English Phrasal Verbs for Beginners: Everyday Examples + Practice Story
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of words that function as a single verb. They consist of a main verb and one or two particles (usually prepositions (on, off, out, in) or adverbs).
The name "phrasal verb" comes from the fact that these combinations form a phrase that acts as a verb.
The term breaks down like this:
- "Phrasal" refers to a phrase or group of words
- "Verb" indicates that this group functions as a verb (‘action’ word)
Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the individual words that make them up ('give up' = stop trying), which can make them challenging but interesting to learn.
Let's explore 10 of the most common phrasal verbs that will make your English sound more natural and expressive.
1. Get up
Meaning: To rise from bed or a sitting position
Example: I get up at 7 AM every morning to start my day.
2. Look for
Meaning: To search for something
Example: I'm looking for my keys. Have you seen them?
3. Give up (on)
Meaning: To stop trying, surrender
Example: Don't give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult they seem.
4. Turn off
Meaning: To switch off, to stop the operation of something
Example: Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
5. Pick up
Meaning: To lift something, to collect someone
Example: Can you pick up some groceries on your way home?
6. Come back
Meaning: To return
Example: I'll come back later when you're less busy.
7. Go on
Meaning: To continue
Example: Please go on with your story. It's very interesting!
8. Find out
Meaning: To discover information
Example: I need to find out what time the movie starts.
9. Take off
Meaning: To remove (clothing), to leave the ground (for planes)
Example: Take off your shoes before entering the house.
10. Put on
Meaning: To wear clothing, to start playing music
Example: Put on your coat. It's cold outside.
As a bonus, read this practice story full of our phrasal verbs!
A Day in the Life of an English Learner
Sarah got up early, excited to start her day. She looked for her favourite shirt but couldn't find it. "I won't give up," she thought. After searching for a while, she decided to turn off the lights and pick up a different outfit. “This looks nice, too!”
As she was about to leave, her friend called. "I'll come back home early today," Sarah said. "Go on, tell me about your plans," her friend replied. Sarah explained she needed to find out more about a job opportunity.
She took off her house slippers and put on her shoes. With a smile, Sarah stepped out, ready to face the day and practice her English.
She knew that with persistence, she'd master these phrasal verbs and many more!
Phrasal verbs are like secret weapons in your English arsenal. They'll help you express yourself more naturally and understand native speakers better.
Remember, context is key to understanding and using these phrasal verbs correctly.
Explore more examples of beginner Daily Routine Phrasal Verbs and Action Phrasal Verbs below
or
Continue to the Beginner Level English Resources
Daily Routine Phrasal Verbs for Beginners
Phrasal verbs combine a verb with one or two small words (usually prepositions or adverbs). These small words are called particles.
Together, the verb and particle create a new meaning that is often different from the original verb.
For example:
"look" means to use your eyes
But "look after" means to take care of someone or something
Phrasal verbs are very common in everyday English. Native speakers use them all the time in both speaking and writing.
They can be tricky for learners because:
- Their meaning is not always clear from the individual words
- Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings
- The particle can sometimes be separated from the verb (Please turn the light off. vs Turn off the light.)
Learning phrasal verbs is important because:
- They make your English sound more natural
- They help you understand native speakers better
- They are used in many idioms and expressions. (You will learn them later as you progress with your English studies.)
Here are 10 more simple everyday phrasal verbs with explanations and examples:
Clean up
Meaning: To tidy or make a place neat
Example: I need to clean up my room before my friends come over.
Turn on
Meaning: To start a machine or device
Example: Can you turn on the TV? I want to watch the news.
Sit down
Meaning: To move from a standing position to a seated position
Example: Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Write down
Meaning: To record information on paper
Example: Write down my phone number so you don't forget it.
Run into
Meaning: To meet someone by chance
Example: I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket yesterday.
Get along (with)
Meaning: To have a good relationship with someone
Example: I get along well with my new coworkers.
Grow up
Meaning: To become an adult
Example: Where did you grow up? I grew up in a small town.
Try on
Meaning: To put on clothing to see if it fits or looks good
Example: You should try on these shoes to see if they fit.
Fall asleep
Meaning: To start sleeping
Example: I usually fall asleep quickly after reading a book.
Speak up
Meaning: To talk more loudly
Example: Can you speak up, please? I can't hear you very well.
Remember, context is key to understanding and using these phrasal verbs correctly.
Everyday Action Phrasal Verbs: Fill In, Carry On, Hang Up & More
Learning phrasal verbs is essential for English learners because these common expressions make your English sound more natural and help you understand native speakers better in everyday conversations.
Here are 10 very common everyday beginner phrasal verbs with their meanings and examples:
Hang up
Meaning: To end a phone call
Example: I'll hang up now and call you back later.
Run out (of)
Meaning: To use up all of something
Example: We've run out of milk. Can you buy some on your way home?
Show up
Meaning: To arrive, to appear
Example: He didn't show up for the meeting, which was very unprofessional.
Throw away
Meaning: To discard something
Example: Don't throw away those old magazines; I still need them.
Wake up
Meaning: To stop sleeping
Example: I usually wake up around 6:30 AM on weekdays.
Bring up
Meaning: To mention a topic
Example: I don't want to bring up the issue again, but we need to discuss it.
Break down
Meaning: To stop functioning (for machines)
Example: My car broke down on the highway, and I had to call for help.
Carry on
Meaning: To continue doing something
Example: Despite the challenges, we decided to carry on with the project.
Fill in
Meaning: To complete a form with information
Example: Please fill in your personal details on the application form.
Look after
Meaning: To take care of someone or something
Example: Can you look after my dog while I'm on vacation?
Remember, context is key to understanding and using these phrasal verbs correctly.
Explore and compare Present Simple and Present Continuous
or
Continue to the Beginner Level English Resources for more tips and topics