My advice? Learn a new phrasal verb every week

What are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with one or more particles (such as prepositions or adverbs) that together create a new meaning that is different from the original verb.

Example:
“give” (verb) means to provide, to supply, to let someone have
“give up” (phrasal verb) means to quit

Why study Phrasal Verbs?

1. Communication: Phrasal verbs are common, used in everyday spoken and written English. Similar to idioms, their meanings may not be obvious so it’s useful to study them.
2. Fluency: Using phrasal verbs can help learners sound more natural and fluent.
3. Variety in Expression: They allow for more varied and nuanced ways to express ideas and actions.
   

Tip for learning Phrasal Verbs

If you’ve been learning English, you’ve probably heard – and learned – many phrasal verbs in context. My suggestion would be to either buy a phrasal verb dictionary or look up phrasal verbs online – and, every week, use one new phrasal verb as much as you can. Here are a list of phrasal verbs and their meanings to get you started:

Break down

• Meaning: To stop functioning (machine, vehicle)
• Example: “My car broke down on the way to work.”

Bring up

• Meaning: To raise (a child) or to mention (a topic)
• Example: “She brought up her children well.” / “He brought up an interesting point in the meeting.”

Call off

• Meaning: To cancel
• Example: “They called off the meeting due to bad weather.”

Come across

• Meaning: To find or meet by chance
• Example: “I came across an old friend in the park.”

Give up

• Meaning: To stop trying or to quit
• Example: “He gave up smoking last year.”

Look forward to

• Meaning: To anticipate with pleasure
• Example: “I’m looking forward to the holidays.”

Put off

• Meaning: To postpone
• Example: “They put off the meeting until next week.”

Take after

Example: “She takes after her mother.”

Meaning: To resemble (usually a family member)

Online English lessons on Phrasal Verbs

If you would like more help and guidance to learn phrasal verbs, don’t hesitate to contact me. I offer online English lessons including specialized classes dedicated entirely to phrasal verbs!