What Exactly Are Phrasal Verbs?
A phrasal verb is a phrase that combines a regular verb with an adverb or a preposition (or sometimes both). The magic happens when this combination creates a new meaning, often completely different from the original verb.
Example: Look up to (admire) is very different from just "look".
Why They Matter
Phrasal verbs are incredibly common in everyday, informal English. Using them correctly is a key sign of fluency and helps you understand native speakers more easily.
One Verb, Many Meanings
A single verb can be the root of many phrasal verbs, each with a unique meaning. Look how the verb "get" transforms.
(rise from bed)
(recover from)
(survive financially)
(have a good relationship)
Common Phrasal Verbs in Action
Let's look at some of the most frequent phrasal verbs you'll encounter in different situations. This chart shows examples based on the verb "take."
Quick Reference Guide
Here are some more common phrasal verbs, their meanings, and how to use them in a sentence.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Bring up | To mention a topic | Don't bring up politics at dinner. |
| Call off | To cancel | They had to call off the meeting. |
| Carry on | To continue | Please carry on with your work. |
| Give up | To quit | He didn't give up, even when it was hard. |
| Put off | To postpone | She decided to put off the trip until next year. |