Introduction:
Phrasal verbs are often used to make conversation more fluid and natural. However, they can be tricky to master, especially, for beginners. Phrasal verbs can take your English to the next level whether used in writing or speaking.
Phrasal verbs are formed by combining verb + preposition or adverb (sometimes both). These combinations often give a completely different meaning than the individual words. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 50 essential phrasal verbs, with easy-to-understand explanations.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs form by adding a verb (like “take,” “go,” or “look”) with a preposition or adverb (like “up,” “in,” or “after”). These combinations result in a new meaning, which is often totally different from the meaning of the original verb.
For example:
- “Take” means to grab something.
- “Take off” means to leave or when a plane leaves the ground.
Why are they Important?
- Phrasal verbs are frequently used in everyday English conversations to sound more natural.
- They help in conveying long thoughts in a concise manner .
- Knowing phrasal verbs gives you the confidence to understand and communicate more effectively, especially in social and professional contexts.
Categorized guide to Essential phrasal verbs:
1. Phrasal verbs for Daily Activities
These phrasal verbs are commonly used when talking about routine tasks, making them handy for everyday conversations.
Get Up
Meaning: To rise from bed.
Example: I usually get up at 7 a.m. every day.
Run Out Of
Meaning: To consume all of something.
Example: We ran out of fuel while driving to Jaipur.
Put Off
Meaning: To postpone something.
Example: They decided to put off the meeting until next week.
Turn Off / Turn On
Meaning: To switch off or on a device.
Example: Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
Eat Out
Meaning: To have a meal outside the home.
Example: We decided to eat out at the new restaurant in Connaught Place.
2. Phrasal verbs for Communication
These phrasal verbs are useful during interactions, meetings, or conversations.
Bring Up
Meaning: To mention a topic or to raise a child.
Example: He brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
Call Off
Meaning: To cancel an event or meeting.
Example: They had to call off the meeting due to heavy rain.
Come Across
Meaning: To find something or someone unexpectedly.
Example: While traveling to Shimla, I came across a beautiful temple.
Look Up To
Meaning: To admire or respect someone.
Example: Many people look up to their teachers for guidance.
Call Back
Meaning: To return a phone call.
Example: I missed his call, so I’ll call him back in the evening.
3. Phrasal verbs for Emotions
These phrasal verbs help express how you feel or describe others’ emotions.
Cheer Up
Meaning: To make someone feel happiness.
Example: She tried to cheer him up after his loss.
Calm Down
Meaning: To relax after being angry or upset.
Example: People often meditate to calm down after a stressful day.
Break Down
Meaning: To become very emotional or to stop functioning (for machines).
Example: She broke down in tears after hearing the news of her father’s death.
Get Over
Meaning: To recover from something emotionally or physically.
Example: It’s hard for students to get over exam stress, especially during board exams.
Give Up
Meaning: To stop trying.
Example: Many students give up too soon after failing their first attempt at competitive exams.
4. Phrasal Verbs for Work or Studies
These phrasal verbs are particularly useful when talking about work or school.
Keep Up With
Meaning: To maintain the same level as someone else.
Example: She works hard to keep up with her colleagues.
Wrap Up
Meaning: To finish or complete something.
Example: Let’s wrap up the meeting before lunch.
Take Up
Meaning: To start doing something new.
Example: Many professionals take up online courses to upgrade their skills.
Hand In
Meaning: To submit something (like homework or a project).
Example: Don’t forget to hand in your assignment by Friday.
Set Up
Meaning: To arrange or establish something.
Example: She set up her own home-based business selling handcrafted products.
5. Phrasal Verbs for Travel or Movement
When you’re talking about travel, movement, or changes in location, these phrasal verbs can be helpful.
Take Off
Meaning: For an airplane to leave the ground or to become successful suddenly.
Example: Her business took off after she started selling products online.
Set Off
Meaning: To begin a journey.
Example: We set off for Goa early in the morning.
Drop Off
Meaning: To take someone to a place and leave them there.
Example: Can you drop me off at the station?
Check In
Meaning: To register at a hotel or airport.
Example: We checked in at the hotel around 3 p.m.
Get On / Get Off
Meaning: To board or leave a form of transportation.
Example: We need to get on the next bus.
6. Phrasal Verbs for Problem-Solving
Use these phrasal verbs when discussing how to deal with problems or challenges.
Sort Out
Meaning: To resolve a problem.
Example: He sorted out the financial problem with the help of a local bank.
Work Out
Meaning: To find a solution or to exercise.
Example: They worked out a deal with the vendor for better prices.
Figure Out
Meaning: To understand something after thinking about it.
Example: She figured out how to use the new smartphone after reading the manual.
Deal With
Meaning: To handle or manage something.
Example: We often have to deal with traffic jams during festival seasons.
Run Into
Meaning: To encounter a problem.
Example: We ran into some issues while setting up the new software.
7. Phrasal Verbs for Relationships
These phrasal verbs are used in the context of relationships, both personal and professional.
Break Up
Meaning: To end a relationship.
Example: They broke up after three years of dating.
Make Up
Meaning: To resolve a conflict or argument.
Example: After a long fight, they finally made up.
Get Along With
Meaning: To have a good relationship with someone.
Example: She gets along well with her colleagues.
Fall Out
Meaning: To have an argument and stop being friendly.
Example: I fell out with my colleague over a minor issue.
Look Up To
Meaning: To admire or respect someone.
Example: I’ve always looked up to my grandfather for his wisdom.
8. Phrasal Verbs for Shopping
These phrasal verbs are used for shopping.
Try On
Meaning: To put on clothes to see if they fit.
Example: I tried on the new saree but didn’t like the color.
Run Out Of
Meaning: To have no more of something.
Example: We’ve run out of milk, I’ll go buy some from the market.
Look For
Meaning: To search for something.
Example: I’ve been looking for a good pair of shoes for the wedding.
Pick Out
Meaning: To choose or select something.
Example: She picked out a beautiful necklace from the jewelry shop.
Pay Off
Meaning: To finish paying for something you bought.
Example: We finally paid off the loan for the new fridge.
9. Phrasal Verbs for Health and Fitness
These phrasal verbs can be used in the areas of health and fitness.
Work Out
Meaning: To exercise, typically at a gym or fitness center.
Example: I work out at the local gym every morning to stay fit.
Warm Up
Meaning: To prepare your body for exercise by stretching or light activity.
Example: Before playing cricket, it’s important to warm up properly.
Cool Down
Meaning: To slow down after exercise to help your body recover.
Example: After jogging, I always take time to cool down by walking.
Cut Down On
Meaning: To reduce the amount of something unhealthy.
Example: The doctor advised me to cut down on sugary foods to lose weight.
Build Up
Meaning: To increase strength or stamina.
Example: He’s been building up his muscles by lifting weights every day.
10. Phrasal Verbs for Technology
These phrasal verbs are frequently used in the context of technology.
Log In
Meaning: To enter a username and password to access a system.
Example: I need to log in to my email to check my messages.
Shut Down
Meaning: To turn off a computer or machine.
Example: Don’t forget to shut down your laptop after you finish your work.
Set Up
Meaning: To install or configure something, usually software or a device.
Example: The technician helped me set up my new Wi-Fi connection.
Plug In
Meaning: To connect an electrical device to a power source.
Example: I need to plug in my phone charger before the battery dies.
Scroll Down
Meaning: To move a page downward on a screen.
Example: Scroll down to read more articles on the website.
Conclusion:
By grouping phrasal verbs into categories, it becomes easy to learn and remember. Practice these regularly in your conversations, and soon, you will be able to use them naturally. Start with the categories that are most relevant to your daily life or work, and then gradually expand to others. Make sure to use phrasal verbs in the right context, to avoid any confusion.
Happy learning!
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