Explore Questions and Answers to deepen your understanding of phrasal verbs.
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a new meaning different from the original verb.
Phrasal verbs are different from regular verbs because they consist of a main verb combined with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). These particles can change the meaning of the verb and create idiomatic expressions. Regular verbs, on the other hand, do not have these additional particles and their meaning is more straightforward.
Example: "Turn off"
Meaning: "Turn off" is a phrasal verb that means to stop the operation or flow of something, usually by using a switch or button. It is commonly used to refer to switching off electronic devices, such as lights, television, or a computer. For instance, you can say "Please turn off the lights before leaving the room" or "I always turn off my phone during meetings." In this context, "turn" refers to the action of rotating or moving something, while "off" indicates the cessation or termination of the activity.
Separable phrasal verbs are phrasal verbs in which the verb and the particle can be separated by an object.
Inseparable phrasal verbs are phrasal verbs in which the verb and the particle cannot be separated by an object. The object must come after the particle.
In phrasal verbs, the particle is a small word that is used together with a verb to create a new meaning. It can be a preposition or an adverb. The particle often changes the original meaning of the verb and adds additional information or emphasis to the action. For example, in the phrasal verb "turn off," the particle "off" changes the meaning of the verb "turn" to indicate stopping or switching something off.
The main difference between a phrasal verb and a prepositional verb lies in the type of particle used. Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and an adverbial particle, while prepositional verbs consist of a verb and a preposition. In phrasal verbs, the particle can often be separated from the verb, whereas in prepositional verbs, the preposition cannot be separated from the verb.
To learn and remember phrasal verbs effectively, you can follow these strategies:
1. Contextualize: Learn phrasal verbs in context by reading books, articles, or watching movies and TV shows. This will help you understand their meaning and usage in real-life situations.
2. Use flashcards: Create flashcards with the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
3. Practice with exercises: Complete exercises or quizzes that focus on phrasal verbs. This will help you understand their usage and improve your ability to use them correctly.
4. Use mnemonic devices: Create associations or memorable images to connect the phrasal verb with its meaning. This can aid in recalling them more easily.
5. Use them in context: Incorporate phrasal verbs into your everyday conversations or writing. The more you use them, the more familiar they will become.
6. Break them down: Analyze the phrasal verb by separating the verb and the particle. Understand the individual meanings and how they combine to create a new meaning.
7. Review regularly: Set aside dedicated time to review and practice phrasal verbs. Consistent revision will help reinforce your understanding and retention.
8. Seek out resources: Utilize online resources, such as phrasal verb dictionaries or language learning apps, to expand your knowledge and exposure to different phrasal verbs.
By employing these strategies, you can enhance your learning and retention of phrasal verbs effectively.
Some common phrasal verbs used in everyday English include "take off," "put on," "turn on," "turn off," "get up," "go out," "come in," "look for," "give up," "pick up," "bring back," "set up," "break down," "run out," "look after," "give in," "turn up," "turn down," "bring up," "put away," "give away," "look up," "go on," "come up with," "get away," "give back," "take out," "bring in," "put off," "get on," "go back," "come back," "look out," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "go on about," "come off," "look back," "give way," "take up," "bring off," "put off," "get through," "go by," "come by," "look up," "give out," "take over," "bring out," "put in," "get off," "go off," "come across," "look forward to," "give off," "take on," "bring down," "put out," "get by," "go through," "come up," "look down on," "give up on," "take in," "bring up," "put up with," "get along," "go along," "come along," "look into," "give in to," "take away," "bring about," "put forward," "get over," "go ahead," "come over," "look up to," "give rise to," "take after," "bring along," "put down," "get out," "
Phrasal verbs contribute to idiomatic expressions by combining a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a new meaning that is different from the individual words. This combination of words creates a unique and often figurative expression that is commonly used by native speakers.
Some phrasal verbs related to travel and transportation are:
- Set off: to start a journey
- Take off: to leave the ground (for airplanes)
- Check in: to register at a hotel or airport
- Drop off: to leave someone at a destination
- Pick up: to collect someone or something from a place
- Get on: to board a vehicle
- Get off: to leave a vehicle
- Pull over: to stop a vehicle at the side of the road
- Fill up: to put fuel in a vehicle
- Break down: to stop working (for a vehicle)
The phrasal verb 'break down' means to stop working or functioning properly, often resulting in a failure or malfunction. It can also refer to a person experiencing a physical or emotional collapse or a vehicle coming to a halt due to mechanical issues. Additionally, 'break down' can be used to describe the process of analyzing or dividing something into smaller parts for better understanding.
The phrasal verb 'take off' means to remove or remove something, to leave or depart quickly, or to become successful or popular suddenly.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'up' is "clean up." It means to tidy or make something clean and organized. For instance, "I need to clean up my room before guests arrive."
Some phrasal verbs related to money and finance include:
1. Pay off - to repay a debt
2. Save up - to accumulate money over time
3. Shell out - to spend or pay a large amount of money
4. Cut back - to reduce spending or expenses
5. Settle up - to pay what is owed or to resolve financial matters
6. Cash in - to convert an investment or asset into cash
7. Break even - to have income equal to expenses, resulting in no profit or loss
8. Write off - to cancel a debt or consider it as a loss
9. Take out - to borrow money from a bank or financial institution
10. Put aside - to save or reserve money for a specific purpose.
The phrasal verb 'put off' means to postpone or delay something.
The phrasal verb 'get along' means to have a harmonious or friendly relationship with someone or to manage or cope with a situation.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'out' is "check out." It means to investigate or examine something or someone in order to gather information or make sure it is satisfactory. For instance, "I need to check out the new restaurant in town before deciding to eat there." In this case, the phrasal verb "check out" implies the action of inspecting or evaluating the restaurant before making a decision.
Some phrasal verbs related to relationships and emotions are:
- Break up: to end a romantic relationship
- Make up: to reconcile after an argument or disagreement
- Fall for: to develop strong feelings of love or attraction towards someone
- Get along: to have a good relationship or rapport with someone
- Cheer up: to make someone feel happier or more positive
- Let down: to disappoint or fail someone
- Settle down: to establish a stable and committed relationship
- Look up to: to admire or respect someone
- Put up with: to tolerate or endure someone or something
- Break down: to lose control emotionally or mentally
The phrasal verb 'look forward to' means to anticipate or feel excited about something that is going to happen in the future. It is often used to express enthusiasm or eagerness for a specific event or experience.
The phrasal verb 'fall apart' means to break into pieces or to disintegrate, either physically or metaphorically.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'in' is "check in." It means to register or arrive at a hotel, airport, or any other place where attendance or presence needs to be recorded. For instance, "I need to check in at the hotel before 3 pm."
Some phrasal verbs related to work and career include:
1. Take on: To accept or begin a job or responsibility.
2. Carry out: To complete or perform a task or duty.
3. Set up: To establish or start a business or organization.
4. Move up: To advance or progress in one's career or position.
5. Step down: To resign or leave a position or job.
6. Clock in/out: To record the time of arrival or departure from work.
7. Fill in: To temporarily do someone else's job or duties.
8. Work out: To resolve or find a solution to a problem or situation.
9. Hand in: To submit or deliver something, such as a report or assignment.
10. Lay off: To terminate or dismiss employees due to a lack of work or financial constraints.
The phrasal verb 'take on' means to accept or undertake a task, responsibility, or challenge. It can also refer to hiring or employing someone.
The phrasal verb 'give up' means to stop doing or trying something, to surrender, or to quit.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'off' is "take off." It means to remove or to become airborne. For instance, "She took off her jacket before entering the room" implies that she removed her jacket. On the other hand, "The plane took off from the runway" indicates that the plane became airborne and started its flight.
Some phrasal verbs related to health and fitness are:
1. Work out - to exercise or engage in physical activity
2. Cut back - to reduce or decrease something, such as calorie intake or unhealthy habits
3. Shape up - to improve one's physical condition or appearance
4. Warm up - to prepare the body for physical activity by doing gentle exercises
5. Cool down - to gradually decrease the intensity of physical activity and allow the body to recover
6. Give up - to stop doing something, such as a bad habit or unhealthy behavior
7. Get in shape - to become physically fit or improve one's physical condition
8. Burn off - to eliminate or use up calories through physical activity
9. Stick to - to adhere to or follow a particular diet or exercise routine
10. Take up - to start or begin a new physical activity or exercise routine.
The phrasal verb 'work out' has multiple meanings. It can refer to physical exercise or a fitness routine, as in "I work out at the gym three times a week." It can also mean to solve or find a solution to a problem or situation, as in "We need to work out a plan to increase sales." Additionally, 'work out' can mean to calculate or determine, as in "I need to work out the total cost of the project."
The phrasal verb 'get over' means to recover from something, such as an illness, a loss, or a difficult situation.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'on' is "put on." It means to dress oneself or to wear something. For instance, "I need to put on my coat before going outside."
Some phrasal verbs related to technology and communication are:
1. Log in/out: To enter or exit a computer system or online account.
2. Set up: To arrange or establish a device, system, or software.
3. Turn on/off: To activate or deactivate a device or system.
4. Hang up: To end a phone call.
5. Pick up: To answer or respond to a phone call.
6. Call back: To return a phone call.
7. Look up: To search for information online or in a reference source.
8. Download: To transfer data or files from the internet to a device.
9. Upload: To transfer data or files from a device to the internet.
10. Sign up: To register or enroll for a service or platform online.
The phrasal verb 'log in' refers to the action of entering or accessing a computer system, website, or online account by providing the necessary credentials, such as a username and password. It is commonly used in the context of technology and internet usage.
The phrasal verb 'look up' means to search for information or consult a reference source, such as a dictionary or an online search engine.
Some phrasal verbs related to education and learning are:
1. Look up: to search for information in a reference book or online.
Example: I need to look up the definition of this word in the dictionary.
2. Take in: to understand or comprehend something.
Example: It took me a while to take in all the information from the lecture.
3. Figure out: to solve or understand something.
Example: I need some time to figure out this math problem.
4. Brush up on: to review or refresh one's knowledge on a particular subject.
Example: I need to brush up on my Spanish before my trip to Mexico.
5. Drop out: to leave or quit a course or educational program.
Example: He dropped out of college after his first semester.
6. Catch up: to reach the same level or progress as others.
Example: I need to study hard to catch up with my classmates.
7. Settle down: to focus and concentrate on studying or learning.
Example: It's time to settle down and start preparing for the exam.
8. Take up: to start learning or studying a new subject or activity.
Example: I decided to take up photography as a hobby.
9. Hand in: to submit or turn in an assignment or project.
Example: Don't forget to hand in your essay by tomorrow.
10. Get through: to successfully complete or finish something difficult.
Example: I finally got through all the chapters of the textbook.
The phrasal verb 'figure out' means to understand or solve something, often through careful thinking or analysis. It is used when trying to comprehend or find a solution to a problem or situation.
The phrasal verb 'drop out' means to leave or quit something, especially a school or a course, before it is completed.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'over' is "go over." It means to review or examine something in detail. For instance, you can say "I need to go over my notes before the exam" which implies that you want to review or study your notes thoroughly before the exam.
Some phrasal verbs related to leisure and entertainment are:
1. Hang out: to spend time with friends or relax in a casual manner.
2. Chill out: to relax or take it easy.
3. Kick back: to relax or unwind, often by doing something enjoyable.
4. Go out: to leave home and socialize, usually for entertainment purposes.
5. Check out: to visit or explore a place or event.
6. Tune in: to watch or listen to a specific television or radio program.
7. Turn up: to arrive or appear at a social gathering or event.
8. Dress up: to wear formal or fancy clothing for a special occasion.
9. Settle down: to relax or become comfortable in a specific place or situation.
10. Take up: to start a new hobby or activity for enjoyment.
The phrasal verb 'hang out' means to spend time with someone or to relax in a casual manner. It can also refer to spending time in a particular place regularly.
The phrasal verb 'try on' means to put on or wear something temporarily in order to see how it fits or looks.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'through' is "go through." It means to examine or search something thoroughly or to experience a difficult or challenging situation. For instance, "I need to go through my notes before the exam" means to carefully review or study the notes. Another example is "She went through a lot of hardships in her life," which implies that she faced and endured numerous difficulties.
Some phrasal verbs related to food and cooking are:
1. Cook up - to prepare or create a meal or dish
2. Cut up - to chop or slice food into smaller pieces
3. Eat out - to dine at a restaurant or eat away from home
4. Heat up - to warm or make food hot
5. Mix in - to combine ingredients thoroughly
6. Peel off - to remove the outer layer of a fruit or vegetable
7. Put together - to assemble or prepare a meal or dish
8. Take out - to order food from a restaurant for takeaway or delivery
9. Whip up - to quickly prepare a meal or dish
10. Spice up - to add flavor or make food more interesting.
The phrasal verb 'cook up' means to prepare or create something, typically a story or an excuse, often in a dishonest or deceptive manner.
The phrasal verb 'eat out' means to dine at a restaurant or eat a meal outside of one's home.
Some phrasal verbs related to environment and nature include:
1. Cut down (on): To reduce the amount of something, such as energy consumption or waste production.
2. Clean up: To remove dirt, pollution, or waste from a particular area or environment.
3. Give off: To release or emit something, such as gases or odors, into the environment.
4. Break down: To decompose or disintegrate naturally, often referring to organic matter.
5. Bring back: To restore or reintroduce something, such as a species or a natural habitat.
6. Use up: To deplete or exhaust a resource completely, often referring to natural resources.
7. Throw away: To discard or dispose of something, often in a careless or wasteful manner.
8. Take in: To absorb or assimilate something, such as nutrients or information, from the environment.
9. Turn off: To switch off or shut down a device or equipment to conserve energy.
10. Put out: To extinguish or suppress a fire or a source of pollution.
The phrasal verb 'clean up' means to tidy or organize a space, or to make it clean and free from dirt or mess. It can also refer to the act of cleaning or washing oneself or someone else. Additionally, 'clean up' can be used figuratively to describe the act of resolving or fixing a problem or situation.
The phrasal verb 'throw away' means to discard or get rid of something.
Some phrasal verbs related to fashion and style are:
- Dress up: to wear fancy or formal clothes
- Dress down: to wear casual or informal clothes
- Try on: to put on clothes to see if they fit or look good
- Mix and match: to combine different clothing items or styles
- Show off: to display or exhibit something, often to gain attention or admiration
- Dress to impress: to wear stylish or fashionable clothes to make a good impression
- Hang up: to put clothes on a hanger or hook
- Take off: to remove clothing
- Put on: to wear or dress in clothing
- Dress code: a set of rules or guidelines regarding appropriate clothing for a particular situation or event
The phrasal verb 'dress up' means to wear formal or fancy clothing, usually for a special occasion or event. It can also refer to putting on a costume or disguising oneself.
The phrasal verb 'try out' means to test or experiment with something or someone in order to evaluate their performance, suitability, or effectiveness.
The phrasal verb 'set off' means to start a journey or to begin a trip. It can also mean to cause something to start or to trigger something.
The phrasal verb 'get on' means to have a good relationship or to make progress in a particular situation.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'away' is "throw away." It means to discard or get rid of something. For instance, "I need to throw away these old magazines."
The phrasal verb 'save up' means to accumulate or set aside money or resources for future use or a specific purpose.
The phrasal verb 'pay off' means to give someone money that is owed, or to achieve a positive result or success after making efforts or investments.
One example of a phrasal verb with the particle 'back' is "bring back." It means to return or retrieve something or someone to a previous location or state. For instance, "I need to bring back this book to the library tomorrow" implies that the speaker has to return the book to the library.
The phrasal verb 'make up' has multiple meanings and can be used in different contexts.
One meaning of 'make up' is to reconcile or resolve a disagreement or conflict between people. For example, "They had a big argument, but they made up the next day."
Another meaning of 'make up' is to create or invent something, often a story or an excuse. For instance, "She made up an excuse for being late to work."
Additionally, 'make up' can refer to applying cosmetics or beautifying oneself. For example, "She spends a lot of time in the morning making up before going out."
Lastly, 'make up' can also mean to compensate for something that was missed or lost. For instance, "She missed a few classes, but she made up the work by studying extra."
Overall, the phrasal verb 'make up' has various meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
The phrasal verb 'break up' means to end a relationship or to separate.
The phrasal verb 'take off' has multiple meanings. It can refer to the action of removing clothing or an object from oneself or someone else. It can also mean to leave or depart, especially in the context of a plane or flight. Additionally, 'take off' can be used figuratively to describe the sudden success or popularity of something or someone.