Skip to Content

A Complete Guide to Phrasal Verbs in English

Sharing is caring!

Welcome to our course on phrasal verbs! In this course, we will be learning about phrasal verbs, which are a type of verb in the English language that consist of a verb and a particle, such as “get up,” “turn off,” or “look after.” We will explore the different types of phrasal verbs, their meanings and uses, and how to use them correctly in English.

Phrasal verbs are a type of verb in the English language that consist of a verb and a particle, such as “get up,” “turn off,” or “look after.” These verb phrases can often be used in place of a single verb, and they can add meaning and nuance to a sentence.

One of the most interesting things about phrasal verbs is that they can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the phrasal verb “pick up” can mean to lift something, to collect someone, or to improve in quality or skill. This can make them difficult for non-native English speakers to learn and use correctly.

Phrasal verbs are used in a variety of contexts in English, both formal and informal. They can be found in spoken and written English, and they are an important part of the language. While they can be challenging to learn, with practice and exposure, it is possible to become proficient in using phrasal verbs correctly.

Types of phrasal verbs

There are several types of phrasal verbs, including transitive phrasal verbs, intransitive phrasal verbs, separable phrasal verbs, and inseparable phrasal verbs.

Transitive phrasal verbs are verb phrases that take an object.

For example, in the sentence “I picked up the package,” “picked up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it takes the object “the package.”

Intransitive phrasal verbs are verb phrases that do not take an object.

For example, in the sentence “She got up early,” “got up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it does not take an object.

Separable phrasal verbs are transitive phrasal verbs that can be separated by an object.

For example, in the sentence “I picked up the package,” the phrasal verb “picked up” can be separated by the object “the package” to form “I picked the package up.” Not all transitive phrasal verbs are separable.

Inseparable phrasal verbs are phrasal verbs that cannot be separated by an object.

For example, in the sentence “She turned the TV off,” the phrasal verb “turned off” cannot be separated by the object “the TV.” Intransitive phrasal verbs are usually inseparable.

It is important to note that some phrasal verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively, depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the phrasal verb “set off” can be transitive, as in “I set off the alarm,” or intransitive, as in “The alarm set off.”

A Complete Guide to Phrasal Verbs in English 1

Common particles used in phrasal verbs

There are many particles that can be used in phrasal verbs, and the particle used can change the meaning of the verb. Some common particles used in phrasal verbs include:

  • Up“: This particle can indicate an increase or improvement, as in “I’m going to cheer you up.” It can also indicate movement towards a higher position, as in “I’m going to climb up the ladder.”
  • Off“: This particle can indicate a separation or removal, as in “I’m going to turn off the TV.” It can also indicate movement away from a location, as in “I’m going to drive off.”
  • On“: This particle can indicate movement towards a location, as in “I’m going to turn on the light.” It can also indicate the start of an action, as in “I’m going to turn on the TV.”
  • Out“: This particle can indicate movement away from a location, as in “I’m going to go out for a walk.” It can also indicate the end of an action, as in “I’m going to turn out the light.”

Other common particles used in phrasal verbs include “in,” “down,” “away,” “over,” and “through.” The meaning of a phrasal verb can change significantly depending on the particle used, so it is important to pay attention to the particle when learning phrasal verbs.

How the particle in a phrasal verb can change the meaning of the verb

The particle in a phrasal verb can significantly change the meaning of the verb. For example, consider the verb “look.” When used with the particle “up,” it takes on the meaning of researching or seeking information, as in “I’m going to look up the definition of ‘phrasal verbs.'” When used with the particle “after,” it takes on the meaning of caring for or taking responsibility for someone or something, as in “I’m going to look after the kids while you’re at work.”

Here are a few more examples of how the particle in a phrasal verb can change the meaning of the verb:

  • “Turn on” (start an action) vs. “turn off” (stop an action)
  • “Get up” (rise from a lying position) vs. “get off” (descend from a vehicle or leave a place)
  • “Put up” (erect or construct) vs. “put off” (postpone or delay)

It is important to pay attention to the particle in a phrasal verb when learning and using phrasal verbs in English, as the meaning of the verb can change significantly depending on the particle used.

Common Phrasal Verbs with UP

Using phrasal verbs in different contexts

Phrasal verbs can be used in a variety of contexts in English, including formal, informal, spoken, and written. It is important to choose the appropriate phrasal verb and use it correctly depending on the context in which it is used.

In formal contexts, such as in business or academic writing, it is generally best to use more formal phrasal verbs and to avoid using phrasal verbs that are too casual or slangy. For example, in a business email, it might be more appropriate to use the phrasal verb “follow up” (to take further action or make further inquiries) rather than the phrasal verb “check up on” (to investigate or scrutinize).

In informal contexts, such as in casual conversation or social media, it is generally more acceptable to use phrasal verbs that are more casual or slangy. For example, in a text message to a friend, it might be more appropriate to use the phrasal verb “hang out” (to spend time together in a relaxed way) rather than the phrasal verb “socialize” (to mix with others in a social setting).

Phrasal verbs are often used more frequently in spoken English than in written English. In spoken English, phrasal verbs can add emphasis, convey tone, and help to create a more natural-sounding conversation. In written English, phrasal verbs can be used, but it is generally best to choose phrasal verbs that are more formal and to use them sparingly to avoid appearing too casual or informal.

It is important to consider the context in which a phrasal verb is being used when learning and using phrasal verbs in English. Using the appropriate phrasal verb and using it correctly can help to convey the intended meaning and tone.

Common phrasal verbs and their meanings

Here is a list of some common phrasal verbs and their meanings:

  • “Break up” (end a relationship)
  • “Catch up” (to bring up to the same level or overtake)
  • “Cut off” (to disconnect or stop)
  • “Get along” (to have a good relationship)
  • “Give up” (to stop trying or to relinquish)
  • “Hold on” (to wait or to grip tightly)
  • “Look after” (to take care of or to take responsibility for)
  • “Look up” (to research or seek information)
  • “Set off” (to cause to start or to begin a journey)
  • “Take off” (to remove or to leave the ground)
  • “Turn down” (to refuse or to lower)
  • “Turn off” (to stop or to disconnect)
  • “Turn on” (to start or to activate)
  • “Wake up” (to awaken or to become aware)

This is just a small selection of the many phrasal verbs that exist in the English language. Phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which they are used, so it is important to pay attention to the meaning of a phrasal verb in the specific context in which it is being used.

Practice exercises to help improve understanding and usage

Here are a few practice exercises that can help you improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs:

  1. Match the phrasal verb with its definition: Write out a list of phrasal verbs and their definitions. Then, try to match each phrasal verb with its correct definition. For example, if the phrasal verb is “break up” and the definition is “end a relationship,” you would write “break up” next to “end a relationship.”
  2. Choose the correct phrasal verb: Write out a list of sentences with a blank space where a phrasal verb should be used. Then, choose the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence. For example, if the sentence is “I’m going to _____ the TV,” and the choices are “turn on,” “turn off,” and “turn down,” you would choose “turn off.”
  3. Write your own sentences: Choose a phrasal verb and try to write your own sentences using it in different contexts. For example, if you choose the phrasal verb “catch up,” you could write a sentence using it in a formal context, such as “I need to catch up on the latest research in my field,” and a sentence using it in an informal context, such as “I’m going to catch up with my old friend at the party.”
  4. Practice with a partner: Find a partner and take turns using phrasal verbs in sentences. Try to use phrasal verbs that are new to you or that you are not as confident in using. Your partner can help you to correct any mistakes and give you feedback on your usage.

By practicing with these and other exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs in English. With dedication and practice, you can become proficient in using phrasal verbs correctly.

Tips for learning and using phrasal verbs effectively

Here are a few tips for learning and using phrasal verbs effectively:

  1. Pay attention to context: As mentioned earlier, the meaning of a phrasal verb can change significantly depending on the context in which it is used. Pay attention to the context in which a phrasal verb is being used, and try to use phrasal verbs appropriately in different contexts.
  2. Use a dictionary: If you are unsure of the meaning of a phrasal verb, consult a dictionary. Many online dictionaries, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, include definitions and examples of phrasal verbs.
  3. Practice, practice, practice: The best way to improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs is to practice using them. Find opportunities to use phrasal verbs in your speaking and writing, and seek out practice exercises and activities to help you improve.
  4. Pay attention to the particle: As mentioned earlier, the particle in a phrasal verb can significantly change the meaning of the verb. Pay attention to the particle used in a phrasal verb and try to use it correctly.
  5. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: It is natural to make mistakes when learning a new language, and phrasal verbs can be especially challenging for non-native speakers. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and seek out feedback from a native speaker or a language learning tutor if you are unsure of your usage. With practice and dedication, you can improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs.

Phrasal verbs with multiple meanings and uses

Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings and uses, which can make them challenging to learn and use correctly. Here are a few examples of phrasal verbs with multiple meanings and uses:

  • “Look up” can mean to research or seek information, as in “I’m going to look up the definition of ‘phrasal verbs'” or to raise one’s head to see, as in “I looked up and saw a bird flying overhead.”
  • “Set off” can mean to cause to start, as in “The alarm set off the fire sprinkler system,” or to begin a journey, as in “We set off on our road trip early in the morning.”
  • “Take off” can mean to remove, as in “I’m going to take off my shoes,” or to leave the ground, as in “The plane took off on time.”
  • “Turn on” can mean to start or activate, as in “I’m going to turn on the TV,” or to arouse or stimulate, as in “The music turned him on.”

These are just a few examples of phrasal verbs with multiple meanings and uses. It is important to pay attention to the context in which a phrasal verb is being used to understand its meaning and use it correctly.

Idiomatic phrasal verbs and their meanings

Idiomatic phrasal verbs are phrasal verbs that have a meaning that is different from the individual meanings of the verb and particle. These phrasal verbs are often used in everyday speech and are an important part of the English language. Here are a few examples of idiomatic phrasal verbs and their meanings:

  • “Blow up” (explode or inflate)
  • “Break down” (stop functioning or fall apart, or cry or become emotional)
  • “Bring up” (mention or raise a topic, or rear or care for a child)
  • “Call off” (cancel or postpone)
  • “Calm down” (become less agitated or angry)
  • “Come up” (occur or be brought up for discussion, or approach or get closer)
  • “Cut off” (disconnect or stop, or block or interrupt)
  • “Get along” (have a good relationship, or manage or survive)
  • “Get up” (rise from a lying position)
  • “Give up” (stop trying or relinquish, or admit defeat)
  • “Hold on” (wait or grip tightly)
  • “Look after” (take care of or take responsibility for, or watch over or protect)
  • “Pick up” (lift or collect, or improve or learn quickly)
  • “Set off” (cause to start or begin a journey, or detonate or explode)
  • “Take off” (remove or leave the ground, or depart or start a journey)
  • “Turn down” (refuse or lower, or reduce the volume or intensity of something)
  • “Turn off” (stop or disconnect, or turn away or cause to lose interest)
  • “Turn on” (start or activate, or arouse or stimulate)
  • “Wake up” (awaken or become aware, or cause to become aware)

It is important to note that the meanings of idiomatic phrasal verbs cannot be predicted by the individual meanings of the verb and particle. It is best to learn the meanings.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Here are a few common mistakes made when using phrasal verbs and how to avoid them:

  1. Using the wrong particle: One common mistake when using phrasal verbs is using the wrong particle. For example, using “pick up” with the wrong particle can change the meaning of the verb. “Pick up” means to lift or collect when used with the particle “up,” but it means to improve or learn quickly when used with the particle “on.”
  2. Using a phrasal verb as a single verb: Some phrasal verbs can be used as single verbs, but others cannot. For example, “set off” can be used as a single verb, but “turn off” cannot. It is important to pay attention to whether a phrasal verb can be used as a single verb or not.
  3. Using a phrasal verb in the wrong context: As mentioned earlier, the meaning of a phrasal verb can change significantly depending on the context in which it is used. It is important to choose the appropriate phrasal verb and use it correctly depending on the context in which it is being used.
  4. Misplacing the particle: When using a separable phrasal verb, it is important to place the particle correctly. For example, in the sentence “I’m going to turn the TV off,” the particle “off” should be placed after the object “TV,” not before it.

To avoid these and other mistakes when using phrasal verbs, it is important to pay attention to the meaning and use of the phrasal verb in the specific context in which it is being used. With practice and attention to detail, you can improve your usage of phrasal verbs and avoid common mistakes.

 

ESLBUZZ