Phrasal Verbs List

Phrasal Verbs List

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.

This list shows about common phrasal verbs, with meanings and examples. Only the most usual meanings are given. Some phrasal verbs may have additional meanings.

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 this phrasal verbs grammar from time to time so that you don't forget the rules!

Verb Meaning Example

ask someone out invite on a date Brian asked Judy out to dinner and a movie.

ask around ask many people the same question I asked around but nobody has seen my wallet.

add up to something equal Your purchases add up to $205.32.

back something up reverse You'll have to back up your car so that I can get out.

back someone up support My wife backed me up over my decision to quit my job.

blow up explode The racing car blew up after it crashed into the fence.

blow something up add air We have to blow 50 balloons up for the party.

break down stop functioning (vehicle, machine) Our car broke down at the side of the highway in the snowstorm.

break down get upset The woman broke down when the police told her that her son had died.

break somethingdown divide into smaller parts Our teacher broke the final project downinto three separate parts.

break in force entry to a building Somebody broke in last night and stole our stereo.

break into something enter forcibly The firemen had to break into the room to rescue the children.

break something in wear something a few times so that it doesn't look/feel new I need to break these shoes in before we run next week.

break in interrupt The TV station broke in to report the news of the president's death.

break up end a relationship My boyfriend and I broke up before I moved to America.

break up start laughing (informal) The kids just broke up as soon as the clown started talking.

break out escape The prisoners broke out of jail when the guards weren't looking.

break out insomething develop a skin condition I broke out in a rash after our camping trip.

bring someone down make

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