Phrasal Verbs Guide

Phrasal verbs are a common feature of English language and can be challenging for learners. They are combinations of a verb with a preposition or an adverb, which often have a different meaning from the individual words. Here’s a guide to help you understand and use phrasal verbs effectively.

What is a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb with a preposition or an adverb. The meaning of the phrasal verb can be different from the meanings of the individual words. For example:

put off means to delay or postpone something.
look after means to take care of someone or something.

Types of Phrasal Verbs

There are several types of phrasal verbs, including:

Separable Phrasal Verbs: The preposition or adverb can be separated from the verb. For example, "I will put the meeting off until next week."
Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: The preposition or adverb cannot be separated from the verb. For example, "I will look after the kids while you're out."

Common Phrasal Verbs

Here are some common phrasal verbs with their meanings:

break down: to fail or stop working
call off: to cancel or stop
carry out: to perform or execute
come across: to find by chance
go on: to continue

Practice Tips

To improve your understanding of phrasal verbs, try the following:

Practice Regularly: Use phrasal verbs in sentences and conversations.
Learn from Context: Pay attention to the context in which phrasal verbs are used.
Use a Dictionary: Look up phrasal verbs in a dictionary to understand their meanings and usage.

For more information on phrasal verbs, check out our Phrasal Verbs Dictionary.