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PDF Phrasl Verbs
PDF Phrasl Verbs
This is a list of about 200 common phrasal verbs, with meanings and examples. Phrasal verbs
are usually two-word phrases consisting of verb + adverb or verb + preposition. Think of
them as you would any other English vocabulary. Study them as you come across them, rather
than trying to memorize many at once. Use the list below as a reference guide when you find
an expression that you don't recognize. The examples will help you understand the meanings.
If you think of each phrasal verb as a separate verb with a specific meaning, you will be able
to remember it more easily. Like many other verbs, phrasal verbs often have more than one
meaning. As well as learning their meanings, you need to learn how to use phrasal verbs
properly. Some phrasal verbs require a direct object (someone/something), while others do
not. Some phrasal verbs can be separated by the object, while others cannot. Review the
grammar lesson on phrasal verbs from time to time so that you don't forget the rules!
Most phrasal verbs consist of two words, but a few consist of three words, which always stay
together.
ask many people the same I asked around but nobody has
ask around
question seen my wallet.
1
break something down Our teacher broke the final
divide into smaller parts project down into three separate
parts.
My grandparents brought me
bring someone up raise a child
up after my parents died.
2
I called the company back but
call someone back return a phone call the offices were closed for the
weekend.
arrive and register at a hotel or We will get the hotel keys when
check in
airport we check in.
3
Please clean up your bedroom
clean something up tidy, clean
before you go outside.
come across something I came across these old photos
find unexpectedly
when I was tidying the closet.
make something fall to the We had to cut the old tree in our
cut something down
ground yard down after the storm.
pull in too closely in front of The bus driver got angry when
cut in
another vehicle that car cut in.
4
My grandparents cut my father
cut someone off take out of a will
off when he remarried.
My teacher wants me to do my
do something over do again (N.Amer.) essay over because she doesn't
like my topic.
take someone/something
drop I have to drop my sister off at
somewhere and leave them/it
someone/something off work before I come over.
there
5
(of hair, teeth) become loose His hair started to fall out when
fall out
and unattached he was only 35.
receive something you had Liz finally got her Science notes
get something back
before back from my room-mate.
6
My sister got back at me for
get back at someone retaliate, take revenge stealing her shoes. She stole my
favourite hat.
recover from an illness, loss, I just got over the flu and now
get over something
difficulty my sister has it.
give something to someone for The library was giving away old
give something away
free books on Friday.
7
They were giving out free
give to many people (usually at
give something out perfume samples at the
no cost)
department store.
I am giving up smoking as of
give something up quit a habit
January 1st.
give up My maths homework was too
stop trying
difficult so I gave up.
8
Jesse has been going out with
go out with someone date
Luke since they met last winter.
Please go over your answers
go over something review
before you submit your test.
9
hang on Hang on while I grab my coat
wait a short time (informal)
and shoes!
hold onto hold firmly using your hands Hold onto your hat because it's
someone/something or arms very windy outside.
10
look down on someone Ever since we stole that
think less of, consider inferior chocolate bar your dad has
looked down on me.
11
pass something out give the same thing to many The professor passed the
people textbooks out before class.
put what you are holding on a You can put the groceries down
put something down
surface or floor on the kitchen counter.
12
put someone down The students put the substitute
insult, make someone feel
teacher down because his pants
stupid
were too short.
run over drive a vehicle over a person or I accidentally ran over your
someone/something thing bicycle in the driveway.
13
show off act extra special for people He always shows off on his
watching (usually boastfully) skateboard
sleep over stay somewhere for the night You should sleep over tonight
I tore up my ex-boyfriend's
tear something up rip into pieces letters and gave them back to
him.
14
think something over I'll have to think this job offer
consider over before I make my final
decision.
turn something down decrease the volume or Please turn the TV down while
increase the volume or strength Can you turn the music up?
turn something up
(heat, light etc) This is my favourite song.
15
I work out at the gym three
work out exercise
times a week.
16