Phrasal Verbs: Definition, Usage, Types and List

Phrasal verbs are combinations of words that take on unique meanings, and you encounter them daily. They often consist of a verb and a preposition or adverb, creating phrases like “give up,” “bring out,” or “look after.” These multi-word verbs can seem tricky at first, but mastering them will greatly improve your English fluency.

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What are Phrasal Verbs?

Definition of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs consist of a verb followed by one or more particles. Particles can be prepositions, adverbs, or both. For example, “pick up” combines the verb “pick” with the adverb “up.” The resulting meaning is different from each word’s individual meaning.

Examples include “give up” (to quit) and “run into” (to meet unexpectedly). Many phrasal verbs are idiomatic, making them essential for fluent English.

Types of Phrasal Verbs

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

These do not take an object.

Wake up early to see the sunrise.
Run away from the problem.

You might also like: Intransitive verbs

Transitive Phrasal Verbs

These require an object.

Take off your shoes.
Turn on the lights.

Read more: Transitive verbs

Separable Phrasal Verbs

You can separate the verb and object.

Turn off the radio / Turn the radio off
Pick up your toys

Non-separable Phrasal Verbs

You cannot separate them.

Look after the kids
Get over the flu

Phrasal Verbs List

Here are some frequently used phrasal verbs:

Common Phrasal Verbs

Ask somebody out: Invite on a date

Example: Brian asked Judy out to dinner.
Ask around: Ask many people

Example: I asked around but nobody has seen my wallet.
Add up to: Equal

Example: The bill adds up to $205.
Back up: Reverse / Support

Example: Back up your car carefully.
Blow up: Explode

Example: The car blew up after the crash.
Break down: Stop working / Get upset

Example: The car broke down on the highway.
Break up: End a relationship

Example: They broke up last year.
Bring up: Start a topic

Example: She brought up an interesting idea.
Call off: Cancel

Example: They called off the meeting.
Catch up: Reach same level

Example: He ran fast to catch up.
Check in: Register

Example: We checked in at the hotel.
Come across: Find unexpectedly

Example: I came across an old photo.
Cut down: Reduce

Example: You should cut down on sugar.
Do away with: Discard

Example: They did away with old rules.
Drop out: Quit

Example: He dropped out of school.
Eat out: Eat at a restaurant

Example: We eat out on weekends.
End up: Eventually result

Example: We ended up staying home.
Figure out: Understand

Example: I figured out the answer.
Get along: Have a good relationship

Example: They get along well.
Give up: Quit

Example: I gave up smoking.
Go ahead: Proceed

Example: Go ahead and start.
Grow up: Become an adult

Example: He grew up in London.
Hang out: Spend time

Example: We hang out on weekends.
Look after: Take care of

Example: She looks after the kids.
Run out of: Have no more

Example: We ran out of milk.
Take off: Remove / Plane leaves

Example: The plane took off.
Work out: Exercise / Succeed

Example: I work out every day.