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Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: Crank up

Aug 27, 2024
Dive into the intriguing phrase 'crank up' and discover its meaning and usage in everyday language. The hosts share personal stories that make the learning experience relatable and fun. Explore the nuances of this phrasal verb through practical examples and helpful grammatical tips. You'll leave with a better understanding of how to incorporate 'crank up' into your conversations!
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The expression 'crank up' illustrates a versatile phrasal verb used to signify increasing intensity across various contexts, enhancing language proficiency.
  • Understanding the phrase's grammatical structure helps non-native speakers utilize 'crank up' effectively, improving their conversational English and vocabulary skills.

Deep dives

Understanding the Phrase 'Crank Up'

The phrase 'crank up' is explained as a versatile phrasal verb primarily meaning to increase the intensity of something. It originated from the image of an old machine where a crank handle would be turned to activate or increase function. It is commonly used to describe raising the volume of music, but it can also apply metaphorically to suggest boosting efforts in various contexts, such as workouts or studying. For instance, someone may 'crank up' their training in preparation for an upcoming marathon or 'crank up' their study efforts due to an imminent exam.

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