Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, adding color and nuance to everyday conversation and writing. Mastering them can significantly improve your comprehension and fluency.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top 50 phrasal verbs you need to know, explaining their meanings, providing examples, and offering practice exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re an ESL learner or simply looking to refine your English skills, this guide is designed to help you confidently use phrasal verbs in various contexts.
This guide is perfect for ESL students, individuals preparing for English proficiency exams, and anyone wanting to improve their English communication skills. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of these common phrasal verbs and be able to use them accurately and confidently.
Table of Contents
- What are Phrasal Verbs?
- Structural Breakdown of Phrasal Verbs
- Types of Phrasal Verbs
- Examples of Phrasal Verbs
- Usage Rules for Phrasal Verbs
- Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Phrasal Verbs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and another element, typically a preposition or an adverb. These combinations create a new meaning distinct from the original verb.
Phrasal verbs are common in spoken and informal English, and understanding them is crucial for fluent communication. They can be tricky because their meaning isn’t always obvious from the individual words.
Phrasal verbs function as single verbs, but their meaning is often idiomatic. This means the meaning of the phrasal verb cannot be directly deduced from the meanings of the individual words.
For example, “look up” doesn’t simply mean to look in an upward direction; it often means to search for information.
The context in which a phrasal verb is used greatly affects its interpretation. The same phrasal verb can have different meanings depending on the sentence.
For example, “break down” can refer to a car malfunctioning, a person becoming emotionally distressed, or a detailed analysis of something.
Structural Breakdown of Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs consist of two main components: a verb and a particle. The particle can be either a preposition (e.g., on, in, at, to, from) or an adverb (e.g., up, down, away, out). The combination of these elements creates the phrasal verb’s unique meaning.
Verb + Preposition: In this structure, the preposition usually maintains some of its original meaning, indicating direction or location. For example, in “look after,” after suggests caring or following up.
Verb + Adverb: Here, the adverb modifies the verb, often indicating a change in state or direction. For example, in “speed up,” up indicates an increase in speed.
Verb + Adverb + Preposition: Some phrasal verbs have both an adverb and a preposition, creating a more complex structure. For example, “look forward to” combines the verb look with the adverb forward and the preposition to.
Types of Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs can be categorized based on their transitivity and separability. Transitivity refers to whether the phrasal verb takes a direct object, while separability refers to whether the verb and particle can be separated by the object.
Transitive Phrasal Verbs
Transitive phrasal verbs require a direct object. The action of the verb is performed on something or someone.
For example, “pick up” is transitive because you pick *something* up.
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
Intransitive phrasal verbs do not require a direct object. The action of the verb is complete without acting on anything else.
For example, “show up” is intransitive because you simply show up; you don’t show *something* up.
Separable Phrasal Verbs
Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed either between the verb and the particle or after the particle. For example, you can say “turn on the light” or “turn the light on.”
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Inseparable phrasal verbs do not allow the object to be placed between the verb and the particle. The object must always follow the particle.
For example, you can only say “look after the baby,” not “look the baby after.”
Examples of Phrasal Verbs
Below are examples of 50 essential phrasal verbs, categorized for easier understanding. Each phrasal verb is defined and illustrated with example sentences.
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Get”
The phrasal verb “get” can be used in a variety of ways and is often combined with prepositions and adverbs to create new meanings. These meanings can range from receiving something to becoming sick, and even to escaping a situation.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get up | To rise from bed | I get up at 7 AM every morning. |
| Get on | To enter a bus, train, or plane | We need to get on the bus quickly. |
| Get off | To leave a bus, train, or plane | Remember to get off at the next stop. |
| Get along (with) | To have a good relationship with someone | I get along well with my classmates. |
| Get over | To recover from an illness or disappointment | It took me a while to get over the flu. |
| Get through | To finish or complete something | I need to get through this report by Friday. |
| Get away | To escape | The robber tried to get away from the police. |
| Get back | To return | When will you get back from your trip? |
| Get together | To meet or gather | Let’s get together for coffee next week. |
| Get into | To become interested in something | I’m really getting into photography lately. |
| Get out | To leave a place | Please get out of my office! |
| Get behind | To fail to make enough progress | I’m getting behind on my assignments. |
| Get around | To travel to different places | It’s easy to get around the city by bus. |
| Get by | To manage to survive or live | We can get by on a small budget. |
| Get down | To depress someone | The rainy weather is getting me down. |
| Get rid of | To throw away or eliminate | I need to get rid of these old clothes. |
| Get across | To communicate an idea clearly | I’m trying to get across my point. |
| Get at | To imply or suggest | What are you getting at? |
| Get on with | To continue doing something | I need to get on with my work. |
| Get something across | To successfully communicate something | He struggled to get his point across. |
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Look”
Phrasal verbs with “look” often involve visual actions, investigations, or expectations. They are frequently used in daily conversations and are important for understanding nuanced meanings related to perception and anticipation.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Look up | To search for information | I need to look up the definition of this word. |
| Look after | To take care of someone | Can you look after my cat while I’m away? |
| Look forward to | To anticipate with pleasure | I look forward to seeing you next week. |
| Look out | To be careful | Look out! There’s a car coming. |
| Look into | To investigate | The police are looking into the crime. |
| Look through | To examine quickly | I looked through the newspaper this morning. |
| Look back | To remember or reflect on the past | When I look back, I have many fond memories. |
| Look down on | To consider someone inferior | She looks down on people who don’t have a degree. |
| Look up to | To admire or respect someone | I look up to my grandfather. |
| Look over | To review or examine | Can you look over my essay before I submit it? |
| Look around | To explore a place | Let’s look around the museum. |
| Look ahead | To think about the future | We need to look ahead and plan for next year. |
| Look for | To try to find something | I’m looking for my keys. |
| Look in on | To visit someone briefly | I’ll look in on my grandmother later. |
| Look out for | To be vigilant or cautious about someone or something | Look out for pickpockets in crowded areas. |
| Look upon | To consider or regard | We look upon him as a valued member of our team. |
| Look to | To rely on or depend on | We look to our leaders for guidance. |
| Look past | To ignore or disregard | Try to look past his mistakes and see his potential. |
| Look sharp | To be quick or prompt | We need to look sharp if we want to finish on time. |
| Look the other way | To ignore something intentionally | He chose to look the other way when he saw the crime. |
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Take”
Phrasal verbs with “take” often relate to actions involving objects or responsibilities. They can describe physical actions like removing something or assuming a role, and are common in discussions about duties, schedules, and acceptance.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Take off | To remove clothing or leave the ground (airplane) | Please take off your shoes before entering. / The plane will take off in five minutes. |
| Take after | To resemble a parent or relative | She takes after her mother in personality. |
| Take care of | To look after someone | I need to take care of my younger brother. |
| Take out | To remove something or someone | Can you take out the trash? |
| Take on | To accept a responsibility or task | I can’t take on any more work right now. |
| Take up | To start a hobby or activity | I want to take up painting. |
| Take back | To return something | I need to take back this shirt to the store. |
| Take down | To write something down | Please take down my phone number. |
| Take over | To assume control of something | The new manager will take over next week. |
| Take part in | To participate in | I want to take part in the competition. |
| Take away | To remove or subtract | The waiter will take away the empty plates. |
| Take in | To understand or absorb information | It’s hard to take in all this information at once. |
| Take to | To start liking someone or something | I took to her immediately when we met. |
| Take apart | To disassemble something | He took apart the old radio to see how it worked. |
| Take issue with | To disagree with | I have to take issue with your statement. |
| Take stock of | To assess or evaluate | We need to take stock of our resources. |
| Take heart | To be encouraged | Take heart, things will get better. |
| Take a fancy to | To develop a liking for | She took a fancy to the new restaurant. |
| Take for granted | To underestimate the value of something | Don’t take your health for granted. |
| Take after | To resemble a parent or relative | She takes after her mother in personality. |
Common Phrasal Verbs with “Put”
Phrasal verbs with “put” commonly involve placing or arranging items, but they also extend to abstract concepts like tolerating or enduring situations. These verbs are practical for describing everyday actions and attitudes.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Put on | To wear clothing | Please put on your coat. |
| Put off | To postpone | We had to put off the meeting until next week. |
| Put out | To extinguish a fire | Please put out your cigarette. |
| Put up with | To tolerate | I can’t put up with his behavior anymore. |
| Put together | To assemble | I need to put together this bookshelf. |
| Put down | To insult or criticize | Don’t put down my ideas. |
| Put away | To store something | Please put away your toys. |
| Put forward | To propose an idea | He put forward a new plan. |
| Put across | To communicate effectively | She put across her message clearly. |
| Put in | To invest time or effort | I’ve put in a lot of work on this project. |
Usage Rules for Phrasal Verbs
Using phrasal verbs correctly requires understanding their transitivity and separability. Here are some key rules to follow:
Transitivity: Remember whether the phrasal verb needs a direct object. If it’s transitive, you must include an object; if it’s intransitive, you shouldn’t.
Separability: If a phrasal verb is separable, you can choose whether to place the object between the verb and the particle or after the particle. However, when the object is a pronoun (it, him, her, them), it *must* go between the verb and the particle. For example, “Turn it on” is correct, but “Turn on it” is incorrect.
Intransitive phrasal verbs can ***never*** be separated.
Formal vs. Informal: Phrasal verbs are generally more common in spoken and informal English. In formal writing, it’s often better to use a single-word verb with a similar meaning. For example, instead of “put off,” you could use “postpone.”
Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs
One of the most common mistakes is incorrectly separating inseparable phrasal verbs. Another frequent error is misinterpreting the meaning of a phrasal verb due to its idiomatic nature.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I look the baby after. | I look after the baby. | “Look after” is inseparable. |
| Turn on it. | Turn it on. | Pronouns must go between the verb and particle in separable phrasal verbs. |
| She called to me. | She called me. | “Call” does not require the preposition “to” when followed by a direct object. |
| We discussed about the problem. | We discussed the problem. | “Discuss” does not require the preposition “about.” |
| I must to study. | I must study. | “Must” is a modal verb and does not require “to.” |
| He didn’t listened to me. | He didn’t listen to me. | The base form of the verb is used after “did not.” |
| She enjoys to read. | She enjoys reading. | “Enjoy” is followed by the gerund form of the verb (-ing). |
| They decided to went. | They decided to go. | “Decide” is followed by the infinitive form of the verb (to + base form). |
| I have been here since three hours. | I have been here for three hours. | “For” is used to indicate a duration of time, while “since” is used with a specific point in time. |
| He is taller than me. | He is taller than I am. | When making a comparison, ensure the sentence is grammatically complete. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb from the list provided.
List of Phrasal Verbs: look after, get over, take off, put off, get along with, look forward to, put on, take after, get up, look into
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I usually ___________ at 6 AM on weekdays. | get up |
| 2. She ___________ her mother in appearance. | takes after |
| 3. We had to ___________ the meeting because of the weather. | put off |
| 4. I need to ___________ my little sister this weekend. | look after |
| 5. I’m ___________ seeing you next month. | looking forward to |
| 6. It took me a while to ___________ the breakup. | get over |
| 7. Please ___________ your shoes before entering the house. | take off |
| 8. I ___________ my colleagues very well. | get along with |
| 9. The police are ___________ the robbery. | looking into |
| 10. It’s cold outside; ___________ your coat. | put on |
List of Phrasal Verbs: take out, put away, get back, look up, take on, get around, put up with, take back, get through, look out
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I need to ___________ the trash before it starts to smell. | take out |
| 2. Please ___________ your toys after playing with them. | put away |
| 3. When will you ___________ from your vacation? | get back |
| 4. I need to ___________ the meaning of this word in the dictionary. | look up |
| 5. I can’t ___________ any more responsibilities right now. | take on |
| 6. It’s easy to ___________ the city using public transportation. | get around |
| 7. I can’t ___________ his rude behavior any longer. | put up with |
| 8. I need to ___________ this book to the library. | take back |
| 9. I need to ___________ this project by the end of the week. | get through |
| 10. ___________! There’s a car coming! | look out |
Instructions: Choose the best phrasal verb to complete each sentence.
Phrasal Verbs: look forward to, get over, take off, put off, get along with, look after, put on, take after, get up, look into
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
1. I ___________ at 7 AM every morning.
|
(b) get up |
2. She ___________ her mother in appearance.
|
(b) takes after |
3. We had to ___________ the meeting because of the weather.
|
(a) put off |
4. Can you ___________ my cat while I’m on vacation?
|
(c) look after |
5. I’m really ___________ seeing you next week.
|
(a) looking forward to |
6. It took me a while to ___________ the flu.
|
(b) get over |
7. Please ___________ your shoes before entering the house.
|
(c) take off |
8. I ___________ my colleagues very well.
|
(b) get along with |
9. The police are ___________ the crime.
|
(b) looking into |
10. It’s cold outside; ___________ your coat!
|
(b) put on |
Advanced Topics in Phrasal Verbs
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of phrasal verb usage is key. This includes recognizing subtle differences in meaning, understanding regional variations, and using phrasal verbs appropriately in formal vs. informal contexts.
Regional Variations: Some phrasal verbs are more common in certain regions or dialects of English. Being aware of these variations can help you better understand and communicate with people from different areas.
Formal Alternatives: In formal writing, consider using single-word verbs instead of phrasal verbs. This can make your writing sound more professional and academic. For example, instead of “find out,” use “discover.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about phrasal verbs:
- What is the best way to learn phrasal verbs?
The best way to learn phrasal verbs is through context. Read and listen to English as much as possible, paying attention to how phrasal verbs are used. Make flashcards, use online resources, and practice using them in your own writing and speaking.
- Are phrasal verbs always separable?
No, some phrasal verbs are separable, while others are inseparable. Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed between the verb and the particle, while inseparable phrasal verbs do not.
- How can I tell if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy rule to determine if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable. You need to learn them individually through practice and exposure. Dictionaries often indicate whether a phrasal verb is separable or not.
- Why are phrasal verbs so difficult for ESL learners?
Phrasal verbs are difficult because their meaning is often idiomatic, meaning it cannot be deduced from the individual words. Additionally, the rules governing their transitivity and separability can be confusing.
- Can I use phrasal verbs in formal writing?
While phrasal verbs are more common in spoken and informal English, they can be used in formal writing if they are appropriate for the context. However, it’s often better to use single-word verbs with similar meanings in formal writing.
- What is the difference between a phrasal verb and a prepositional verb?
A phrasal verb consists of a verb and a particle (adverb or preposition) where the combination creates a new meaning. A prepositional verb consists of a verb followed by a preposition, where the preposition retains its original meaning and links the verb to its object. For example, ‘look at’ is a prepositional verb because ‘at’ indicates direction towards the object being looked at, whereas ‘look up’ (meaning to search) is a phrasal verb.
- How can I improve my understanding of phrasal verbs in context?
Immerse yourself in English media such as movies, TV shows, podcasts, and books. Pay attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs and try to infer their meanings from the context. Keep a notebook to record new phrasal verbs and their definitions.
- Are there any resources that can help me practice phrasal verbs?
Yes, there are many online resources, apps, and textbooks that can help you practice phrasal verbs, such as Quizlet, Memrise, and various ESL websites. Also, many language exchange partners and tutors can help you practice using phrasal verbs in conversation.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs is a crucial step in achieving fluency and confidence in English. By understanding their structure, types, and usage rules, and by practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your comprehension and communication skills.
This guide has provided you with a solid foundation for learning the top 50 phrasal verbs you need to know.
Continue to expand your knowledge of phrasal verbs by reading, listening, and practicing. The more you expose yourself to English, the more comfortable you will become with using phrasal verbs naturally and accurately.
Remember that consistent effort and practice are key to success in language learning.