English Phrasal Verbs List: Common Phrasal Verbs and Their Usage

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, often used in both casual conversations and professional settings. A phrasal verb consists of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb, which changes its meaning. For example, “give up” means to quit, whereas “give in” means to surrender. Learning common phrasal verbs helps improve fluency and makes communication more natural. This guide provides an extensive English phrasal verbs list, explanations, and examples in different scenarios. 

80 Most Common Phrasal Verbs: Definitions and Examples

Why Learning English Phrasal Is Important

Phrasal verbs are widely used in English. Studies show that native speakers use phrasal verbs in at least 20% of daily conversations. Business communication, informal speech, and academic writing all contain phrasal verbs. Without understanding them, learners may struggle to follow conversations or express ideas naturally.

How to Easily Learn Phrasal Verbs in English

English Phrasal Verbs List by Category

Here is a categorized list of common phrasal verbs along with their meanings and usage in sentences.

1. English Phrasal Verbs List for Everyday Conversations

• Get up – To rise from bed.
  
  • Example: “I usually get up at 7 AM.”
• Run into – To meet someone unexpectedly.
  
  • Example: “I ran into an old friend at the supermarket.”
• Go out – To leave home for an activity.
  
  • Example: “Let’s go out for dinner tonight.”

2. English Phrasal Verbs List for Work and Business

• Bring up – To mention a topic.
  
  • Example: “He brought up an important issue during the meeting.”
• Look into – To investigate or research.
  
  • Example: “We are looking into the issue and will respond soon.”
• Follow up – To check on something.
  
  • Example: “I will follow up with the client tomorrow.”

3. English Phrasal Verbs List for Travel and Transportation

• Check in – To register at a hotel or airport.
  
  • Example: “We checked in at the hotel around noon.”
• Take off – For an airplane to leave the ground.
  
  • Example: “Our flight takes off at 5 PM.”
• Set off – To begin a journey.
  
  • Example: “We set off for the road trip early in the morning.”

4. English Phrasal Verbs List for Learning and Studying

• Figure out – To understand something.
  
  • Example: “I finally figured out how to solve this math problem.”
• Catch up – To reach the same level as others.
  
  • Example: “I need to catch up on my homework this weekend.”
• Look up – To search for information.
  
  • Example: “You should look up new words in a dictionary.”

5. English Phrasal Verbs List for Relationships and Social Situations

• Break up – To end a relationship.
  
  • Example: “They broke up after dating for three years.”
• Get along – To have a good relationship.
  
  • Example: “I get along well with my coworkers.”
• Turn down – To reject an offer or request.
  
  • Example: “She turned down the job offer.”

6. English Phrasal Verbs List for Household Activities

• Clean up – To tidy a place.
  
  • Example: “Please clean up your room before dinner.”
• Put away – To store something in its correct place.
  
  • Example: “I put away my clothes after doing the laundry.”
• Throw out – To discard or get rid of something.
  
  • Example: “He threw out the old newspapers.”

How to Learn and Use the English Phrasal Verbs List Effectively

Learning common phrasal verbs takes time and practice. Here are some strategies to help:

• Use Flashcards: Write the phrasal verb on one side and its meaning on the other.
• Practice in Context: Use new common phrasal verbs in daily conversations or writing.
• Watch English Content: Listen to movies and TV shows to hear common phrasal verbs in use.
• Group Similar Verbs: Categorizing them helps with memorization.
• Repeat and Review: Repetition is key to remembering new vocabulary.

How to Use Business Phrasal Verbs Easily in English

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