KEY PHRASAL VERBS

A phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition or adverb,

which creates a meaning different from the original
verb.

Phrasal verbs, like regular verbs, are used to

describe an action, but in this case, such action
might be different from what we assume.
Blow up
Explode

Example:
The racing car blew up after it crashed
into the fence.
Break up

End a relationship

Example:
My boyfriend and I broke up before I
moved to America.
Ask someone out

Invite on a date.

Example:
Brian asked Judy out to dinner and
a movie.
Calm down

Relax after being angry.

Example:
You are still mad. You need to calm
down before you drive the car.
Catch up
Get to the same point as someone else. To
catch up with someone.

Example:
You'll have to run faster than that if you want
to catch up with Marty.
Dress up
Wear nice clothing

Example:
It's a fancy restaurant so we have to
dress up.
Drop out

Quit a class, school etc.

Example:
I dropped out of Science because it was
too difficult.
Eat out
Eat at a restaurant.

Example:
I don't feel like cooking tonight.
Let's eat out.
End up
Eventually reach/do/decide.

Example:
We ended up renting a movie
instead of going to the theatre.
Find out
Discover

Example:
We don't know where he lives. How
can we find out?
Get up
 Get out of bed
Example:
I got up early today to study for my exam.

 Stand
Example:
You should get up and give the elderly man your seat.
Give up
Stop trying

Example:
My math’s homework was too
difficult so I gave up.
Grow up
Become an adult

Example:
When Jack grows up he wants to
be a fireman.
Hang out
Spend time relaxing (informal)

Example:
Instead of going to the party we are
just going to hang out at my place.
Let someone down
Fail to support or help, disappoint

Example:
I need you to be on time. Don't let me
down this time.
Make up
To lie about something

Example:
You need to lie and make up a story.
pass out
Faint

Example:
It was so hot in the church that an
elderly lady passed out.
Throw up
To be sick

Example:
That meat was off, I am going to throw up.
Try on
To put on a piece of clothing to discover
if it fits you or if you like it.

Example:
May I try this jacket on?
Try on the shoes to see if they fit.
Work out
Exercise
Example:
I work out at the gym three times a week.

Be successful
Example:
Our plan worked out fine.