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A2Travelling by Car

How to 'Fill Up' When Travelling by Car

Phrasal Verb: fill up |Grammar: Present Simple

Objective

Students learn the meaning of 'fill up' and use the Present Simple to talk about getting fuel for a car.

Article

When you travel by car, you often need to fill up the fuel tank. You stop at a petrol station and fill up your car with petrol. Many drivers fill up the tank before a long trip to avoid running out of fuel. The petrol station usually has a machine that helps you fill up easily. People fill up their cars in different ways. Some fill up quickly, while others take their time. You always pay after you fill up, and sometimes you fill up more than one car. It is important to fill up regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Drivers fill up their cars every week or every few days, depending on how much they drive. When you fill up, check the price and the amount of petrol you need.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To 'fill up' means to put fuel into a petrol tank until it is full.

Grammar Note

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits or routines, like how often people fill up their cars.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'fill up' when talking about putting fuel in a vehicle.
  • Use Present Simple for regular actions and habits.
  • Remember to use 'fill up' with the object, usually the car or tank.

Examples

I fill up my car every Sunday before a trip.

Talking about a regular habit

She fills up the petrol tank quickly at the station.

Describing a present routine

We always fill up the car when the light shows low fuel.

Explaining when action happens

He fills up the car before going on holiday.

Talking about a planned action

They fill up their cars early in the morning.

Describing a daily routine

Dialogue

Context: At a petrol station, two friends talk about filling up the car.

A:
Do you usually fill up the tank before a long trip?
B:
Yes, I fill up every time I travel more than 100 miles.
A:
That’s smart. How often do you fill up normally?
B:
I fill up about once a week. It depends on how much I drive.
A:
I fill up here because the petrol price is good.
B:
Me too. Let’s fill up and then start our journey.

Vocabulary

Petrol
A liquid fuel for cars
Example: I buy petrol at the station.
Synonym: Gasoline
Tank
A container that holds fuel in a car
Example: The tank is almost empty.
Synonym: Container
Fuel
A substance used for energy in vehicles
Example: The car needs fuel to run.
Synonym: Gas
Station
A place where services are provided, like fuel
Example: We stop at the petrol station.
Synonym: Depot
Journey
A trip from one place to another
Example: We start our journey after filling up.
Synonym: Trip
Price
The amount of money needed to buy something
Example: The petrol price is low today.
Synonym: Cost
Light
A small lamp or signal, here for fuel warning
Example: The fuel light shows it is time to fill up.
Synonym: Signal
Drive
To control and move a vehicle
Example: I drive every day to work.
Synonym: Operate
Routine
A regular way of doing things
Example: Filling up is part of my routine.
Synonym: Habit
Trip
A journey to a place and back
Example: We take a trip every weekend.
Synonym: Excursion

Tips

  • Always check your fuel level and fill up before a long trip.
  • Use the Present Simple to talk about your regular car habits.
  • Don’t forget to pay after you fill up the tank at the station.

Summary

In this lesson, you learn that 'fill up' means to put fuel in a car's tank until it is full. You practise using the Present Simple tense to talk about regular actions like filling up your car. Now you can confidently talk about getting fuel when travelling by car.

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