Top 50 Phrasal Verbs: The Ultimate List with Meanings and Examples
Master the most common phrasal verbs used by native speakers. This guide includes clear definitions and real-life examples for daily conversation.
Phrasal verbs are one of the most challenging parts of learning English. They do not always follow simple rules, and their meanings can change completely based on the small word added to the verb. However, if you want to sound natural, you must learn them.
What is a Phrasal Verb?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a standard verb (like "get," "take," or "look") and a particle (like "up," "off," or "out"). When they come together, they create a new meaning that is often different from the original verb.
For example, "look" means to see something with your eyes. But "look after" means to take care of someone or something. In this guide, we have collected the 50 most useful phrasal verbs for B1 and B2 learners.
Daily Life & Socializing
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ask out | To invite someone on a date | "He finally decided to ask her out for coffee." |
| Bring up | To mention a topic | "Please do not bring up the bill during dinner." |
| Call off | To cancel something | "They had to call off the meeting because of the rain." |
| Check out | To look at or verify something | "You should check out that new restaurant downtown." |
| Come across | To find something by chance | "I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic." |
Work & Productivity
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Carry out | To perform or complete a task | "The team will carry out the research next month." |
| Fill in | To complete a form | "Please fill in your details on the application." |
| Get ahead | To be successful in a career | "Hard work is the only way to get ahead in this company." |
| Look into | To investigate or research | "The manager promised to look into the problem." |
| Run out of | To have none left | "We have run out of paper for the printer." |
Travel & Movement
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Check in | To register at a hotel or airport | "We need to check in two hours before the flight." |
| Get away | To go on a vacation | "I really need to get away for a few days." |
| Hold on | To wait for a short time | "Hold on a minute while I find my keys." |
| Set off | To start a journey | "We will set off for the airport at 5 AM." |
| Take off | When a plane leaves the ground | "The plane is scheduled to take off at noon." |
How to Learn Phrasal Verbs Fast
Do not try to memorize all 50 verbs in one day. Instead, focus on five verbs each week. Use them in your own sentences and try to say them out loud.
Pro Tip: Group by Topic
It is much easier to remember "check in," "set off," and "get away" together because they are all about travel. Use the categories in this guide to build your vocabulary clusters.
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