English Phrasal Verbs: The Ultimate Guide

Master the 50 most common phrasal verbs with examples and practice.

What are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb that creates a completely new meaning. For example, "give up" doesn't mean "give + up" — it means "stop trying".

Top 20 Phrasal Verbs

1. Look forward to — anticipate with pleasure. "I look forward to meeting you."
2. Come up with — think of (an idea). "She came up with a great solution."
3. Get along with — have a good relationship. "I get along with my colleagues."
4. Put off — postpone. "Don't put off your homework."
5. Bring up — mention/raise (a topic). "He brought up an interesting point."
6. Figure out — understand/solve. "I can't figure out this problem."
7. Set up — establish/arrange. "She set up a new company."
8. Carry on — continue. "Carry on with your work."
9. Turn down — reject/reduce volume. "She turned down the offer."
10. Work out — exercise / find a solution. "I work out every morning."

How to Learn Phrasal Verbs

Don't memorize lists! Learn them in context through reading, listening, and conversation.