Phrasal verbs are an integral part of the English language, and mastering them is essential for fluency. These two- or three-word expressions—consisting of a verb combined with one or more particles (either a preposition or an adverb)—can be tricky for non-native speakers because their meanings often don’t correspond directly to the meaning of the individual words. However, once you understand how phrasal verbs work, they can greatly improve your ability to communicate naturally and sound more like a native speaker.
In this article, we’ll go through 25 essential phrasal verbs that are commonly used in everyday conversation, writing, and business communication. By learning these phrasal verbs and how to use them correctly, you’ll enhance both your understanding and use of English.
1. Break Down
Meaning: To stop working or to be unable to function (for machines or systems); to analyze something into smaller parts.
Example:
- “The car broke down on the way to the office.”
- “Let’s break down the project into smaller tasks.”
2. Bring Up
Meaning: To raise a topic or issue in conversation.
Example:
- “She brought up the issue of workplace safety during the meeting.”
3. Call Off
Meaning: To cancel something.
Example:
- “They called off the concert because of the rain.”
4. Carry On
Meaning: To continue doing something.
Example:
- “Despite the interruptions, he carried on with his presentation.”
5. Come Across
Meaning: To appear or seem to others in a certain way.
Example:
- “She comes across as very confident during interviews.”
6. Cut Down On
Meaning: To reduce the amount of something.
Example:
- “I’ve decided to cut down on sugary drinks for my health.”
7. Drop By
Meaning: To visit someone casually, often without prior notice.
Example:
- “Feel free to drop by my office anytime.”
8. Figure Out
Meaning: To understand or solve something after thinking about it.
Example:
- “It took me a while to figure out how the machine worked.”
9. Get Along
Meaning: To have a good relationship with someone.
Example:
- “I get along well with all my colleagues.”
10. Give Up
Meaning: To stop trying or to quit.
Example:
- “Don’t give up on your dreams, even if it’s tough.”
11. Go Ahead
Meaning: To proceed with something, often after getting permission.
Example:
- “You can go ahead and start the meeting now.”
12. Hang Out
Meaning: To spend time relaxing or having fun with friends or family.
Example:
- “I’m planning to hang out with my friends this weekend.”
13. Hold On
Meaning: To wait or to continue holding something.
Example:
- “Hold on, I’ll be right with you.”
- “Hold on to the railing for safety.”
14. Keep Up With
Meaning: To stay informed or remain at the same level as someone or something.
Example:
- “It’s hard to keep up with all the changes in technology.”
15. Look After
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
Example:
- “I need to look after my younger brother while my parents are away.”
16. Look Forward To
Meaning: To feel excited or happy about something that will happen in the future.
Example:
- “I’m really looking forward to the holiday next month.”
17. Make Up
Meaning: To invent or create something (like a story or excuse); to reconcile with someone after a disagreement.
Example:
- “He made up an excuse for being late.”
- “After the argument, we made up and became friends again.”
18. Pick Up
Meaning: To collect something or someone; to learn something informally.
Example:
- “Can you pick up the groceries on your way home?”
- “I picked up a few new phrases during my trip to London.”
19. Put Off
Meaning: To delay or postpone something.
Example:
- “We had to put off the meeting until next week.”
20. Run Into
Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly.
Example:
- “I ran into an old friend at the grocery store today.”
21. Set Up
Meaning: To arrange or organize something.
Example:
- “I need to set up a meeting with the client.”
22. Shut Down
Meaning: To close or stop something from operating.
Example:
- “The company shut down its operations in the city last year.”
23. Take Off
Meaning: To ascend into the air (for planes); to become successful or popular.
Example:
- “The plane will take off in 10 minutes.”
- “His career really took off after that promotion.”
24. Turn Down
Meaning: To reject or refuse something.
Example:
- “She turned down the job offer because it didn’t meet her expectations.”
25. Work Out
Meaning: To exercise or to find a solution to a problem.
Example:
- “I work out at the gym every morning.”
- “I think we can work out a solution to this problem.”
Why Phrasal Verbs Are Important
Phrasal verbs are crucial for fluent communication in English, especially in informal contexts. They are often used in everyday conversation and can help you sound more natural and native-like in your speech. Mastering phrasal verbs will not only expand your vocabulary but also allow you to understand English speakers better, as phrasal verbs are a significant part of how they express ideas.
How to Learn and Use Phrasal Verbs Effectively
- Learn Phrasal Verbs in Context: Instead of memorizing phrasal verbs in isolation, learn them through real-life examples, such as reading books, listening to podcasts, or watching TV shows in English. Context helps you understand how and when to use them.
- Group Similar Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal verbs often have similar meanings or structures. For example, verbs like “pick up,” “put off,” and “take off” can be grouped together because they all involve actions related to movement or change. Learning them in groups helps you remember them more easily.
- Practice Regularly: The best way to remember and master phrasal verbs is through practice. Write sentences using them, engage in conversations, and try to incorporate them into your daily speech.
- Use Phrasal Verb Lists: Keep a list of phrasal verbs you encounter, and try to review them regularly. Flashcards, either physical or digital (like those on apps such as Anki or Quizlet), are an effective way to reinforce what you’ve learned.
- Ask for Feedback: If you’re speaking with a language partner or tutor, ask them to correct you when you use phrasal verbs incorrectly. This immediate feedback helps you refine your understanding and usage of these expressions.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs are a vital component of the English language. They are versatile, commonly used, and often have meanings that cannot be easily deduced from the individual words. Mastering these 25 essential phrasal verbs will help you communicate more naturally and effectively in everyday situations.
Remember, the key to mastering phrasal verbs is consistent practice. By exposing yourself to them in context, reviewing them regularly, and using them in your own speech and writing, you will steadily improve your ability to use these powerful expressions with confidence. So, start practicing today, and soon you’ll notice how much smoother and more fluent your English becomes!