What are Phrasal verbs?
Phrasal verbs consist of a main verb and one or more particles, typically prepositions or adverbs. Their structure may seem confusing at first, but understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English.
So, how are they different from regular verbs?
Phrasal verbs are distinctive because their meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words that make them up. In essence, they are idiomatic expressions, with meanings that often diverge from the literal definitions of their constituent words.
These verbs can be transitive (taking a direct object) or intransitive (not requiring a direct object), and their particles can change the meaning significantly.
| Phrasal verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| break down | stop functioning |
| break up | end a relationship |
| break out | escape |
| bring (somebody) up | raise a child |
| call off | cancel |
| call on | ask for answer |
| calm down | relax after anger |
| catch up | get to the same point |
| check out | investigate |
| find out | discover |
| hand in | submit something |
| hold up | delay |
| look over | check |
| clean up | tidy |
| pick out | choose |
| put off | postpone |
| set up | to arrange |
| get over | recover from sickness |
| cheer up | make happier |
| come apart | separate |
| drop out | quit a class |
| get away | go on a vacation |
| get back | return |
| keep up with | maintain pace with |
| give up | relax after anger |
| go on | continue |
| look into | investigate |
| talk over | discuss |
| try out | test something |
| go through | consume |
| run in to | meet |
| look after | take care |
| get along with | have a good relationship |
| get rid of | eliminate |