If youโre learning English then youโve got a lot to deal with including strange spelling, tricky pronunciation, English idioms, slang and of course, phrasal verbs in English.
Native speakers use phrasal verbs in English all the time. So you need to make sure you know the most common ones.
You probably started learning some of the most common verbs in your first few lessons of school. Phrasal verbs such as โcome inโ, โsit downโ, โstand upโ. But of course, there are plenty more!
In this post, youโll learn 95 of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Each one comes with the meaning and example sentence so you can start using them straight away.
What Are Phrasal Verbs In English?
A phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition, like โinโ or โonโ or adverb, like โawayโ or โdownโ.
Sometimes the prepositions help us to understand the phrasal verb. For instance, when we use phrasal verbs with verbs of movement, the meaning can be quite clear.
- Please get on the train before it leaves
- Do you know what time youโll come back?
But other times, the preposition changes the verbโs meaning:
- My parents decided to break up after 20 years of marriage (= to separate)
- I donโt know why I put up with your bad behaviour! (= to tolerate)
The second example, โto put up withโ, is an example of a phrasal verb thatโs also followed by a preposition, in this case โwithโ.
Another similar example of a phrasal verbs plus a preposition that youโll often hear is โto look forward toโ, meaning to feel excited about something thatโs going to happen.
Phrasal Verbs With Objects
Youโll see that you can use some phrasal verbs in this list with an object. You can normally put the object in two different positions. Hereโs an example with โto turn downโ, meaning, to lower the volume of a machine.
- Could you turn down the TV?
- Could you turn the TV down?
If the object is a pronoun though, such as โitโ, โheโ or โthemโ only one position is possible:
- Could you turn it down?
Now that's clear, let's take a look at this list of phrasal verbs in English.
Phrasal Verbs In English With โInโ
Several common phrasal verbs in English contain the preposition โinโ. Hereโs a selection of the most useful ones.
1. Check In
To present yourself at the airport to put your bag on the plane and get your boarding pass.
Example: I was worried we would miss our flight as there was a huge queue to check in.
2. Dive In
To start something with a lot of enthusiasm
Example: Iโm excited to dive in at my new job next Monday.
3. Drop In
To visit someone briefly, without an invitation to come at a specific time.
Example: Youโre always welcome here so please drop in the next time youโre in town.
4. Fill In
Write/type information on a form in the spaces provided. The phrasal verb โfill outโ has the same meaning.
Example: Could you fill in the survey and send it back to me?
5. Get In
To manage to enter a place, by force or with a lot of effort.
Example: Thereโs broken glass on the floor โ the burglars must have got in through the window.
6. Join In
Participate in an activity with others.
Example: Let your brother join in too โ he loves to play card games.
7. Let In
To allow someone to enter a place.
Example: My boyfriend gave me a key so I could let myself in even if he isnโt at home.
8. Move In
To go to a new place to live.
Example: The room is ready for you. Do you know when youโll be able to move in?
9. Plug In
To connect a machine or device to the electricity supply.
Example: Of course your new computer isnโt working โ you havenโt plugged it in!
10. Take In
To completely understand something.
Example: That sounds crazy โ itโs hard to take in all the things youโve just told me.
Phrasal Verbs In English With โOutโ
Many phrasal verbs in English are also formed with the preposition โoutโ. Youโll find some of the most useful ones here.
11. Carry Out
To complete a task, especially one assigned to you. You often see it with words like โinstructionsโ, โorderโ, โexperimentโ, โsurveyโ, โinvestigationโ, โplanโ etc.
Example: The police are carrying out an investigation so weโre waiting for more information about potential suspects.
12. Check Out
To return your room key and pay so that you can leave a hotel.
Example: I asked the receptionist and she said that we need to pay extra if we want to check out after 11am.
13. Cross Out
To draw a line or make a mark on something you have written.
Example: I thought I was on the guest list for the party but someone crossed out my name.
14. Cut Out
To remove something from paper or cloth, with scissors usually, so you can keep it.
Example: My mum cut out that story about me that was published in the newspaper.
15. Drop Out (Of)
To stop doing something before youโve finished, like your studies or a race.
Example: Her parents were shocked when she announced that she planned to drop out of university a month before her final exams.
16. Eat Out
To eat at a restaurant, not at home.
Example: Thereโs nothing in the fridge or the cupboards so shall we eat out tonight?
17. Fall Out (With)
To stop being friends with someone, often after an argument.
Example: I canโt remember why they fell out with each other โ itโs a shame because they were such good friends.
18. Find Out
To get information about something or to discover a piece of information for the first time.
Example: I found out it was your birthday five minutes ago so unfortunately I donโt have a present for you!
19. Get Out
To leave a closed space, like a building or vehicle.
Example: Itโs not really allowed, but Iโll stop at that bus stop so you can get out.
20. Give Out
To give something to each person present. Youโll also hear the phrasal verb โhand outโ in this context.
Example: Could you help me give out a worksheet to each student?
21. Go Out
To leave a room/building, often to do something fun.
Example: Itโs the weekend โ we should call some friends and go out for a drink together.
22. Leave Out
To not include something or someone.
Example: If you leave out the butter, you can make a vegan version of this recipe.
23. Look Out
To watch whatโs happening.
Example: My cat loves to look out the window and see whatโs happening in the street.
24. Move Out
To stop living in a particular type of accommodation.
Example: The owner wants to sell the apartment so Iโll have to move out.
25. Point (Something) Out
To make a person notice something or someone, sometimes with your finger.
Example: I hate it when people point out the mistakes I make in French.
26. Walk Out (Of)
To leave an event due to anger or disapproval.
Example: Some of us are considering walking out of the annual general meeting in protest.
27. Work Out
To do physical exercise.
Example: As I spend a lot of time sitting at my desk, I make sure I work out three times a week at the gym.
28. Run Out (Of)
To finish something and have none left.
Example: My pay is so low that I usually run out of money a week before I get paid.
29. Sort (Something) Out
To manage to find a solution to a problem or to put things in order.
Example: She spends a lot of time sorting out her sonโs problems, but heโs old enough to deal with them himself.
30. Turn Out
To happen or become known to happen in a particular way.
Example: It was raining heavily this morning, but in the end, it turned out to be a lovely, sunny day, especially in the afternoon.
31. Try Out
To test something to see if it works or if you like it.
Example: I canโt wait to try out my new car when it gets delivered tomorrow.
English Phrasal Verbs With โOnโ
Next, letโs take a look at some essential phrasal verbs in English that contain the preposition โonโ.
32. Go On
To happen or to continue.
Example: Theyโre making a lot of noise next door โ whatโs going on?
33. Get On
To manage a situation, usually well.
Example: How is your daughter getting on in her new job?
34. Get On With
To have a good relationship with someone.
Example: My parents werenโt getting on with each other any more so they decided to get divorced.
35. Keep On Doing Something
To do something repeatedly/continuously.
Example: If the teacher doesnโt say something, then the students will just keep on talking.
36. Put (Something) On
To make a device/machine operate by pressing a switch. You can also put on music or a DVD, i.e play music, play the DVD.
Example: According to the instructions, you need to put the oven on 10 minutes before.
37. Try (Something) On
To put on clothes before you buy them to check if they fit.
Example: I really donโt like buying shoes online because I prefer to try them on first.
38. Turn (Something) On
To make a device/machine operate by pressing a switch.
Example: Itโs getting dark. Could you turn the light on please?
English Phrasal Verbs With โOffโ
Our list of phrasal verbs in English wouldnโt be complete without a section on phrasal verbs with โoffโ. Hereโs some that you need to know.
39. Be Off
To leave to go somewhere.
Example: I must be off as itโs almost 4pm and I need to pick the kids up from school.
40. Call Off
To cancel an event, especially a sporting event.
Example: The football match was called off due to bad weather.
41. Finish (Something) Off
To finish the last part of something.
Example: Iโm just going to finish off this email and then I'll go to bed.
42. Go Off
To explode, in the case of a bomb or to ring, in the case of an alarm.
Example: My alarm didnโt go off this morning so I was late for work.
44. Put (Something) Off
To delay or postpone.
Example: We canโt put off talking to your mother about this any longer.
45. Set Off
To start a journey.
Example: What time are you going to set off tomorrow?
46. Show Off
To try to impress people or get their attention in a way thatโs annoying.
Example: Stop showing off โ you donโt really own that Tesla.
47. Take Off
To leave the ground and begin to fly.
Example: The bad weather means the plane wonโt be able to take off on time.
48. Tell (Someone) Off
To speak to someone in an angry way because theyโve done something wrong.
Example: My mum told me off because I hit my brother.
49. Turn Off
To make a device/machine stop operating by pressing a switch.
Example: They turned off the heating because they didnโt have enough money to pay the gas bill.
English Phrasal Verbs With โUpโ
Lots of useful phrasal verbs in English contain the preposition โupโ. Learn the ones in this part of the list and youโll soon speak more fluent English.
50. Beat Someone Up
To injure someone seriously by hitting them or kicking them many times.
Example: Heโs in prison because he beat up a police officer.
51. Break Up / Split Up (With Someone)
To end a romantic relationship, to separate.
Example: Heโs been in a much better mood since he broke up with his girlfriend.
52. Bring (Something) Up
To introduce a particular topic in a conversation. To start talking about something.
Example: I recommend that you donโt bring up the issue of their divorce in the meeting later.
53. Blow Up / Blow (Something) Up
To explode. To destroy something with a bomb.
Example: Theyโve threatened to blow up government buildings if we donโt respond to their demands.
54. Catch (Someone) Up / Catch Up (With Someone)
To manage to reach someone in front of you by moving/travelling faster than them.
Example: Sheโs just left so if youโre quick, you should be able to catch her up.
55. Clean Up
To make something (person/place) clean.
Example: Could you please clean up the kitchen before you go to bed? I want all this mess gone before I come down for breakfast tomorrow.
56. Cheer Up /Cheer (Someone) Up
Be happier or make someone else feel happier.
Example: Your grandmotherโs not feeling well at the moment โ could you give her a phone call to cheer her up? You know how much she loves to hear from her grandchildren.
57. Come Up
To be mentioned in a conversation.
Example: Did any interesting topics come up in yesterdayโs team meeting?
58. End Up
To finally be in a particular place or a particular situation.
Example: How did you end up living in this village?
59. Give (Something) Up
To stop trying to do something (often something difficult) or to stop doing something.
Example: We wanted to give up many times while we were building our business.
Example. Quit smoking? Iโve tried to give it up three times already!
60. Grow Up
To become an adult.
Examples: Youโre not from here are you? Where did you grow up? (in other words, where did you live when you were young?)
61. Keep Up (With Someone)
To continue at the same speed or level with someone.
Example: I donโt think I can go running with you because youโre faster than me and I wonโt be able to keep up.
62. Look (Something) Up
To search for specific information in a book or on a computer.
Example: Itโs so much easier to look up words in the dictionary now that we have online dictionaries.
63. Make (Something) Up
To invent a story or excuse thatโs untrue.
Example: He made up an excuse about having too much work to do to avoid having dinner with his family-in-law.
64. Mix (Someone/Something) Up
To confuse two people or things by thinking that one is the other.
Example: Weโre not twins, but we look so similar that people often mix us up.
65. Put (Something) Up
To raise something or maintain it in a raised position.
Example: So the first rule is that you must put your hand up if you want to speak.
66. Put Up With Something
To tolerate something or someone unpleasant.
Example: I donโt know why she puts up with her bossโs criticism โ heโs really unfair to her.
67. Pick (Something/Someone) Up
To lift with your hands.
Example: Could you pick up that piece of rubbish you just dropped please?
68. Save Up
To save money for something specific you want to buy in the future.
Example: Theyโre not going out much at the moment because theyโre saving up to travel around the world.
69. Set (Something) Up
To start a company, a system, organisation etc.
Example: Youโll need to fill in a lot of paperwork if you want to set up a business in this country.
70. Stand Up
To be or to move into an upright position on your feet.
Example: I had to stand up all the way home on the bus as it was very busy and there were no free seats.
71. Take Up
To use or fill space or time.
Example: Youโve been very helpful and have answered my questions so I wonโt take up any more of your time.
72. Turn Up
To arrive somewhere, usually unexpected.
Example: I donโt know when Iโll see them again โ they turn up when it suits them.
73. Use (Something) Up
To use all of something, in a container for example, so that it becomes empty.
Example: Who used up all the milk? I canโt have my cup of tea now!
English Phrasal Verbs With โDownโ
Just as many common phrasal verbs in English contain the preposition โupโ, many also use the preposition โdownโ. Here are a few of the most common ones.
74. Break Down
To stop functioning, in the case of a vehicle or machine.
Example: Our car broke down in the middle of the night, but another driver stopped to help us fix it.
75. Burn Down
To be destroyed in a fire
Example: The firefighters were able to save our house, but our neighbourโs place burnt down.
76. Calm (Someone) Down
To become calmer after being angry, upset or excited or to make someone calmer.
Example: After an exciting event like a birthday party, it takes my kids hours to calm down.
77. Close Down/Shut Down
To stop operating, in the case of a business or organisation.
Example: The grocery shop shut down years ago โ it was the last one in the village.
78. Put (Something/Someone) Down
To put something onto the floor or other surface. To stop carrying someone, like a child.
Example: Timeโs up! The exam is officially over. Please stop writing and put your pens down.
79. Take (Something) Down
To remove something from a wall.
Example: Iโve always hated that painting โ we should take it down and replace it with some photos.
80. Sit Down
To move your body onto the ground or a seat.
Example: When I come home from a long day at work, all I want to do is sit down on the couch and watch TV.
81. Turn (Something/Someone) Down
To refuse an offer, application or request.
Example: Itโs an amazing opportunity, but Iโm afraid Iโll have to turn it down.
82. Write (Something) Down
To write something on a piece of paper so that you donโt forget it.
Example: Iโm going to write down the address because Iโll never remember it.
English Phrasal Verbs With โAwayโ
No list of phrasal verbs in English would be complete without a selection of verbs with โawayโ.
83. Blow Away
To be carried out of your reach or sight by the wind.
Example: It was so windy on the beach that my hat blew away!
84. Get Away
To escape or leave a person or place, often with difficulty.
Example: I wonโt be able to get away from work until 7pm.
85. Give (Something) Away
To give something to someone else for free.
Example: I've finished my studies so Iโm giving away all my textbooks.
86. Go Away
To leave somewhere or leave a person. To go away from home for a certain amount of time, often for a holiday.
Example: Are you going away for Christmas or are you planning to stay here?
87. Keep Away (From)
To not go near someone or something.
Example: Keep away from the edge of the cliff โ it's dangerous!
88. Put (Something) Away
To put something back in the place where you usually keep it, which often means you canโt see it any more afterwards.
Example: Because I work from home, I put my computer and work files away at the end of the day so that I donโt think about work in the evening.
89. Take (Something) Away
To remove something.
Example: My parents threatened to take my smartphone away if my test scores didnโt improve.
90. Throw (Something) Away
To put something in the bin.
Example: They refuse to throw away all those newspapers piled up in their garage that nobody reads.
English Phrasal Verbs With โBackโ
And finally, hereโs a selection of useful phrasal verbs with โbackโ.
91. Call Back
To return someoneโs phone call.
Example: My boss is out to lunch at the moment but Iโll leave her a message to call you back this afternoon.
92. Get Back To
To contact someone again, by phone or email, because you werenโt able to talk before, or to give them a piece of information.
Example: I sent him two emails and even phoned but he never got back to me.
93. Give (Something) Back
To return an item youโve borrowed from someone else.
Example: If you donโt give library books back on time, then you get a fine.
94. Pay (Someone) Back
To give someone money youโve borrowed from them.
Example: I donโt lend him money any more because he never pays me back.
94. Put (Something) Back
To return something to the place where it was before you moved it.
Example: Could you put the book back where you found it once youโve finished reading it?
Phrasal Verbs In English: Just The Beginning
Wow, congratulations on reaching the end of this post on English phrasal verbs.
You now know 95 of the most common phrasal verbs in English, so youโll be able to understand native speakers better. Youโll also sound more natural when you speak English.
But there are many more phrasal verbs in English than the ones on this list! You may be wondering โ how can I ever learn them all? But donโt worry, you donโt need to memorise hundreds of phrasal verbs.
Instead, use the StoryLearning method and read and listen to interesting stories in English. As you read these stories, youโll see the most common phrasal verbs all the time. So youโll be able to learn and use them without memorising them.
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Olly Richards
Creator of the StoryLearningยฎ Method
Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience teaching millions through his innovative StoryLearningยฎ method. He is the creator of StoryLearning, one of the world's largest language learning blogs with 500,000+ monthly readers.
Olly has authored 30+ language learning books and courses, including the bestselling "Short Stories" series published by Teach Yourself.
When not developing new teaching methods, Richards practices what he preachesโhe speaks 8 languages fluently and continues learning new ones through his own methodology.
