What is a Phrasal Verb?
At its simplest, a phrasal verb is a phrase that combines a verb with a particle (a preposition or an adverb).
When these two or three words are put together, they usually take on a completely new meaning that is different from the original verb.
For example, consider the verb “run.” On its own, it means to move quickly on foot. However, look at how the meaning changes when you add a particle:
- Run into: To meet someone by surprise.
- Run out of: To have none left of something.
- Run over: To hit something with a vehicle.
Because the meaning isn’t always literal, these phrases can be tricky for English learners. In this guide, we’ll break down the 20 most essential phrasal verbs, explain why they are the secret to sounding like a native speaker, and show you how to master them effectively.
Why Are Phrasal Verbs Important?
Phrasal verbs are everywhere in English. They’re used in casual conversations, movies, songs, and even business meetings. Mastering them will:
- Improve your fluency: Phrasal verbs make your speech sound more natural and less formal.
- Boost your listening skills: Native speakers use phrasal verbs all the time, so understanding them is key to following conversations.
- Expand your vocabulary: Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings, giving you more ways to express yourself.
Top 20 Phrasal Verbs You Must Know
Here’s a list of the most common phrasal verbs that every English learner should master. These are used frequently in everyday conversations and will help you sound more fluent.
1. Break Down
- Meaning: To stop functioning or to become emotionally upset.
- Example: “My car broke down on the highway.” / “She broke down in tears after hearing the news.”
2. Bring Up
- Meaning: To mention a topic or to raise a child.
- Example: “He brought up an interesting point during the meeting.” / “She was brought up in a small town.”
3. Call Off
- Meaning: To cancel something.
- Example: “The match was called off due to bad weather.”
4. Look After
- Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
- Example: “Can you look after my cat while I’m away?”
5. Give Up
- Meaning: To stop trying or to quit.
- Example: “Don’t give up on your dreams.”
6. Take Off
- Meaning: To remove something or for a plane to leave the ground.
- Example: “The plane took off on time.” / “He took off his jacket.”
7. Run Into
- Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly or to encounter a problem.
- Example: “I ran into an old friend at the supermarket.” / “We ran into some issues with the project.”
8. Look Forward To
- Meaning: To anticipate something with excitement.
- Example: “I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
9. Turn Up
- Meaning: To arrive or appear unexpectedly or to increase the volume.
- Example: “He turned up late to the party.” / “Can you turn up the music?”
10. Put Off
- Meaning: To postpone or delay something.
- Example: “We had to put off the meeting until next week.”
11. Pick Up
- Meaning: To lift something, learn something, or collect someone.
- Example: “Can you pick up the kids from school?” / “I picked up some Spanish while travelling.”
12. Get Over
- Meaning: To recover from something.
- Example: “It took her months to get over the breakup.”
13. Set Up
- Meaning: To arrange or establish something.
- Example: “They set up a new business in the city.”
14. Cut Down On
- Meaning: To reduce something.
- Example: “I’m trying to cut down on sugar.”
15. Go On
- Meaning: To continue or to happen.
- Example: “Please go on with your story.” / “What’s going on here?”
16. Come Across
- Meaning: To find something by chance or to make an impression.
- Example: “I came across an old photo album.” / “He comes across as very confident.”
17. Back Up
- Meaning: To support someone or to make a copy of data.
- Example: “Can you back me up during the meeting?” / “Make sure to back up your files.”
18. Carry On
- Meaning: To continue doing something.
- Example: “Despite the difficulties, they carried on with the project.”
19. Check Out
- Meaning: To leave a hotel or to examine something.
- Example: “We need to check out by 11 a.m.” / “Check out this new restaurant!”
20. Hang Out
- Meaning: To spend time with someone casually.
- Example: “Do you want to hang out this weekend?”
Why Mastering Phrasal Verbs is Worth It?
Phrasal verbs might seem tricky at first, but they’re worth the effort. Once you master them, you’ll:
- Expand your vocabulary and express yourself more clearly.
- Understand native speakers more easily.
- Sound more natural and fluent in conversations.
Final Thoughts
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English fluency. By learning the most common ones, practising regularly, and using them in context, you’ll quickly see improvement in your speaking and listening skills. Start with the 20 phrasal verbs listed in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this important aspect of the English language.
