Phrasal Verbs

Learn the use of phrasal verbs and their types of meaning

Video Lesson

Phrasal verbs are phrases that indicate actions. They consist of a verb and a preposition or an adverb. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in spoken English and informal texts.

Tip: Learning phrasal verbs will make your English sound more natural!

Types of Phrasal Verbs

Literal Meaning

Some phrasal verbs have a literal meaning and can be easily understood.

  • She opened the door and looked outside.
  • She walked across the street.

Idiomatic Meaning

Some phrasal verbs have an idiomatic (figurative) meaning, which may make them difficult to understand.

  • Can youput me up for tonight? (This means to let someone stay in your house, not to build something.)

Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

Separable Phrasal Verbs

These can be broken up by other words.

  • I need to take back the pen I gave you.
  • Where's the pen I gave you? I need to take it back.

Inseparable Phrasal Verbs

These cannot be separated by other words.

  • I'm looking for my English books.
  • I'm looking for them.

Practice: Phrasal Verbs

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb based on the meaning in parentheses.

1. (remove) your shoes. This carpet is very expensive.

2. Somebody has to (take care of) the baby

3. She's a good detective. She will (discover) the truth.

4. Where can I (see if it fits) this sweater?

5. (be quick)! We're late for the show.

6. Why don't you (take a seat)? There are a lot of free chairs.

7. (search in a dictionary) the word in a dictionary.

8. I want to (complete) the form.

9. Due to road accidents, thousands of people (die) each year.

10. illiteracy and unemployment (cause) poverty.