Every English learner we meet hates phrasal verbs. Why? Their meanings aren’t clear, and can change depending on the context, there don’t seem to be any rules on how they are used and the worst thing for most students, you have to learn them one by one. What a nightmare. But have no fear, we are here to help!

You can check out our phrasal verbs for work here and our list of useful phrasal verbs about food and day-to-day life.

What is a phrasal verb?

A phrasal verb is an informal idiomatic saying that is used to convey the meaning of a different verb. Their meanings aren’t always clear, but you may be able to understand them based on the context they are used in.

Why are phrasal verbs important?

Using them really helps your fluency. As they are informal they are more natural sounding and conversational. They are also used all the time by native speakers, so it will help you understand all your favourite films and series!

If you are going to take a recognised English exam, they will also test your knowledge of phrasal verbs and you need to use and understand them to pass the exam.

How is a phrasal verb formed?

They are normally two words, formed with a verb + preposition, but some are three words or use an adverb.

Are there any rules for using them?

Yes. You have to conjugate the verb into the correct grammar tense (example – Yesterday I woke up early).

There are also rules for the three different types of grammar rules for phrasal verbs. Check out the different types here.

Don’t forget to check out more vocabulary on our Idioms page

Are there any rules for phrasal verbs?

There are rules for the different types of phrasal verbs. However in reality the rules don’t actually help you that much as there are no set rules for which phrasal verbs will be in which type and depending on the context, a phrasal verb may move to a different type! The not so useful rules for different types of phrasal verbs are…

Type 1 – They don’t need an object
Type 2 – They need an object, but you can’t split the phrasal verb
Type 3 – They need an object, but you can split the phrasal verb

Type 1
These phrasal verbs don’t need an object and sometimes they are almost an imperative.
Example –
Stand up – to rise to your feet from a seated or lying position
The teacher shouted to stand up!

Type 2
These phrasal verbs need an object to receive the action of the phrasal verb, but you cannot split the phrasal verb.
Example –
Look after – to care for someone or something
Correct – My mom has had an operation, so I’m going to look after her (her is the object)
Incorrect – My mom has had an operation, so I’m going to look her after

Type 3
These phrasal verbs also need an object, but you can split the phrasal verb. You can put the object in the middle or after the phrasal verb and the meaning is the same.
Example –
Put on – place a garment, piece of jewellery, etc. on part of one’s body
Can you put on your jacket (your jacket is the object)?
Can you put your jacket on?
However with this type of phrasal verb, pronouns must be placed in the middle of the phrasal verb.
Correct – Can you put it (it is the object) on?
Incorrect – Can you put on it?

Now take a look at our list of phrasal verbs. Or head here if you need some phrasal verbs for work.

Phrasal Verbs for Day-to-day Life

Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions that are used in informal situations. They provide the same function as a verb. To find out more about phrasal verbs visit our Phrasal Verb Introduction page.

Below are some phrasal verbs that you can use in your day-to-day life.

Links to –
● Food phrasal verbs
● Work phrasal verbs

Wake Up – To awaken from sleep
This morning I woke up late at 11:00.

Get Up – to rise up from sitting or lying down
I have to get up for work at 07:00.

Put On – to get dressed
I’m cold because I didn’t put a jumper on this morning.

Shop Around – visit several shops or websites before buying an item
I need a new hoover, but I want to shop around so that I get the best deal.

Warm Up – to heat a meal that has been previously prepared
If you’re hungry, you can warm up last night’s curry.

Work Out – to do exercise
The doctor said I need to work out and get healthy.

Get to – to arrive at a place
Call me when you get to the office.

Get On – to enter public transport
I had to run to get on the Metro before the doors closed.

Get Off – to exit public transport
I tripped over when I was getting off the bus. It was so embarrassing.

Catch Up with someone / something – to get up-to-date
I’m meeting my friends later. I can’t wait to catch up and get the gossip.

Don’t forget to check out more vocabulary on our Idioms page

Phrasal Verbs about Food

Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions that are used in informal situations. They provide the same function as a verb. To find out more about phrasal verbs visit our Phrasal Verb Introduction page.

Below are some phrasal verbs that you can use about food.

Links to –
● Day-to-day phrasal verbs
● Work phrasal verbs

Cut down – to reduce the amount of something you consume
I really need to cut down on chocolate because I am getting fat.

Cut out – to stop eating or drinking something
The doctor said I need to cut out red meat because my cholesterol is too high.

Dig in – a command to start eating
Dig in everyone before the food gets cold.

Eat out – to eat outside your home at a bar or restaurant
I don’t want to cook tonight. I think we should eat out somewhere.

Eat up – to finish food (normally used as an order)
The restaurant is closing in 10 minutes, we need to eat up before they throw us out.

Heat / Warm up – to make cold food or drink warm
I made dinner this morning, all you need to do is heat it up when you get home.

Knock back – to drink a drink in one mouthful (normally used about alcohol)
Happy Birthday! Knock back the shot I brought you to celebrate.

Pick at – to take small bits of food (normally used when you are not hungry)
I don’t feel 100% at the moment so I’m not hungry. I’ll just pick at some fries.

Don’t forget to check out more vocabulary on our Idioms page

Phrasal Verbs about Work

Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions that are used in informal situations. They provide the same function as a verb. To find out more about phrasal verbs visit our Phrasal Verb Introduction page.

Below are some phrasal verbs that you can use at work.

Links to –
● Food phrasal verbs
● Day-to-day phrasal verbs

Take on – to get additional work
I’m taking on a new project at work. If I do it well, I think I may get a promotion!

Take over – when one company buys another company
I’ve just seen that Meta have taken over another technology company.

Step in – to do another person’s job role
My boss went home sick so I had to step in and lead the conference.

Set up – to start a project or initiative
I have to work late tonight as I need to set up the new Customer Care Project.

Deal with – to give attention to something, normally resulting in a problem being solved
The customer was not very happy with our product so I need to deal with their complaint.

Run through – to practise something (typically a presentation or public speech)
Can you watch me run through my speech for the Manager’s Meeting and tell me what you think?

Give in – to finally agree to what someone wants, after a period of time refusing to do so
They were tough negotiations, but the other company finally gave in to our conditions.

Look through – to review something quickly
Can you quickly look through my report to check there’s nothing wrong with it.

Go over – to review a document in detail
You should always go over Terms and Conditions before you sign anything.

Look for – to search for something
I can’t find my contract, can you help me look for it?

Don’t forget to check out more vocabulary on our Idioms page