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Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are used a lot in English. They are phrases that are usually made by putting two words together. The meaning of many phrasal verbs cannot easily be guessed from their individual parts, so their meanings have to be memorised. Their meanings can also change depending on the sentence. 

They are usually made with: verb + adverb, or verb + preposition.
Here are ten common phrasal verbs along with their meanings.

 

Phrasal verb

Meaning 

Example 

look after

To take care of someone or something.

Sarah looks after her younger sister when their parents are at work.

give up

To stop doing or trying something.

After many failed attempts, John gave up smoking.

get along (with)

To have a good relationship.

Sarah and Meera get along well. They are good friends.

turn on

To start a machine or electronic device.

Can you turn on the TV? I want to watch the news.

take off

To remove clothing or to leave quickly.

Mary took off her coat when she entered the warm room.

put off

To postpone or delay something.

The meeting has been put off until next week.

bring back

To return or to put something in its original place.

Please bring back the books you borrowed from the library.

look for

To search or seek something.

I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?

run out (of)

To use up all of something until there is no more left.

We ran out of bread, so I went to buy some more.

call off

To cancel or end an event or activity.

Due to bad weather, the outdoor concert has been called off.

  

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