20 English Phrasal Verbs You Must Learn
Phrasal verbs are essential for mastering English fluency. They combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, creating meanings that often differ from the original verb. For ESL learners, professionals, or anyone aiming to sound more natural in English, learning these common phrasal verbs is a must. In this SEO-optimized blog post, we’ll explore 20 English phrasal verbs you need to know, complete with meanings, examples, and tips to use them effectively.
Why Learn Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are everywhere in English conversations, writing, and media. They add nuance and make your speech sound more native-like. Whether you're preparing for an English exam, improving workplace communication, or chatting with friends, mastering these verbs boosts your confidence and clarity. Let’s dive into the top 20 phrasal verbs you must learn!
1. Break Down
Meaning: To stop functioning (for machines) or to analyze something in detail.
Example: My car broke down on the highway. / Let’s break down the project into smaller tasks.
Tip: Use this in professional or casual settings when discussing failures or detailed analysis.
2. Bring Up
Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic, or to raise a child.
Example: She brought up an interesting point during the meeting. / They brought up their kids in a small town.
Tip: Great for meetings or parenting discussions.
3. Call Off
Meaning: To cancel something.
Example: They called off the wedding due to rain.
Tip: Common in event planning or informal conversations.
4. Carry On
Meaning: To continue doing something.
Example: Despite the challenges, she carried on with her studies.
Tip: Use this to show persistence or determination.
5. Check In
Meaning: To register at a hotel/airport or to contact someone to update them.
Example: We checked in at the hotel at 3 PM. / I’ll check in with my boss later.
Tip: Perfect for travel or workplace contexts.
6. Come Across
Meaning: To find something by chance or to give an impression.
Example: I came across an old photo in the attic. / She comes across as very confident.
Tip: Use this to describe discoveries or first impressions.
7. Cut Down
Meaning: To reduce the amount of something.
Example: I’m trying to cut down on sugar.
Tip: Ideal for health or lifestyle discussions.
8. Drop Off
Meaning: To deliver something or someone to a place.
Example: Can you drop me off at the station?
Tip: Common in daily conversations about transport.
9. Figure Out
Meaning: To understand or solve something.
Example: I finally figured out how to use this app.
Tip: Use this when discussing problem-solving.
10. Fill In
Meaning: To provide missing information or temporarily replace someone.
Example: Please fill in the form. / I’ll fill in for Sarah at the meeting.
Tip: Versatile for forms or workplace scenarios.
11. Get Over
Meaning: To recover from something, like an illness or emotional issue.
Example: It took her months to get over the breakup.
Tip: Use for emotional or health-related contexts.
12. Give Up
Meaning: To stop trying or abandon something.
Example: Don’t give up on your dreams!
Tip: Motivational or cautionary in tone.
13. Go On
Meaning: To continue or happen.
Example: What’s going on at the party? / He went on talking for hours.
Tip: Use in casual or storytelling contexts.
14. Hang Out
Meaning: To spend time with someone casually.
Example: We hung out at the mall yesterday.
Tip: Perfect for informal, social conversations.
15. Look After
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
Example: Can you look after my dog this weekend?
Tip: Common when discussing responsibilities.
16. Make Up
Meaning: To reconcile after an argument or invent something.
Example: They made up after the fight. / She made up a funny story.
Tip: Use for relationships or creative contexts.
17. Pick Up
Meaning: To collect someone/something or learn something new.
Example: I’ll pick you up at 7 PM. / She picked up Spanish quickly.
Tip: Versatile for logistics or learning.
18. Run Into
Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly or encounter a problem.
Example: I ran into my old teacher at the store. / We ran into some issues with the project.
Tip: Great for storytelling or problem discussions.
19. Take Off
Meaning: To leave (for planes) or become successful.
Example: The plane took off on time. / Her career really took off this year.
Tip: Use for travel or success stories.
20. Turn Down
Meaning: To reject or lower the volume.
Example: She turned down the job offer. / Can you turn down the music?
Tip: Common in decision-making or audio contexts.
Tips for Mastering Phrasal Verbs
- Practice in Context: Use these verbs in sentences to understand their nuances.
- Group by Meaning: Learn phrasal verbs with similar meanings together (e.g., “give up” and “call off” for stopping something).
- Use Flashcards: Write the verb, meaning, and an example sentence for quick review.
- Listen and Imitate: Watch English shows or listen to podcasts to hear phrasal verbs in action.
- Speak Regularly: Incorporate these verbs into daily conversations to build fluency.
Why These Phrasal Verbs Matter
Mastering these 20 phrasal verbs will transform your English communication. They’re common in everyday speech, academic writing, and professional settings. By practicing them, you’ll sound more natural and confident, whether you’re chatting with friends, writing emails, or preparing for exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
20 English Phrasal Verbs You Must Learn
Phrasal verbs are a cornerstone of English fluency. Start with these 20 must-know phrasal verbs, practice them regularly, and watch your skills soar. Want more tips on learning English? Check out our other blog posts for vocabulary, grammar, and conversation hacks!
