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. The learner asks it as shown here: phrase first, meaning second.
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
Swap question and answerTo stop trying; to quit
What does the phrasal verb “give up” mean?
Do not give up just because it is difficult.
To take care of someone or something
What does the phrasal verb “look after” mean?
Could you look after my dog while I am away?
To meet someone unexpectedly
What does the phrasal verb “run into” mean?
I ran into an old friend at the supermarket.
To postpone or delay something
What does the phrasal verb “put off” mean?
They put off the meeting until next week.
To understand or solve something after thinking about it
What does the phrasal verb “figure out” mean?
I finally figured out how the machine works.
To have a friendly relationship with someone
What does the phrasal verb “get along” mean?
The new colleagues get along really well.
To mention or introduce a topic in conversation
What does the phrasal verb “bring up” mean?
She brought up an interesting point during the discussion.
To continue doing something
What does the phrasal verb “carry on” mean?
Please carry on with your work; do not let me interrupt.
To reject or refuse an offer or request
What does the phrasal verb “turn down” mean?
He turned down the job because of the long commute.
To find or meet something by chance
What does the phrasal verb “come across” mean?
I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic.
To feel pleased and excited about something that will happen
What does the phrasal verb “look forward to” mean?
We look forward to seeing you next week.
To finally agree to something you resisted; to yield
What does the phrasal verb “give in” mean?
After hours of pleading, she gave in and let them stay up.
To resemble an older member of your family
What does the phrasal verb “take after” mean?
He takes after his father in both looks and temper.
To stop working, usually of a machine or vehicle
What does the phrasal verb “break down” mean?
The car broke down on the motorway during the storm.
To organise something or resolve a problem
What does the phrasal verb “sort out” mean?
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 →