As you’ve probably figured out from the lists above, a phrasal verb is a phrase that’s made up of a verb and another word or two—usually a preposition but sometimes an adverb . The same verb can be used in several phrasal verbs, such as give in, give away and give up, but the meaning will be different.
There are also phrasal verbs that you’re more likely to say with friends ( hang out , cut it out ), while others are pretty common at work emails and meetings:
To understand phrasal verbs, it’s important to know what verbs , prepositions and adverbs are.
You put these words together to form phrasal verbs.
It’s easier than you think. For example, you probably already know the phrase “come on”—that’s a phrasal verb!
The word “come,” on its own, means to move towards something. Together with the preposition “on,” though, the phrase “come on” becomes a phrase of encouragement.
If the idea of phrasal verbs still takes some getting used to, you can pick them up more naturally by watching English movies , TV clips or online videos and then trying to notice the phrasal verbs that come up. English shows make great material for this because they often use everyday language.
Sometimes it can be tricky to do on your own, though. As an English learning resource, FluentU makes this more approachable.
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Phrasal verbs are such an important part of English that you’ll hear them everywhere!
As mentioned above, phrasal verbs can be either transitive or intransitive and separable or inseparable.
Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object (a thing or person that’s being acted on).
For example, let’s take the phrasal verb “put on”:
She’ll put on some makeup before stepping on stage.
In this sentence, “some makeup” is the direct object. You can’t say “she’ll put on before stepping on stage” because with transitive verbs, there needs to be a direct object—what exactly is she putting on?
Here are some other transitive phrasal verbs:
We’re already indoors, take off your hat.
This is really tough, but the team’s confident that they can work out a solution.
I’m ready for this challenge, bring it on !
On the other hand, intransitive phrasal verbs don’t have a direct object. You can just use them in a sentence as is:
When I’ve had a really good nap, it’s hard to get up !
My friends want to hang out at this interesting café that just opened.
Separable phrasal verbs are phrasal verbs that can be split up, with a word or phrase in the middle:
Since you weren’t at the party yesterday, I’ll fill you in on the funny things that happened.
He had to take his jacket off because he was sweating.
One thing to remember is that separable phrasal verbs are always transitive—it’s the direct object that gets inserted into the middle of the phrase.
Usually, if the direct object is a noun, the word order is a bit more flexible. You can place it either inside the phrasal verb or simply add it afterwards:
I’m going to turn my phone off because there’s no signal here in the mountains.
I’m going to turn off my phone because there’s no signal here in the mountains.
There’s an exception to this, though. If the direct object is a pronoun (me, you, he, she, it, them), it would have to be inserted into the phrasal verb:
Correct: We brought a gift to cheer her up .
Incorrect: We brought a gift to cheer up her.
With inseparable phrasal verbs, you can’t break them up! If there’s a direct object, it has to come after the phrasal verb, even if it’s a pronoun:
Correct: Can you stay nearby so we can call on you if an emergency happens?
Incorrect: Can you stay nearby so we can call you on if an emergency happens?
Inseparable phrasal verbs can be either transitive or intransitive:
She came across her old school photos and felt surprised about how different she looked back then. (Transitive)
As a teenager, he was excited to grow up and live in his own apartment. (Intransitive)
The catch is that there’s no definite way to tell whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable, so if you encounter a new phrasal verb, you’ll have to observe how it’s used!
Phrasal verbs are used just like verbs—you can use them anywhere they make sense.
First, you have to remember if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable.
Inseparable verbs need to have the verb and preposition said together, like in the phrase fall down.
For separable verbs, though, you can also separate the verb and the preposition by putting other words in between them—both ways are correct. For example:
T urn off the TV
Turn the TV off
The verb part of the phrase should be changed depending on the tense and subject of the sentence . For example, take out can transform like this:
He took out his water bottle from his bag. (Past tense)
She takes out the trash every Thursday. (Present tense)
They often take out their dog for a walk in the park. (Present tense)
I’ll take out the boxes from the storage room tomorrow. (Future tense)
Here’s another example (call off) :
They called off the meeting due to a scheduling conflict. (Past tense)
We’re calling off our plans to go hiking because it might rain. (Present continuous tense)
She will call off the event if not enough people RSVP. (Future tense)
How many of these English phrasal verbs did you already know? Phrasal verbs are everywhere! Don’t be afraid of how many there are—just start with a few at a time and soon you’ll be an expert.
If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:
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100 phrasal verbs.
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English grammar and are commonly used in daily conversations. They consist of a verb and a preposition or adverb, and their meanings can often be quite different from the individual words.
In this list, we have compiled 100 common phrasal verbs along with their meanings and example sentences to help you understand and use them correctly in your own writing and speaking.
Phrasal verbs can be challenging for non-native English speakers to master, but with practice and familiarity, they can become an essential part of your language skills. We hope this list of 100 phrasal verbs, meanings, and example sentences has been helpful in expanding your understanding and usage of these important language structures.
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Explore 100+ Phrasal Verbs Meaning and Examples with Sentences through our comprehensive guide to phrasal verbs, providing detailed explanations and examples with sentences to help you understand and use them effectively. Whether you’re looking to improve your English vocabulary or seeking a refresher on Phrasal Verb Meanings and Examples, this article is a valuable resource.
Phrasal Verbs are the combinations of Verbs and adverbs or prepositions or both with completely new meanings and they consist of more than one word.
Most phrasal verbs consist of two words ; the first word is a simple monosyllabic Verb, and the second word is a particle i.e., a preposition or an adverb . For example,
It is nowadays called Phrasal because it represents the appearance of a two-word phrase rather than a single item . There are also some three-word phrasal verbs i.e.,
Phrasal Verbs are also called Group Verbs and Prepositional Verbs . We know that the word give means to contribute, supply, or transfer. If we add up after give ( i.e., Give up ), those two words express completely a new meaning and that is the wish to stop .
If the object of a Transitive Phrasal Verb is a Noun , the particle ( preposition or adverb ) may be placed before or after the object; i.e.,
If, however, the object of a Transitive Phrasal Verb is a Pronoun , the particle ( preposition or adverb ) must be placed after the pronoun . i.e.,
All the common and important Phrasal Verb Meanings and Examples are arranged alphabetically in the following sentences. Expand your vocabulary and improve your English language skills with this comprehensive guide on Phrasal Verbs Meaning and Examples.
We should not his opinion. | ||
A solicitor his clients. | ||
The medicine the heart. | ||
He my suggestions. | ||
He my expectation. |
He the first prize in school sports. | ||
The king the enemy. | ||
Shyamal the first prize in school sports. | ||
These are issues that the welfare of society. | ||
She did not your statement or she will me | ||
The soldiers their courage against all odds. | ||
You should a sick child. |
The prisoner from captivity | ||
His health has | ||
Burglars the building last night. She tears when I told her the news. | ||
The robbers the house in the dead of night. | ||
He in the middle of the story. Anil her engagement with Sheila. | ||
A devastating flood . Several prisoners from jail. | ||
Lionel Messi the defense of his rival team. | ||
The school at 4:30 PM. The sheep was into parts having been struck against the rock. | ||
We should blind prejudices. | ||
Why are you our conversation? |
They their own ruin. | ||
The price of essential commodities has been The subjects the tyrant. | ||
Trees new tender leaves in spring./The news a cheer. | ||
All these matters were in the meeting for discussion. | ||
Idleness poverty.He has this disgrace to himself. The damp weather has his illness. | ||
He will soon the new edition of his book.Adversity the good qualities of man. | ||
Several girls painted in the heat but they were soon . | ||
After the date of our parents the girl was by her aunt. | ||
The king quickly the rebels. |
I his house yesterday. | ||
The occasion prompt action. | ||
your speech an angry response from him. | ||
He a doctor. The National Library has all overdue books. | ||
The strike has been The journey has been due to some unavoidable circumstances. | ||
I him yesterday. We him at his residence . | ||
the fire brigade was by the authorities. | ||
The old man could not past events. | ||
I now the chief guest to address the meeting. I him to help me. |
He was by his passion. | ||
India all the prices. | ||
He the business in his father’s absence. | ||
I shall what I have promised. | ||
He the work successfully. His courage him difficulties. | ||
The incident him to his childhood days. |
He has her family. | ||
He has his old hat. | ||
He was by his sans act. | ||
He’s trying to his bad image. | ||
I am for an opportunity to visit your village. |
When did the accident ? | ||
I my aunt in the street. | ||
They us last night with a knife. | ||
How did you this ring? | ||
The roof of the house during the storm. Rain in torrents. | ||
The boy the room. | ||
He 1,000,000 rupees when his father died. | ||
each speech for a great deal of criticism. | ||
Vidyasagar a poor brahmin family. | ||
The prize giving ceremony of our school yesterday. The experiment did not | ||
The winter is . we will be late for the function. The project is nicely. | ||
The truth ever When is your school magazine ? | ||
He with a most extraordinary story. | ||
He will never to our site.Why did Thomas to India? | ||
When did the patient ? At last, he to our views. | ||
His annual expenditures 10,000 rupees. | ||
May the patient soon?A message had just here. | ||
Your work has not the required standards. | ||
I a dead horse. |
Don’t his achievements. | ||
It’s no use the split milk. | ||
There is no trader but his own goods. | ||
They for help. | ||
We said we should go but we had to at the last moment. | ||
People are against dictatorship. |
You must your expenditure. Please the essay, it is much to lengthy. | ||
Don’t your expenditure. She kept on our conversation. | ||
He was in the prime of life. The baby is from its mother. | ||
He is not an engineer. | ||
The mother was terribly at the death of her own son. | ||
They trimmed the plants the uneven branches. |
He rice. | ||
the profits will be among the investors. | ||
They try to politely the customers. He the difficult problem easily. |
The death penalty has been in all civilised societies. We should this practice. The women tried to herself. | ||
This desk he will do for a table. He is . | ||
I am quite with the long journey. We are having the kitchen . | ||
I cannot his insolence. | ||
No minister can the service of a secretary. | ||
He was so depressed that he felt like himself. He looked very . | ||
He was by a gang of anti-socials. We are the drawing room. |
Our false friends when we fall into distress. Superstitions are here to from our society. | ||
They are marriage finally | ||
The enemy with the advance of our troops. | ||
Finding no other means of livelihood, he up on begging. | ||
France Germany in coal products and. | ||
On his way to Kolkata, he his long lost father. The headmaster the decision of the committee. | ||
The left tenant ordered the soldiers to . The roof of the building . | ||
Don’t bad habits. | ||
Attendance in classes has with the exams around the corner. False friends in adversity. | ||
Miscreants or them. I have every time./The full cost of the program fell on or upon us. | ||
Things as we had hoped She with me over a trifle. | ||
The scheme for want of sufficient funds. | ||
The hungry man meeting with great joy. | ||
he was doing well on the exam until he fell down on the last essay question. | ||
that case falls under the heading of errors of judgement. |
The old woman is too weak to . The news of Mrs Indira Gandhi’s death fast. The news of the accident in different places. | ||
How is your sister with her studies? | ||
The fox could not the grapes. Truth is hard to . He failed to the witness. | ||
The thief with my purse. The culprit can’t . | ||
When did you last night? She has her last ring. | ||
She cannot without him. | ||
Did you his address?Let’s to our work. He from the tree. | ||
The train five minutes early. | ||
Don’t a moving train.Father me the school.Your son has bad habits.Me trouble or debt. | ||
We the stadium after lunch.We were lucky to . | ||
He will surely in life. | ||
The boy is well with his studies. | ||
The secret . When did the new book ? He got out of the room. | ||
The minister the prizes at the sports meet. That remark his real feelings. Mr Roy has his whole property to his elder son. | ||
The reveals to the government. Please your timecards. | ||
You have not the books you borrowed from me. | ||
The fire a dense smoke. | ||
The blast furnace is a lot of heat. The wicked man that his wife had died of snake bite The minister he the handbills among the people. The fuel . She tried to with a song. | ||
The fire a dense smoke. | ||
The thief was to the police. Please this matter. You should not this matter. Before exams he to studies. | ||
The boy has smoking.The Malaga himself to the police yesterday. |
Phrasal verb – go.
the Hawker is selling his articles. He his business at Daybreak. | ||
the soldiers the enemy.everybody wealth. | ||
These police will the public interest. | ||
with your plan. | ||
I shall with you as far as the charge. He with me on this point. | ||
The man the policeman with a big knife. | ||
he is the last man to upon his word. | ||
a boy should what his parents say. Mr sane me without speaking a single word. | ||
the price of rice has .he will in history as a despot. The sun has | ||
The robbers the policeman. Mr sane a patriot in the country. | ||
He will the exam this year. | ||
I sell soon the matter. | ||
the gun accidentally. Does your party all right? | ||
I’m educated man wants to know what is in the world. with your work. | ||
The lamp has . | ||
Mr sane has to the Congress. The examiner the accounts. | ||
this book 10 editions. I have the book. Mita great sufferings. | ||
the price of fees is day by day. | ||
I cannot you on this point. I shall you as far as the post of his. | ||
the poor boy has often to food. | ||
This tradition has been to us from the past. | ||
The minister has his resignation. | ||
Samuel this magazine to me. | ||
The teacher the books to the students. | ||
The thief was to the police. |
Children always their mothers. | ||
The Pak army how to | ||
The unemployed young man in the office for a job. | ||
Do not the open balcony.The meeting has been . | ||
A notice was on the wall. |
Old years from saying unpleasant things. | ||
You should your temper. | ||
People revolt against the rulers who the people | ||
Please for a minute. The rain for two hours. He tohis course of action through all opposition. | ||
He a helping hand show me. The doctor a little hope of his recovery. | ||
The match was on an hour. | ||
We shoot our convictions. | ||
The travellers where are bandits. | ||
Many do not Co-education. | ||
The matter is till the next meeting. |
You must your studies if you are serious. | ||
He advised hits on to from bad company. | ||
I sell nothing from you. | ||
You must mark your anger. | ||
bad habits. | ||
I cannot him any longer. | ||
Thousands of years ago man used to make a big fire to wild animals. | ||
see talking. | ||
Please your temper control. | ||
of their quarrels. | ||
One should always one’s promise. | ||
skipper Virat Kohli always pressure on the England team. your courage in times of danger. | ||
your son cannot the class. |
Father the offender with a big stick. | ||
We should money for our old age. She led her to listen to me. We need to something for our bad days. | ||
We should some money for a rainy day. | ||
the rebels their arms. Our freedom fighters their lives to the cause of the country’s liberation. | ||
Hoarders food for the future. | ||
The factory had to many workers when it’s orders decreased. | ||
The mother her hand her son’s head. Taxes were liquor. | ||
He has all his money. | ||
She is with typhoid. He has nothing for a rainy day. |
I am still for a job. | ||
Mother her children. | ||
the moon. | ||
Don’t the poor. | ||
I am still a job. | ||
We are his visit. | ||
I shall next time. | ||
I will soon the matter. | ||
We the rare event of the full solar eclipse in 19 95. | ||
The police were for the criminal. | ||
A selfish man for nobody except himself. | ||
They the application. | ||
Please the letter. | ||
You must your manners. We shall all you for help. | ||
Please the word in the dictionary. The prices of necessaries are | ||
They all look up to him as their leader. | ||
I hard add my sister. |
The cat the mouse. | ||
He his father’s money. | ||
The sheep the port. Early rising good health. Mr Roy the Andamans. | ||
This chair is food. I can nothing what he says. | ||
The thief with ornaments. | ||
I could not anything what he said. He failed to his case. | ||
He his property to the Trust. | ||
We to come back. They have their quarrel. The government for the last. He the whole story. |
He last night. | ||
One should not the faults of wants words. We his house every day. | ||
He is a great scholar. | ||
The prize giving ceremony of our school. yesterday. He tried to himself as a great scholar. | ||
Mr Sen he her son’s faults. | ||
He terrible sufferings in life. They endless hardships. |
He me. | ||
The old buildings was | ||
The train on time. | ||
Five men a robbery yesterday. | ||
You will soon in our village. | ||
The doctor says the patient will soon | ||
He was by my father. |
We all need to some amount of money for future use. | ||
We all need to some amount of money for future use. | ||
Ants food for the winter. | ||
The king the rebellion by force of arms. the names of the successful candidates. | ||
You must all your strength. Trees new leaves in spring. | ||
He has a new theory. | ||
He has a claim for compensation. | ||
your shoes. She put on an air of innocence. | ||
I my departure for a month. Getting back home we our clothes. You must your doubts in fear. | ||
The fire should be properly | ||
I at and in for the night. We a tent. KL Rahul a steep resistance against the Australian bowlers. A notice was | ||
The measure was without opposition. | ||
The committee his proposal vote. Don’t put me to Saint. She has been put to great difficulty. | ||
None can such kind of behaviour. |
The policeman the thief. | ||
The boy ran home and never returned. | ||
The man ran a bag. | ||
The tiger the deer. | ||
The cyclist was by a minibus. The battery has | ||
I will and see you this evening. | ||
I an old friend of mine yesterday. He has debt | ||
the man with my watch. | ||
The stock of food | ||
Don’t on your friends when they need you. | ||
The old man was by a bus. He his notes before starting his lecture. | ||
Bullets the body of the escaping terrorist. He has his fortune. | ||
The book four hundred pages. |
He promised to the matter. | ||
I sell the matter. A great man the reality of things. | ||
off | My parents were present at the airport to me . | |
The headmaster himself the arrangement for the prize giving ceremony. |
The maid cleaning the room. | ||
The court my claim | ||
These seats are for ladies. | ||
The old man a huge amount of money for the future. | ||
The old man he’s bored and gently. The bass stopped to s an old man. The police the complaint. | ||
In his speech he is religious views. | ||
The rainy season in West Bengal about June. | ||
He for Kolkata last night. | ||
The dogs were the Jackal. | ||
East out Jalpaiguri easily this morning. He his ideas clearly in this essay. He to collect all the wisdom of the world. | ||
They were all hungry and at once eating. | ||
He had a school. He had as a grocer. | ||
The boy is being a doctor. The thieves him and beat him senseless. |
He the re- election of the president. | ||
He always any agreements he makes. He will always me. | ||
White purity. He total prohibits . | ||
from their quarrel. | ||
His work from that of others. | ||
Let the matter until next meeting. | ||
He always his promise. We should our principles. | ||
He always the underdogs. |
He is with paralysis. | ||
The boy’s name was the school register. | ||
the line. | ||
I quickly an acquaintance with the new neighbour. |
He his father. | ||
Many books were from the library. | ||
I will not my words. | ||
He the speech in shorthand. | ||
I him a fool. | ||
The foolish act is sure to his reputation as a sensible man. | ||
He is the last man to be . I fail to the meaning of this passage. | ||
The boy his shoes. The doctor his leg. Coronavirus has many lives in this year. When will the plane ? | ||
He heavy responsibilities. | ||
The dentist his teeth. | ||
The new Prime Minister will the charge of the government . The government has the primary schools. | ||
Recently he has been gambling. He has cultivation. | ||
I sell the problem with the doctor. When did you your study of French? We shall the problem to solve it. |
He us his hardships. | ||
I cannot him his brother. | ||
smoking started to or his health. | ||
the teacher him for quarrelling with his classmate. |
He is his money . | ||
He and advantage. | ||
Recently he has himself research work. | ||
One must troublesome companions. | ||
The bill was by the parliament. | ||
When he became rich he all his old friends. | ||
He his job. A country seldom a great political genius. |
I shall never you. | ||
We should not from the path of honesty. | ||
he a beggar. | ||
The headmaster did not our proposal. | ||
The hermit the cat a dog. | ||
Please the light. | ||
Please the light or radio. The success of a picnic usually the weather. | ||
Please the light. Our school has some first rate scholars. He to be a cheat. Dishonest students must be of the class. | ||
He has his business to his successors. | ||
The orphan has nobody to . | ||
We cannot say what will next. He in time. |
He is Shakespeare’s sonnet. The sculptor making the statue. | ||
He has been the evolution of the caste system. | ||
He a few jokes the lecture. | ||
New must take regular physical exercise to your excess weight. | ||
The laborers the project. His speech ignorant villagers. | ||
I will help you to the problem. He has a plan to save money. | ||
He’s emotional speech the mob. |
I will him as a fool. | ||
He an account of the sports meet. I will your debt. | ||
Please a copy of the agreement. | ||
I must my notes of the lecture. |
What is a phrasal verb, constructing phrasal verbs – particles vs. prepositions, particle phrasal verbs.
Intransitive verbs.
1. Which of the following is not a component of a phrasal verb?
2. What is the primary difference between prepositional verbs and phrasal verbs?
3. What do prepositions do that particles cannot do in phrasal verbs?
4. Identify the phrasal verb in the following sentence. “It appears to me that you have thoroughly mucked up the case again.”
5. Which of the following can be separable in a sentence?
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Phrasal verbs are very common in English conversation. Learning phrasal verbs is a great way to make your English sound more natural.
Some phrasal verbs are literal , which means the meaning is exactly what the words say . Some phrasal verbs are metaphorical , this means they have a completely different meaning than you would associate with the verb by itself .
– | – |
To go someplace and move around it to see what is there. | Be careful, something dangerous is coming. |
.” | !” |
Another category of phrasal verbs is separable and inseparable . This simply means that some verbs can take a subject in between the verb and the particle and some cannot.
separable – | inseparable – |
To save something or keep it available to use | To be responsible for, or to take care of someone or something |
money every month for when I retire.” | my kids while my wife and I are on vacation.” |
*This can also mean to be doing something secretly.
*We can bounce back from something.
*This is separable is a verb so we can put an object in between the verb and the preposition – block something off .
1) To become greater, stronger, or to increase in number.
2) Build somebody/something up – to give a very positive and enthusiastic description of somebody/something, often making them seem better than they really are.
3) Build somebody/yourself up – To make somebody/yourself healthier or stronger.
*This is separable phrasal verb so we can put an object in between the verb and the preposition – Call something off
*We can also catch someone up – Give someone information that was shared earlier that they didn’t receive.
1)To be understood.
2) To find or discover something by accident.
Do you want to learn even more phrasal verbs? You’ll find a list of common ones add my post here> Learn 50 Phrasal Verbs (List, Examples, Video, 42-page PDF)
*The phrasal verb face up to is often paired with the fact .
*It’s common to use falling out as a noun phrase with the verb had .
2) To calculate an amount or the cost of something
*This is separable is a verb so we can put an object in between the verb and the preposition – freak someone out
The phrasal verbs hash out and iron out are often used with the noun details .
*This is separable is a verb so we can put an object in between the verb and the preposition – lay someone off
*We can also say run something past someone.
Visit my post > 74 Idioms and Phrasal Verbs with OFF (With Real Examples) and learn more ways to use OFF in conversation > https://worldenglishblog.com/idioms-and-phrasal-verbs-with-off/
*We can also say sign on to do something.
Sign up for – To arrange to do a course of study by adding your name to the list of people doing it
If new circumstances or a new situation happens that we are not happy with, prepared for, or enjoying we often use the expression – I didn’t sign up for this .
2) Turn something down/Turn down something – To reduce the noise, heat, etc. produced by a piece of equipment by moving its controls
*The opposite of Turn Down is Turn Up.
*This is separable is a verb so we can put an object in between the verb and the preposition – weed something/someone out .
*The phrasal verb weigh in is sometimes followed by another preposition, on.
1) (informal) (of a person) to find yourself in a particular place or situation.
2) wind up something/wind something up – To end something that has been happening, like a speech or a meeting.
3) wind up somebody/wind somebody up – (British English, informal) to deliberately say or do something to annoy somebody.
* DID YOU NOTICE? The title of this post is 42 Advanced Phrasal Verbs but the last verb on this list is numbered 43. There was an error when my word processing software numbered the Phrasal Verbs because I had to change the formatting. Some phrasal verbs have several meanings. This caused a problem in counting and somehow my list of Phrasal Verbs lost the number 19. Without number 19 on the list, the total is really 42! I left it in as a challenge to see who could find it.
Which Phrasal Verbs from this post were new for you? Which Phrasal Verbs have you already heard? Tell me in the comments .
Use these in and out phrasal verbs and improve your confidence, break in and break up (video + quiz) english phrasal verbs, master 6 phrasal verbs with cut (17 easy to understand examples).
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phrasal verb
Word history.
1925, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this entry.
“Phrasal verb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrasal%20verb. Accessed 17 Jul. 2024.
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30+1 phrasal verbs for daily conversations + video.
What are the most common English phrasal verbs for daily conversations ? How and when should you use them? Stay with us in this lesson to get the answers to these questions!
First, let’s review what phrasal verbs are:
Phrasal verbs are like special pairs of words that work together to create a new meaning. They usually have two parts:
When you put these two parts together, they often make a whole new meaning that’s different from the original verb. For example:
The importance of using English phrasal verbs for daily conversations are as follows:
In this lesson, we are going to learn 21 phrasal verbs used in our daily conversations:
Meaning : To start talking about something.
Example: He’s always bringing up the past.
Meaning : To encourage or support someone, usually with shouts.
Example: We arrived to cheer on the baseball team from our town in the championship game.
Meaning : To improve one’s mood, especially when someone is sad.
Example: Cheer up! Tomorrow’s another day!
Get across is also in the list of phrasal verbs for daily conversations that means:
Meaning : To manage to make someone understand or believe something.
Example: We tried to get our point across, but he just wouldn’t listen.
Meaning : To tell other people about something that you know, especially when it is a secret.
Example: If you know an important secret, you shouldn’t let on.
Meaning : To interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Example: Why are you constantly jumping in my speech? Would you please let me finish my sentences?
Meaning : To interrupt a conversation or discussion or someone who is talking.
Example: He kept on butting in with silly comments.
Meaning : To meet someone you know when you have not planned to meet them.
Example: We bumped into Amy when we were downtown last week.
Read more: What are the traveling phrasal verbs in English?
Meaning : To try to deal with or understand a difficult problem or subject.
Example: Today, many Americans are still grappling with poverty.
Another item of the phrasal verbs for daily conversations is pulls sth of that means:
Meaning : To succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected.
Example: The company has pulled off one of the biggest financial problems of recent years.
Now let’s review these phrasal verbs in this conversation
Alex: Hey, Sam, have you heard about the new policy changes at work?
Sam: No, I haven’t. Can you bring it up during our meeting later? I’m curious.
Alex: Sure. Also, did you bump into Jerry this morning? He seemed upset.
Sam: Yeah! He’s grappling with some project issues, it seems.
Alex: That’s tough. We should cheer him on ; he might need some encouragement to get through this.
Sam: Good idea. Oh, and about the charity marathon, are you still planning to run?
Alex: Absolutely, I hope to pull it off ! I’ve been training every weekend.
Sam: I admire your dedication. Running isn’t really my thing.
Alex: Come on, it might cheer you up to participate. Plus, it’s for a good cause.
Sam: Maybe you’re right. I’ll think about it.
Meaning : To say something suddenly and without thinking, usually because you are excited or nervous.
Example: He blurted out everything out about our secret plan.
Meaning : To stop being available.
Example: Our main source of money has dried up and we will face a lot of problems.
Meaning : To get rid of something that you no longer need.
Example: Let’s throw away all broken toys to clear a space for new ones.
Meaning : To succeed in making someone understand or believe something.
Example: We can’t get through to the manager just how serious the problem is!
Meaning : To discuss a problem or situation with someone, often to find out their opinion or to get advice before making a decision.
Example: Employees had two weeks to talk the proposal over with their families before making a decision.
Meaning : To persuade someone to agree or to be persuaded.
Example: He just kept talking around the subject and didn’t discuss the main issues.
Meaning : To continue or proceed.
Example: Sorry for the interruptions, please carry on with your story.
Meaning : If a business or a large piece of equipment stops operating.
Example: The manager has a plan to shut down four factories and cut 10,000 jobs.
Meaning : To support.
Example: Our plan is completely backed up by the manager.
Meaning : To use something to help when other things have failed.
Example: Jacob always has his professional experience to fall back on.
Meaning : To give something to someone for free.
Example: The company gave away a lot of coupons that could be used at any store.
Read more: What are the relationship phrasal verbs in English?
Let’s review the other mentioned phrasal verbs for daily conversations in this conversation:
Mia: I heard the café down the street is going to shut down . Have you heard about it?
Jake: Really? No, that’s news to me. It’s always dried up by the time I get there after work, but I didn’t think they’d close for good.
Mia: Yeah, it’s a shame. But on a brighter note, did you manage to get through to the customer service about the refund?
Jake: Oh, yes, finally. After several attempts, they understood the issue and processed it. By the way, have you seen the new fitness app? It’s backed up by some impressive research.
Mia: No, I haven’t. Sounds interesting . I need something new to fall back on now that my gym membership is ending.
Jake: I’ll send it across to you. It might give away some free subscription codes if you sign up now.
Mia: That would be great, thanks! Oh, and speaking of giving away , are you still giving away those old books?
Jake: Yes, I’m planning to. I thought it would be better than just throwing them away . Want to come over and see if there’s anything you’d like?
Mia: Absolutely, I might find a quick snack for my brain among those books. And, hey, we should talk over our plans for the hiking trip this weekend. I’m all for a slap-up meal afterwards.
Jake: Agreed, nothing like a good meal to cheer up after a day’s hike. Let’s plan it out.
Now let’s learn other useful phrasal verbs for speaking :
One of the common and useful phrasal verbs for speaking is “catch up” that means:
Meaning: To get up to date with someone or something.
When you’ve been away on vacation and you have a lot of emails waiting for you, you need to “catch up” on your emails.
Example: I need to catch up on my emails after being on vacation.
Meaning: To refuse or reject something.
If someone offers you a job but you don’t accept it because the salary isn’t enough, you “turn down” the job offer. You’re refusing or saying no to the job opportunity.
Example: She turned down the job offer because it didn’t pay enough.
Meaning: To unexpectedly encounter someone or something.
If you unexpectedly see an old friend while you’re shopping, you “run into” them. you didn’t plan to meet them.
Example: I ran into an old friend at the grocery store yesterday.
Another useful phrasal verbs for speaking is come across. This phrasal verb means:
Meaning: To find or meet by chance.
When you’re browsing the internet and you find an interesting article, you “come across” it. You look for something but find something else!
Example: I came across this interesting article while browsing the internet.
Meaning: To introduce a topic into conversation.
If there’s an important issue that needs to be discussed during a meeting, you should bring it up!
Example: I didn’t want to bring up the issue during the meeting.
Yesterday, I decided to catch up on my emails after being on vacation for a week. While going through my inbox, I ran into an old friend’s email, which I hadn’t seen in years. It was unexpected to come across his message among the others. Feeling nostalgic, I decided to bring up the idea of meeting for coffee!
This phrasal verb also in the list of useful phrasal verbs for speaking that means:
Meaning: To anticipate with pleasure.
When you’re excited about seeing someone again, like a friend you haven’t met in a long time, you “look forward to” meeting them. you feel happy about the upcoming event.
Example: I’m looking forward to seeing you again next week.
Meaning: To talk louder or express your opinion more clearly.
Imagine sitting in a noisy classroom, and your teacher is asking a question. You want to answer, but your voice is quiet. You need to “speak up” so everyone can hear you.
Example: Can you speak up? I can’t hear you very well.
Meaning: To postpone or delay something.
Picture having homework to do, but you want to play outside instead. You decide to play first and do your homework later. You “put off” doing your homework.
Example: They decided to put off their vacation until next year.
Meaning: To spend time relaxing or socializing with friends.
Think about spending time with your friends at the park. You laugh, play games, and have fun together. This is what it means to “hang out” with friends.
Example: Let’s hang out at the park this weekend.
Meaning: To experience or endure a difficult situation.
Imagine feeling sad because your favorite toy broke. You’re feeling upset, but you know you’ll feel better soon. You’re experiencing the emotions of being sad and then feeling better. This is what it means to “go through” a tough time.
Example: She’s going through a tough time right now.
I’m really looking forward to the weekend when I can hang out with my friends at the park. Last time, we had to put off our gathering due to bad weather and I didn’t say anything, but this time I’ll speak up !
Watch this video and review the last phrasal verbs mentioned in this article
Don’t forget to review all these phrasal verbs and use them in your daily conversations. If you want to learn more about phrasal verbs in English, we recommend that you take our online general English course . Level up your English and speak like a native!
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A phrasal verb is a multi-word verb made up of a main verb and at least one preposition or a particle that changes the meaning of the verb from the original verb. 'To give up' and 'to run down' are examples of phrasal verbs. ... (parts of speech) hundreds more games and tests. read: parts-of-speech lists.
Phrasal verbs and multi-word verbs - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary
Phrasal Verbs | List, Definition, Examples & Tips. Published on April 23, 2015 by Shane Bryson. Revised on November 7, 2022. ... Phrasal verbs are very common in everyday speech, but in academic writing, it's best to replace them with one-word alternatives where possible. 47 phrasal verbs and one-word alternatives.
For example: We passed out two hours after the social event. The phrasal verb in this sentence is passed out, which means become unconscious, sleep, or blackout. But the base verb, pass, takes on a different meaning. This single-word verb means to move or cause to move in a specified direction. Here's another example.
PHRASAL VERB definition: 1. a phrase that consists of a verb with a preposition or adverb or both, the meaning of which is…. Learn more.
A phrasal verb is a verb like pick up, turn on or get on with. These verbs consists of a basic verb + another word or words. The two or three words that make up a phrasal verb form a short "phrase" - which is why we call them "phrasal verbs". But a phrasal verb is still a verb. Look is a verb.
A phrasal verb is a phrase or expression that consists of a verb plus another word or two, like this: [verb + adverb] e.g: look up. [verb + preposition] e.g: look after. [verb + adverb + preposition] e.g: look forward to. The whole phrase acts as a verb, and has a different meaning to the original verb. For example, look up, look after and look ...
Phrasal verbs that consist of more than one particle are inseparable. For instance, verbs like 'put up with,' 'come up with,' 'get rid of,' 'run out of,' and others, are always inseparable. Here's a table with 10 inseparable phrasal verbs and examples: "She always looks after her younger brother.".
Phrasal verbs are a type of compound verb that consists of a verb and one or more particles. The particles can be prepositions or adverbs, or a combination of both. When combined with a verb, the meaning of the phrasal verb is often different from the meaning of the individual words. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in spoken and informal English.
A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a base verb and one or two particles, such as off, up, or on. These particles change the meaning of the base verb in various ways. Phrasal verbs are an important part of the English language, and they are often used in everyday conversation and writing.
Phrasal verbs do have their uses, after all. For example, they convey a casual tone, and while this is not usually desirable in academic writing, the best academic writers can vary their tone at will. Accordingly, you should think of phrasal verbs as a stylistic option, even though you will often be best advised to eliminate them rather than ...
Phrasal Verbs: In this article, you will learn what is a phrasal verb, the definition of a phrasal verb and how it is used in sentences. Check out the list of phrasal verbs and try out the practice questions to find out how far you have understood. ... it is a combination of all the three parts of speech - verb, adverb and preposition. Though ...
210+ Most Common English Phrasal Verbs. Phrasal verbs are when we combine a verb with a preposition of another grammatical element, and end up with a completely new meaning.. They're used constantly by native speakers in spoken and written English, which makes them important to know.. In this English phrasal verbs list, we'll show you 210+ of the most common phrasal verbs, with audio and ...
Phrasal verbs can be challenging for non-native English speakers to master, but with practice and familiarity, they can become an essential part of your language skills. We hope this list of 100 phrasal verbs, meanings, and example sentences has been helpful in expanding your understanding and usage of these important language structures.
Phrasal Verbs are the combinations of Verbs and adverbs or prepositions or both with completely new meanings and they consist of more than one word. Most phrasal verbs consist of two words ; the first word is a simple monosyllabic Verb, and the second word is a particle i.e., a preposition or an adverb .
Phrasal verbs that can be divided by objects are commonly referred to as being separable; those that cannot be divided are known as being inseparable. "Please look overthe proposal and let me know what you think.". It might seem as though over does in fact introduce a prepositional phrase: over the proposal.
However, they are acceptable in informal writing and speech. Conclusion. Phrasal verbs can be challenging to understand and remember, but they are an essential part of the English language. ... By learning the 100 most common phrasal verbs list with meanings and examples, you can improve your communication skills and understanding of English ...
Phrasal verbs are very common in English conversation. Learning phrasal verbs is a great way to make your English sound more natural. Some phrasal verbs are literal, which means the meaning is exactly what the words say. Some phrasal verbs are metaphorical, this means they have a completely different meaning than you would associate with the verb by itself. literal - look aroundmetaphorical ...
phrasal verb: [noun] a phrase (such as take off or look down on) that combines a verb with a preposition or adverb or both and that functions as a verb whose meaning is different from the combined meanings of the individual words.
First, let's review what phrasal verbs are: Phrasal verbs are like special pairs of words that work together to create a new meaning. They usually have two parts: A verb (an action word, like "run" or "look"). A little word called a particle (like "up," "out," or "in"). When you put these two parts together, they often ...
Phrasal verbs are formed by the combination of two words, a verb and an adverb or a preposition, whose meaning is different from individual words. Check Phrasal verb definition, examples, types, list