Phrasal verbs are a key part of everyday English conversation, but they can be tricky for ESL learners. A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (usually a preposition or adverb) that together create a unique meaning. For example, the verb “give” can mean something completely different when paired with different particles:
Give up (to quit)
Give in (to surrender)
Give away (to reveal or donate)
Phrasal verbs are especially common in informal English, so mastering them is essential if you want to sound more natural and fluent. Let's break down some useful tips on how to understand and use phrasal verbs like a native speaker.
1. Understanding the Basics
Phrasal verbs typically follow this structure:
Verb + Particle: These two parts together create a new meaning.
For example:
Look up – to search for information.
Take off – to remove something (like clothes) or for a plane to leave the ground.
2. Types of Phrasal Verbs
There are two main types of phrasal verbs you need to understand:
Transitive (requires an object):
Example: “I need to pick up my friend from the airport.”
“Pick up” needs an object: “my friend.”
Intransitive (doesn’t require an object):
Example: “The plane took off.”
Here, “took off” stands alone without needing an object.
There are also separable and inseparable phrasal verbs:
Separable: The object can come between the verb and the particle.
Example: “He looked up the word” or “He looked the word up.”
Inseparable: The verb and particle must stay together.
Example: “I ran into my old friend at the store.”
3. Common Phrasal Verbs and Their Meanings
Some phrasal verbs have meanings that are easy to guess based on the verb and particle, but others might be more idiomatic, and their meaning is harder to predict. Here are a few common phrasal verbs that native speakers use daily:
Break down – to stop working (usually for machines).
“My car broke down on the way to work.”
Run out of – to use up all of something.
“We ran out of milk, so I need to go to the store.”
Put off – to postpone.
“Let’s put off the meeting until tomorrow.”
Catch up – to reach the same level as others.
“I need to catch up on my homework.”
4. Incorporating Phrasal Verbs into Daily Speech
Here are some tips for incorporating phrasal verbs into your English:
Learn phrasal verbs in context: Phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings depending on the context. Focus on learning them within sentences, so you understand how they're used. For example, “give up” can mean to quit, but if used in the sentence “Don’t give up on your dreams,” it has a motivational, positive connotation.
Practice with real-life situations: As you listen to native speakers, you’ll hear many phrasal verbs in casual conversations, movies, and TV shows. Try repeating sentences you hear, paying attention to how phrasal verbs are used.
Keep a phrasal verb journal: Write down new phrasal verbs you encounter and their meanings. Then, practice using them in sentences that relate to your daily life.
Use flashcards: Create flashcards with a phrasal verb on one side and its definition and an example sentence on the other. Review these regularly.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not using an object when needed: Some phrasal verbs need an object. For instance, with the transitive verb “put off,” you can’t say, “I put off,” but you can say, “I put off the meeting.”
Incorrect word order with separable phrasal verbs: If you’re using a pronoun as the object, the pronoun must come between the verb and the particle.
Correct: “I picked it up.”
Incorrect: “I picked up it.”
Mixing up similar phrasal verbs: Some phrasal verbs look very similar but have different meanings. For example, “give up” means to quit, but “give in” means to surrender. Pay attention to the context!
6. Top 10 Phrasal Verbs to Master
If you're just starting to use phrasal verbs, here are ten essential ones to practice:
Turn on/off – to switch something on or off.
Bring up – to mention a topic.
Find out – to discover or learn.
Get along – to have a good relationship.
Make up – to invent something or to reconcile after an argument.
Give up – to quit something.
Look after – to take care of.
Take out – to remove something from a place.
Set up – to arrange or prepare.
Run into – to meet by chance.
7. Final Tips
Phrasal verbs can be challenging, but they are a natural part of English. Start with the basics, practice daily, and don’t worry about mastering them all at once. Over time, you’ll be able to incorporate them into your speech more easily, making you sound more fluent and confident. Just remember, the key is consistency!