Master these essential phrasal verbs to enhance your English fluency and sound more natural in conversations!
Phrasal verbs are combinations of words (a verb + a preposition or adverb) that when used together, have a different meaning from the original verb. They're an important part of everyday English and can be challenging for learners. Click on each phrasal verb to learn its meaning and see examples of usage.
Definition: 1. To search for information in a reference book or database. 2. To visit someone you know when you are in their area.
"I don't know what this word means. Let me look it up in the dictionary."
"When you're in town next week, please look me up and we can have coffee."
Definition: 1. To stop trying to do something because you think you cannot succeed. 2. To quit a habit or addiction.
"After failing three times, she decided to give up trying to pass the driving test."
"My doctor advised me to give up smoking for health reasons."
Definition: To start or stop the functioning of something by pressing a button, moving a switch, etc.
"Could you turn on the lights? It's getting dark in here."
"Please remember to turn off your computer before you leave."
Definition: 1. To lift something from a surface. 2. To collect someone or something. 3. To learn something new without formal instruction.
"Could you pick up that pen for me? It fell under the table."
"I'll pick you up from the airport tomorrow."
"She picked up French quickly while living in Paris."
Definition: To use up or finish the supply of something.
"We've run out of milk. Can you buy some on your way home?"
"The car ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere."
Definition: 1. To stop functioning (for machines, vehicles, etc.). 2. To have a physical or mental collapse. 3. To analyze or separate into parts.
"Our car broke down on the highway and we had to call for help."
"She broke down in tears when she heard the sad news."
"Let me break down the problem so it's easier to understand."
Definition: To understand or solve something after thinking about it.
"I can't figure out how to solve this math problem."
"She finally figured out why her computer wasn't working."
Definition: To have a good relationship with someone.
"I get along well with my colleagues at work."
"How are you getting along with your new roommate?"
Definition: 1. To postpone or delay something. 2. To cause someone to dislike something or lose interest.
"I've been putting off going to the dentist for months."
"The rude waiter put me off eating at that restaurant again."
Definition: 1. To mention or introduce a topic in conversation. 2. To raise a child.
"I didn't want to bring up the issue during dinner."
"She was brought up by her grandparents in a small village."
Definition: To cancel something that has been planned.
"The outdoor concert was called off due to heavy rain."
"They called off their engagement after a serious argument."
Definition: A polite or less direct way of saying that someone has died.
"Her grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep last night."
"The famous actor passed away after a long illness."
Definition: To be excited or happy about something that is going to happen.
"I'm really looking forward to our vacation next month."
"She looks forward to seeing her friends again after a long time."
Definition: 1. To find something by chance. 2. To give a certain impression to others.
"I came across an old photo album while cleaning the attic."
"He comes across as very confident in interviews."
Definition: 1. To recover from an illness or difficult experience. 2. To accept and move on from a disappointment or problem.
"It took her months to get over the flu."
"He's still trying to get over his breakup with his girlfriend."