Mastering 250 Phrasal Verbs
If you want to speak English fluently, you need to know more than just basic words. One of the best ways to sound more natural is by learning phrasal verbs. These are special combinations of words (like “give up” or “turn on”) that have a unique meaning. This blog post will guide you through 250 phrasal verbs that are super useful for daily English conversations.
Many English learners struggle with phrasal verbs because they don’t always follow the rules. But don’t worry — in this post, I’ll explain everything in a simple and easy-to-understand way, with clear meanings and practical examples. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll be able to follow along and start using them in real life.
Whether you’re preparing for exams, improving your spoken English, or just want to sound more like a native speaker, this guide is for you. And if you want to make your English study time more effective, consider using some helpful tools like a good Spoken English Book for Beginners or a comfortable Study Lamp to keep your learning space bright and focused.
Let’s get started on your journey to mastering 250 of the most common phrasal verbs in English!
What is a Phrasal Verb?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more small words like a preposition or an adverb. Together, they create a new meaning that’s often different from the original verb.
For example:
“Look” means to see.
But “look after” means to take care of someone or something.
👉 Example: “I look after my little brother.”
So, even if you know the word “look,” you might not guess what “look after” means unless you learn it as a phrasal verb.
✅ Basic Structure of a Phrasal Verb:
Phrasal verbs usually follow one of these patterns:
- Verb + Preposition
➤ Example: depend on (→ “I depend on my friends.”) - Verb + Adverb
➤ Example: wake up (→ “She wakes up at 6 AM.”) - Verb + Adverb + Preposition
➤ Example: keep up with (→ “It’s hard to keep up with the news.”)
These little words completely change the meaning of the verb, so it’s important to learn them as a phrase, not just as single words.
📚 Learning Tip:
Instead of memorizing long lists, try learning phrasal verbs in context—in real sentences. You can also write them down in a notebook or use tools like a Book Holder to keep your English book open while studying. For better pronunciation and speaking practice, a good Microphone can also help if you’re practicing aloud or recording yourself.
Now that you know what a phrasal verb is, let’s move on to how to learn them effectively without getting overwhelmed.
🔗 Explore More English Grammar Topics:
How to Learn Phrasal Verbs Effectively
Learning 250 phrasal verbs might sound like a big task — but with the right method, you can make it easy and even fun! Here are some smart and simple ways to master them step by step.
🔹 1. Use Them in Daily Conversation
The best way to remember phrasal verbs is to use them when you speak English. Try to include them in your daily conversations, even if you’re just talking to yourself or practicing in front of a mirror.
Example:
Instead of saying “I stopped smoking,” try saying “I gave up smoking.”
(🎯 “Give up” is a phrasal verb meaning “to quit.”)
Speaking them out loud helps your brain remember them better. You can even practice speaking with a Bluetooth Speaker or a Smart Speaker like Alexa. Just say a sentence and ask it to repeat or answer!
🔹 2. Group Them by Topic or Verb
Instead of learning random phrasal verbs, group them by theme or by the main verb. This makes it easier to understand and remember patterns.
Example: Group by Verb – “Take”
- Take off → to remove (clothes) / to leave the ground (plane)
- Take care of → to look after
- Take over → to control something
When you group similar verbs, they stick better in your memory.
🔹 3. Learn with Example Sentences
Don’t just memorize the meaning — see the phrasal verb in action. Reading example sentences helps you understand how native speakers use them.
You can use English Conversation Practice Books that are filled with real-life dialogues and example sentences. These are great for improving both vocabulary and fluency.
🔹 4. Keep a Notebook or Use Flashcards
Write down new phrasal verbs you learn in a notebook. You can also make flashcards — one side with the phrasal verb, and the other with the meaning and a sample sentence.
To make study time easier, set up a small English corner at home. Use a Laptop Table or a Desk Organizer to keep your tools in place. These little things make a big difference when you’re building a daily learning habit.
250 Phrasal Verbs List
Learning phrasal verbs becomes much easier when you group them by the main verb. Below is a carefully selected list of common phrasal verbs you’ll hear and use in everyday English conversations.
Let’s break them down step by step 👇
🔹 1. Come
Come across – to find something by chance
👉 I came across an old diary in my drawer.
Come up with – to invent or think of something
👉 She came up with a great idea for the project.
Come out – to be published or released
👉 His new book came out last week.
🔹 2. Get
Get up – to rise from bed
👉 I get up at 6:30 every morning.
Get along (with) – to have a friendly relationship
👉 Do you get along with your neighbors?
Get over – to recover from something
👉 It took her weeks to get over the flu.
🔹 3. Take
Take off – to remove clothes or to leave the ground (plane)
👉 Please take off your shoes.
👉 The plane took off at 9 AM.
Take care of – to look after
👉 He takes care of his grandmother.
Take over – to gain control
👉 The new manager took over last month.
🔹 4. Look
Look after – to take care of
👉 Can you look after the kids for an hour?
Look for – to search for
👉 I’m looking for my keys.
Look forward to – to be excited about something
👉 I’m looking forward to the weekend.
🔹 5. Break
Break down – to stop working (machines)
👉 My car broke down on the highway.
Break into – to enter by force
👉 Someone broke into our house last night.
Break up – to end a relationship
👉 They broke up after five years of dating.
🔹 6. Give
Give up – to quit
👉 He gave up smoking last year.
Give in – to surrender
👉 The team refused to give in despite the pressure.
Give away – to donate or reveal a secret
👉 She gave away all her old clothes.
🔹 7. Turn
Turn on – to switch on
👉 Can you turn on the lights?
Turn off – to switch off
👉 Don’t forget to turn off the stove.
Turn down – to reject
👉 He turned down the job offer.
🔹 8. Run
Run out of – to have none left
👉 We ran out of milk this morning.
Run into – to meet unexpectedly
👉 I ran into my old teacher at the mall.
Run over – to hit with a vehicle
👉 The car ran over a squirrel.
🔹 9. Put
Put on – to wear
👉 He put on his jacket and left.
Put off – to delay
👉 We had to put off the meeting.
Put up with – to tolerate
👉 I can’t put up with this noise anymore.
🔹 10. Call
Call off – to cancel
👉 They called off the match due to rain.
Call back – to return a call
👉 I’ll call you back in 10 minutes.
Call up – to phone someone
👉 She called up her friend to share the news.
✅ Learning Tip: Don’t rush through all 250. Try learning 5 phrasal verbs each day, and review regularly. Keep a notebook or flashcards ready. A Reading Stand or a Comfortable Study Chair can make long study sessions much more enjoyable and focused.
🔹 11. Bring
Bring up – to raise a topic
👉 She brought up an important point during the meeting.
Bring out – to publish or release
👉 The company brought out a new phone model.
Bring back – to return
👉 Can you bring back my book tomorrow?
🔹 12. Set
Set up – to arrange or establish
👉 They set up a new office in Delhi.
Set off – to start a journey
👉 We set off early to avoid traffic.
Settle down – to become calm or stable
👉 He finally settled down after years of traveling.
🔹 13. Go
Go on – to continue
👉 Please go on with your story.
Go out – to leave the house for social reasons
👉 We went out for dinner last night.
Go through – to experience something difficult
👉 She went through a tough time last year.
🔹 14. Make
Make up – to invent (a story or excuse)
👉 He made up an excuse for being late.
Make out – to understand or see clearly
👉 I couldn’t make out what he was saying.
Make over – to renovate or change appearance
👉 They made over the living room last month.
🔹 15. Hold
Hold on – to wait
👉 Hold on a minute, please.
Hold up – to delay
👉 The traffic held us up for an hour.
Hold out – to resist
👉 The soldiers held out until help arrived.
🔹 16. Turn (More)
Turn around – to change direction
👉 He turned around to see who called him.
Turn up – to arrive unexpectedly
👉 She turned up at the party uninvited.
Turn into – to become
👉 The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.
🔹 17. Pick
Pick up – to collect or lift
👉 I’ll pick you up at 7 PM.
Pick out – to choose
👉 She picked out a nice dress.
Pick on – to bully or criticize
👉 Stop picking on your little brother!
🔹 18. Back
Back up – to support or make a copy
👉 Please back up your files.
Back out (of) – to withdraw
👉 He backed out of the deal at the last minute.
Back down – to stop opposing
👉 She finally backed down and apologized.
🔹 19. Cut
Cut off – to disconnect
👉 The phone call was cut off.
Cut out – to remove
👉 You should cut out junk food.
Cut down on – to reduce
👉 I’m trying to cut down on sugar.
🔹 20. Fill
Fill in – to complete a form
👉 Please fill in this application.
Fill out – same as fill in (often used in American English)
👉 He filled out the job application.
Fill up – to make full
👉 He filled up the tank with petrol.
✅ Learning Tip: Make your study corner cozy and distraction-free. A good pair of Noise-Cancelling Headphones helps you focus better while studying or listening to English audio.
🔹 21. Carry
Carry on – to continue
👉 She carried on working despite the noise.
Carry out – to perform a task
👉 The scientist carried out an experiment.
Carry away – to get too excited
👉 Don’t get carried away by emotions.
🔹 22. Check
Check in – to register at a hotel or airport
👉 We checked in at 2 PM.
Check out – to leave or examine
👉 They checked out early this morning.
Check up on – to investigate or monitor
👉 My mom checks up on me daily.
🔹 23. Let
Let down – to disappoint
👉 He let me down by not showing up.
Let in – to allow to enter
👉 She let the dog in.
Let out – to release
👉 He let out a loud laugh.
🔹 24. Blow
Blow up – to explode
👉 The tire blew up suddenly.
Blow out – to extinguish
👉 She blew out the candle.
Blow over – to pass without serious effect
👉 The storm will soon blow over.
🔹 25. Pull
Pull over – to stop a vehicle
👉 The police asked him to pull over.
Pull out – to withdraw
👉 The company pulled out of the deal.
Pull through – to recover
👉 He pulled through after the surgery.
🔹 26. Work
Work out – to exercise / to find a solution
👉 I work out at the gym every day.
👉 Everything will work out in the end.
Work on – to focus on improving something
👉 She’s working on her English pronunciation.
Work up to – to gradually prepare for something
👉 He worked up to asking her out.
🔹 27. Bring (More)
Bring in – to introduce or earn
👉 The new rule was brought in last month.
👉 Her part-time job brings in extra income.
Bring down – to reduce
👉 They want to bring down the prices.
Bring forward – to move something to an earlier time
👉 The meeting was brought forward to Monday.
🔹 28. Call (More)
Call on – to visit or ask someone
👉 The teacher called on me to answer.
Call in – to request someone’s presence
👉 They called in an expert.
Call out – to shout or criticize
👉 He called out for help.
🔹 29. Catch
Catch on – to become popular
👉 The new dance move quickly caught on.
Catch up (with) – to reach the same level
👉 I need to catch up with my studies.
Catch out – to trick someone
👉 He tried to catch me out with a hard question.
🔹 30. Come (More)
Come down – to fall or decrease
👉 Prices are finally coming down.
Come in – to enter
👉 Please come in and sit down.
Come along – to accompany or improve
👉 Would you like to come along?
🔹 31. Cut (More)
Cut in – to interrupt
👉 She cut in while I was speaking.
Cut back on – to reduce
👉 We’re cutting back on expenses.
Cut across – to take a shorter route
👉 He cut across the field to save time.
🔹 32. Drop
Drop by – to visit casually
👉 He dropped by my house yesterday.
Drop off – to deliver or fall asleep
👉 Can you drop me off at school?
Drop out (of) – to quit something
👉 She dropped out of college.
🔹 33. Fall
Fall apart – to break into pieces
👉 The chair fell apart when I sat on it.
Fall for – to fall in love or be tricked
👉 He fell for her instantly.
👉 Don’t fall for scams.
Fall behind – to lag
👉 She fell behind in her homework.
🔹 34. Get (More)
Get by – to survive or manage
👉 I can get by with basic English.
Get in – to enter
👉 He got in the car and drove off.
Get back at – to take revenge
👉 She got back at him for lying.
🔹 35. Give (More)
Give out – to distribute or stop working
👉 The teacher gave out the books.
👉 My phone gave out suddenly.
Give off – to emit (smell/light/heat)
👉 The flowers give off a sweet smell.
Give way – to collapse or yield
👉 The bridge gave way under pressure.
✅ Study Tip: You can improve faster by listening to English audio. Use Headphones or Earphones during your commute or while doing chores.
🔹 36. Go (More)
Go off – to explode or stop working
👉 The alarm went off at 6 AM.
Go ahead – to proceed
👉 Go ahead and start without me.
Go over – to review
👉 Let’s go over the answers.
🔹 37. Keep
Keep on – to continue
👉 She kept on talking for hours.
Keep up with – to maintain pace
👉 I can’t keep up with his speed.
Keep out – to prevent from entering
👉 Keep out of the kitchen while I cook.
🔹 38. Look (More)
Look out (for) – to be careful
👉 Look out! There’s a car coming.
Look into – to investigate
👉 They’re looking into the issue.
Look back on – to reflect
👉 She looked back on her school days fondly.
🔹 39. Pass
Pass out – to faint
👉 He passed out from the heat.
Pass away – to die (formal)
👉 Her grandmother passed away peacefully.
Pass up – to miss an opportunity
👉 Don’t pass up this great offer.
🔹 40. Pull (More)
Pull in – to arrive (vehicle)
👉 The train pulled in at 9 PM.
Pull together – to work as a team
👉 Let’s pull together to finish this.
Pull apart – to separate or tear
👉 He pulled the sandwich apart.
🔹 41. Put (More)
Put down – to insult or place something
👉 He put me down in front of others.
👉 She put the book down.
Put through – to connect (on phone)
👉 I’ll put you through to the manager.
Put aside – to save or ignore
👉 Put your phone aside while studying.
🔹 42. Show
Show off – to brag
👉 He’s always showing off his new car.
Show up – to appear
👉 She didn’t show up for class.
Show around – to give a tour
👉 I’ll show you around the office.
🔹 43. Take (More)
Take in – to absorb or give shelter
👉 There’s too much info to take in.
Take back – to return
👉 I want to take back my words.
Take down – to remove or write
👉 Please take down the notes.
🔹 44. Turn (More)
Turn over – to flip
👉 Turn the page over.
Turn against – to become hostile
👉 The crowd turned against him.
Turn to – to seek help
👉 She turned to her friend for advice.
🔹 45. Wake
Wake up – to stop sleeping
👉 I wake up at 7 AM.
Wake up to – to realize
👉 He finally woke up to the truth.
Wake (someone) up – to make someone wake
👉 Please wake me up at 6.
🔹 46. Write
Write down – to record
👉 Write down this number.
Write up – to prepare a report
👉 He wrote up the incident.
Write back – to reply
👉 Please write back soon.
🔹 47. Turn (Final Set)
Turn in – to submit or go to bed
👉 I turned in my assignment.
Turn out – to result
👉 It turned out to be a great day.
Turn on (someone) – to attack
👉 He turned on his friend suddenly.
Practice Sentences Using Phrasal Verbs
Here are 15 simple and practical sentences to help you understand how phrasal verbs are used in real life. Try to read them aloud and use similar ones in your daily conversations.
- She came across an old photo in the drawer.
👉 (= She found it unexpectedly.) - I get along well with my classmates.
👉 (= We have a good relationship.) - Please turn off the fan before leaving the room.
👉 (= Stop the fan.) - He woke up late and missed the bus.
👉 (= He got out of bed late.) - We ran out of milk this morning.
👉 (= There is no milk left.) - Can you look after my dog while I’m away?
👉 (= Take care of my dog.) - She gave up sugar to stay healthy.
👉 (= She stopped eating sugar.) - I put off my homework until the last minute.
👉 (= Delayed doing it.) - They called off the picnic because of the rain.
👉 (= Cancelled it.) - Let’s go over your answers before the test.
👉 (= Review them.) - He picked up some Spanish while living in Mexico.
👉 (= Learned a little.) - We need to figure out a solution quickly.
👉 (= Find or understand a solution.) - I came up with a new idea for the project.
👉 (= Thought of it.) - The teacher pointed out my mistake.
👉 (= Showed or highlighted it.) - They set up the tent near the lake.
👉 (= Built or arranged it.)
✅ TIP: Writing your own sentences using these phrasal verbs will help you remember them faster. Use a Notebook and Book Holder while you study to stay organized and comfortable.
Useful Resources to Learn Phrasal Verbs Faster
Learning phrasal verbs can be fun and easy when you use the right tools. Here are some helpful resources to make your English learning journey smoother and more enjoyable:
📘 1. English Conversation Books
Books are one of the best ways to see phrasal verbs in real-life use. Many beginner-level books include daily conversations, sample dialogues, and practical usage of phrasal verbs.
👉 Recommended: Spoken English Books for Beginners
These books are designed for learners like you — simple explanations, lots of examples, and perfect for self-study.
📱 2. Mobile Apps
There are many mobile apps that help you practice phrasal verbs through games, quizzes, and spaced repetition. Look for apps like:
- Duolingo
- Quizlet
- Memrise
These apps are great for daily bite-sized practice.
🃏 3. Flashcards
Flashcards are excellent for remembering phrasal verbs with meanings and examples. You can:
- Buy ready-made flashcards, or
- Make your own with a notebook
Keep them near your study table using a Desk Organizer so you can review them anytime.
🎧 4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Stay Focused
Studying in a noisy place? Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones to block distractions and focus on your English lessons.
👉 You can listen to phrasal verb audio lessons, podcasts, or even YouTube videos to hear correct pronunciation and usage.
🗣️ 5. Smart Speakers (Alexa) – Practice with Your Voice
If you have a Smart Speaker like Alexa, you can practice speaking phrasal verbs by:
- Asking questions
- Practicing pronunciation
- Repeating phrases
This makes your learning more interactive and improves your spoken English.
💡 Bonus Tip:
Set up your study space with a comfortable Study Chair, a bright Study Lamp, and a Laptop Table for better focus and longer, distraction-free sessions.
FAQs About Phrasal Verbs
Here are some frequently asked questions that many English learners have about phrasal verbs. Let’s clear them up in simple words:
❓ What are the most common phrasal verbs?
Some of the most commonly used phrasal verbs include:
- Get up (to rise from bed)
- Take off (to remove clothes or leave the ground)
- Look after (to take care of)
- Give up (to stop trying)
- Come across (to find by chance)
These appear often in daily conversations, so it’s useful to learn them first.
❓ Are phrasal verbs used in formal writing?
Not usually.
Phrasal verbs are more common in spoken English and informal writing like emails, texts, or casual blog posts. In formal writing (like academic essays), it’s better to use more precise, single-word verbs.
For example:
- “Put off” → better to say “Postpone” in formal writing.
But for spoken English, phrasal verbs are very important and natural.
❓ How many phrasal verbs are there in English?
There are over 10,000 phrasal verbs in English, but don’t worry — you don’t need to learn all of them.
Start with the most useful ones (like the 250 in this post) and use them in real conversations. Practice a little every day and you’ll improve quickly!
Tip: Use flashcards or apps to review daily. Keep a set on your desk with a Book Holder to stay organized.
❓ Can I avoid using phrasal verbs?
You can, but it’s not a good idea if your goal is to speak English fluently.
Native speakers use phrasal verbs all the time, especially in casual speech. If you avoid them, your English may sound unnatural or too stiff.
Learning phrasal verbs helps you:
- Sound more like a native speaker
- Understand conversations and TV shows
- Speak more naturally and confidently
So instead of avoiding them, practice a few every day — maybe while using a Smart Speaker like Alexa to say them out loud!
✅ Final Tip: Don’t try to learn all phrasal verbs at once. Take it step by step, use helpful tools, and practice daily. Soon, they’ll become a natural part of your English.
Conclusion
Learning phrasal verbs is one of the best ways to make your English sound more natural and fluent. These small combinations of words are used every day in real conversations, movies, and even songs!
In this post, you discovered 250 useful phrasal verbs, grouped to help you learn faster. You also saw real-life examples and practical study tips — now it’s your turn to take action!
🟢 Read and speak regularly
🟢 Use tools like English books, apps, and smart devices
🟢 Practice with your voice or write your own sentences
If you’re serious about learning, consider using a Spoken English Book for Beginners to explore even more phrasal verbs and conversations. Keep your learning space organized with a Desk Organizer and stay focused with Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
💬 What’s your favorite phrasal verb?
Share it in the comments below or ask questions — let’s learn together!
✨ Final Tip:
Start using 5 new phrasal verbs every day!
The more you use them, the more confident and fluent you’ll become.
🔹 Affiliate Disclosure
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use or believe will be helpful for English learners. Thank you for your support!
