Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or two particles (a preposition, an adverb, or both) whose meaning is often completely different from the individual words. They are ubiquitous in spoken English and informal writing — native speakers use them constantly — but they remain one of the most challenging areas for learners because their meanings are largely idiomatic and must be learned as fixed units.
What Makes Phrasal Verbs Difficult?
Three factors make phrasal verbs particularly tricky. First, the same verb can combine with different particles to produce completely unrelated meanings: look up (search for information), look after (take care of), look into (investigate), look forward to (anticipate with pleasure). Second, some phrasal verbs are separable (the object can go between verb and particle: turn the music down / turn down the music) while others are inseparable (look into the problem, not look the problem into). Third, phrasal verbs with pronouns must always be separated: turn it down, never turn down it.
High-Frequency Phrasal Verbs to Know
Focus first on the phrasal verbs that appear most in everyday English:
- give up — stop doing something; surrender
- look into — investigate
- bring up — raise a child; mention a topic
- run out of — have no more of something
- put off — postpone; make someone reluctant
- take on — accept a responsibility; employ
- carry out — perform a task or experiment
- set up — establish or arrange
- break down — stop working; lose emotional control
- come across — find by chance; make an impression
Separable vs Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Separable phrasal verbs allow (and sometimes require) the object to be inserted between verb and particle. When the object is a pronoun, separation is obligatory: turn it off (not turn off it). Inseparable phrasal verbs always keep verb and particle together: look after her (not look her after). If you are unsure, check a dictionary entry which will mark phrasal verbs as [T sep] (transitive, separable) or [T insep] (transitive, inseparable).
Learning Strategy
The most effective way to learn phrasal verbs is in context — reading them in sentences, hearing them in conversations and practising actively with matching and completion exercises. Group them by base verb (all phrasal verbs with 'get') or by theme (phrasal verbs for work) to make them more memorable. Regular spaced repetition with flash cards or flip tiles significantly increases retention.
Practice Exercises
For a longer guide with 50+ examples, read: English Phrasal Verbs: The Complete Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a phrasal verb and how does it differ from a normal verb?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a main verb and one or two particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a meaning different from the individual words. For example, 'give' means to hand something over, but 'give up' means to stop doing something or to surrender. The combined meaning is idiomatic and cannot be predicted from the parts, which is why phrasal verbs must be learned as whole units.
What is the difference between separable and inseparable phrasal verbs?
Separable phrasal verbs allow (or require) an object to be placed between the verb and particle: turn down the music OR turn the music down. With pronoun objects, separation is obligatory: turn it down (NOT turn down it). Inseparable phrasal verbs must always keep verb and particle together: look after the children (NOT look the children after). Always check dictionary entries for [sep] or [insep] labels.
How many phrasal verbs do I need to know for B2/IELTS level?
Approximately 200–300 high-frequency phrasal verbs are needed for confident B2 communication. For IELTS Band 7+, the key is using them naturally and accurately in writing and speaking, not just knowing their definitions. Cambridge B2 First tests phrasal verbs actively in Use of English Part 4 (key word transformations) and Reading. Start with the 50–100 most common ones grouped by base verb or theme.
What is the best way to learn phrasal verbs?
The most effective strategies are: (1) learn in context — read and hear phrasal verbs in complete sentences; (2) group by base verb (all 'get' phrasal verbs together) or by theme (phrasal verbs for work, travel, relationships); (3) use spaced repetition — review at increasing intervals; (4) use matching and flip tile exercises that force active recall; (5) practise producing them in your own sentences immediately after learning.
Are phrasal verbs appropriate in formal writing?
Most phrasal verbs are informal or neutral in register. In formal academic writing and IELTS essays, it is usually better to replace them with a single Latinate equivalent: give up → abandon, look into → investigate, put off → postpone, carry out → conduct, bring up → raise. However, some phrasal verbs (carry out, set up, point out) are acceptable in formal contexts. Using appropriate single-word synonyms demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary range in exams.
What are the most common phrasal verbs in everyday English?
The most frequently used phrasal verbs include: get up, get on, get off, get out, come back, go on, go out, pick up, put on, put off, take off, take on, turn on, turn off, turn up, turn down, find out, look up, look after, look forward to, give up, run out of, set up, carry out, break down, come across, bring up, call off, fall out, make up.
Can phrasal verbs be used in the passive voice?
Yes. Separable transitive phrasal verbs can be passivised: The meeting was called off. The project was set up last year. The proposal was turned down. Inseparable phrasal verbs can also be passivised but the particle stays with the verb: The children were looked after by their grandmother. Phrasal verb passives are common in informal spoken English but should be used sparingly in formal writing.
What is the difference between 'put off', 'call off' and 'cancel'?
Put off means to postpone to a later time: The meeting was put off until next week. Call off means to cancel completely: The match was called off due to rain (it will not be rescheduled). Cancel is the more neutral single-word equivalent: The event was cancelled. In formal contexts, 'postpone' and 'cancel' are preferred over the phrasal verbs, but all three are used in everyday English.
How do phrasal verbs appear in Cambridge B2 First exam?
In Cambridge B2 First, phrasal verbs appear in: Use of English Part 1 (multiple choice cloze — choose the correct particle); Part 3 (word formation); Part 4 (key word transformations — rewrite a sentence using a phrasal verb or its single-word synonym). They also appear in Reading texts. Students need to recognise them in context and produce them in writing tasks where natural vocabulary range is assessed.
How can I remember whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
A useful general rule: if the particle is a preposition showing direction or movement (after, into, across, through), the phrasal verb is usually inseparable: look after, look into, run across, go through. If the particle is an adverb (up, off, down, on, out), it is often separable: turn up/down, call off, put on, pick up. This rule has exceptions, so checking a dictionary is always the safest approach. Practise with exercises that reinforce position through active use.