| We leave when they give us a go-ahead. | We can go ahead with the plan. |
| It come to a standstill. | We can't stand still. |
| Let's have a run-through. | Let's run through the plan. |
| Let us plan a get-together. | I plan to get together. |
| They have the know-how. | They know how to handle it. |
| I expect a turnaround in sales. | Once our sales turn around we celebrate. |
| We have to make a getaway. | We have to get away. |
| We will attempt a takeover of their firm. | We shall attempt to take over their firm. |
| I was a standby on flight 968A. | We can't stand by and do nothing. |
| Paul's speech was merely a put-on. | Your requisition was put on hold. |
| Devise an alternate plan as a fallback. | We can fall back on plan B if needed. |
| They serve as a go-between in the dispute. | This chair should go between the tables. |
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