Phrasal verbs can feel like the secret handshake of the English language. They trip up even advanced learners, leaving them scratching their heads and wondering what on earth someone means by "figure out" or "fill out." This guide is your key to unlocking the world of phrasal verbs.

 

What are phrasal verbs?

 

Phrasal verbs are a unique feature of English. They take a regular verb and combine it with a preposition (like "up," "out," or "in") or an adverb (like "away" or "back") to create a completely new meaning, sometimes even more than one meaning. These new meanings often have no direct translation to other languages, making them tricky for English language learners.

 

Why are phrasal verbs important?

 

Phrasal verbs are essential for achieving fluency in English. They are incredibly common in everyday speech and writing, popping up in conversations, news articles, and even song lyrics.

 

The hall of fame: top 20 phrasal verbs

 

Now, let's dive into the action! Here are 20 of the most popular phrasal verbs, along with their meanings and examples:

 

1. Break down: To stop working properly

The car broke down on the highway.

 

2. Come across: To find something by chance

I came across this old photo while cleaning the attic.

 

3. Figure out: To understand something

It took me a while to figure out the instructions.

 

4. Fill out: To complete a form

Please fill out the application form and return it to me.

 

5. Get along: To have a good relationship with someone

They don't always get along, but they try to be friends.

 

6. Get back: To return to a place

I'll get back to you as soon as I have an answer.

 

7. Get in: To enter a place

Get in the car, we're going to be late!

 

8. Give up: To stop trying

Don't give up on your dreams!

 

9. Go ahead: To proceed

Go ahead and ask your question.

 

10. Look after: To take care of someone or something

I can look after the kids while you're gone.

 

11. Look forward to: To anticipate something with pleasure

I'm looking forward to seeing you next week.

 

12. Pick up: To lift something or to collect someone

Please pick up your dirty clothes from the floor.

 

13. Put off: To delay something

I keep putting off writing that report.

 

14. Run into: To meet someone by chance

I ran into my old friend at the grocery store.

 

15. Set up: To establish something

Let's set up a meeting to discuss this further.

 

16. Show off: To brag or display something in a boastful way

He was showing off his new car.

 

17. Turn down: To refuse something

I had to turn down the job offer because it wasn't a good fit.

 

18. Work out: To solve a problem or to exercise

We'll work it out together.

I go to the gym to work out three times a week.

 

19. Look up: To search for information

I looked up the meaning of that word in the dictionary.

 

20. Break up: To end a romantic relationship

They broke up after a long fight.

 

Whether you’ve been using phrasal verbs for years or this is your first time hearing about them, don’t give up!  You have a lot to look forward to!