How to Use Phrasal Verbs Without Getting Confused
- Thomas
- Jul 2
- 7 min read
Phrasal verbs are everywhere in English, but they can be tricky for learners. They often have meanings that are not the same as the individual words, similar to idioms, making them difficult to understand. However, with the right strategies, you can master them without confusion!
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a meaning different from the base verb. For example:
Give up – to quit
This math homework is too hard. I give up.
Look after – to take care of
Can you look after my cat while I’m on vacation?
Run into – to meet unexpectedly
Today I ran into an old friend from high school. I didn’t know they lived in my city!
Why Are Phrasal Verbs Difficult?
1. Multiple Meanings – One phrasal verb can have different meanings. For example, "turn up" can mean "increase volume" or "arrive unexpectedly."
Hey, can you turn up the music?
I have no idea where this dog came from. He just turned up out of nowhere.
2. Word Order Matters – Some phrasal verbs are separable ("pick up the book" vs. "pick the book up"), while others are not ("look after the baby," not "look the baby after").
3. They’re Idiomatic – The meaning often isn’t literal, making them harder to guess. For example business related phrasal verbs can be really confusing. Take a look at this example:
We need to iron out the details of this project by end of day.
In this example the phrasal verb “iron out” is not related to clothing, instead it is used to mean finalizing details or removing the difficulties of the situation. They are talking about needing all of the details of the project planned and organized before the work day is over. They are not literally ironing anything.
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How to Learn Phrasal Verbs Effectively
1. Group Them by Topic
Instead of memorizing random phrasal verbs, learn them in context. For example, learn travel-related ones together ("check in," "take off," "get in").
A categorized list of some of the most common phrasal verbs is provided down below.
2. Create Your Own Example Sentences
Create your own example sentences. Writing and saying them out loud helps reinforce their meaning. Try it now with “get along” which means to have a friendly relationship with someone. Who is someone you get along with? Create a sentence and say it out loud now.
3. Learn Common Ones First
Focus on the most frequently used phrasal verbs before diving into less common ones. For example, let’s say you’re watching an old western movie (this film genre is typically set in the countryside with cowboys living in the 1800’s) and you hear this phrase:
“You need to pony up your share of the profits!”
Sounds unusual, right? That is because “pony up” is a very old fashioned phrasal verb meaning “to pay for something reluctantly.” The reason this seems so unusual? No one uses it anymore. Always pay attention to source material—where your information is coming from. In this example, the phrasal verb came from an old western film, as mentioned earlier, these films are typically set in the 1800’s, so you should expect to hear uncommon words and phrases here. Do not waste your time on useless phrasal verbs like these. You do not need to understand how to speak like an old western film (unless that is just what you enjoy doing,) instead focus on more modern language.
4. Shadow Native Speakers
Shadowing is when we repeat (out loud) new words and phrases that we have just heard. Movies, TV shows, and podcasts are full of phrasal verbs. Listen carefully and try to notice how they’re used. Then repeat what you hear out loud, focusing on pronunciation and intonation. Shadowing is a great way to learn new words and phrases with little effort!
5. Practice with Flashcards
Write the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning (or an example sentence) on the other. There are also popular apps like Anki or Quizlet that you can use instead if you prefer a digital studying method. Be sure to quiz yourself regularly.
6. Use Them in Conversations
Try incorporating phrasal verbs into your daily conversations. The more you use them, the more natural they will feel. Remember, don’t worry about whether you may or may not be using it incorrectly, even if it’s incorrect you will learn from that experience! Don’t avoid using new words because of the fear of being wrong. It’s okay to be wrong sometimes, that’s how we learn what the right things are.
68 of the most common phrasal verbs, categorized
Expand each of the lists below to view the phrasal verbs. If a phrasal verb is separable—meaning one or more words can be placed between the verb and particle—it will be marked with (S) before the definition. If a phrasal verb is NOT separable—meaning no words can be placed between the verb and particle—it will be marked with (NS) before the definition.
Travel & Transportation
1. Check in (S) – register at a hotel or airport
2. Check out (S) – complete your departure process
3. Set off (NS) – begin a journey
4. Get on (NS) – board a bus, train, or plane
5. Get off (NS) – leave a bus, train, or plane
6. Take off (NS) – (of a plane) leave the ground, (of a car) start driving
7. Touch down (NS) – (of a plane) land
8. Lay over (NS) – make a brief stop during a long journey
9. Pick up (S) – collect someone or something
10. Drop off (S) – leave someone or something at a destination
11. Look around – explore a place
12. Move on (NS) – leave one place for another
Cooking & Food Preparation
1. Boil over (NS) – when a liquid in a pot spills over
2. Simmer down (NS) – reduce heat to let something cook slowly
3. Heat up (S) – make food warmer
4. Cool down (S) – let food or a drink reach a lower temperature
5. Stir in (S) – mix an ingredient into a dish
6. Mix up (S) – combine ingredients thoroughly
7. Chop up (S) – cut into small pieces
8. Whip up (S) – prepare something quickly
9. Slice up (S) – cut into slices
10. Take out (S) – remove something (like food from the oven)
Sports & Exercise
1. Warm up (S) – perform light exercises before the main activity
2. Cool down (S) – do gentle exercises after intense activity
3. Work out (NS) – exercise or train
4. Knock out (S) – defeat an opponent (often in boxing)
5. Fall behind (S) – lag in a race or competition, move away from first position
6. Pull ahead (S) – move into the lead (first position) of a race
7. Keep up (S) – maintain the same pace or level as others
8. Step up (S) – increase effort or performance
9. Give up (S) – stop trying; quit
Business & Work
1. Set up (S) – establish or arrange something (like a meeting or project)
2. Take over (NS) – assume control or responsibility
3. Call off (S) – cancel an event or meeting
4. Put off (S) – delay or postpone something
5. Carry on (NS) – continue doing something
6. Come up with (NS) – think of or produce an idea
7. Look into (NS) – investigate or examine
8. Follow up (S) – check in/continue after an initial action or meeting
9. Fill in (S) – (of paperwork) complete a form, (of work positions) substitute for someone
10. Hand in (S) – submit work or documents
11. Hand out (S) – distribute items or information
12. Bring up (S) – mention a topic or raise an issue
13. Deal with (NS) – manage or handle a situation
14. Sort out (S) – resolve a problem or organize
15. Wrap up (S) – finish or conclude something
16. Take on (S) – accept a responsibility or challenge
17. Break down (NS) – analyze something or (of a device/service) a malfunction
18. Run through (NS) – review or practice something quickly
19. Back up (S) – make a copy of data or support (someone)
20. Cut back (NS) – reduce or decrease (expenses, work, etc.)
21. Put together (S) – assemble or compile parts to form a whole
Everyday Life
1. Hang out (NS) – spend time relaxing or socializing
2. Get along (NS) – have a friendly relationship with someone
3. Look after (NS) – take care of someone or something
4. Come over (NS) – visit someone’s place
5. Drop by (NS) – make an unplanned visit
6. Pick up (S) – collect someone, something (or learn something new)
7. Put up with (NS) – tolerate or endure
8. Calm down (S) – become less agitated or upset
9. Cheer up (S) – become happier or make someone feel better
10. Figure out (S) – learn, understand or solve something
11. Turn on (S) – activate (a device or system)
12. Turn off (S) – deactivate or switch off
13. Give back (S) – return something to its owner
14. Bring back (S) – (of memories) cause to be remembered or return something
15. Call back (S) – return a phone call
16. Show up (NS) – appear suddenly
Final Thoughts
Phrasal verbs don’t have to be confusing! By learning them in context, practicing regularly, and paying attention to how they are used, you’ll become more comfortable with them. Keep practicing, and soon, they’ll feel like a natural part of your English vocabulary.
Do you have a favorite phrasal verb? What is an idiomatic phrasal verb that surprised you the most after learning its meaning? Share it in the comments below!