Phrasal verbs
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a base verb and one or two particles, such as off, up, or on.
These particles change the meaning of the base verb in various ways. Phrasal verbs are an important part of the English language, and they are often used in everyday conversation and writing.
Common phrasal verbs
Some of the most common verbs used in phrasal verbs include get, take, put, make, and do.
Examples
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The verb get can be combined with the particle off to form the phrasal verb get off, which means to depart or leave.
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We can combine take with on to form the phrasal verb take on, which means to assume or undertake.
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Put can be combined with the particle off to form the phrasal verb put off, meaning to postpone or delay.
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Make can be combined with up to form the phrasal verb make up – to invent or fabricate.
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Do can be combined with the particle over to form the phrasal verb do over, which means to redo or repeat.
Phrasal verbs can be a bit tricky to learn
Phrasal verbs are often quite difficult to learn (or remember) because their meanings are often not directly related to the meanings of the individual words that make them up. However, with practice and exposure, you can become more comfortable with using phrasal verbs in your own communication.
| Structure of phrasal verbs | |
| A phrasal verb can be made up of: | |
| a verb + adverb | throw away |
| a verb + adverb + preposition | put up with |
Examples of phrasal verbs
- Phrasal verbs with put
put down, put in, put off . . . - Phrasal verbs with come
come across, come out with, come round . . .
See also:
- Exercises section: Phrasal verbs practice, upper-intermediate level
- Grammar section: Phrasal verbs vs. prepositional verbs: position of the object
- Vocabulary section: 10 important phrasal verbs for elementary learners
- Stuart’s article on phrasal verbs: Seven ways to make learning phrasal verbs easier
- Stuart’s article: 4 phrasal verbs with look