Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are the hardest part of English for many learners — the same verb can mean ten different things depending on the little word after it. Here they're grouped by base verb, each with a plain meaning and an example.
Frequently asked
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb plus a small word (a particle) that together mean something different from the verb alone — "get up" (rise), "give up" (quit), "look after" (care for). The particle changes the meaning completely.
Why are phrasal verbs so hard to learn?
Because the meaning often can't be guessed from the parts — "put off" has nothing to do with putting. The best way is to learn them in small groups by base verb, with an example for each, which is how these pages are organised.
Do I have to use phrasal verbs?
To sound natural, yes — native speakers use them constantly, especially in speech. "Find out" is far more common than "discover" in everyday English. Learning the frequent ones makes a big difference.