How to Learn Phrasal Verbs: Tips, Tricks and Resources

Mastering phrasal verbs is key to becoming fluent in English. However, for students learning these verbs can become a challenging hurdle. Common language is composed of these pairs of a verb and a particle, including “look up” and “give up,” but with variable meanings that make them difficult to apply. Have you ever wondered how to learn phrasal verbs successfully? In this blog, tips, tricks, and useful tools will work through overcoming obstacles and becoming a fluent phrasal verb user.

What are Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are like irregular verbs such as “like” or “eat”, but they get a little boost or change in the meaning when you add a small word after them, like “up,” “down,” “out,” or “away.”  These little words are called particles or prepositions.

So, instead of just “eat,” you might have “eat up” (meaning to finish all your food).  Instead of just “run,” you could have “run away” (meaning to escape).

Think of it like this: the main verb gives you a general idea and the little word after it tweaks the meaning to be more specific.  Sometimes the change is small, and sometimes it’s quite big!

The tricky thing is that the meaning of a phrasal verb isn’t always obvious just by looking at the two words separately. You have to learn them as a pair.  They’re a common part of everyday English, though, so learning them will make you understand and speak English much better!

10 Examples of Phrasal Verbs

Here are 10 examples of phrasal verbs, along with their meanings and example sentences:

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Sentence Example
Look Up	To search for information in a book, dictionary or online.	I need to look up the meaning of this word.
Put off	To postpone or delay something.	Don’t put off your homework until the last minute.
Give Up	To stop trying; to quit.	Even though it was difficult, she refused to give up.
Turn On	To activate or start a machine or device.	Could you turn on the lights, please?
Figure Out	To understand or solve something.	I’m trying to figure out how to assemble this bookshelf.
Bring Up	To raise a child; to introduce a topic in conversation.	They brought up their children in the countryside.
Call off	To cancel an event	They called off the game because of the rain.
Run out of	To have no more of something	We’ve run out of milk.
Break Down	To stop functioning; to analyse something into smaller parts.	The car broke down on the highway.

Also Read: Phrasal Verbs List

How to Learn Phrasal Verbs: Effective Learning Strategies

Learning phrasal verbs can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can master them effectively. Let us look at the breakdown of some of the proven strategies.

1. Learn in Context

When starting to memorise phrasal verbs, make sure that you do not learn them in isolation. Their meaning often depends heavily on context. 

How to do it: When you encounter a new phrasal verb, look for examples of it used in sentences, paragraphs, or dialogues. Try to guess the meaning from the surrounding words. Reading books, and articles, and listening to podcasts or movies can expose you to phrasal verbs in natural contexts.

2. Group Phrasal Verbs Thematically

Instead of learning random lists, group phrasal verbs by topic (e.g., travel, work, relationships, health). This makes them easier to remember because they’re connected in your mind.

How to do it: Create your own lists or use resources that categorize phrasal verbs. For example, a group could be “phrasal verbs with ‘look'” (look up, look forward to, look after).

3. Use Visual Aids

Visuals can make learning more engaging and memorable.

How to do it: Use flashcards with the phrasal verb on one side and a picture or short definition on the other. Create mind maps to connect related phrasal verbs. Draw simple diagrams to illustrate the meaning of phrasal verbs that involve movement (e.g., “run away,” “put down”).

4. Practice Regularly and Actively

Passive learning (just reading or listening) isn’t enough. You need to actively use the phrasal verbs to make them stick.

How to do it: Do exercises, quizzes, and fill-in-the-blank activities. Try to use the new phrasal verbs in your own writing and speaking. Find a language partner to practice with.

5. Utilise Resources

Many excellent resources can aid your phrasal verb learning.

How to do it: Use online dictionaries (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge) that specifically define phrasal verbs and provide example sentences. Explore phrasal verb apps or websites that offer interactive exercises and quizzes. Consult grammar textbooks for more in-depth explanations.

6. Focus on High-Frequency Phrasal Verbs

Prioritise learning the phrasal verbs that are used most often. This will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

How to do it: Look for lists of common phrasal verbs. Start with the top 50 or 100 and gradually expand your knowledge.

7. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

How to do it: Active recall means testing yourself without looking at the answer. Spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasing intervals to reinforce long-term retention. Use flashcard apps that incorporate these principles.

8. Pay Attention to Particles and Prepositions

The particle or preposition in a phrasal verb often gives a clue to its meaning.

How to do it: Try to understand the general meaning of common particles (e.g., “up” often suggests completion, “away” suggests separation). This can help you guess the meaning of new phrasal verbs.

PRO TIP: One of the best ways to learn phrasal verbs is through music and stories. But how? If you are more into music, then you can simply open Google, type in a phrasal verb + “lyrics”, see the song that uses that phrasal verb, play it on YouTube, and that’s it! As for a story, there is no one rule where your story has to be a masterpiece. You can simply create brief remembrances of your everyday life and learn phrasal verbs like that. Find a story type that works for you!

Also Read: Phrasal Verbs Exercises with Answers

What are the Challenges with Learning Phrasal Verbs?

At first, learning phrasal verbs will seem easy! After all, they are just common verbs which are followed by another little word. Many times, people don’t even realise they need special attention. So what do you need to know about them? Here are some of the challenges that you must be ready to encounter when analysing how to learn Phrasal verbs.

1. Unpredictable Meanings: The meaning of a phrasal verb is often not obvious from the individual words that make it up. “Look up” doesn’t mean to look in an upward direction; it means to search for information. This makes guessing the meaning difficult and requires memorization.  

2. Multiple Meanings: Many phrasal verbs have several different meanings, depending on the context. “Take off” can mean to remove clothing, to become successful, or to leave the ground (for a plane). This can be confusing if you’re not familiar with all the possible meanings.  

3. Similar Particles, Different Meanings: Different phrasal verbs can use the same particle (like “up” or “out”) but have completely different meanings. “Look up” and “give up” both use “up” but have opposite meanings. This can lead to confusion and mix-ups.

4. Separability: Some phrasal verbs are separable, meaning the verb and the particle can be split by the object of the verb (e.g., “pick up the book” or “pick the book up”). Others are inseparable (e.g., “look after”). Knowing which is which can be tricky and affect sentence structure.  

5. Idiomatic Nature: Phrasal verbs are often idiomatic, meaning their meaning is figurative and not literal. This makes them harder to understand and remember, especially for learners who are used to more literal language.  

6. Frequency and Variety: There are hundreds of phrasal verbs in English, and they are used very frequently in everyday speech and writing. This sheer number and variety can be overwhelming for learners.

7. Lack of Direct Equivalents: Many languages don’t have a direct equivalent to phrasal verbs, making it difficult for learners to understand the concepts and translate them accurately.  

8. Informal vs. Formal Usage: While phrasal verbs are common in spoken English, some might be considered less appropriate in formal writing. Knowing when to use them can be challenging.  

9. Learning Burden: Learning phrasal verbs requires significant effort and memorization. It can feel like learning a whole new set of vocabulary, which can be frustrating for learners.  

10. Context-Dependence: As mentioned before, the meaning of a phrasal verb often depends heavily on the context in which it is used. This means that learners need to not only memorise the meanings but also understand how to use them in different situations.

Despite these challenges, mastering phrasal verbs is essential for achieving fluency and understanding native speakers. By using effective learning strategies and being patient and persistent, learners can overcome these hurdles and successfully incorporate phrasal verbs into their English.

Types of Verbs

Online Resources to Learn Phrasal Verbs

Here are some excellent online resources which will help you navigate how to learn phrasal verbs:

Dictionaries (with phrasal verb focus):

• Cambridge Dictionary: Cambridge offers clear definitions, and example sentences, and often includes different meanings for the same phrasal verb. It’s a reliable source.
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Similar to Cambridge, Merriam-Webster provides comprehensive definitions and examples, helping you see the nuances of each phrasal verb.
• Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: Oxford dictionaries are specifically designed for language learners and offer clear explanations and plenty of examples.
• Macmillan Dictionary: Macmillan is another excellent choice, known for its user-friendly interface and helpful examples.

Websites and Learning Platforms for Phrasal Verbs:

• EnglishClub: This website has dedicated sections on phrasal verbs, with explanations, exercises, and quizzes. It’s a great resource for all levels.
• ESL Lounge Student: This site offers lessons and exercises specifically for ESL learners, covering a wide range of grammar topics, including phrasal verbs.
• British Council | LearnEnglish: The British Council’s website has engaging activities and resources for English learners, including explanations and practice on phrasal verbs.
• ManyThings.org: This site has a variety of interactive exercises, including gap-fill activities and matching exercises, to help you practice phrasal verbs.

Apps to Learn Phrasal Verbs:

• Phrasal Verb Machine (by Macmillan): A dedicated app with definitions, examples, and quizzes.
• Anki: While not specifically for phrasal verbs, Anki is a powerful flashcard app that allows you to create your own decks and use spaced repetition for effective memorization. You can find pre-made phrasal verb decks or create your own.
• Memrise: Another flashcard app with gamified learning and user-created courses on phrasal verbs.

YouTube Channels to Learn Phrasal Verbs:

• Learn English with Emma [EngVid]: Emma has many helpful videos on various grammar topics, including phrasal verbs.
• mmmEnglish: This channel focuses on practical English, including pronunciation and common phrases, which often involve phrasal verbs.

Explore other Learn English topics from the following table:

What are Consonants?	What are Vowels in English Grammar?
Double Negatives: Definition, Usage, Examples	What are Conditional Sentences?
What are Auxiliary Verbs	Auxiliary Verb Worksheet for Students
What are Negative Sentences in English Grammar?	Negative Sentences Worksheet for Students
Prefix and Suffix: Definition, Rules and Examples	Prefix and Suffix Examples

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