Top 50 English Phrasal Verbs You Need to Know
If we keep protesting the new city taxes, the mayor will back down.
That truck crashed into the building and blew up!
To lose your temper
He was annoying me so much that I blew up at him.
We were on our way to the party when our car broke down. To become emotional and start crying
When we told her we were moving to Canada, she broke down.
He’s still very sad about his divorce, so don’t bring it up.
She was shopping today and she bumped into her old primary school teacher!
Because of the pandemic, we had to call off our wedding.
My friend broke her leg and she’s stuck inside. I check on her every day.
Before we decide on that flat, we should check out the neighbourhood.
To pay your bill and leave (usually a hotel)
Have you packed yet? We have to check out by 11 a.m.
I’m pretty sure I can come to your house. I just have to check with my dad.
When I was cleaning my room, I came across my old photo album.
To seem a certain way
I’m sure he’s great, but he always comes across as an unfriendly person.
We had a lovely visit. We’ll come back soon!
You don’t need to knock – just come in!
Have you come up with a good idea for our group project?
To build this housing complex, they had to cut down hundreds of trees.
To do or use something less
I’m feeling rather nervous lately – I think I need to cut down on coffee.
I’ll be home all day. You can drop by for tea whenever you’re free.
You forgot your jacket in my car. I’ll drop it off at your house later.
When I was younger, my mom didn’t let me see my friends on weeknights, but she’s eased up on her rules lately.
I think I finally need to get new shoes – these ones are falling apart.
To stop working well due to many problems
When they couldn’t agree on a fair price, the business deal fell apart.
That big storm last night caused the old tree in our garden to fall down.
I did a DNA test and found out that I have a brother!
My brother and I never fought when we were growing up. We always got along with each other.
The police almost caught the bank robber, but he got away.
To go on holiday
I really need to get away for a week. Work has been very stressful lately.
We don’t have a lot of money for food, but we’ll get by.
I know she’s mad at you now, but she’ll get over it.
Can you please get up? I think you’re sitting on my glasses.
To leave your bed in the morning/after sleeping
I always get up at 7 a.m. – even on Saturdays.
None of these dresses fit me anymore. I think I’m going to give them away.
To provide information about something that should be kept secret
This farewell party is supposed to be a surprise. Don’t give away the secret!
Our kids have been asking us for a puppy for six months. We finally gave in and got them one.
My health is getting worse. I need to give up drinking.
To stop trying
We’ve been working on this maths problem for an hour. I give up!
Despite the social distancing rules, the music festival will go ahead.
We’ve stayed home for months! I just want to go out and have fun.
To have a romantic (dating) relationship with someone
My girlfriend and I have been going out two years now.
When I grow up, I want to be a biologist.
Can you hang on for two minutes? I just need to finish writing this email, then I’ll be ready to go.
To hold something tightly
This boat ride will be a little bumpy – hang on!
My favourite thing to do at the weekend is to hang out with my dog.
She was so angry at her teenage son that she kicked him out of the house!
Let me in the house! It’s freezing out here!
Can you look after my plants while I’m on holiday next month?
We’ll leave in a minute. Help me look for my keys!
I want to try that new Japanese restaurant. Can you look up their menu online?
You two haven’t spoken to each other in three weeks! When are you going to make up?
Can I borrow some money for lunch? I’ll pay you back tomorrow.
To take revenge
I can’t believe she ate all the biscuits I made! I’ll pay her back for this!
My dog has got so big! He’s too heavy for me to pick up now.
To go somewhere and collect something or someone
Let’s go to the cinema in one car – I’ll pick you up at 8 o’clock.
To improve or increase
Business was slow last year, but sales are finally picking up!
I know I should clean my bathroom, but I’ve been putting it off for weeks.
If you want to play outside in the snow, make sure to put on a coat.
The neighbour’s dog barks all night long, but I put up with it because I love my house.
Oh, no! Why didn’t you tell me we ran out of coffee?
He didn’t even say goodbye. He just took off!
To go into the air (used for aircraft)
Our flight is taking off at 2 p.m. so we need to be at the airport by 11 a.m.
To remove something (like an article of clothing)
I can’t wait to get home and take off these tight shoes!
It’s getting dark; let’s turn on the lights.
This is my favourite song! Turn it up!
To appear suddenly
Would you believe our cat turned up after being lost for six months?
I’ll be home late tonight. You don’t have to wait up for me.
Watch out! There’s a car coming!
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Patria Henriques
Update: 2024-08-15