Phrasal Verbs: A Complete Guide
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb + one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. Understanding phrasal verbs is essential for achieving fluency because they are used extensively in both academic and everyday English.
Example:
- Look up — to search for information: “I looked up the word in the dictionary.”
- Give up — to stop trying: “She gave up after several attempts.”
Why Are Phrasal Verbs Important?
- They make your English sound more natural and fluent.
- They often replace more formal single-word verbs in casual conversation.
- Mastery helps you understand movies, songs, academic lectures, and conversations better.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
1. Separable Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs allow the object to come between the verb and the particle.
Example:
- Turn off the light. / Turn the light off.
- Pick up the phone. / Pick the phone up.
2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs do not allow the object to come between the verb and the particle. The object must always come after the full phrasal verb.
Example:
- Look after your brother. (NOT Look your brother after.)
- Run into an old friend. (NOT Run an old friend into.)
Common Phrasal Verbs by Context
Click the categories below to explore examples:
- Carry out – to conduct: “The researchers carried out an important experiment.”
- Look into – to investigate: “The committee will look into the matter.”
- Point out – to indicate: “She pointed out the flaws in the study.”
- Lay out – to organize or plan: “The proposal lays out the future strategy.”
- Work out – to solve: “They worked out a solution to the complex problem.”
- Bring about – to cause to happen: “The new policy brought about major changes.”
- Set up – to establish: “The university set up a new research center.”
- Get up – to rise from bed: “I get up at 7 a.m. every day.”
- Hang out – to spend time relaxing: “We hung out at the mall last weekend.”
- Run out of – to have no more: “We ran out of milk.”
- Catch up – to reach the same level: “I need to catch up on my homework.”
- Put off – to delay: “He put off the meeting until Friday.”
- Call off – to cancel: “They called off the game because of rain.”
- Turn down – to refuse: “She turned down the job offer.”
Keep Building Your Phrasal Verb Power!
Learning phrasal verbs is like building a bridge to true English fluency. It takes time, daily exposure, and regular practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master them immediately — every step counts!
Practical Tips for Mastery
- Notice: Pay attention to phrasal verbs in real use when reading or listening.
- Record: Keep a notebook or digital list of new phrasal verbs you encounter.
- Use: Try to use new phrasal verbs in your speaking or writing within 24 hours.
- Review: Revisit and revise your list weekly.
- Practice: Create your own example sentences or short stories using them.
Daily practice strengthens your “language muscles” the same way regular workouts strengthen your body. Even 10 minutes a day builds powerful habits and helps you move phrasal verbs from passive knowledge (recognition) to active usage (speaking/writing). Consistency beats intensity over the long term!
Use this portal regularly to keep growing your English fluency. We believe in you!
Phrasal Verbs A–Z
Click a phrasal verb to view its definition and example.
A
Act up
Definition: To behave badly or not work properly.
Example: “The car is acting up again; I need to take it to the mechanic.”
Add up
Definition: To make sense; be logical.
Example: “His explanation doesn’t add up.”
Ask out
Definition: To invite someone on a date.
Example: “Tom finally asked Jenny out for dinner.”
B
Back down
Definition: To withdraw a claim or demand.
Example: “She refused to back down during the argument.”
Back up
Definition: To support or to make a copy of data.
Example: “Make sure you back up your files before updating your computer.”
Bail out
Definition: To help someone out of a difficult situation.
Example: “His parents had to bail him out of jail.”
Bank on
Definition: To rely on something or someone.
Example: “You can bank on Jim to get the job done.”
Black out
Definition: To lose consciousness.
Example: “He blacked out after standing up too quickly.”
Blow up
Definition: To explode or suddenly become angry.
Example: “The situation blew up into a big argument.”
Break down
Definition: To stop functioning or to analyze in detail.
Example: “The truck broke down on the highway.”
Break up
Definition: To end a relationship or disperse a gathering.
Example: “They broke up after five years together.”
C
Call off
Definition: To cancel something.
Example: “The event was called off due to rain.”
Calm down
Definition: To relax after being angry or upset.
Example: “She took a few deep breaths to calm down.”
Carry on
Definition: To continue doing something.
Example: “Despite the interruptions, she carried on with her speech.”
Carry out
Definition: To perform or complete a task.
Example: “The scientists carried out an important experiment.”
Catch up
Definition: To reach the same level or standard.
Example: “I missed a week of classes and had to catch up.”
Check in
Definition: To register upon arrival at a hotel or airport.
Example: “We checked in at the hotel around 3 p.m.”
Check out
Definition: To leave a hotel; to investigate.
Example: “You have to check out of the hotel by noon.”
Chip in
Definition: To contribute money or effort.
Example: “Everyone chipped in to buy her a present.”
Clean up
Definition: To make a place neat and tidy.
Example: “We cleaned up the house after the party.”
D
Deal with
Definition: To handle a problem or situation.
Example: “I’ll deal with the emails later.”
Do over
Definition: To do again from the beginning.
Example: “The teacher asked me to do the project over.”
Do without
Definition: To manage without something.
Example: “We’ll have to do without sugar for a few days.”
Dress up
Definition: To wear formal or fancy clothes.
Example: “You don’t have to dress up for the party.”
Drop by
Definition: To visit someone informally and without appointment.
Example: “Feel free to drop by whenever you’re in town.”
Drop out
Definition: To quit a school or program before completion.
Example: “He dropped out of college after one semester.”
E
Eat out
Definition: To dine at a restaurant instead of at home.
Example: “We usually eat out on Fridays.”
End up
Definition: To finally arrive at a situation or place, often without planning.
Example: “We ended up taking a taxi because we missed the bus.”
F
Figure out
Definition: To understand or solve something.
Example: “I can’t figure out how to fix this error.”
Fill in
Definition: To complete missing information.
Example: “Please fill in this form.”
Fill out
Definition: To complete a form by providing information.
Example: “You need to fill out the application form carefully.”
Find out
Definition: To discover or learn information.
Example: “I found out that she had already left.”
Focus on
Definition: To direct attention toward something.
Example: “We need to focus on improving our sales.”
Freak out
Definition: To suddenly express extreme emotion, usually fear or anger.
Example: “She freaked out when she saw the spider.”
G
Get along
Definition: To have a good relationship.
Example: “I get along well with my coworkers.”
Get by
Definition: To survive or manage, especially financially.
Example: “It’s hard to get by on such a small salary.”
Get over
Definition: To recover from an illness or setback.
Example: “It took her a while to get over the flu.”
Give away
Definition: To donate or reveal something unintentionally.
Example: “He gave away all his old clothes to charity.”
Give in
Definition: To surrender or yield.
Example: “She finally gave in to the temptation.”
Give up
Definition: To stop trying or abandon a habit.
Example: “He gave up smoking last year.”
Go ahead
Definition: To proceed or continue as planned.
Example: “You can go ahead with your presentation now.”
Go back
Definition: To return to a place or activity.
Example: “I can’t wait to go back to my hometown.”
Go on
Definition: To continue happening or doing something.
Example: “The meeting went on for three hours.”
Go out
Definition: To leave home for a social activity.
Example: “They went out to a concert last night.”
Grow up
Definition: To mature or become an adult.
Example: “She grew up in a small town.”
H
Hand in
Definition: To submit work or documents.
Example: “Please hand in your assignments by Friday.”
Hand out
Definition: To distribute something.
Example: “The teacher handed out the exam papers.”
Hang out
Definition: To spend time relaxing informally.
Example: “We hung out at the beach all afternoon.”
Hold on
Definition: To wait a short time.
Example: “Hold on while I grab my coat.”
Hurry up
Definition: To move or act quickly.
Example: “Hurry up or we’ll miss the train!”
I
Iron out
Definition: To resolve differences or problems.
Example: “We need to iron out the details before signing the contract.”
J
Jack up
Definition: To raise or increase something sharply.
Example: “The company jacked up the prices after the merger.”
Jot down
Definition: To quickly write something down.
Example: “Let me jot down your number.”
K
Keep on
Definition: To continue doing something.
Example: “She kept on studying even when it got difficult.”
Keep up
Definition: To maintain pace or level.
Example: “Keep up the good work!”
Kick off
Definition: To start something, often an event or activity.
Example: “The concert kicked off at 8 p.m.”
Knock out
Definition: To make someone unconscious or to eliminate.
Example: “The boxer knocked out his opponent in the second round.”
L
Lay off
Definition: To stop employing someone, usually because of business conditions.
Example: “The company laid off 200 workers last month.”
Leave out
Definition: To omit or exclude something.
Example: “You left out an important detail in your report.”
Let down
Definition: To disappoint someone.
Example: “I promised to help and I can’t let him down.”
Look after
Definition: To take care of someone or something.
Example: “Can you look after my cat while I’m away?”
Look for
Definition: To try to find something.
Example: “I’m looking for my glasses.”
Look forward to
Definition: To anticipate something with pleasure.
Example: “I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
Look into
Definition: To investigate or research something.
Example: “We will look into the issue immediately.”
M
Make up
Definition: To invent a story or excuse; to reconcile.
Example: “She made up an excuse for being late.”
Mess up
Definition: To make a mistake or ruin something.
Example: “I messed up the presentation by forgetting my notes.”
Mix up
Definition: To confuse or mistake one thing for another.
Example: “I mixed up the dates and missed the meeting.”
Move in
Definition: To start living in a new place.
Example: “They moved in to their new apartment last week.”
Move out
Definition: To leave a place where you live.
Example: “He moved out of his parents’ house after college.”
Mull over
Definition: To think carefully about something for a long time.
Example: “I need to mull over the job offer before deciding.”
N
Nod off
Definition: To fall asleep unintentionally.
Example: “He nodded off during the long lecture.”
Note down
Definition: To write something quickly for future reference.
Example: “She noted down the professor’s comments.”
Narrow down
Definition: To reduce the number of possibilities.
Example: “We narrowed down the list to three candidates.”
O
Own up
Definition: To admit responsibility for something.
Example: “He owned up to breaking the vase.”
Open up
Definition: To talk freely about feelings or start a business.
Example: “She opened up about her fears during therapy.”
Opt out
Definition: To choose not to participate in something.
Example: “I opted out of the group project.”
P
Pass out
Definition: To faint or lose consciousness.
Example: “She passed out from the heat.”
Pay off
Definition: To finish paying a debt; to yield results.
Example: “Her hard work paid off when she got promoted.”
Pick up
Definition: To collect someone or something; to learn informally.
Example: “I picked up some Spanish while traveling.”
Point out
Definition: To highlight or draw attention to something.
Example: “He pointed out an error in the report.”
Put away
Definition: To store or tidy up.
Example: “Put away your toys before dinner.”
Put off
Definition: To postpone or discourage.
Example: “Don’t put off your homework until tomorrow.”
Put up
Definition: To provide accommodation or display something.
Example: “They put up a poster for the event.”
Q
Quiet down
Definition: To become less noisy or calm.
Example: “The crowd quieted down after the announcement.”
R
Run into
Definition: To meet someone unexpectedly or encounter a problem.
Example: “I ran into an old friend at the mall.”
Run out
Definition: To use up or exhaust a supply.
Example: “We ran out of paper for the printer.”
Rule out
Definition: To eliminate as a possibility.
Example: “The doctor ruled out any serious conditions.”
S
Settle down
Definition: To become calm or start a stable life.
Example: “After years of traveling, she settled down in a small town.”
Show up
Definition: To arrive or appear.
Example: “He didn’t show up for the meeting.”
Shut down
Definition: To close a business or stop a machine.
Example: “The factory shut down due to financial issues.”
Sort out
Definition: To organize or resolve a problem.
Example: “Let’s sort out this mess before it gets worse.”
Stand out
Definition: To be noticeable or exceptional.
Example: “Her bright red dress stood out at the party.”
T
Take after
Definition: To resemble a family member.
Example: “She takes after her mother in looks and personality.”
Take off
Definition: To leave the ground (airplane); to become successful.
Example: “The new product really took off after the ad campaign.”
Take on
Definition: To accept a responsibility or challenge.
Example: “She took on extra work to help the team.”
Turn down
Definition: To reject or refuse.
Example: “He turned down the job offer because of the salary.”
Turn up
Definition: To arrive unexpectedly or be found.
Example: “My lost keys turned up in the couch.”
U
Use up
Definition: To consume all of something.
Example: “We used up all the paint for the project.”
W
Wake up
Definition: To stop sleeping.
Example: “I wake up early every morning.”
Work out
Definition: To exercise; to solve a problem.
Example: “Everything worked out fine in the end.”
Z
Zoom in
Definition: To focus closely on something, often with a camera.
Example: “Zoom in on the text to read it better.”
Test Your Phrasal Verb Knowledge!
Take this quiz to check your understanding of phrasal verbs. Select the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence.
Phrasal Verbs: A Complete Guide
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb + one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the original verb. Understanding phrasal verbs is essential for achieving fluency because they are used extensively in both academic and everyday English.
Example:
- Look up — to search for information: “I looked up the word in the dictionary.”
- Give up — to stop trying: “She gave up after several attempts.”
Why Are Phrasal Verbs Important?
- They make your English sound more natural and fluent.
- They often replace more formal single-word verbs in casual conversation.
- Mastery helps you understand movies, songs, academic lectures, and conversations better.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
1. Separable Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs allow the object to come between the verb and the particle.
Example:
- Turn off the light. / Turn the light off.
- Pick up the phone. / Pick the phone up.
2. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs do not allow the object to come between the verb and the particle. The object must always come after the full phrasal verb.
Example:
- Look after your brother. (NOT Look your brother after.)
- Run into an old friend. (NOT Run an old friend into.)
Extensive List of Common Phrasal Verbs
Click each category below to explore examples:
Reflection: Keep Building Your Phrasal Verb Power!
Learning phrasal verbs is like building a bridge to true English fluency. It takes time, daily exposure, and regular practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master them immediately — every step counts!
Practical Tips for Mastery
- Notice: When reading or listening, pay attention to phrasal verbs in real use.
- Record: Keep a notebook or digital list of new phrasal verbs you encounter.
- Use: Try to use new phrasal verbs in your speaking or writing within 24 hours.
- Review: Revisit and revise your list weekly.
- Practice: Create your own example sentences or short stories using them.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
W
Z
Test Your Phrasal Verb Knowledge!
Take this short quiz to check your understanding of phrasal verbs. Select the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence.
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