Phrasal verbs are a common feature of everyday English, and if you can use them you will sound closer to a native speaker. They can be tricky to learn, but once you understand how they work, they can make your English sound more natural and fluent. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about phrasal verbs, from what they are to how to use them in sentences. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will provide helpful tips and examples to improve your understanding.
How to Use Phrasal Verbs in Sentences for Beginners
For beginners, it’s important to start with the most commonly used phrasal verbs and understand their meanings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to begin using phrasal verbs in sentences:
- Start with Simple Phrasal Verbs: It’s helpful to begin with phrasal verbs that are easy to remember and used in everyday situations. For example, “wake up,” “get up,” “turn off,” and “pick up” are simple and frequently used. Try to use these verbs in sentences right away to get comfortable with them.
Example: “I get up early every day.”
- Use Phrasal Verbs in Context: You can improve your understanding of phrasal verbs by using them in meaningful sentences. Try to create sentences that reflect your daily routine, like “I wake up at 7 a.m.,” or “I need to pick up my friend from the airport.” This will help you associate the meaning of the phrasal verb with a real-world action.
Example: “Can you turn off the light, please?”
Related: 50 Adverb Sentences: More Precise English
- Practice in Conversations: The more you use phrasal verbs in conversation, the easier they will be to remember and use naturally. Start by using them in simple dialogues or when speaking to a language partner. Even if you make mistakes, it will help you learn faster.
Example: “I ran into my friend at the store today!”
- Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: One of the most important things is not to worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language, but every time you make a mistake, you learn something new. Just keep practicing, and eventually, using phrasal verbs will feel more natural.
Example: “She gave up trying to find the keys.”
By using these strategies, you’ll be able to gradually build your confidence in using phrasal verbs.
Related: 50 Sentences With Prepositions: Examples For Better Speaking
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are phrases made up of a verb and one or more particles (either prepositions or adverbs). These particles can change the meaning of the verb, and the resulting phrase often has a different meaning than the original verb.
For example:
- “Get up” means to rise from bed, but “get” alone means to obtain something.
- “Pick up” means to gather or lift something, but “pick” by itself refers to choosing something.
Phrasal verbs can be separable or inseparable:
- Separable phrasal verbs: The object can be placed between the verb and the particle. Example: “I pick up the phone.” or “I pick the phone up.”
- Inseparable phrasal verbs: The object must come after the particle. Example: “I look after my grandmother.”
Phrasal verbs are used in both formal and informal speech, but they are particularly common in everyday conversation.
Related: Prepositional Phrase Examples + 70 Sentences For Better English
Separable phrasal verb example sentences
Here are some example sentences with separable phrasal verbs. Read them all out loud to practice your speaking and fluency.
- I need to pick the groceries up from the store.
- Can you turn the lights off when you leave the room?
- She turned the radio off before leaving.
- I will pick you up from the airport at 5 p.m.
- He put the meeting off until next week.
- They gave the project up after several months.
- I can’t reach my keys. Can you pick them up for me?
- She set the computer up in the office.
- I ran into my old friend at the café yesterday.
- We should look the report over before the meeting.
Related: 50 Sentences With Despite For Better Speaking And Contrast
Inseparable phrasal verbs example sentences
And now here are some example sentences with inseparable phrasal verbs. Read them all out loud to practice your speaking and fluency.
- I need to look after my grandmother this weekend.
- Can you look for my phone? I can’t find it.
- He promised to look after the dog while I’m on vacation.
- She’s going to run into some trouble if she’s not careful.
- I always look after my health by eating well and exercising.
- He wants to take care of the problem immediately.
- I take after my father in many ways, like his sense of humor.
- We have to run into the store quickly. It’s starting to rain.
- Don’t worry; I’ll look after everything while you’re away.
- I’m trying to look for my wallet but can’t find it anywhere.
Related: Phrasal Verb Examples: 60 Sentences For Better English
What Is the Difference Between Transitive and Intransitive Phrasal Verbs?
It’s important to understand the difference between transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs. Both types of phrasal verbs consist of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb. However, the key difference lies in whether or not the verb requires an object (a noun or pronoun) to complete its meaning.
Transitive Phrasal Verbs
A transitive phrasal verb is a verb that requires an object to complete its meaning. In other words, there must be something or someone who is affected by the action. Without the object, the sentence feels incomplete or unclear.
For example, consider the phrasal verb “pick up”:
- “She picked up the book.”
Here, the object of the action is “the book.” Without it, the sentence would feel incomplete: “She picked up.”
Some transitive phrasal verbs can have separable forms, which means the object can appear between the verb and the preposition. For example:
- “She picked the book up.”
Both “picked up the book” and “picked the book up” are correct. The key is that there must be an object to complete the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Other examples of transitive phrasal verbs:
- Turn off (to deactivate something)
“Please turn off the computer.” - Take off (to remove something or for an airplane to leave the ground)
“The plane took off at 6 p.m.”
Some intransitive phrasal verbs can’t be separated by an object. They only appear in the order verb + preposition or adverb.
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
An intransitive phrasal verb does not require an object. The action is complete with just the verb and the preposition or adverb. These phrasal verbs don’t need to be followed by a noun or pronoun to make sense.
For example, consider the phrasal verb “wake up”:
- “I woke up early today.”
In this sentence, there is no object. The action of “waking up” is complete by itself.
Another example:
- “The dog ran off during the walk.”
In this case, “ran off” does not need a direct object to make sense. The action is clear even without one. The phrase “during the walk” is a prepositional phrase that provides additional context, but it is not an object of the verb.
Key Differences
- Transitive phrasal verbs need an object to complete their meaning.
- Intransitive phrasal verbs do not need an object.
Transitive vs. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Type | Example Sentence | Object Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick up | Transitive | “I picked up the keys from the table.” | Yes |
| Turn off | Transitive | “Please turn off the lights.” | Yes |
| Give up | Transitive | “He gave up his seat for the elderly woman.” | Yes |
| Wake up | Intransitive | “I woke up early this morning.” | No |
| Run off | Intransitive | “The children ran off after the bell rang.” | No |
| Go out | Intransitive | “We went out for a walk yesterday.” | No |
Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs will help you use them correctly. Transitive phrasal verbs require an object to complete their meaning, while intransitive phrasal verbs do not. By practicing with both types, you’ll improve your ability to use phrasal verbs naturally and correctly in everyday conversations.
Why Use Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are important in English because they make communication more natural and concise. Native speakers use phrasal verbs frequently, and getting familiar with using and hearing them will help you sound more fluent. Here are some reasons to use phrasal verbs:
- They are commonly used: Phrasal verbs are very often used in conversation by native speakers. Whether it’s in casual chats with friends or more formal discussions at work, they are a natural part of communication. If you want to speak like a native, using phrasal verbs is crucial. They help make your speech sound more fluid and authentic. Without them, your English may sound too formal or robotic. To truly connect with native speakers, it’s important to learn and use phrasal verbs in your conversations.
- They make your speech sound more natural: In casual conversation, native speakers often use phrasal verbs to make their speech sound more natural and relaxed. These phrasal verbs can replace longer or more formal phrases, making communication smoother and easier. Below are some examples of how phrasal verbs can replace formal expressions in everyday speech.
| Formal Phrase | Phrasal Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I will not participate | Sit out | “I’m going to sit out of the game today.” |
| I will call you later | Give someone a ring | “I’ll give you a ring when I get home.” |
| I’m tired and need to rest | Lie down | “I need to lie down for a while.” |
| I will complete it soon | Finish up | “I’ll finish up the report before lunch.” |
- They make it easier to understand native speakers: Since phrasal verbs are used so often, learning them helps you understand conversations better.
Comparison Table: Phrasal Verbs vs. Non-Phrasal Verbs
Here are some more comparisons:
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Alternative Non-Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick up | To collect or gather something | Collect | To gather or bring together |
| Turn off | To deactivate something (e.g., lights, devices) | Deactivate | To stop the function of something |
| Set up | To arrange or organize something | Organize | To arrange or put in order |
| Give up | To stop trying or quit | Quit | To leave or stop doing something |
What Are the Basic Rules for Phrasal Verbs?
There are a few basic rules to keep in mind when using phrasal verbs in English:
- Separable and Inseparable Verbs: Some phrasal verbs are separable, meaning the object can be placed between the verb and the particle. Others are inseparable, meaning the object must come after the particle. Example (separable): “I picked up the book.”
Example (inseparable): “I look after my sister.” - Word Order: The word order for phrasal verbs depends on whether they are separable or inseparable. If the phrasal verb is separable and has an object, the object can be placed between the verb and the particle.
- Verb tense: Phrasal verbs follow the same rules as regular verbs for tense. For example, “pick up” becomes “picked up” in the past tense. Example: “I picked up the phone yesterday.”
Why Should We Avoid Phrasal Verbs?
While phrasal verbs are useful, there are times when it’s better to avoid them. Here are some situations where you might want to avoid using phrasal verbs:
- In Formal Writing: Phrasal verbs can sound informal and conversational. For formal writing, such as academic papers or business letters, it’s often better to use more precise, formal verbs instead of phrasal verbs. For example, instead of saying “bring up an issue,” you might say “raise an issue” in formal contexts.
- When the Meaning is Unclear: Some phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, making them difficult to understand. If you’re unsure of the meaning of a phrasal verb, it’s safer to use a more straightforward word. Example: “Set up” can mean “arrange,” “establish,” or “prepare,” depending on the context. If the meaning isn’t clear, it might be better to avoid using it.
What Is the Order of Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs generally follow a basic structure: verb + particle (preposition or adverb). However, the word order can change depending on whether the phrasal verb is separable or inseparable.
- Separable Phrasal Verbs: When the phrasal verb is separable, the object can come between the verb and the particle. For example:
“I pick up the phone.”
“I pick the phone up.” - Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: When the phrasal verb is inseparable, the object must come after the particle. For example:
“I look after my grandmother.”
In the case of inseparable phrasal verbs, you cannot separate the verb and the particle with the object.
10 Examples of Phrasal Verbs with Sentences
Phrasal verbs are used in all sorts of everyday situations. Here are ten examples of common phrasal verbs and how to use them in sentences.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get up | To rise from a sitting or lying position. | “I get up early every morning to exercise.” |
| Take off | To remove something or for an airplane to leave the ground. | “I took off my jacket because it was too hot.” “The plane will take off at 5:30 p.m.” |
| Look after | To take care of someone or something. | “She looks after her younger brother while their parents are at work.” |
| Turn on | To activate something (like a device or appliance). | “Can you turn on the TV? I want to watch the news.” |
| Pick up | To lift or gather something. | “I need to pick up some groceries on the way home.” |
| Look for | To search for something. | “I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?” |
| Give up | To stop trying, quit. | “Don’t give up on your dreams!” |
| Set up | To arrange or organize something. | “We need to set up the chairs for the meeting.” |
| Run into | To meet someone by chance. | “I ran into my old friend at the store.” |
| Check in | To register or report your arrival at a place. | “We need to check in at the hotel before 3 p.m.” |
10 Questions and Answers Using Phrasal Verbs
Here are ten common questions and answers that use phrasal verbs. Practicing these examples is a great way to become more comfortable with phrasal verbs and to improve your fluency in English. By reading and repeating these sentences, you’ll become more familiar with how phrasal verbs are used in everyday conversations. This repetition helps you internalize the phrases, making it easier to use them naturally when speaking. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel in using phrasal verbs in your daily interactions, whether at work, with friends, or in other situations.
- Q: Can you pick up my package from the post office?
A: Sure, I’ll pick it up for you later. - Q: What time do you get up in the morning?
A: I usually get up around 7:30 a.m. - Q: When do you plan to take off for your trip?
A: I’m taking off next Monday. - Q: Did you turn off the lights before leaving?
A: Yes, I turned them off before I left. - Q: Why did you give up on learning French?
A: I gave up because it was too difficult for me. - Q: Have you ever run into anyone famous?
A: Yes, I ran into a celebrity at a coffee shop once. - Q: Did you check in at the airport already?
A: Yes, I checked in early this morning. - Q: Can you look after my dog while I’m on vacation?
A: Of course, I’d be happy to look after him. - Q: When do you need to set up the equipment?
A: We need to set it up before the presentation starts. - Q: What are you looking for?
A: I’m looking for my English grammar book. Have you seen it anywhere? If I can’t find it, I’ll have to buy a new one.
A Fictional Paragraph Using Phrasal Verbs
Here’s a short fictional paragraph using several phrasal verbs. Try to find as many of them as you can! The first one is highlighted for you.
One morning, Sarah woke up late and quickly got up to get ready for work. She turned off her alarm clock, which had been ringing for ten minutes. She picked up her bag and rushed out of the house, trying not to miss the bus. As she was walking to the bus stop, she ran into an old friend from college. They stopped to chat for a while, but soon, Sarah had to run off because she didn’t want to be late. She promised her friend that they would catch up soon.
How many phrasal verbs can you find in this paragraph? Here are the ones used: wake up, get up, turn off, pick up, run into, run off, catch up.
To enhance your understanding of these, here are more example sentences with each:
- I wake up at 7 a.m.
- She gets up early every day.
- Please turn off the lights when you leave.
- I pick up my clothes from the dry cleaners.
- I ran into an old friend at the store.
- The cat ran off when I called it.
- We need to catch up over coffee soon.
Phrasal Verb Paragraph: Academic English
In this fictional passage, we will explore the everyday use of phrasal verbs in a more academic context. Read the following paragraph and see how many phrasal verbs you can identify.
During her research, Dr. Ramirez had to set aside her initial hypothesis as new evidence began to turn up. As she looked into the data more carefully, she found that certain variables had been left out of the original model. She quickly realized she would have to rework her analysis and take into account the unforeseen factors. With the help of her team, they put together a revised report to bring to light the issues they had discovered. Dr. Ramirez knew this would likely set back her timeline, but it was crucial to follow through with the revisions to ensure the accuracy of the findings. The team was determined to carry on despite the challenges, confident that their final conclusions would stand up to rigorous scrutiny.
How many phrasal verbs can you find?
Answers: set aside, turn up, looked into, left out, take into account, put together, bring to light, set back, follow through, carry on, stand up to.
And here are some example sentences with them, so you can further review:
- She set aside some time to finish her report.
- The manager didn’t turn up for the meeting!
- I looked into the problem and found a solution.
- He left out an important detail in his presentation.
- We need to rework the proposal before submitting it.
- Don’t forget to take into account the new budget.
- She put together a great presentation for the meeting.
- The investigation brought to light some serious issues.
- The delay set back the project by two weeks.
- He promised to follow through with the plan.
- Despite the challenges, they decided to carry on.
- The evidence stood up to the lawyer’s toughest questions.
Phrasal Verb Paragraph: Business English
In this fictional paragraph, we will look at phrasal verbs commonly used in a business or workplace setting. Read the following paragraph and try to identify the phrasal verbs.
At the start of the meeting, Leo asked everyone to chime in with their thoughts on the new project proposal. Sarah was the first to speak up, suggesting that they scale back on the marketing budget. John agreed but mentioned that they should look into alternative cost-saving measures. As the discussion wore on, it became clear that the team needed to follow up on several action points before moving forward. Leo made a note to check in with the department heads later in the week. At the end of the meeting, he asked everyone to bring up any final concerns. The team was ready to take on the next steps, with everyone on board to ensure the project’s success.
How many phrasal verbs can you find?
Answers: chime in, speak up, scale back, look into, wore on, follow up, check in, bring up, take on, on board.
Here are some example sentences with them, so you can further review:
- Eve always chimes in with great ideas during meetings.
- You should speak up if you have any questions.
- The company decided to scale back its marketing budget.
- I’ll look into the issue and get back to you soon.
- As the meeting wore on, people became more tired.
- I will follow up with the client tomorrow.
- Don’t forget to check in at the front desk when you arrive.
- He decided to bring up the idea during the discussion.
- She decided to take on the new project at work.
- We’re all on board with the new plan.
Phrasal Verbs Table
This table lists some of the most common phrasal verbs, their meanings, and example sentences. It’s a helpful reference to keep handy as you practice.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Wake up | To stop sleeping | “I wake up at 7 a.m. every day.” |
| Get up | To rise from bed | “I get up as soon as my alarm rings.” |
| Turn off | To deactivate something | “Can you turn off the TV, please?” |
| Pick up | To collect or gather | “She picked up the book from the table.” |
| Look after | To take care of | “He looks after his younger brother.” |
| Set up | To arrange or organize | “I’ll set up the meeting room.” |
| Look for | To search for something | “I’m looking for my keys.” |
| Give up | To stop trying or quit | “I won’t give up on my goals.” |
| Call off | To cancel something | “We had to call off the event because of rain.” |
| Run into | To meet someone unexpectedly | “I ran into my old teacher at the store.” |
Do Native Speakers Know All Phrasal Verbs?
No, even native speakers don’t know every single phrasal verb. English has thousands of phrasal verbs, and many of them are specific to certain regions, professions, or even informal contexts. Some phrasal verbs are rarely used or have fallen out of common usage over time, while others are more modern inventions that have emerged with trends and technology. For example, while most native speakers will easily recognize and use phrasal verbs like “pick up,” “turn off,” or “look into,” they may not be as familiar with more specialized or less commonly used phrasal verbs like “rattle off” (to speak quickly and without stopping) or “mull over” (to think carefully about something).
However, native speakers are generally familiar with the most commonly used phrasal verbs, as they come up often in daily conversations, media, and literature. They naturally learn these through exposure, and the more frequently a phrasal verb is used in everyday contexts, the more likely a native speaker is to know it. Even though they might not know every phrasal verb, their familiarity with the core ones helps them communicate clearly and effectively in various situations.
So, while it’s almost impossible for even a native speaker to know every phrasal verb, mastering the most common ones will allow learners to speak more naturally and fluently.
How Do Native Speakers Learn Phrasal Verbs?
Native speakers learn phrasal verbs naturally, through daily exposure. They hear them in conversations, movies, TV shows, music, and books. As children, they start by picking up simple, common phrasal verbs like “wake up” or “get out.” Over time, they hear and use more complex ones as their vocabulary grows. Native speakers also learn phrasal verbs through context. For example, if they hear someone say “pick up the phone,” they understand the meaning based on the situation. They don’t often study them as separate words but learn them through experience and practice. As they get older, native speakers might hear new phrasal verbs in work or social settings and pick them up as needed. In short, native speakers absorb phrasal verbs gradually through repeated use in real-life situations.
What Are Some Common Phrasal Verbs Used by Native Speakers?
Some of the most common phrasal verbs used by native speakers include:
- Get up – To rise from bed.
- Pick up – To lift or collect something.
- Turn on – To activate something (e.g., a light or device).
- Look after – To take care of someone or something.
- Set up – To arrange or organize something.
Learning these phrasal verbs will give you a solid foundation for speaking like a native.
What Are Some Phrasal Verbs for Travel?
Here are a few phrasal verbs commonly used in travel situations:
- Check in – To register at a hotel or airport. Example: “We need to check in at the airport two hours before the flight.”
- Take off – To leave the ground (for a plane). Example: “The plane will take off in 20 minutes.”
- Pick up – To collect someone from a location. Example: “I’ll pick you up at the airport tomorrow.”
- Drop off – To leave someone at a place. Example: “Can you drop me off at the bus station?”
- Look around – To explore a place. Example: “We spent the day looking around the city.”
- Drop off – To take someone to a place, usually by car. Example: “I will drop you off at the bus stop.”
These phrasal verbs will be very helpful if you travel to English-speaking countries or talk about your travel experiences in English.
Phrasal Verbs for Students
Students also use specific phrasal verbs when talking about their studies and daily school activities. Here are some examples:
- Pick up – To learn something new. Example: “I picked up a lot of new vocabulary last week.”
- Hand in – To submit an assignment or work. Example: “You need to hand in your English essay by Friday.”
- Catch up – To do work or study you missed. Example: “I need to catch up on my reading after being absent.”
- Drop out – To quit or leave a course or school. Example: “She decided to drop out of the class because it was too difficult.”
- Sit in on – To attend a class without being officially enrolled. Example: “I sat in on a lecture about history yesterday.”
These phrasal verbs are specific to students, but they can also be used in a wider context.
Phrasal Verbs Quiz
Replace the underlined verb with an appropriate phrasal verb. Don’t worry if you have no idea, answers can be found in the table at the bottom! Bear in mind also, the verbs do not always mean exactly the same thing as the phrasal verb variant.
- I will call you when I arrive at the airport.
- We need to find a way to solve this problem.
- I have to finish my work before I leave.
- I can’t believe he left the meeting so early.
- The manager wants to examine the reports in detail.
- Could you bring that book to me?
- I will give the documents to her tomorrow.
- She didn’t arrive on time for the appointment.
- I need to ask about the project deadline.
- We have to organize the event before next week.
- He decided to cancel the meeting at the last minute.
- We should discuss the problem during the meeting.
- I didn’t understand what you said in the last sentence.
- Don’t forget to check the emails before sending them.
- They will explain everything at the conference.
Phrasal Verbs Quiz Answers
| No. | Original Verb | Phrasal Verb |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | call | get in touch with |
| 2 | find | look for |
| 3 | finish | wrap up |
| 4 | left | walk out of |
| 5 | examine | look over |
| 6 | bring | bring over |
| 7 | give | hand over |
| 8 | arrive | turn up |
| 9 | ask | find out |
| 10 | organize | set up |
| 11 | cancel | call off |
| 12 | discuss | talk over |
| 13 | understand | make out |
| 14 | check | go through |
| 15 | explain | go over |
Are Prepositional Verbs Phrasal Verbs?
Prepositional verbs and phrasal verbs are often confused, but they are not exactly the same. A prepositional verb is a verb that is followed by a preposition, forming a specific meaning. The preposition usually changes the meaning of the verb, but the combination of the verb and preposition is fixed. For example:
- Look after – to take care of someone or something.
Example: “She looks after her younger brother after school.” - Look for – to search for something.
Example: “I’m looking for my keys.”
A phrasal verb, on the other hand, is made up of a verb and either a preposition or an adverb (sometimes both). The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the original verb’s meaning. For example: - Pick up – to lift something.
Example: “Can you pick up the book from the floor?” - Give up – to stop trying.
Example: “Don’t give up on your dreams!”
Key Difference:
- Prepositional verbs always involve a preposition and typically have a fixed meaning.
- Phrasal verbs may use a preposition or an adverb and often change the verb’s original meaning.
How Are Phrasal Verbs Related to Prepositions?
Phrasal verbs and prepositions are closely related, but there are key differences in how they function. A preposition connects a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. It shows relationships such as direction, place, or time. Prepositions include words like in, on, at, to, and by. In contrast, a phrasal verb includes a verb and a preposition or an adverb (or both). The preposition in a phrasal verb is not just a connector; it changes the meaning of the verb. The meaning of the whole combination can be very different from the meaning of the individual words.
Examples:
- Break up (phrasal verb): to end a relationship.
Example: “They decided to break up after three years.” - Break in (phrasal verb): to enter a place illegally.
Example: “The thief broke in through the back door.”
Notice that in both examples, the preposition (up, in) changes the meaning of the verb break, making it have a different meaning than the verb alone.
Prepositions in Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Look after | Take care of someone/something | “He looks after his parents every day.” |
| Run into | Meet someone by chance | “I ran into an old friend at the store.” |
| Give up | Stop trying | “She decided to give up on the project.” |
| Put off | Delay something | “We need to put off the meeting until next week.” |
| Take after | Resemble someone | “She takes after her mother in many ways.” |
Are Phrasal Verbs and Idioms the Same?
No, phrasal verbs and idioms are not the same, although they can sometimes seem similar. Both can involve groups of words that have meanings different from the individual words. However, the key difference is in how they function.
Phrasal Verbs:
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb. They change the meaning of the original verb. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often specific, and its meaning can often be understood from the individual words in context.
Example:
- Give up (phrasal verb): To stop trying.
“Don’t give up on your dreams.”
Idioms:
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning cannot be understood from the meanings of the individual words. Idioms are fixed phrases with meanings that are not directly related to the literal meaning of the words. Idioms often involve cultural or historical references that make them harder to understand for non-native speakers.
Example:
- Break the ice (idiom): To start a conversation or make people feel comfortable.
“He told a joke to break the ice at the party.”
Phrasal Verbs vs Idioms
| Type | Example | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phrasal Verb | Look up | Search for information | “I will look up the address online.” |
| Phrasal Verb | Take off | To remove or for an airplane to leave | “The plane will take off in 30 minutes.” |
| Idiom | Break the ice | Start a conversation or ease tension | “He told a funny story to break the ice.” |
| Idiom | Hit the nail on the head | Describe something exactly right | “You really hit the nail on the head with that answer.” |
While phrasal verbs are more likely to be used in everyday language, idioms are often used in more figurative or informal language. Understanding the differences between phrasal verbs and other expressions like prepositional verbs and idioms is useful for improving English. Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the language, and recognizing their structure will help you use them more effectively. With practice, you’ll be able to identify when to use these verbs in your conversations and writing.
By the way, there are plenty of English Idiom examples to be found right here.
50 phrasal verbs with examples
Now we are getting towards the end of today’s tutorial on using phrasal verbs, here is a list of 50, along with their meanings and example sentences. You can use this as a reference, and also as a basis for making your own sentences, too.
- Break down: Jake broke down the problem for me.
- Break up: They decided to break up after two years.
- Bring up: She brought up an important issue during the meeting.
- Call off: They had to call off the concert due to bad weather.
- Carry on: Please carry on with your presentation.
- Catch up: I need to catch up on some reading this weekend.
- Check in: We need to check in at the hotel before 3 p.m.
- Check out: I’ll check out the new store after work.
- Come across: I came across an interesting article yesterday.
- Come up with: She came up with a fantastic idea for the project.
- Cut down on: I need to cut down on junk food to stay healthy.
- Drop off: Can you drop me off at the airport?
- End up: We ended up missing the train because of the delay.
- Fill out: Please fill out this form before the interview.
- Find out: I need to find out what time the meeting starts.
- Get along: They get along really well despite their differences.
- Get away: We’re planning to get away for the weekend.
- Get in: She got in the car and drove off immediately.
- Get off: I have to get off at the next station.
- Get on: They got on the bus just before it left.
- Give up: Don’t give up, you’re almost there!
- Go on: Please go on with your story, I’m listening.
- Go over: Let’s go over the details of the plan again.
- Grow up: He grew up in a small town by the sea.
- Hang out: I like to hang out with my friends on weekends.
- Hold on: Hold on, I’ll be right back with the information.
- Iron out: We need to iron out a few details before the event.
- Join in: Why don’t you join in the game? It’s fun!
- Keep up: She has to keep up with the fast-paced work environment.
- Lay off: They had to lay off several employees last year.
- Let down: I felt let down when she didn’t show up to the party.
- Look after: She looks after her younger brother when their parents are at work.
- Look forward to: I’m really looking forward to the concert next week.
- Look into: We’ll look into the issue and get back to you soon.
- Look out: Look out for the slippery spot on the sidewalk.
- Look up: I’ll look up the address online for you.
- Make up: He made up an excuse for being late to the meeting.
- Move on: It’s time to move on to the next topic.
- Pass out: He passed out briefly after running the marathon. The doctor helped him.
- Pick up: I need to pick up some groceries on the way home.
- Point out: She pointed out the mistake in the report.
- Put off: We had to put off the meeting until next week.
- Put up with: I don’t know how she puts up with his behavior.
- Run into: I ran into an old friend at the supermarket yesterday.
- Run out of: We ran out of milk, so I need to buy more.
- Set up: We need to set up the conference room before the meeting.
- Take after: She takes after her father in both appearance and personality.
- Take off: The plane will take off at 7 p.m. sharp.
- Turn up: He didn’t turn up for the meeting this morning.
- Turn down: I had to turn down the job offer because of the location.
Conversation practice
Finally today we will look at some English conversation practice with phrasal verbs. Here are some questions using some of today’s expressions. Try to answer them using full sentences. Use your imagination if you do not know what to say – this is simply a way to practice speaking and making sentences in English.
Questions with Look after
- Who looks after your pets when you’re away?
- Do you usually look after your younger siblings?
- How do you look after your health during the winter?
Questions with Run into
- Have you ever run into a famous person?
- When was the last time you ran into an old friend?
- How do you feel when you run into someone you know unexpectedly?
Questions with Give up
- Have you ever wanted to give up on a project but didn’t?
- What’s something you would never give up on?
- Why do some people give up too easily?
Questions with Put off
- Do you tend to put off doing your chores?
- Why do people put off making big decisions?
- Have you ever put off a task until the last minute?
Questions with Look forward to
- What holiday are you most looking forward to this year?
- Do you look forward to weekends or weekdays more?
- Is there a special event you’re looking forward to attending soon?
Questions with Grow up
- Where did you grow up?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
- How do you think the world has changed since you grew up?
How to Use Phrasal Verbs in Sentences: Good for Conversation
Phrasal verbs are excellent for conversation because they make your speech sound more natural and casual. In everyday communication, native speakers tend to use phrasal verbs instead of formal, academic words. By using them in your conversations, you will be able to express yourself more easily and sound more fluent.
For example, instead of saying, “I will delay my departure,” you might say, “I’ll put off my departure.” This sounds much more conversational and approachable.
Using phrasal verbs in your conversations will help you connect with others more easily, making communication smoother and more relaxed. It’s one of the quickest ways to sound more like a native speaker.