Phrasal Verbs with their Meaning and Usage

A Phrasal Verb is a verb that consist of two parts. The first part is always a verb like give, go, come, get etc. and the second part is a preposition like in, on, up, down etc. This combination of a verb and a preposition creates a meaning which is completely different from that the original verb.

Examples:

run + into = meet

break + up = end a relationship

look + down + on = think less of, consider inferior

Phrasal verbs are so commonly used by native speakers that it’s impossible to sound like a native speaker without using them. Be it spoken, formal or informal written language, one just can’t get away without using phrasal verbs. As we all know – knowing something about a foreign language is of lesser importance than practicing it in day to day life. Take for example (in informal, casual conversation) if you know the meaning of phrasal verb- “pay for something” but instead of using the phrasal verb you chose one dictionary word “punish”, you are going to sound ridiculous, obsolete or extremely formal. 

Phrasal verbs have to be learned (and practiced regularly) because most of them are idiomatic, in other words you cannot deduce their meaning just by knowing the meaning of words they are made up of. Take the common phrasal verb ‘put’ and its different meanings.

Put down- to criticize

My father puts down my mom even for no fault of her

Put down- to write down

I am putting down my thoughts on corruptions

Put on- to get dressed

I am going to put on a leather suit for John’s wedding.

Put on- to gain

I avoid eating oily food because I don’t want to put on weight.

Put off- discourage

We badly want to play football but this terrible weather put us off.

Students who are learning English as a second language with the aim of gaining their First Certificate in English need to pay a lot of attention to the phrasal verbs. To master phrasal verbs is one of hardest but must do tasks.

Here is the complete list of phrasal verbs.