A phrasal verb combines a verb with a short word such as up, out, on or off. The combined meaning may differ from the individual words. Learn each expression in a complete situation rather than translating every part separately.
What you will practice
- Work and communication
- Travel and movement
- Home and daily routines
- Problems, plans and decisions
Useful examples
find outdiscover information
I need to find out when the office closes.
fill outcomplete a form
Please fill out this application.
pick upcollect a person or item
I will pick up the package after work.
A simple study routine
- Learn the phrase with one meaning first.
- Say the example aloud.
- Replace the object or situation.
- Notice whether the object can separate the verb and particle.
Download the printable version and write your own examples. Active recall—trying to remember before looking—is more effective than repeatedly rereading the same list.
Frequently asked questions
Should I learn every meaning of a phrasal verb?
Start with the most common meaning in a useful sentence, then add other meanings gradually.
Can all phrasal verbs be separated?
No. Some are separable and others are not, so learn the normal sentence pattern with the phrase.