Really Learn English Phrasal verbs

Are phrasal verbs driving you crazy? Take a look at part 1 in our useful article on how to learn phrasal verbs.

Native English speakers use phrasal verbs all the time. So, if you want to learn English, you're going to have to learn them too. But how?

As you probably know, a phrasal verb is formed by a verb and a particle (which is usually a preposition: up, with, to, out, in, etc.). However, the meaning of the phrasal verb is often different to the meaning of each individual word within the phrasal verb. And this is what makes some of them so difficult. For example, with the phrasal verb to make up – you may understand make and up; but the whole expression is more complex. HOWEVER, there are a few tricks for learning them. Here are some key things that could help you.

1. Look at the particle!

The key to many phrasal verbs lies with the particle. For example, what do you think these phrasal verbs (shown in bold) mean?

a) House prices are going up.
b) She got over the cold after a few days’ rest.

You could essentially understand these phrasal verbs just from the particles. In fact, once you know the basic meaning of these particles (up means to go to a higher level; over means to go from one level/stage/place to another), then they can really help you understand the phrasal verbs.

2. Look at the verb!

Sometimes it’s the verb that can help you (in many cases, the particle is just there for decoration – to add some very subtle nuance to the meaning). For example, what do you think these phrasal verbs (shown in bold) mean?

a) My car broke down as I was driving along the motorway.
b) They were running about in the garden.

You could probably guess the meaning of these phrasal verbs just from the verbs. The particles are just extras!

3. Look at the context!

Another important thing is to look at the context. What are the people talking about? What’s being discussed? What’s the topic of conversation? Once you know that, you’ll find it easier to work out the meaning of the phrasal verb. For example, what do you think this phrasal verb means?

“You are rude and disrespectful and your attitude is appalling. We absolutely refuse to put up with it any longer! Either you change or you’re out!”