Replace the underlined word with the most appropriate phrasal verb:
With the science fair just a week away, the team outlined a basic design for their water-cleaning robot in one evening and left the details for later.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → roughed out
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
Outline means to give the main points or the shape of something, without details. Its closest meaning is roughed out. Example: The teacher outlined the project in five minutes.
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) touched up | made small changes to something to improve it | The photographer touched up the class photo before printing it. |
| (2) carried off | did something difficult successfully | Meera carried off the lead role in the play with ease. |
| (3) wound up | brought something to an end | The principal wound up the assembly with the national anthem. |
| (4) roughed out (answer) | to make a first, quick plan or drawing of something, without details (same as outline) | Before painting the wall, the students roughed out the picture in chalk. |