Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are the quiet workhorses of spoken English: a verb plus a small word — up, after, into — that together mean something you could never guess from the parts. Native speakers reach for "give up" far more often than "surrender" and "put off" far more often than "postpone". This set drills the most common ones, each with a clear meaning and an example sentence, so the natural version comes to you before the formal one does.
Practice this set for free — no account needed. Loads 15 flashcards into the learner.
Practice in the free learnerHow to study this set
Watch the little word at the end — the particle is what changes everything. Notice how "look after" (care for) has nothing to do with "look into" (investigate). Try replacing a formal verb in your own writing with a phrasal one and see how much more natural it sounds.
All 15 flashcards
What does the phrasal verb “give up” mean?
To stop trying; to quit
Do not give up just because it is difficult.
What does the phrasal verb “look after” mean?
To take care of someone or something
Could you look after my dog while I am away?
What does the phrasal verb “run into” mean?
To meet someone unexpectedly
I ran into an old friend at the supermarket.
What does the phrasal verb “put off” mean?
To postpone or delay something
They put off the meeting until next week.
What does the phrasal verb “figure out” mean?
To understand or solve something after thinking about it
I finally figured out how the machine works.
What does the phrasal verb “get along” mean?
To have a friendly relationship with someone
The new colleagues get along really well.
What does the phrasal verb “bring up” mean?
To mention or introduce a topic in conversation
She brought up an interesting point during the discussion.
What does the phrasal verb “carry on” mean?
To continue doing something
Please carry on with your work; do not let me interrupt.
What does the phrasal verb “turn down” mean?
To reject or refuse an offer or request
He turned down the job because of the long commute.
What does the phrasal verb “come across” mean?
To find or meet something by chance
I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic.
What does the phrasal verb “look forward to” mean?
To feel pleased and excited about something that will happen
We look forward to seeing you next week.
What does the phrasal verb “give in” mean?
To finally agree to something you resisted; to yield
After hours of pleading, she gave in and let them stay up.
What does the phrasal verb “take after” mean?
To resemble an older member of your family
He takes after his father in both looks and temper.
What does the phrasal verb “break down” mean?
To stop working, usually of a machine or vehicle
The car broke down on the motorway during the storm.
What does the phrasal verb “sort out” mean?
To organise something or resolve a problem
We need to sort out these documents before Monday.
What to learn next
Once these phrasal verbs come without thinking, take on level 3, "Advanced Expressions" — the more sophisticated idioms that give your English real polish.
Continue to Level 3: Advanced Expressions →