What Are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb (called a "particle") that creates a new meaning different from the original verb.
- Look = to use your eyes
- Look after = to take care of
- Look up = to search for information
Phrasal verbs are everywhere in spoken English. Native speakers use them constantly, so learning them is essential for sounding natural.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
1. Intransitive (No Object)
These don't take an object:
- The plane took off at 3 PM.
- I grew up in a small town.
- She broke down and cried.
2. Separable Transitive
The object can go between the verb and the particle:
- Please turn off the light. / Please turn the light off.
- I need to pick up my kids. / I need to pick my kids up.
Rule: If the object is a pronoun (it, them, him, her), it MUST go in the middle:
- Turn it off. (NOT:
Turn off it.) - Pick them up. (NOT:
Pick up them.)
3. Inseparable Transitive
The object always comes AFTER the particle:
- I ran into an old friend. (NOT:
I ran an old friend into.) - She looks after her grandmother.
Essential Phrasal Verbs by Theme
Daily Life
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| wake up | stop sleeping | I wake up at 7 AM every day. |
| get up | leave your bed | I got up late this morning. |
| turn on/off | activate/deactivate | Can you turn on the TV? |
| put on | wear clothing | She put on her coat and left. |
| take off | remove clothing | Take off your shoes at the door. |
| pick up | collect, lift | I'll pick you up at the station. |
Communication
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| bring up | mention a topic | Don't bring up politics at dinner. |
| point out | indicate, draw attention to | She pointed out my mistake. |
| figure out | understand, solve | I can't figure out this puzzle. |
| come up with | think of an idea | He came up with a brilliant plan. |
| get along with | have a good relationship | Do you get along with your colleagues? |
Work and Study
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| carry out | perform, complete | The team carried out the research. |
| set up | establish, arrange | We need to set up a meeting. |
| give up | stop trying | Don't give up! You're almost there. |
| keep up with | maintain the same speed/level | It's hard to keep up with technology. |
| put off | postpone | Stop putting off your homework. |
| look into | investigate | The police are looking into the case. |
Relationships and Emotions
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| break up | end a relationship | They broke up after three years. |
| make up | become friends again | They argued but made up the next day. |
| look up to | admire, respect | I look up to my older sister. |
| let down | disappoint | I feel really let down by his behavior. |
| cheer up | become happier | Cheer up! Things will get better. |
Example Sentences in Context
- I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket. We hadn't seen each other for years.
- She turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
- Can you look after my cat while I'm on vacation?
- We need to come up with a solution before the deadline.
- He gave up smoking last year and feels much healthier now.
- I need to figure out how to use this new software.
- The meeting was put off until next week because the manager is sick.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Putting pronouns after the particle (with separable verbs)
- Wrong:
Turn off it. - Correct: Turn it off.
Mistake 2: Separating inseparable phrasal verbs
- Wrong:
I look my grandmother after. - Correct: I look after my grandmother.
Mistake 3: Using the wrong particle
- Wrong:
I'm looking forward at your reply. - Correct: I'm looking forward to your reply.
Mistake 4: Trying to guess meanings from individual words
- "Put up with" doesn't mean anything related to "put," "up," or "with" individually. It means to tolerate. You need to learn phrasal verbs as complete units.
Practice Tips
- Learn in context, not in lists: Instead of memorizing a list, learn each phrasal verb in a sentence. Write your own sentences.
- Group by topic: Learn phrasal verbs related to daily life first, then work, then relationships.
- Keep a phrasal verb notebook: Write each new phrasal verb with its meaning, an example sentence, and whether it's separable or inseparable.
- Watch TV shows and movies: Phrasal verbs are used much more in spoken English than in textbooks. Netflix with English subtitles is great practice!
- Practice with stories: Write a short story using at least five phrasal verbs. This helps you remember them in context.