Phrasal Verbs: Definitions and Examples

Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, and mastering them is essential for effective communication. They combine a verb with an adverb, preposition, or both to create a new meaning that may differ from the original verb. While they might seem challenging at first, understanding phrasal verbs can make your English sound more natural and fluent.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Phrasal Verbs?

2. How to Use Phrasal Verbs

3. Types of Phrasal Verbs

• • Transitive and Intransitive
  • Separable and Inseparable

4. 80 Common Phrasal Verbs with Definitions and Examples

5. Tips to Learn Phrasal Verbs

6. Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs

7. Practice Exercises

9. FAQs on Phrasal Verbs

1. What Are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (adverbs or prepositions) that together create a new meaning.

Example:

Turn up: To appear or arrive.

• • • Example: She turned up late to the party.

The meaning of phrasal verbs is often idiomatic and cannot be understood by interpreting the individual words.

2. How to Use Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be used like regular verbs, but their meanings are context-dependent. Understanding their usage involves:

• • Learning their meanings in different contexts.
  • Practising their usage in sentences.

Conjugation Example:

Get up:

• • Present: I get up early every day.
  • Past: Yesterday, I got up at 6 AM.
  • Future: I will get up early tomorrow.

3. Types of Phrasal Verbs

Transitive and Intransitive

1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs: Require a direct object.

• • Example: She put off the meeting.

2.Intransitive Phrasal Verbs: Do not take a direct object.

• • Example: The car broke down on the way.

Separable and Inseparable

1. Separable Phrasal Verbs: The object can come between the verb and the particle.

• • Example: She turned off the lights. / She turned the lights off.

2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: The object cannot separate the verb and the particle.

• • Example: She ran into an old friend.

4. 80 Common Phrasal Verbs with Definitions and Examples

Here’s a list of 80 phrasal verbs, categorized for easier learning.

Daily Life

1. Wake up: To stop sleeping.

• • Example: I wake up at 7 AM every day.

2. Get up: To rise from bed.

• • Example: He got up late this morning.

3. Put on: To wear something.

• • Example: She put on her coat before leaving.

4. Take off: To remove something.

• • Example: Please take off your shoes.

5. Pick up: To collect or lift something.

• • Example: I’ll pick up some groceries on my way home.

Work and Study

6. Look after: To take care of someone or something.

• • Example: She looks after her younger brother.

7. Call off: To cancel.

• • Example: The meeting was called off due to rain.

8. Go over: To review or examine.

• • Example: Let’s go over the report before the meeting.

9. Turn in: To submit.

• • Example: Don’t forget to turn in your homework.

10. Carry out: To execute or perform.

• • Example: They carried out a survey last month.

Social Interactions

1. Hang out: To spend time socially.

• • Example: We’re hanging out at the park this evening.

2. Bring up: To mention a topic.

• • Example: She brought up an interesting point.

3. Catch up: To reach the same level as someone.

• • Example: Let’s catch up over coffee tomorrow.

4. Give away: To donate or give for free.

• • Example: He gave away his old clothes.

5. Run into: To meet unexpectedly.

• • Example: I ran into an old friend at the mall.

Travel and Movement

1. Set off: To start a journey.

• • Example: They set off early to catch the train.

2. Break down: To stop working.

• • Example: Our car broke down on the highway.

3. Check in: To register at a hotel or airport.

• • Example: We checked in at 3 PM.

4. Take off: To depart (for planes).

• • Example: The flight takes off at 6 PM.

5. Get on: To board a vehicle.

• • Example: She got on the bus just in time.

Miscellaneous

1. Cut down: To reduce.

• • Example: I’m trying to cut down on sugar.

2. Fall apart: To break into pieces.

• • Example: The old book fell apart in my hands.

3. Hold on: To wait or pause.

• • Example: Hold on for a moment while I find the file.

4. Look forward to: To anticipate positively.

• • Example: I’m looking forward to the weekend.

5. Work out: To exercise or find a solution.

• • Example: I work out at the gym every morning.

5. Tips to Learn Phrasal Verbs

• Group by Context: Learn phrasal verbs related to a specific topic like travel or work.
• Practice with Sentences: Write sentences using each phrasal verb.
• Use Flashcards: Create cards with the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning and example on the other.
• Engage in Conversations: Practice using phrasal verbs while speaking English.
• Watch English Media: Identify phrasal verbs in movies or TV shows.

6. Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs

1. Wrong Placement of Objects:

• • Incorrect: She called him off the party.
  • Correct: She called off the party.

2. Using the Wrong Preposition:

• • Incorrect: He looked after his keys.
  • Correct: He looked for his keys.

7. Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks:

1. She ________ her shoes before entering the house. (take off, put on)

2. Let’s ________ the plan one more time. (go over, hang out)

Answers: 1. took off 2. go over

FAQs on Phrasal Verbs

Q1. What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a particle (adverb or preposition) to create a new meaning.

Q2. Why are phrasal verbs important?

They are common in everyday English and help in understanding natural conversations.